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Average Price: $115

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$276+

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Description

Introducing the Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb, an essential addition to your musical instrument collection. This gear represents the perfect blend of durable design and simplified operation, offering an authentic and diverse array of sound modes. Whether you are exploring beyond your amp's spring tank or just starting your musical journey, this digital reverb pedal will surely enhance your performance.

Key Features:

  • Robust and user-friendly design
  • Six different sound modes including the popular Modulate setting
  • Authentic sounding reverb modes, from cavernous to plated
  • Ideal for musicians looking to expand their sound beyond an amp's spring tank
  • Part of the renowned Boss RV series, known for their quality and reliability.

Product specs

Brand Boss
Model RV-5 Digital Reverb (Dark Gray Label)
Finish Grey
Year 2002 - 2025
Made In Taiwan
Categories Reverb Pedals

FAQs

What are the different reverb modes available on the Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb?

The Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb offers six modes: Spring, Plate, Hall, Room, Modulate, and Gate, providing a versatile range of reverb effects for various musical styles.

Is the Boss RV-5 suitable for both live performances and studio recordings?

Yes, the Boss RV-5 is designed for both live and studio use, offering high-quality digital reverb in a compact pedal format that integrates easily into any setup.

Can the Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb be used in a stereo setup?

Yes, the Boss RV-5 supports stereo input and output, allowing you to create expansive stereo reverb effects in your rig.

Does the Boss RV-5 require a specific power supply?

The Boss RV-5 operates on a standard 9V DC power supply, compatible with most pedalboard power systems and also works with a 9V battery for convenience.

How does the Modulate mode on the Boss RV-5 differ from other reverb modes?

The Modulate mode on the Boss RV-5 adds a subtle chorus effect to the reverb, creating a lush, ambient sound ideal for atmospheric playing styles.

BOSSchannel

BOSSchannel

BOSS RV-5 Digital Reverb [BOSS Sound Check]

Video thumbnail for BOSS RV-5 Digital Reverb [BOSS Sound Check] by BOSSchannel

BOSS RV-5 Digital Reverb [BOSS Sound Check]

BOSSchannel

BOSSchannel

Video thumbnail for BOSS RV-5 Digital Reverb Pedal Review by Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

BOSS RV-5 Digital Reverb Pedal Review by Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb | Reverb Demo Video by Reverb

Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb | Reverb Demo Video

Reverb

Reverb

Video thumbnail for Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb Pedal Demo - Part 1 by Worship Tutorials

Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb Pedal Demo - Part 1

Worship Tutorials

Worship Tutorials

Video thumbnail for BOSS RV-5 Digital Reverb electric guitar effects pedal demo by boyband625

BOSS RV-5 Digital Reverb electric guitar effects pedal demo

boyband625

boyband625

Video thumbnail for Boss RV-5 Reverb Pedal 2021 Review - Best Reverb Pedal? | Worship Guitar Skills by Worship Guitar Skills

Boss RV-5 Reverb Pedal 2021 Review - Best Reverb Pedal? | Worship Guitar Skills

Worship Guitar Skills

Worship Guitar Skills

Video thumbnail for Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb by Wall of Sound

Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Wall of Sound

Wall of Sound

Video thumbnail for Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb by Eric Merrow

Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Eric Merrow

Eric Merrow

Video thumbnail for Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb Demo (Modulate, Spring and Hall) by Will Mac Music

Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb Demo (Modulate, Spring and Hall)

Will Mac Music

Will Mac Music

Video thumbnail for Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb by Pedal of the Day

Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Pedal of the Day

Pedal of the Day

Reviews

PROS

  • Modulate setting creates unique soundscapes

  • Plate and Gate settings highly rated for versatility

  • Compact design with dual stereo input/output

  • High-quality sound across multiple reverb modes

  • Durable, can withstand light traveling

  • Enhances vocal tracks and various musical styles

  • Easy to dial in desired sounds quickly

  • Compatible with other effects for comprehensive setups

  • Some settings offer tremolo-like effects

  • Generally seen as a value despite its price

CONS

  • High current draw requires a power supply unit

  • Some find it pricey for a pedal

  • Overdriven tones can lack definition

  • Requires time to find the right settings with distortions

  • Some modes considered less impressive (e.g., spring reverb)

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb.

Features and functionality

  • The RV-5 includes a MOD setting preferred by users over the RV-6 for its unique modulation effect.

    Source
  • The Boss RV-5 in stereo modulate mode offers a rich stereo sound that rivals boutique pedals, providing a unique auditory experience without a high price tag.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The RV-5's GATE mode excels at creating a "Genesis" style gated snare sound, distinct from the RV-6's "Dynamic" mode.

    Source
  • Raveonettes records are noted for using the RV-5's spring reverb sound, highlighting its application in specific music styles.

    Source
  • The gated mode on the RV-5 is effective for running a drum machine, creating effects similar to Phil Collins' iconic drum sound.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some owners find the RV-5's spring reverb to be exaggerated yet effective for noisy, raucous music, likened to an exaggerated drag queen aesthetic.

    Source
  • Users find the RV-5’s modulate mode to be comparable to high-end reverb pedals like the Météore and Mr. Black Eterna, highlighting its quality despite limited sound options.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • When using the spring reverb setting, turning the tone knob below 9 o'clock can reduce its metallic sound, making it more palatable for some users.

    Source
  • Replacing the mode potentiometer with a 100k A (logarithmic) or a 50k B (linear) pot can fix persistent "drip" issues and restore proper mode functionality.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Some users prefer purchasing the RV-5 secondhand due to its availability and the significant cost savings over new, high-priced reverb pedals.

    Source

User experience

  • One user reported that the RV-5 has remained a staple on their pedalboard for over 14 years, primarily in modulate mode, underscoring its durability and timeless appeal.

    Source
  • Some owners report that the RV-5's spring reverb "drip" effect can persist across settings due to a faulty mode knob, affecting the pedal's versatility.

    Source

Build quality

  • It’s noted that the RV-5 is not picky about power sources, functioning well on a daisy chain without causing noise issues, making it convenient for compact setups.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Users suggest using spectral/EQ analysis to identify and filter out the persistent "drip" frequencies, possibly adding cap filters with a dpdt switch for more control.

    Source
Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 22 Reviews and 176 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
statefundedhaircut

Jewel of the Boss RV series

Let's get down to brass tacks - if you don't have a favourite Boss Digital Reverb pedal you're just a weirdo really. Sorry, I don't make the rules. Mine though is easily the RV-5. Granted, it lacks the expression options of the RV-6 and RV-500, but it's a worthy trade-off: RV-5 has dual stereo input and output. Everything's got 2 outputs these days; it's easier to get mono the disease than a mono reverb pedal. But not a lot have stereo input - especially not this size (which by the way makes it much more viable as an alternative to the titanic RV-500). Next let's talk modes - the spring is great, the plate is gorgeous, and the hall might just be the best there is. turn the knob south-ways and we get an admittedly dull room reverb (it's a room, what did you expect) and the two defining features that rank this pedal superior to the updated RV-6. Edge of your seat stuff, I know. You see, for some reason Boss decided that the excellent modulation mode (based on Hall) needed to be changed for some reason, so many seek this pedal just for Boss' original modulated reverb sound. secondly, its successor dropped the fantastic gated reverb mode (I still haven't gotten over it) which makes it sound like Kevin Shields is trapped in the phantom zone and needs your help to escape with the power of friendship and great reverb tone. What was I saying? oh yeah, that's why this is the best Boss reverb, thank you for coming to my ted talk.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

if you keep the tone knob below midday, the world becomes a better place. If you put too much high end on your reverb signal then I won't sleep at night and so I implore you to do the right thing and keep the tone dialled back.

luiskleiser

Nice for clean tones

This one has 6 different kinds of classic reverbs and all of them sound good and wet when working with clean tones. Mi problem with the pedal is when working with overdriven tones. The reverb does not sound defined and it is quite hard to find the sweet spot of depth and tone for me. Sometimes too bright, sometimes too shallow....I never seem to be happy no matter how much time I spend fidgeting with the knobs. The pedal is a boss; you find the same quality and durability you get in any other of their pedals so no complaints on that side. It might be just me, but I am not happy when I use it with overdrives and distortions. For clean tones? a really nice pedal.

sandini

Very good

It has 5 types of reverb; Spring, Plate, Hall, Room, Gate, Modulate. My favorites are Hall and Modulate, so I can create large spacious environments, I don't know what I would do without this magnificent pedal.

This review has been translated automatically into English. See original
luxiu
luxiu

44626

Versatile controls, nice shimmery mode, nasty spring simulation

It has many modes including some usable (hall), some meh (plate), some awkward (spring), and, at last, its gorgeous one which most justifies its digital nature: a very nice sounding modulated reverb (think of an angelically chorused one)! Tweaking decay and level helps a lot about manipulating the intensity of the effect while tone helps a lot about defining its character (darker or with more presence/sharpness). Nice spillover bypass.

Roles:
Genres:
coioteleo

One of the best reverb in the market

Great pedal, like all the other Boss Stuff. The modulated reverb is beautiful.

E

great variety of reverb effects

this is a superb reverb emulating a range of sounds including decent spring reverb emulation.

skylinerr

best reverb

the number 1 reverb pedal. joyous tones

Genres:
jairinschad

Gorgeous

This pedal is awesome for ambient type stuff and is just what I was looking for in my reverb pedal. It can be used for adding a bit more fullness as well. Great stuff.

lost_in_reverb

The decay is not so long for ambient,isn´t it?

P

Well built and high quality digital Reverb

All the modes give very clean, clear and round sounds , nothing to say ....... it's BOSS !

shifter_bass

good reverb

i'm playing this one when i play fretless to give me more depth in my sound, just do the job..... :-)

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Brian Welch uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Brian Welch

Singer, Guitarist

Korn

...
Verified via YouTube

Welch's Boss RV-5 is mentioned at 16:25 in this rig rundown video. This pedal is also mentioned in the 2020 Premier Guitar interview.

See how Adam Beyer uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Adam Beyer

Music Producer

Safety Session

...
Verified via Photo

Adam Beyer incorporates the Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb pedal, connected to his Allen & Heath mixer, into his DJ sets for added reverb effects. This setup is showcased in a post on his Instagram account, @realadambeyer.

See how Yannis Philippakis uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Yannis Philippakis

Singer, Guitarist

Foals

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see a close up of Yannis' board here, and a shot of it in the video.

See how Jay Watson uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Jay Watson

Guitarist, Drummer

Tame Impala

...
Verified via YouTube

At 4:32 Jay's Pond pedal board can be seen containing the pedal (bottom second left).

See how John Fogerty uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

John Fogerty

Singer, Guitarist

Creedence Clearwater Revival

...
Verified via YouTube

At 19:59 of this video, John's technician points out that for one song, John uses the Boss pedal.

See how Vic Fuentes uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Vic Fuentes

Singer, Guitarist

Pierce the Veil

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video from Fearless Records, we see one of the guitarist and front-man of Pierce The Veil, Vic Fuentes, showing his touring rig. At this point in the video, he shows us the Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb Effects Pedal in the upper left of his rack shelf.

See how Brad Paisley uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Brad Paisley

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified

According to an article by Zac Childs, Brad Paisley used a Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb in 2005.

See how Alex Trimble uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Alex Trimble

Singer, Guitarist

Two Door Cinema Club

...
Verified via Photo

Trimble has the RV-5 near the top left of his board

See how Joey Walker uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Joey Walker

Guitarist, Singer

King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard

...
Verified via YouTube

The item can be seen 15:17 into this video.

See how Van Mccann uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Van Mccann

Singer, Guitarist

Catfish and the Bottlemen

...
Verified via Photo

Seen on Van's Pedalboard

See how Russell Lissack uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Russell Lissack

Guitarist

Bloc Party

...
Verified via Photo

This shot of Russell Lissack's pedalboard shows that he uses the Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb Effects Pedal (bottom row, towards the left). This shot is from Bloc Party's music video for Octopus (it appears very quickly around the 0:28 mark).

The pedal is featured in Bloc Party's rig rundown. (9:55 minute mark)

See how Paul Davids uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Paul Davids

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

"Pedals: Klon KTR T-Rex Mudhoney Strymon Timeline - http://amzn.to/2h8BCek Boss RV5"

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