BOSS RC-505 Loop Station
RC-505 Debuts at Musikmesse 2013
BOSS RC-505 Loop Station
BOSS has just introduced the RC-505 Loop Station, a new breed of looper that’s perfect for beatboxers, singers, club performers, and DJs. With its compact, tabletop design and powerful yet simple interface, the RC-505 gives you fingertip control of five simultaneous stereo loop tracks, a variety of recording and playback options, amazing real-time effects, and much more.
The RC-505: A New Concept in Loop Stations
Fueled by BOSS’ industry leading Loop Station products and annual Loop Station World Championship competitions, the live looping movement has exploded over the last few years. From the start, Loop Stations have been incredibly popular with guitarists, singer/songwriters, and multi-instrumentalists. But recently, increasing numbers of solo vocalists have been discovering the amazing potential of live looping as well. With just a microphone and a Loop Station, beatboxers and singers can perform in a highly creative and dynamic new way, using the incredible expressive range of the human voice to deliver jaw-dropping soundscapes, intense rhythmic onslaughts, and beyond.
Until now, Loop Stations have been designed mainly for floor use, so that instrumentalists and vocalists can operate them with their feet while performing. However, most vocal loopers prefer to use them at table height so they can manipulate the controls with their hands. The RC-505 is ideal for these modern performers, offering a powerful, dedicated device built for easy fingertip operation and maximum expression.
With its five simultaneous stereo loop tracks and up to three hours of recording time, the RC-505 is also well suited for DJs and club performers. Via USB, you can load up the RC-505’s tracks with WAV audio files consisting of everything from sound effects to entire songs, then trigger, mix, and manipulate them sampler-style with the front-panel controls and effects.
BOSS RC-505 Loop Station—front view
Effects, External Control, and More
Powerful INPUT FX and TRACK FX make it easy to enhance or mangle live sounds and loops as you perform, with quick-access buttons for effects selection and dedicated knobs for real-time tweaking. Multiple inputs (all available simultaneously) include an XLR mic jack with phantom power, mono/stereo instrument jacks, and a mini-jack for hooking up a smart phone or music player. 99 phrase memories allow you to save your loop creations instantly, including all five tracks plus effects and playback settings.
BOSS RC-505 Loop Station—rear panel
The RC-505 can be operated externally via optional foot switches, an expression pedal, or MIDI devices, providing extended control for vocal performers and instrumentalists. The RC-505 also functions as a USB audio/MIDI interface, so you can integrate with your favorite DAW for audio recording, MIDI sync, and more.
Learn more about the amazing RC-505 Loop Station at RolandConnect.com.
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September 2, 2014 @ 7:45 am
Hello! I’m facing a big problem while recording from my boss RC 505 on my PC. When I finish my recording, there’s too much noise and I can’t hear my sounds. What software do you recommend or what cable should I change? I’m using a mono cable from the output of the RC 505, directly to my PC. Thank You So Much
September 12, 2014 @ 8:48 am
Hello Dala:
You will have much better success if you record the sound of the RC-505 via USB, instead of a mono audio cable. Any common DAW program will be OK for this purpose. Be sure to download and install the RC-505 USB driver so your software can connect to your Loop Station. You can get the driver here: http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/1280/downloads.
Best regards,
Roland/BOSS Product Support
August 7, 2014 @ 1:00 pm
Hi there!
I have some question about this unit. I would like to use it in a turntablism setup, so i need to use it with a foot controller (most likely the Roland FC-7 or the GFC-50 if it is compatible with the RC-505? Or may be Roland is planning a foot controller dedicated to the RC-505?).
I have done some research but i don’t figured out is it possible to change the target track from the foot controller (assign a button for “next target track” and a button for “previous target track”)?
Can i record a loop without setting the tempo, i mean can i do it like: hit play/record, record the performance and hit play/record when its done, so the unit will loop what is between the two button hits?
In others all seem to be cool, nice sound & effects, compact dimentions.
Waiting for reply, thanks!
Best regards, Jean.
August 8, 2014 @ 4:17 pm
If you have an external MIDI controller that can send Start/Stop messages and PC messages (such as the Roland FC-300; the GFC-50 and FC-7 will not work for this) here is what what you can control:
1. You can send Start/stop data from an external MIDI device to play/stop the RC-505.
2. You can switch the RC-505’s phrase memories with Program Change messages.
3. You can use control change messages from an external MIDI device to control various functions and parameters in the RC-505.
Regarding footswitch control of target track: this is possible. If you had a two button footswitch such as the BOSS FS-6, you could assign one to Track Increment and the other to Track Decrement.
Also it is possible to record “free form” without setting a tempo.
August 19, 2014 @ 4:08 am
Hello, I have the RC-505, but I couldn’t find the “track increment/decrement” assignment you speak of, both in the manual or in the unit itself. Could you please explain how this assignment is made in detail?
regards, Michal
August 19, 2014 @ 3:00 pm
Hello Michal:
Can you please tell us what you what you want to do and what footswitches you are using for this?
Best regards,
Roland/BOSS Product Support
August 20, 2014 @ 2:31 am
I use Fs-6. I would like to be able to switch the TARGET TRACK with the foot controller. You write IN THE ABOVE COMMENTS that there is an assignable “track increment/decrement” command.
As far as I’m aware no such assignment can be made.
I can assign many other commands to the footswitch, but target track changing isn’t there.
quote from Roland support:
“Regarding footswitch control of target track: this is possible. If you had a two button footswitch such as the BOSS FS-6, you could assign one to Track Increment and the other to Track Decrement.”
what gives?
August 20, 2014 @ 2:43 pm
Hello Michael:
You are correct; we may have been confused by this function; it is possible to increment and decrement phrase memories, but not select tracks with a footswitch. We’re sorry for this confusion and misinformation. To select RC-505 tracks, you must use the track buttons.
Best regards,
Roland/BOSS Product Support
July 9, 2014 @ 1:20 am
Hey OV, Greetings…
I have purchase RC 505 month back, I have completely enjoying & satisfied my new RC 505. But the company loaded last 5 Phrase Memory has been deleted while using USB.
I have checked on downloads also,haven’t find any resolution.
Request your kind support to get it back & restore.
Regards
Dinesh Kadam
August 14, 2014 @ 10:39 am
Hello:
We received your message from O.V. Sorry for the delay in replying to you. If you can provide us with our full address by return email, We can send you a disk of the original data so you can load it back to your RC-505.
Best regards,
Roland/BOSS Product Support
April 8, 2014 @ 2:39 am
i just got myself the rc 505 and i am trying to send the wav files to my iMac which is a version 10.7.5 . i downloaded the driver but nothing seems to happen . hope someone can help me with this. thanks
April 10, 2014 @ 11:41 am
If you have connected the RC-505 to your computer via USB, set the RC-505USB mode for STORAGE and correctly installed the proper driver for OSX 10.7, you should see a folder icon on your desktop called BOSS RC-505; inside this is a folder titled Roland. Drag this onto your desktop; this folder is your backup of the audio files in your RC-505. Drag the RC-505 icon to the trash to disconnect your RC-5050 from the computer.
February 28, 2014 @ 5:45 am
With the integrated USB interface, am I able to plug this unit into a computer and record my performance via a DAW, without any other eternal mixing units?
January 20, 2014 @ 1:27 am
Hi there guys!
Could someone please tell me exactly what kind of USB cord I can buy to connect the RC 505 loop station to my macbook? What would the best brand of cord be?
Many thanks!
February 10, 2014 @ 3:39 pm
Hi Jane,
We sell a 5′ version here:
http://shop.rolandus.com/p/usb-cable-5-ft
You can use any brand we have no preference.
The cable style is called USB A-B
Here is a link to a description of the ends:
http://www.cablestogo.com/support/connector-guides/usb
Sincerely.
Roland/BOSS Product Support
Sincerely.
Roland/BOSS Product Support
November 11, 2013 @ 7:47 am
The 505 sounds amazing, can’t wait to try it out. Personally, I chose the RC-3 when I was in the market for a looper. It has drastically improved my skills – I highly recommend them to everyone that asks.
What I did was I scoured Amazon’s best seller list and really weighed the features as well as the pros and cons before plunking my cash down and deciding for myself.
http://amzn.to/16K5DXl
All Boss looper pedals are solid — it’s all about what you need and what you do with them that counts. Cheers!
November 7, 2013 @ 6:52 am
Hey OV, it says above that “The RC-505 can be operated externally via optional foot switches” – what model of switches can be used?
Thanks.
November 7, 2013 @ 11:30 am
Hi Siobhan,
Here’s a response from our support team.
The RC-505 is compatible with the BOSS FS-5U and FS-6 footswitches:
http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/57
http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/686
Kind regards,
Roland Product Support
November 8, 2013 @ 10:24 pm
Awesome! (Thanks for the super fast reply OV)
And can the switches be used to record instrumental (say a guitar or piano) audio for looping?
November 13, 2013 @ 9:57 am
Hi Siobhan,
Here’s the response from our support team.
Yes a foot switch can be used to trigger the REC/DUB/PLAY function of a track.
Sincerely.
Roland/BOSS Product Support
June 18, 2014 @ 8:54 am
Hello!
I´m about to buy a 505 and need to know for sure if I will be able to record via a footswitch pedal like FS-5U.
On july 16th 2013 you wrote saying that it wasn´t possible, but on nov. 13th 2013 you say that a footswitch can be used to trigger the REC/DUB/PLAY function.
I would also like to know if it possible to tap record and have the unit start recording a mesure or so later. I am a percusionist and sometimes need both hands on the instrument right from the start
Thanks!!!
June 19, 2014 @ 9:47 am
It is possible to assign an external CTL pedal such as a BOSS FS-5U to start the record/overdub function of a given track, or multiple tracks. The RC-505 can be set to give you a one measure count-in before it starts to record. You would need a second pedal to stop the track.
July 31, 2014 @ 2:06 am
I don’t understand how just one FS-5U/-5L can control five buttons play/rec?. I needed or i can put a midi pedal controler whit 5 footer buttons?
Or I can connect five FS-5U/-5L simultaneously? Thank you.!
July 31, 2014 @ 6:21 pm
With an RC-505,it is possible to assign up to eight functions to a given external control pedal. The RC-505 has eight memories per patch called Assigns, each of which can be used to assign a different parameter to a controller such as an FS-5U. You can use up to two FS-5U pedals, (or one FS-6, or one EV-5 expression pedal) with the RC-505 so you could have one of them do all eight functions, or spread them over the two pedals depending on what you want to do. You could also use a MIDI controller to operate the RC-505 if you choose.
November 5, 2013 @ 2:59 pm
Hi I am flutest .can I get many tips of effects ? And can I use many mike in this loops?
October 28, 2013 @ 3:56 pm
Hi there. Can you play all the 5 loops at different tempos? Is it possible to unsinc them?
November 20, 2013 @ 10:18 am
Hi Andrius,
This is not possible. The RC-505 can be assigned one tempo (BPM) value per memory location. This value represents all five tracks.
Kind regards,
Roland Product Support
October 23, 2013 @ 8:52 pm
Is it possible to use a 10-pedal MIDI foot controller to control all five RC-505 channels? I’d like to be able to control stop and record for each RC-505 channel via a MIDI (or other) foot controller.. Thanks in advance for your reply!
November 20, 2013 @ 10:20 am
Hi Byther,
Per memory slot you can assign midi control to eight functions (using CC#’s). Each function such as record, play, stop will use up an assign, so not all tracks can be set up to record/play/stop using midi control, as you will use up the available assigns on just a few tracks.
Sincerely.
Roland/BOSS Product Support
August 16, 2014 @ 4:45 pm
Any chance this will be improved so that all 5 channels (record, play, stop) can be controlled with a midi foot controller? This is what’s currently keeping me from purchasing this product.
August 19, 2014 @ 3:02 pm
Hello:
You can record, play and stop the RC-505 tracks with a MIDI controller, but you cannot control each track separately. We do not have any information about whether this will change in the future.
Best regards,
Roland/BOSS Product Support
September 11, 2013 @ 3:34 pm
Hello Ov. can I set the RC 505 up to play my loops through the left channel output only , then improvise over the loop through the right channel, with a bit of delay and vocal distortion? Effectively allowing the left channel to play the loop through one amp and the right channel to play the improvise lead through another amp
September 12, 2013 @ 9:52 am
Hi Zac,
You can pan each [recorded] track as desired in the RC-505, however there isn’t a panning “setting” for the inputs. If you just have one mic or instrument connected, then the signal will be coming from both the L/R outputs.
For this flexibility, you may want to look at the RC-300. It has a dedicated pair of “SUB” outputs so you can separate the playback track signals from the Input signals.
September 13, 2013 @ 9:24 am
Thanks for getting back so quick I’ll have a look at the RC-300.
Many Many Thanks
Zacc Rogers
October 22, 2013 @ 9:02 am
Hi! Feel free to check out our review and test here: http://en.audiofanzine.com/guitar-delay-echo-phrase-sampler/boss/rc-505-loop-station/editorial/reviews/looper-trooper.html
September 10, 2013 @ 11:45 pm
I have just purchased one! Excellent piece of kit. Quick question, is there a way of turning off the flashing tap tempo light?
September 11, 2013 @ 1:15 pm
The tempo light cannot be turned off.
August 29, 2013 @ 11:43 pm
Hi there, I am guitarst who was very happy with my RC 300. I would like to ask you is it 505 the best choice for guitar players&singers … or not … I mean – if everything is needed to be operate with hands, I cannot play my phrases all the time (like on my RC 300) … In short – do you reccomend 505 for guitar players&singers or I have to wait for RC 600 (as follower of RC 300) ,,, thanx a lot. Niksa
August 30, 2013 @ 10:23 am
Hi Niksa, the RC-505 was designed for table-top musicians, or as you mentioned – hand looping. We realized that some musicians use our foot pedal style loopers in ways other than originally intended, and so to satisfy these players we designed a different style of looper for hand use. But don’t worry, this does not mean that BOSS is abandoning foot pedals loopers.
August 17, 2013 @ 5:17 am
Hi there…I’m thinking of buying s loop station… And I don’t which one to choose – Boss RC 300 or Boss RC 505 ..?! I’m not an MC or beatbox kinda a performer, still a singer though and I need good FXs … So , I do have some questions … 🙂 First of all, simply because I\ve been using RC 300 and I like the features such as flanger effect, guitar to bass, my first one is do all the RC 300 features are present in the new RC 505 ?
My second Q is..what about expression pedal, is there oportunity to “wah” with the new RC 505 ?
Third one : Are there any “looses” in the newest model from the previous one ?
Fouth: What are the vocal effects..such as reverbs, delays, octaver (maybe), modulation … Which are the new features ??
And probably the last one…Is it worthy to buy the RC 505 instead of RC 300 and do have in mind I’m more into soul, funk, ethno, fusion and jazz music, not into DJ stuff ? please do respond quickly, cause I need this advices to do my choise !!! 10x in advance !
August 20, 2013 @ 12:51 pm
Hi Reggie,
Your inquiry has been submitted to product support. Someone will be contacting you shortly if they haven’t already.
May 25, 2014 @ 2:00 am
Hey Reggie,
Could you share the answers product support gave you, please. I’m about to buy a loop station and need to make a decision quick.
Thank you!
July 14, 2013 @ 5:23 am
What type of quantizing type functions does the RC-505 have and how does it operate and is it easy to operate? Is this what tempo sync does?
July 16, 2013 @ 11:12 am
Hello David,
The Quantize feature in the RC-505 works similar to our other RC-series loopers. It adjusts the very end of the new phrase (loop) that you’ve recorded to the nearest beat. By calculating the correct length by the tempo that you have set, the RC will extend or trim the end of the loop to compensate if you “closed” the phrase too early or too late. This helps to create seamless loops. It is easy to use, since it does this automatically if you have the guide on.
Tempo sync is different. It syncs the 3 phrases together so they all play at the same speed, regardless of how long each phrase is.
Let us know if you have any other questions.
Kind regards,
Roland Product Support
July 17, 2013 @ 4:05 am
Thanks for the reply.
July 17, 2013 @ 10:07 am
You bet David! By the way are you part of any looper communities online? Are there any that you would recommend?
July 13, 2013 @ 3:13 am
Hi, I want to know if I can record while playing guitar via a foot switch or if it is possible to do so with a midi foot pedal. I have a gr33 is this compatible for this function or is there an available product to enable this function? Thanks
July 16, 2013 @ 11:19 am
It sounds like you want to record your guitar by pluging it in to a recorder without having to use a microphone to capture the audio. Am I right?
July 16, 2013 @ 3:53 pm
Hi Nate,
The record function is not assignable to a control switch so musicians looking for hands free playing, the RC-505 is not the preferred choice. A better suited choice would be the RC-300 to record with your feet. Similar to the RC-505 it has three hours loop time, three separate synced tracks, built in effects and you use your feet to step on the record switches instead of using your fingers. Also on board is an expression controller for adjusting various effects and parameters.
You could plug the GR-33 straight into the stereo inputs on the RC-300.
Sincerely.
Roland/BOSS Product Support
July 10, 2013 @ 5:31 pm
Hi; does this new unit allow transfer of saved loops via USB to a DAW or backup ala RC300? Can it be both a timing master and slave? Could I use an RC-300 as timing master for several of these or one of these for timing master for a combo of RC-300 & 505? Thanks!
July 11, 2013 @ 5:43 pm
Hi Todd, I sent this comment to product support earlier today. Here is what they said.
Hi there –
Thank you for inquiring about our products!
Saved loops in the RC-505 can be transferred to a DAW (as .WAV files) if desired.
It’s not possible to load an RC-505 backup into the RC-300 unfortunately.
The RC-505 can be used as a Master or a “slaved” device.
It can be used as a slaved device from the RC-300 if desired.
Kind regards,
Roland Product Support
http://www.rolandus.com/support/
June 30, 2013 @ 4:55 am
Hey! It’s 30 June now!!!! Let’s go!! Just a question : Can we register a track with the RC 505 or a full show of some minutes ? I mean register in live in fact what we do in live and not only separated loop? THX !
July 1, 2013 @ 11:41 am
Not sure what your asking. Could you please elaborate?
July 1, 2013 @ 11:59 am
Sorry… I try again… I simplify my problem: I would like to record my perfomrance, like an audio track of 3 or 5 minutes. I mean to record the sound which go directly out of the loopstation. Is it possible or do I need an external recorder ?? Thx
July 1, 2013 @ 5:48 pm
Hi Ladsoune, I understand now. You will need an external recorder to do that.
July 4, 2013 @ 12:30 pm
Ok that’s sad… If you have any advice for an easy recorder which record good quality of sound and which is easily compatible??… I’m in France, and I’m still waiting the coming of the RC505 in my store… Really sad…I don’t know how long I have to wait more…
Thx for the answer!
June 25, 2013 @ 7:40 pm
Can I change the tempo?If so does it affect the pitch? Is there a tap tempo? Can you chain patterns and have them play seamlessly despite different original tempos? If not, can you chain patterns?
Thanks
July 16, 2013 @ 3:14 pm
Can I change the tempo? Yes you can change the tempo.
If so does it affect the pitch? No it does not affect pitch
Is there a tap tempo? Yes there is a tap tempo.
Can you chain patterns and have them play seamlessly despite different original tempos?
When you say patterns, do you mean prerecorded audio loops? You can set tracks to play sequentially and have one loop play then move to the next when you trigger it, and if you turn off loop sync and tempo sync the loop will play true, however timing is now not going to be synced so to be seamless would depend on your timing.
If not, can you chain patterns? Not sure what you mean by patterns. You can set the RC-505 up so that one loop can play on say track one, and then you hit the switch, have track two start playing and track one stop playing. This can be done with each track, so you could set up say five parts like an intro, verse, pre chorus, chorus, bridge, and then switch between each one.
Roland/BOSS product support
June 25, 2013 @ 7:04 pm
Can the user set the tempo by pressing “record”, followed by “play”, like with the Line 6 pedal, or do you have to play to a click track/flashing light?
July 16, 2013 @ 2:59 pm
If you record a loop without a guide track the Loop Station will auto quantize a tempo based on your performance.
Sincerely.
Roland/BOSS Product Support
May 28, 2013 @ 4:14 pm
$499 officially released in us in June 30.
April 28, 2013 @ 10:49 am
where can i purchase a rc 505 and how much is this looper???
April 27, 2013 @ 12:03 pm
where I can buy it? I can not find info on where to buy it?
April 22, 2013 @ 2:26 pm
Is it possible to let the looppoints be quantized to say, incoming midiclock? So that the unit is always in sync with outboard gear? I need the RC505 to be slaved to midiclock… Hope the question make any sense.
May 11, 2013 @ 2:59 pm
“USB for phrase import/export with computers; USB audio/MIDI functionality for integration with DAW software” – from the product webpage at Roland
yes your question makes sense – it seems like that would be a definite at the $600 price range. If it was <$400 I would be less inclined to believe it had any MIDI compatibility
May 11, 2013 @ 3:00 pm
… I mean, it DOES have MIDI in/out, so…
April 9, 2013 @ 10:10 am
Will it be possible to use a 10-pedal MIDI foot controller to control all five channels (one each for stop and record)? Also, does it carry over the Fade Out method of stopping from the RC 300?
October 25, 2013 @ 5:10 am
I would also like to know the answer to this question.
November 24, 2013 @ 9:08 am
Has this question been answered and where can one find the midi control change specifications for the RC-505? They appear to not be in the manual, which seems bizarre.
November 26, 2013 @ 11:39 am
Hi Eggman,
There isn’t a detailed MIDI implementation document published for the RC-505, however all of the MIDI controllable functions that are available are listed on pages 25, and 28-29 in the RC-505 manual.
Kind regards,
Roland Product Support
April 8, 2013 @ 1:19 pm
BPM metronome?
April 6, 2013 @ 3:57 am
… I did not find the recording time – perhaps is way less than the RC300, that is is why it’s concealed 🙁
April 8, 2013 @ 9:49 am
Relax Saul, recording time is not concealed. Check out the spec sheet on our main web site: http://www.rolandus.com/products/details/1280/specs/
May 16, 2013 @ 1:15 pm
I think the actual question would be how long can a loop be? 5 minutes,10, or is it just a short (a few bars) phrase sampler with 99 presets?
June 9, 2013 @ 10:17 am
can I have the metronome in the headphones without the loops? that’s essential in a pro situation
June 10, 2013 @ 2:38 pm
Hi TK,
The metronome is part of the RHYTHM track and you can set the RHYTHM track to run out the main output or turn it off and only run through the headphones.
Sincerely.
Roland/BOSS Product Support
June 10, 2013 @ 3:40 pm
Thanks so much for the reply OV Valle !!!
I guess my REAL question is: Can I turn off the loops in the headphones while still hearing them in the main outputs?
Removing the loops from the headphones so that only the rhythm is left, as per your description, is an essential feature for us pro loopers… not much to ask really. Can it be done?
Everything else looks splendid !!!!
thanks ; )
June 11, 2013 @ 4:43 pm
Hi TK, I submitted your question to our help desk. Waiting on their reply, here’s the link should you need faster service. https://rolandus.zendesk.com
June 11, 2013 @ 12:37 pm
I guess I asked the wrong question. Can I have the loop tracks playing through the main outs and NOT in the phones? I want the rhythm in the headphones alone… possible? I’m relaxed, by the way… hahaha
June 11, 2013 @ 5:22 pm
Travis here…. You can assign the Rhythm Guide to come out of the phones output only if desired, however you can’t assign or specify the tracks (1-5) to come out of just the phones output. The tracks always play out of the main and phones outputs.
Hope that helps.
T.
Kind regards,
Roland Product Support
Talk us directly: https://rolandus.zendesk.com/
June 11, 2013 @ 5:41 pm
Hi OV and Travis,
thanks for answering.
I hope there’s a future software update to address this shortcoming. It is simply not pragmatic to have the tracks playing through the headphones in some situations, like when you want to send the metronome to a drummer. We need control over at least the volume of the loops in the headphones relative to the metronome, so we can get the click loud enough for the drummer to follow… the way it is now I would have to boost the click way up and the loops get louder with it… no good see?
I’ve been using the RC-50 in an improv situation like this in NYC weekly for 7 years. I have a lot of experience with this problem. Everything else about this box seems so spot on, I hope this gets fixed asap!!
thanks!