Boss RC-500 LOOP STATION

Essential Information About the BOSS RC-500 Loop Station Pedal

• Stereo two-track looper with 32-bit conversion (32-bit conversion, 32-bit float internal processing) for ultra-detailed, lossless loops.


• 57 rhythms with A/B variations, 16 kits, dedicated Loop FX, and Reverse function for instant creative transitions.


• Direct control: 3 footswitches, two track faders, dedicated mic level, and RGB indicator LCD screen.


• Comprehensive connectivity: A/B inputs/outputs, XLR with 48 V phantom power, MIDI TRS, USB, CTL 1/2 / EXP ports.

A Modern Loop Station at the Heart of the BOSS Range

Part of the legendary BOSS "Loop Station" lineage, the RC-500 carries forward the spirit of the compact best-sellers and advances it with a stereo two-track architecture, ideal for structuring full songs. It naturally fits between compact formats and more advanced stations, while maintaining a robust pedal format for the pedalboard.

Who Is It For and What Are Its Uses?

Designed for singer-guitarists, multi-instrumentalists, beatboxers, and content creators, the RC-500 excels in rehearsals, home studios, and on stage. Two independent tracks allow layering guitar/vocals, keyboards/drum machines, or alternating verses/choruses, with memories ready for solo, duo, or band sets.

Key Features and Workflow

The trio of footswitches manages Rec/Play, Stop, and Track Select, while two faders provide immediate mixing. The RGB visual metronome, Loop FX (Repeat, Scatter, Shift, Vinyl Flick), and Reverse function energize breaks and build-ups. Control assignments, input/output routing, MIDI TRS sync, and CTL/EXP port adapt to your rig. Via USB, save/restore your WAV loops in a flash.

Sound Quality

Thanks to the 32-bit engine, recordings remain transparent and dynamic even after multiple overdubs. Stereo preserves the spatial image of your delays and reverbs, the mic preamp with phantom power respects vocal character, and Loop FX add textures without clouding the signal. Result: clean, precise loops responsive to your playing.

Technical Specifications

Audio & Recording

• Sampling frequency: 44.1 kHz


• A/D - D/A conversion: 32 bits


• Internal processing: 32-bit floating point


• Number of tracks: 2 (stereo)


• Data format: WAV 44.1 kHz, 32-bit float, stereo


• Max recording time: approx. 1.5 hours (1 track), approx. 13 hours (total of all memories)

Rhythms & Effects

• Built-in rhythms: 57 patterns x 2 variations (A/B)


• Drum kits: 16 types


• Loop FX (tracks): Repeat, Scatter, Shift, Vinyl Flick


• Rhythmic effects: reverb (rhythm section)


• Function: Reverse

Memories & Management

• Phrase memories: 99


• USB: save/restore loops in WAV format

Controls & Display

• Footswitches: REC/PLAY, STOP, TRACK SELECT


• Faders: TRACK 1, TRACK 2


• Buttons: MEMORY/VALUE, MIC LEVEL, TRACK 1 EDIT, TRACK 2 EDIT, RHYTHM TEMPO, RHYTHM ON/OFF, MEMORY, MENU, EXIT, ENTER, INPUT


• Screen: 96 x 32 pixel graphic LCD, RGB backlight (multicolor status indicator)

Connectivity

• Instrument inputs: INST IN A/MONO, INST IN B (1/4" jack)


• Microphone input: balanced MIC IN XLR with 48 V phantom power (max 10 mA)


• Audio outputs: OUTPUT A/MONO, OUTPUT B (1/4" jack)


• External control: CTL 1,2 / EXP (1/4" TRS jack)


• USB: micro-B port (WAV save/restore)


• MIDI: IN/OUT in stereo mini-jack TRS format (optional BMIDI-5-35 cable)


• Power supply: DC IN jack

Levels & Impedances

• Nominal input level: MIC IN -40 dBu (variable); INST IN A/MONO, B: -10 dBu


• Max input level: MIC IN +8 dBu; INST IN A/MONO, B: +8 dBu


• Input impedance: MIC IN 4 kOhms; INST IN A/MONO, B: 1 MOhm


• Nominal output level: OUTPUT A/MONO, B: -10 dBu


• Max output level: OUTPUT A/MONO, B: +8 dBu


• Output impedance: OUTPUT A/MONO, B: 1 kOhm


• Recommended load: 10 kOhms or higher


• Reference: 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms


• Bypass: timed bypass

Power Supply & Battery Life

• Power supply: 4 AA batteries (LR6) or PSA-S series AC adapter (optional)


• Estimated battery life (alkaline): approx. 3.5 hours (without phantom) / approx. 2 hours (with phantom)

Power Consumption

• Consumption: 330 mA (with phantom) / 240 mA (without phantom)


• Required voltage: 9 V DC (BOSS PSA-S series adapter)

Dimensions & Weight

• Dimensions (without feet): 170 (W) x 138 (D) x 60 (H) mm - 6-3/4 x 5-7/16 x 2-3/8 inches


• Dimensions (with feet): 170 (W) x 138 (D) x 62 (H) mm - 6-3/4 x 5-7/16 x 2-1/2 inches


• Weight: 850 g (without batteries) / 950 g (with batteries)

Included Accessories

• Manual


• "Using the Unit Safely" leaflet


• AA alkaline batteries (LR6) x 4


• Rubber feet x 4

Options (sold separately)

• AC adapter: PSA-S series


• Control pedals: FS-5U; dual FS-6, FS-7


• Expression pedals: FV-500H, FV-500L, EV-30, Roland EV-5


• TRS/MIDI cable: BMIDI-5-35