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Average Price: $115
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$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
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What are the different reverb modes available on the Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb?
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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.
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Is the Boss RV-5 suitable for both live performances and studio recordings?
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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.
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Can the Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb be used in a stereo setup?
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Yes, the Boss RV-5 supports stereo input and output, allowing you to create expansive stereo reverb effects in your rig.
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Does the Boss RV-5 require a specific power supply?
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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.
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How does the Modulate mode on the Boss RV-5 differ from other reverb modes?
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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.
Videos
BOSSchannel
BOSS RV-5 Digital Reverb [BOSS Sound Check]
Reviews
PROS
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Modulate setting creates unique soundscapes
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Plate and Gate settings highly rated for versatility
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Compact design with dual stereo input/output
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High-quality sound across multiple reverb modes
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Durable, can withstand light traveling
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Enhances vocal tracks and various musical styles
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Easy to dial in desired sounds quickly
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Compatible with other effects for comprehensive setups
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Some settings offer tremolo-like effects
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Generally seen as a value despite its price
CONS
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High current draw requires a power supply unit
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Some find it pricey for a pedal
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Overdriven tones can lack definition
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Requires time to find the right settings with distortions
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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
Use cases and applications
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The RV-5's GATE mode excels at creating a "Genesis" style gated snare sound, distinct from the RV-6's "Dynamic" mode.
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Raveonettes records are noted for using the RV-5's spring reverb sound, highlighting its application in specific music styles.
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The gated mode on the RV-5 is effective for running a drum machine, creating effects similar to Phil Collins' iconic drum sound.
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Comparisons
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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.
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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.
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Setup and maintenance
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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.
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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.
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Value and pricing
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Some users prefer purchasing the RV-5 secondhand due to its availability and the significant cost savings over new, high-priced reverb pedals.
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User experience
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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.
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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.
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Build quality
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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.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 22 Reviews and 176 Ratings
183
Excelent pedal!
Excelente Pedal. Possui muita qualidade em todos os modos. Sou fã dos delays e reverbs BOSS.
219
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.
153
Its exactly that
Standard reverb pedal that does exactly what you want been around for years no need for a change
356
319
Artist usage
Add artist
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.
"It's a series of reverbs just set for different size rooms," says Josh Klinghoffer's guitar tech.
J Mascis points out his Boss RV-5 Reverb Pedal at 17:20 in this Rig Rundown from Premier Guitar.
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:
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.
In these stills from Blur recording the "Magic Whip", Coxon's pedalboard is seen, with one pedal being the Boss RV-5.
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.
Album Usage
The Boss RV-5 Digital Reverb has been featured on the following albums:
Bir Derdim Var (Saygi1, Canlı Senfonik)
mor ve ötesi (2025)
Can We Please Have Fun
Kings of Leon (2024)
Romance
Fontaines D.C. (2024)
Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost Part I
Foals (2019)
Bir Derdim Var (Canlı Senfonik)
mor ve ötesi (2018)
The Trick to Life (10th Anniversary Edition)
The Hoosiers (2017)
The Magic Whip
Blur (2015)
Embracism
Kirin J Callinan (2013)
Octopus
Bloc Party (2012)
Zug Island
Kyle Hall (2012)
The Devil And God Are Raging Inside Me
Brand New (2006)
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 RV-5 Digital Reverb, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
Community setups
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