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Average Price: $115

Standard/Professional

$100

$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
nando_nando

Excelent pedal!

Excelente Pedal. Possui muita qualidade em todos os modos. Sou fã dos delays e reverbs BOSS.

johnny_mac19

Brilliant for adding depth

Great pedal!!! I originally used it as a 'chorus' emulator when I didnt have a 'chorus' pedal, but since then I've used it to add depth to my tone as well as another boost for my lead solos.

jgalvanscp

Its exactly that

Standard reverb pedal that does exactly what you want been around for years no need for a change

miguel_luis_ajanel

Great

Real nice reverb with 6 good options. Hall and room are especially good

sergey_fridburg

boss rv5

It has everything needed for digital pedal

D

love this

love this pedal, that's it!! It's always nice to have a reverb

modulateman

Good

Fallen in love with the Modulate setting

modulateman

Good

Fallen in love with the Modulate setting

waxwax

one of the best Reverb pedals I've tried.

It was between this and the tc hall of fame. The hall of fame is better for the looks. But apart from that a all around good pedal.

matthewkkennedy

Modulate

Modulate. Tone all the way down. Or Tone all the way Up.

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Matthew Bellamy uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Matthew Bellamy

Guitarist, Singer

Muse

...
Verified via YouTube

You can see this pedal on an effects tray

See how Mike Kerr uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Mike Kerr

Singer, Bassist

Royal Blood

...
Verified via YouTube

At 0:35 and 1:10 on this video we can see a Boss RV-5 on Mike's pedalboard

See how Joe Bonamassa uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Joe Bonamassa

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via YouTube

At 34:40 Mike Hickey, Bonamassa's tech, and Rebecca Dirks of Premier Guitar talk about the pedals that Bonamassa uses with the Category 5 amp.

See how Josh Klinghoffer uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Josh Klinghoffer

Singer, Guitarist

Pearl Jam

...
Verified via YouTube

"It's a series of reverbs just set for different size rooms," says Josh Klinghoffer's guitar tech.

See how J Mascis uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

J Mascis

Singer, Guitarist

Dinosaur Jr

...
Verified via YouTube

J Mascis points out his Boss RV-5 Reverb Pedal at 17:20 in this Rig Rundown from Premier Guitar.

See how Gary Moore uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Gary Moore

Singer, Guitarist

Thin Lizzy

...
Verified via YouTube

Clearly at 00:47, rig of 2010 Tour in Russia.

Full routing

Boss Chromatic Tuner T-Rex Luxury Drive booster

then the signal goes to the pedalboard, apparently to

Overdrives/distortions:
* Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808 * Digitech Bad Monkey Tube Overdrive * T-Rex Møller

Chorus/Phasers/Flangers:
* T-Rex Twister Chorus & Flange above

Reverbs/Delays:
* Boss FRV-1 '63 Fender Reverb by his side * Boss Digital Reverb RV-5 below * Electro Harmonix Holy Grail reverb by his side * Line6 DL-4 Delay Modeler outside the pedalboard

Amp switcher: * Tonebone Radial JX-2 Switchbone AB amp switcher + booster

As he seems to select which amp he goes to (there's the both option too; maybe he just uses it as a final boost for both amps), I imagine he doesn't use the effects loop of the amps, or maybe the reverb/delays part goes through the effects loop of only one of the amps?

After going crazy I found this great work by a japanese that saved me from searching the Holy Grail (don't think I'd had identified it) and the Delay:

http://garymoore.blog.fc2.com/blog-category-25.html

See how Troy Van Leeuwen uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Troy Van Leeuwen

Guitarist

Queens of the Stone Age

...
Verified via YouTube

11:05 in this Rig Rundown for Troy Van Leeuwen of The Wongergirls, Queens of the Stone Age, Enemy, Failure, A Perfect Circle, Sweathead, and The Desert Sessions, his gear is displayed, showing a Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb Effects Pedal.

See how Graham Coxon uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Graham Coxon

Guitarist

Blur

...
Verified via Imgur

In these stills from Blur recording the "Magic Whip", Coxon's pedalboard is seen, with one pedal being the Boss RV-5.

See how Caleb Followill uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Caleb Followill

Guitarist

Kings of Leon

...
Verified via YouTube

At the 2:28 mark of Caleb Followill's new rig rundown, the Boss RV-5 can be seen on the second shelf of his new rack.

See how Tom Petty uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Tom Petty

Guitarist, Singer

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

...
Unverified
See how Lee Malia uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Lee Malia

Guitarist

Bring Me The Horizon

...
Verified via YouTube

At 21:10 in this rig rundown video, a Boss RV-5 can be seen on Lee Malia's pedalboard.

See how Patrick Stump uses Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb

Patrick Stump

Singer, Guitarist

Fall Out Boy

...
Verified via Photo

this image is from a premium guitar article on fall out boy's Monumentour gear. it shows all of patrick stumps pedals for that tour.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

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neale_scott

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barnahars

Gear IQ 358

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Gear IQ 207

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