Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $468

High-end/Boutique

$100

$301+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Boss RC-505 Loop Station is your sonic canvas, transforming your musical ideas into reality with its hands-on design and powerful looping capabilities. A favorite among singers, beatboxers, and rappers, it allows you to independently operate its five stereo phase tracks or use them simultaneously, giving you the flexibility to create intricate soundscapes. With dedicated controls for each track, accessing the onboard 99 phrase memory bank is a breeze. Plus, its external MIDI control and USB sync features let you import/export phrases to customize your sound. Whether you're a solo performer or part of an ensemble, the RC-505 is your ultimate jamming companion.

Key Features:

  • Hands-friendly tabletop design ideal for various music styles
  • Five stereo phase tracks that can be operated independently or simultaneously
  • Each track has its own volume and dedicated controls
  • Onboard 99 phrase memory bank for quick access
  • External MIDI control and USB sync for importing/exporting phrases
  • Built to play with others and easily customizable to the user's preference

Product specs

Brand Boss
Model RC-505 Loop Station
Finish Black
Year 2013 - 2021
Made In United States
Categories Loop Pedals and Samplers

FAQs

How many tracks can the Boss RC-505 Loop Station record simultaneously?

The Boss RC-505 Loop Station allows you to record and play back up to five stereo tracks simultaneously, making it ideal for complex looping performances.

Does the Boss RC-505 Loop Station have built-in effects?

Yes, the Boss RC-505 Loop Station includes a variety of built-in effects for both individual tracks and the overall mix, allowing for creative sound manipulation during performances.

Can the Boss RC-505 Loop Station be used with a microphone?

Absolutely, the Boss RC-505 Loop Station features a dedicated XLR microphone input with phantom power, making it suitable for vocalists and other microphone-based performers.

Is the Boss RC-505 Loop Station suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Boss RC-505 is designed with live performance in mind, offering hands-on control, multiple footswitch inputs, and MIDI connectivity for seamless integration into live setups.

What type of power supply does the Boss RC-505 Loop Station require?

The Boss RC-505 Loop Station requires a standard AC adapter (included with the unit) for power, ensuring reliable performance during extended use.

MASLA  MASLOVA

MASLA MASLOVA

Boss RC-505 - Live looping by Nastya Maslova - "Deep Impression"

Video thumbnail for Boss RC-505 - Live looping by Nastya Maslova - "Deep Impression" by MASLA  MASLOVA

Boss RC-505 - Live looping by Nastya Maslova - "Deep Impression"

MASLA  MASLOVA

MASLA MASLOVA

Video thumbnail for Boss RC 505 In Action by Doctor Mix

Boss RC 505 In Action

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for How To Make Beats On The Boss RC-505 by Doctor Mix

How To Make Beats On The Boss RC-505

Doctor Mix

Doctor Mix

Video thumbnail for Live looping with Boss RC-505 by Uevo

Live looping with Boss RC-505

Uevo

Uevo

Video thumbnail for BOSS RC-505 Loopstation | Should you buy it ? | Honest review from an everyday user. by BreZ

BOSS RC-505 Loopstation | Should you buy it ? | Honest review from an everyday user.

BreZ

BreZ

Video thumbnail for Boss RC-505 Loop Station Tips and Tricks - Tutorial by Reinhardt Buhr

Boss RC-505 Loop Station Tips and Tricks - Tutorial

Reinhardt Buhr

Reinhardt Buhr

Video thumbnail for BOSS RC 505 Live Loop Station Performance - Original Track. by Fadi Kamal

BOSS RC 505 Live Loop Station Performance - Original Track.

Fadi Kamal

Fadi Kamal

Video thumbnail for My first loop with Boss RC 505 by Liesbet Leroy

My first loop with Boss RC 505

Liesbet Leroy

Liesbet Leroy

Video thumbnail for Contigo Sempre - DOIS NO DUO by doisnoduo

Contigo Sempre - DOIS NO DUO

doisnoduo

doisnoduo

Reviews

PROS

  • Unmatched sound quality enhances musical creations

  • Highly durable, sustaining its value over time

  • Intuitive setup and playability, ideal for beginners and pros

  • Enables high levels of creativity in loop-based music production

  • Superior to DAW for live performance with dynamic loop management

  • Features allow for efficient use of tracks through overdubbing

CONS

  • Price might be considered high, despite its value

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss RC-505 Loop Station.

Comparisons

  • The Boss RC-505 is often preferred over the RC-300 due to its enhanced creativity options and user interface, especially for beatboxing and multi-instrument setups.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The RC-505 is highlighted for its ability to seamlessly integrate with mini mixers and support multiple inputs like MainStage, microphones, and guitars.

    Source
  • The RC-505's looping capabilities are valued for their ability to encourage creativity, though some find alternative gear like the Line6 Pod Go more practical for their needs.

    Source
  • The RC-505 MkI allows for free mode looping where tracks can be set unsynced using simple menu options, enhancing flexibility in ambient music setups.

    Source
  • Users can overdub short segments over existing loops; however, loops cannot be extended once recorded, which limits post-creation flexibility.

    Source
  • The RC-505 has two key sync parameters: Loop Sync and Tempo Sync, allowing tracks to be managed independently for customized looping experiences.

    Source
  • Headphones can be plugged into the RC-505 to monitor both incoming audio and loop playback, allowing a custom mix.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owning a foot pedal like the Nektar Pacer is recommended for hands-free control of the RC-505, especially useful when multitasking with instruments.

    Source
  • Check the faders on a used Boss RC-505, as they tend to be fragile and can affect performance.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • Users find apps like Looper on iOS less effective due to complex sound interface challenges, especially after iPhones dropped the 1/8 input jack.

    Source
  • The RC-505 has a built-in audio interface, but separate interfaces are preferred for lower latency with software instruments.

    Source

User experience

  • Many owners struggle with maintaining interest due to expectations vs. reality, frequently opting to resell the RC-505 if it doesn't meet their needs.

    Source
  • Some owners find the RC-505 overwhelming unless integrated into the core of their setup, making it prone to neglect without commitment.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The RC-505, paired with a sampler like the SP-404, offers a robust setup for users interested in combining looping with sampling for live performances.

    Source
  • The RC-505 can handle audio flow from a laptop through USB, with option to include guide beats in headphones without recording them.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The RC-505 is popular in the second-hand market, providing a viable option for those cautious about investing in new gear.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 22 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
maxicardozok

Excellent

Does its job. Helped me tremendously to get started with loop machines. Recommended! (bit pricey tho' but worth it)

mistertim

The best looper. Period.

BOSS finally got it exactly right.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Masego uses Boss RC-505 Loop Station

Masego

Singer, Drummer

TrapHouseJazz

...
Verified via YouTube

Looks like the BOSS RC-505 Looper alongside MiniLab keyboard (you can see the distinctive green circles light up as he adds loops)

See how Detroit Swindle uses Boss RC-505 Loop Station

Detroit Swindle

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via Photo

Getting jiggy with our new RC-505 loop station! So good! Thnx to Sauce81 and Roland_CE!

See how Marti Fischer uses Boss RC-505 Loop Station

Marti Fischer

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video you can see Marti Fischer using a Boss RC-505 Loop Station.

See how Matthew Dear uses Boss RC-505 Loop Station

Matthew Dear

Music Producer, DJ

...
Verified via YouTube

At 5:22 you can see the Boss RC 505 ain’t the bottom right of the YouTube video 🖖

See how Neon Vines uses Boss RC-505 Loop Station

Neon Vines

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

(@13:55) "and then I've been feeding the audio from those applications into my BOSS RC-505 Loopstation"

See how Marco Parisi uses Boss RC-505 Loop Station

Marco Parisi

Keyboardist

PARISI

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video you can see Marco Parisi using a Boss RC-505 Loop Station.

See how Kirin J Callinan uses Boss RC-505 Loop Station

Kirin J Callinan

Singer, Guitarist

The Night Game

...
Verified via Photo

Kirin J Callinan uses the Boss RC-505 Loop Station, as evidenced by a post on his Instagram account, where he is pictured with the device while promoting a concert in Greater Los Angeles.

See how Charlie Barnes uses Boss RC-505 Loop Station

Charlie Barnes

Singer, Guitarist

Bastille

...
Verified via YouTube

During February 2022, Charlie Barnes and Dan Smith toured small venues to help promote the release of their Latest Album 'Give Me The Future'. Within this tour, Charlie has used a mix or Guitar Pedals / Loop Stations and Drum Machines as a means to give the audience the experience of a more Intimate gig.

See how DØVYDAS uses Boss RC-505 Loop Station

DØVYDAS

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In his YouTube video titled "What Gear am I Using (Dovydas gear 2018)," DØVYDAS showcases his Boss RC-505 Loop Station among other gear.

See how Matt Didemus uses Boss RC-505 Loop Station

Matt Didemus

Music Producer

Junior Boys

...
Verified via YouTube

During the song "Big Black Coat" at 4:45, the Roland RC-505 is prominently shown in frame.

See how Daniel Thrasher uses Boss RC-505 Loop Station

Daniel Thrasher

Singer, Keyboardist

...
Verified via YouTube

Daniel Thrasher explains how he attaches a Looper called the Boss RC-505 Loop Station to his Clavinova almost throughout his whole video (until the very last bit)

I really hope you guys ACTUALLY see this so it can be added and more people can learn about his gear and instroments. :D

J

Jeremy Greenspan

Music Producer

Junior Boys

...
Verified via YouTube

During the song "Big Black Coat" at 5:11, Jeremy just takes his hands off the RC-505

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss RC-505 Loop Station, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

Show yours
B

boheme

Gear IQ 87

timmulvey

timmulvey

Gear IQ 134

turn_tables

turn_tables

Gear IQ 1002

dr_fluffy

dr_fluffy

Gear IQ 314

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