BOSS Rc-505 Loop Station

Product Information

Two XLR mic inputs with phantom power, two stereo line input pairs, and three stereo line output pairs

To remain in control of such a powerful amount of audio-routing, Boss has also given the RC-505MKII a dedicated Input Mixer. The input mixer lets you set all your levels before you start your recording or performance. You have also got a mute function on every input, meaning you can select which inputs are recorded. And yes, it’s not perfect. It’s slightly heavier than the MK1 and boast the same in terms of phase memory. However, that doesn’t stop it from being the best tabletop loop station you can get your hands on. Consider that the MK1 was pretty much the market leader in this segment anyway, and yep – the MK2 has (if you ask us) stolen the crown. However, notice we said the best ‘tabletop’ looper.Get your hands on an RC 505 MK2 and you’ll also find that it comes with real-time time-stretch. A feature that allows you to change the tempo of the audio (in real-time) without changing its pitch. Very clever! The amount of outputs on the Boss 505 MK2 is nothing short of insane. You get 2 XLR mic inputs with phantom power, 2 sets of stereo inputs + 6 outputs including USB type B & midi! All of which give you greater flexibility for when creating loops, as well as during live performance. New targets for external foot control, ideal for musicians who play guitar, keyboards, and other instruments The data processing resolution is matched by the AD/DA conversion, and though human hearing can’t match the dynamic range this allows, it does mean that quiet signals can be boosted without the digital noise floor or dithering becoming an issue. The onboard rhythm section is also generous, whether used for initial recording or actual performance, and there’s plenty of room for expansion via the USB connection. Take a look at the LCD screens & you’ll soon see that they’re pretty similar too. In fact, the RC 505 MK2 & the RC 600 share the same menu structure & navigation. The systemwide settings are identical, as are the audio routing options.

The MK2 comes with an updated LCD display that gives you greater control over the loops you produce. For those who have a lot of loops on the go, a clear display like this is essential! This is the story of a modern art form, from the trailblazers of the NY beat battles to the BOSS RC-505mkII Loop Station. Explore beatboxing. Read more… Looping Positions: Ariana Grande and the BOSS RC-505 Extended parameters added to previous effects, including dotted and triplet note values for tempo syncing A total of 16 user Assignments are offered. The sources include the panel buttons, plus pedals or incoming MIDI CCs. Assignments can be a bit daunting to set up (and to remember), but the workflow rewards are worth the effort. Some user configuration is possible for the encoders, too: for instance, you can allocate duties such as memory selection, switching display modes, controlling the rhythm variation and level, and so on.The RC-505 lets you set up customized real-time controls, extending your command of looping and many other operations. With the Version 2.0 update, you can specify up to 16 different functions and access them in a variety of ways—with front-panel controls, an external expression pedal or footswitches, and/or various MIDI CC messages. Many newly added target functions are tailor-made for foot control, perfect for looping musicians who have their hands occupied with a guitar, keyboard, and other instrument. The 16 control assignments are stored with phrase memories, allowing you to create and recall custom setups for different songs and performing situations. Nominal Input Level INPUT MIC (variable): -40 dBu (typ.), -10 dBu (max) The sheer amount of outputs you get with the 505 MK2 make it by far more the most flexible loopers out there when it comes to working with external hardware. You can also set specific effects over specific inputs/outputs too, which is nice. You’ll find all the effects from the RC-505, plus: RADIO, SUSTAINER, AUTO RIFF, ELECTRIC, HARMONIST MANUAL, HARMONIST AUTO, OSC VOCODER, CSC BOT, PREAMP, STEREO, ENHANCE, VIBRATO, REVERSE DELAY, MOD DELAY, WARP, TWIST, FREEZE, GATE REVERB and REVERSE REVERB. It was therefore a pleasant surprise to hear there would be a new chapter in 2022. Reassuringly called the RC‑505 MkII, this model features updated hardware and extra dollops of pretty much everything. We can surely forgive original owners a certain amount of anticipatory drooling, but this could also be an opportune moment for others to discover what all the fuss is about... The New Vital information if you’re looking to make a fair comparison and come to a n educated decision. The last thing you want is to get the wrong impression of the MK2, only to be disappointed when it turns up on your doorstep. So with that in mind, here’s a speedy rundown of what you can expect from the Boss RC 505 MK2 loop station… Key details