Boss Loop Station Owner's Manual

Boss Loop Station Owner’s Manual

Installing the Batteries

Install four alkaline batteries (AA, LR6) in the battery compartment located on the bottom of the unit.

• When turning the unit over, be careful so as to protect the buttons and knobs from damage. Also, handle the unit
  carefully; do not drop it.
• If you handle batteries improperly, you risk explosion and fluid leakage. Make sure that you carefully observe all of
  the items related to batteries that are listed in “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (separate sheet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and owner’s manual.
• “BATTERY LOW” will appear on the display if the batteries are low. Replace them with new ones.

Attaching the Rubber Feet
You can attach the rubber feet (included) if necessary. Attach them in the locations shown in the illustration.

Connecting the Equipment

• To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn off all the units before making any connections.
• Before turning the unit on/off, always be sure to turn the volume down. Even with the volume turned down, you might hear some sound when switching the unit on/off. However, this is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

Connecting the Equipment

Top Panel

Name / Explanation

1.    TRACK 1, 2
[TRACK 1], [TRACK 2] sliders	Adjust the playback levels of tracks 1 and 2
TRACK 1, 2 indicators	Indicate the status of the tracks.
	Lit blue	No phrase
	Lit red	Recording
	Lit green	Playing
	Lit Yellow	Overdubbing
	Lit White	Phrase exists
	Blink	Currently selected track (current track)
TRACK 1, 2 [EDIT] buttons	Press to make track settings. Press a button twice to switch the current track.
2.    Display
Shows various information of the RC-500. During recording/playback/overdubbing, the color of the screen changes according to the status.
Lit blue	No phrase
Lit Red	Recording
Lit Green	Playing
Lit Yellow	Overdubbing
Lit White	Phrase Exits
3.    [Memory/Value] knob
Turning	Selects a memory. When editing, selects a parameter or changes a value.
Pressing	Specifies the parameter to edit. Alternatively, confirms an operation.
Turn while pressing	Changes a value in larger steps.
4.    Rhythm
TEMPO indicato	Blinks in time with the specified tempo
[TEMPO] button	Press to specify the tempo of the rhythm. You can also set the tempo by pressing the button at the desired interval (tap tempo).
ON/OFF indicator	Indicates the status of the rhythm.
	Unlit	Off
	Lit Green	On
	Blink	Ready to play Rhythm
[ON/OFF] button	Each time you press the button, the rhythm switches on/off/standby. Long-press the button (two seconds or longer) to select rhythm settings mode.
5.    [MEMORY] button
Let’s you make settings for loop play/record, and specify the function of an expression pedal or footswitch connected to this unit.
6.    [MENU] button
Let’s you make settings that affect the entire RC-500, such as system settings and MIDI settings.
7.    Write
[EXIT] button	Press to return to the previous screen.
[ENTER] button	Press to confirm an operation.
By pressing the [EXIT] button and [ENTER] button simultaneously, you can save a memory (write) or erase (clear) memory data.
8.    [MIC LEVEL] knob
Adjusts the mic input level
9.    INPUT indicators
These are lit according to the input level.
Adjust the input level so that the indicator is occasionally lit red. With the factory settings, the indicators are set to show the input level of the MIC IN and INST IN mixed together. You can switch what is shown.
10. Input Button
Press to turn phantom power on/off, or to make settings related to input and output
11. (REC/PLAY) Switch
Switches between recording, playback, and overdubbing
Recording Playback  verdubbing
For a phrase that contains data
Playback verdubbing
Long press (two seconds or longer) the switch during playback or overdubbing to Undo (cancel the recording or the last overdubbing). Long press (two seconds or longer) the switch once again to Redo (cancel the Undo
12. Stop Switch
Stops the track that is currently recording/playing/ overdubbing. If you long-press the switch (two seconds or longer), the track is cleared.
13. Track Select Switch
Switches between tracks 1 and 2.

Memo:
You can assign other functions to the [REC/PLAY], [STOP], and [TRACK SELECT] switches. For details, refer to “Specifying the Function of the Switches”.

Getting Ready How the RC-500 Is Organized

Track:
You can use two “tracks” to record and play back audio from a mic or from an instrument such as guitar.
Loop FX:
The effect applied to the tracks is called the “loop FX.” By applying the loop FX, you can change how the loop plays back.
Rhythm:
In addition to the two tracks, the RC-500 can also play a “Rhythm”.You can record while listening to a rhythm at the tempo you specify.
Memory:
The two tracks, together with the “rhythm” and “loop FX” settings, are collectively called a “memory.” The RC-500 can store up to 99 memories.
System:
Settings that are common to the entire RC-500, such as the display contrast adjustment and MIDI settings, are called “system settings.”

“Recording” versus “Overdubbing”
In this manual, we refer to the act of recording to an empty track for the first time as “recording.” Any subsequent recordings that are made, which are added on top of the existing recording, we refer to as “over dubbning.”

Play screen
The screen that appears after you turn on the power is called the “Play screen.”

Recording on a Single Track

Getting ready to record

1. Connect your guitar or mic.
   • If a mic is connected, use the [MIC LEVEL] knob to adjust the mic input level.
2. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to select a memory.
   

   Screen	Status
   Blue	Empty Track
   White	Track Contains Data

3. Press the [TRACK SELECT] switch to the track 1 or 2.
   

   Track Indicator Status
   Lit Blue	No Phrase
   Blink blue	No Phrase (current track)
   Lit White	Phrase Exists
   Blink White	Phrase exists (current track)

MEMO:
The track that is currently selected (currently the target of operations) is called the “current track.”

Recording

1. Press the [REC/PLAY] switch to start recording.
   The screen and the REC/PLAY indicator are lit red.
2. Play your guitar or vocalize into your mic to input audio.
   
   Playback
   1. Press the [REC/PLAY] switch.
   The screen and the REC/PLAY indicator are lit green. The recorded phrase plays as a loop.
   
   Overdubbing
   1. Press the [REC/PLAY] switch to start overdubbing.
   The screen and the REC/PLAY indicator are lit yellow.
   2. Overdub-record your performance (audio) onto the phrase that’s playing as a loop.
   
   Playback
   :
   Overdubbing
   Stopping
   
   1. Press the [STOP] switch.
   The screen and the REC/PLAY indicator are lit white. If you want to keep the recorded phrase, save it in a memory.

Recording on Two Tracks

You can use two tracks to create a single loop phrase. In this example, we explain how to record in the order of “track 1”   “track 2.”

Press the [TRACK SELECT] switch to select track 1.
                                 
Recording (Track 1)
                          

1. Press the [REC/PLAY] switch to start recording.
   The screen and the REC/PLAY indicator are lit red.
2. Play your guitar or vocalize into your mic to input audio.
   
   Playback (Track 1)
   1. Press the [REC/PLAY] switch.
   The screen and the REC/PLAY indicator are lit green.
   The recorded phrase plays as a loop.
   
   Overdubbing (Track 1)
   1. Press the [REC/PLAY] switch to start overdubbing.
   The screen and the REC/PLAY indicator are lit yellow.
   2. Overdub-record your performance (audio) onto the phrase that’s playing as a loop.
   
   Playback (Track 1)
   Press the [REC/PLAY] switch to start overdubbing.
   
   Press the [TRACK SELECT] switch to select track 2.
   
   Recording (Track 2)

1. Press the [REC/PLAY] switch to start recording.
   The screen and the REC/PLAY indicator are lit red.
2. Record your performance while you listen to the loop playback of track 1.
   
   Playback (Track 2)

1. Press the [REC/PLAY] switch.
   The screen and the REC/PLAY indicator are lit green. The phrase recorded on track 2 plays as a loop.
   
   Overdubbing (Track 2)
   
   Playback (Track 2)
   Stopping
   1. Press the [STOP] switch.
   The screen and the REC/PLAY indicator are lit white. If you want to keep the recorded phrase, save it in a memory.
   

Record While Listening to the Rhythm Sound

In addition to the two tracks, the RC-500 can also play a “Rhythm.” You can record while listening to a rhythm at the tempo you specify.

Sounding a Rhythm

1. Press the RHYTHM [ON/OFF] button.
   The rhythm switches on/off/ready to play rhythm each time you press the button. When the rhythm is on, the RHYTHM ON/OFF indicator is lit.

Setting the Tempo of Rhythm

1. Press the RHYTHM [TEMPO] button.
   The tempo setting screen appears.
   
2. While the tempo setting screen is shown, turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to set the tempo.
   Value: 40.0­300.0

Tap tempo
You can set the tempo by pressing a button at the desired interval.

1. Press the RHYTHM [TEMPO] button several times in time with the desired tempo.

MEMO:
If you long-press the RHYTHM [TEMPO] button (two seconds or longer), the tempo returns to the default value.

• The specified tempo can be saved as a setting in memory
  Saving a Memory (WRITE)
• You can specify the volume and type of rhythm, and how the rhythm plays.
  “Editing the Rhythm Settings”.

Saving a Memory (Write)

If you select a different memory or turn off the power after recording or editing the settings, the recorded content or edited settings will be lost. If you want to keep the data, you must save it.

1. Press the [EXIT] button and [ENTER] button simultaneously.
   The UTILITY screen appears.
   
2. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to select “WRITE,” and press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob.
   
   
3. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to select the save-destination memory.
   • This procedure is not required if the memory number is acceptable as is.
   • If you decide to cancel, press the [EXIT] button.
4. Press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob or [ENTER] button.
   The memory will be saved.
   • Do not turn off the power while the “EXECUTING…” message is shown.

MEMO:
You can assign a name to the memory. For details, refer to “Parameter Guide” (PDF).

Erasing Data from a Memory (CLEAR)

You can erase the data that is saved in a memory, clearing that memory to an empty state.

• Record/playback settings.
• CONTROL settings
  * If CTL1–2 PREF is “MEMORY”
• “Assign” settings.

1. Press the [EXIT] button and [ENTER] button simultaneously.
   The UTILITY screen appears.
   
2. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to select “CLEAR,” and press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob.
   
   
3. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to select the memory that you want to clear.
   • This procedure is not required if the memory number is acceptable as is.
   • If you decide to cancel, press the [EXIT] button.
4. . Press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob or [ENTER] button.
   The memory will be cleared.
   * Do not turn off the power while the “EXECUTING…” message is shown.
   

Editing the Settings of Tracks 1 and 2

You can specify the volume and playback method for track 1 and track 2. For details on the parameters, refer to “Parameter Guide” (PDF).

Here we explain how to edit the settings of track 1. The procedure is the same when editing track 2.

1. Select the memory for which you want to edit the track settings.
2. Press the TRACK 1 [EDIT] button.
   The track settings screen appears.
   
3. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to select the parameter that you want to edit, and press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob.
   
4. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to change the value, and press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob.
5. Repeat steps 3­4 to edit the parameter that you want.
6. Press the TRACK 1 [EDIT] or [EXIT] button to return to the play screen.
7. If you want to save the edited settings, execute the Write operation.

Editing the Settings of a Memory

Here’s how to edit the settings of each memory. For details on the parameters, refer to “Parameter Guide” (PDF).

1. Select the memory that you want to edit.
2. Press the [MEMORY] button.
   The memory settings screen appears.
   
3. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to select the item that you want to edit, and press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob.
   
   
4. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to select the parameter that you want to edit, and press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob.
   
   
5. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to change the value.
6. Press the [MEMORY] button to return to the play screen.
7. If you want to save the edited settings, execute the Write operation.

Using the Loop FX
By applying the loop FX, you can change how the loop plays back.

1. In step 3 of p. 12, select “LOOP FX” and then press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob.
2. Press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob, then turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to select “ON,” and then press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob.
3. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to select “TYPE,” and press the MEMORY/VALUE] knob.
   
4. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to set the type.
5. Press the [MEMORY] button to return to the play screen.
6. If you want to save the edited settings, execute the Write operation.

MEMO:
The function of turning loop FX on/off can be assigned to the [REC/PLAY], [STOP], or [TRACK SELECT] switch.

Specifying the Function of the Switches

As appropriate for your method of use, you can assign other functions to the [REC/PLAY], [STOP], and [TRACK SELECT] switches.
As an example, here’s how to assign the following functions to these switches.

1. In step 3 of p. 12, select “CONTROL” and then press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob.
2. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to select one of “PDL 1 FUNC” to “PDL 3 FUNC,” and press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob.
   
   
3. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to make the following settings.
   

   Parameter	Value
   PDL 1 FUNC	T1 R/P/S(C
   PDL 2 FUNC	T2 R/P/S(C
   PDL 3 FUNC	LOOP FX

4. Press the [MEMORY] button to return to the play screen.

The functions assigned to each switch can be saved and used as “system” settings (one for the entire unit) or as “memory” settings (individual memories).
To save and use the assignments as system settings:
In the system settings (p. 16), set PREF/PDL1­3 PREF to “SYSTEM.” There is no need to execute the Write operation.
To save and use the assignments as memory settings:
In the system settings, set PREF/PDL1­3 PREF to “MEMORY.” Execute the Write operation to save the settings in a memory.

Editing the Rhythm Settings

For details on the parameters, refer to “Parameter Guide” (PDF).
* Rhythm parameters can also be edited from the edit screens for a memory.

1. Select the memory for which you want to edit the rhythm settings.
2. Long press the RHYTHM [ON/OFF] button.
   The rhythm settings screen appears.
   
3. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to select the parameter that you want to edit, and press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob.
   
   
4. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to change the value, and press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob.
5. Repeat steps 3­4 to edit the parameter that you want.
6. Long press the RHYTHM [ON/OFF] button, or press the [EXIT] button to return to the play screen.
7. If you want to save the edited settings, execute the Write operation.

Changing How the Rhythm Starts and Stops
As appropriate for your recording method or the phrase that you’re recording, you can change the way in which the rhythm starts and stops.

1. In step 3 of p. 14, select “START” and then press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob.
   
   
2. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to specify how the rhythm starts, and then press the [MEMORY/ VALUE] knob.
   
   
3. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to select “STOP,” and press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob.
4. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to specify how the rhythm stops, and then press the [MEMORY/ VALUE] knob.
5. Long press the RHYTHM [ON/OFF] button, or press the [EXIT] button to return to the play screen.
6. If you want to save the edited settings, execute the Write operation.

System Settings

For details on the parameters, refer to “Parameter Guide” (PDF).

1. Press the [MENU] button.
   The SETUP screen appears.
   
2. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to select the item that you want to edit, and press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob.
   
   
3. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to select the parameter that you want to edit, and press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob.
   
   
4. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to change the value.
5. Press the [MENU] button to return to the play screen.

Input/Output Settings

Here’s how to make settings such as phantom power on/off, and settings related to the input and output jacks. For details on the parameters, refer to “Parameter Guide” (PDF).

1. Press the [INPUT] button.
   The editing screen for input/output settings appears.
   
2. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to select the parameter that you want to edit, and press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob.
   
   
3. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to change the value, and press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob.
4. Repeat steps 2­3 to edit the parameter that you want.
5. Press the [INPUT] or [EXIT] button to return to the play screen.

Connecting a Computer via USB
If the RC-500 is connected via USB to your computer, you’ll be able to do the following.

• Back up the RC-500’s data to your computer.
• Restore (recover) backed-up data from your computer to the RC-500.
• Use BOSS TONE STUDIO to import or back-up loop phrases (audio files).

To use BOSS TONE STUDIO
Access the following URL, and download BOSS TONE STUDIO. & https://www.boss.info/support/

Connecting the RC-500 and Computer

1. Use a commercially available USB cable to connect the RC-500’s O (USB) port to your computer’s USB port.
   

NOTE:

• Use a USB cable that supports USB 2.0 Hi-Speed.
• Do not use a micro USB cable that is designed only for charging a device. Charge-only cables cannot transmit data.
• This might not work correctly for some models of computer. Refer to the BOSS website for details on the operating systems that are supported.

Backing-Up or Recovering Data

1. Press the [MENU] button. The SETUP screen appears.
   
   
2. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to select “STORAGE,” and press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob.
   
   
3. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to set “PREPARING…”
4. Use a USB cable to connect the RC-500’s USB port to your computer’s USB port.
   When a connection with the computer is established, the message “CONNECTING…” appears.
   * USB connection is not possible if the unit is not stopped, or if there is a phrase that has not been saved.
5. Open the BOSS RC-500 drive.
   Windows
   Within My Computer (or Computer), open “BOSS RC-500” (or Removable Disk).
   Mac OS:
   On the desktop, open the “BOSS RC-500” icon.
6. Back-up or recover the data.
   Backup:
   Copy the entire “ROLAND” folder from the BOSS RC-500 drive to your computer.
   Recover:
   * When you execute this operation, the memory currently saved in the RC-500 disappears. Back up in advance.
   In the BOSS RC-500 drive, delete the “ROLAND” folder, and then copy the backed-up “ROLAND” folder from the computer into the BOSS RC-500 drive.
   NOTE: Do not delete the folders in the BOSS RC-500 drive other than when executing the recovery operation.
7. Eject the USB drive.
   Windows:
   In the lower right of your screen, click the icon icon, and then click “Eject BOSS RC-500.”
   Mac OS:
   Drag the “BOSS RC-500” icon to the trash (“Eject” icon).

Controlling Devices via MIDI

Connection
MIDI cables are connected to these connectors as needed.

To make these connections, use TRS/MIDI connecting cables (sold separately: BMIDI-5-35).

MIDI Settings

Use of MIDI requires that the MIDI channels be matched with those of the connected device. Data cannot be transmitted to, nor received from another MIDI device unless the MIDI channels are set properly. For details on each of the MIDI setting parameters, refer to “Parameter Guide” (PDF).

Controlling an External MIDI Device from the RC-500

Controlling the RC-500 from an External MIDI Device

Connecting Two RC-500 Units

Two RC-500 units can be synchronized after connecting them together using a MIDI cable.
* To make this connection, use a stereo mini-plug , stereo mini-plug cable.

Begin recording on the master RC-500 unit’s tracks. The slave RC-500 unit starts in synchronization when the master RC-500 unit’s track starts playing. Tracks for which TEMPO.S is ON will play at the memory tempo of the master unit. Tracks whose LOOP.S is ON will loop according to the firstrecorded phrase on the master RC-500.

Troubleshooting

Error Message List

Restoring the Factory Default Settings (Factory Reset)

Not only can you return all of the settings to the values in effect when the RC-500 was shipped from the factory, you can also specify the items to be reset.
* When you execute “Factory Reset,” the settings you made will be lost. In advance, back up important data to your computer.

1. Press the [MENU] button.
   The SETUP screen appears.
   
2. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to select “F.RESET,” and press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob.
   
   
3. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to specify the
   settings that will be returned to their factory set state, and press the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob.
   

   Value	Explanation
   MEMORY	Memory 1–99
   SYSTEM	System settings
   MEM+SYS	Memory 1–99 and system settings

   A confirmation message “ARE YOU OK?” appears.
   * Do not turn off the power while the “EXECUTING…” message is shown.

4. Once the factory reset is complete, you are returned to the Play screen.
   * Do not turn off the power while the “EXECUTING…”
   message is shown. Once the factory reset is complete, you are returned to the Play screen.

Main Specifications

• dBu = 0.775 Vrms
• This document explains the specifications of the product at the time that the document was issued. For the latest information, refer to the Roland website.

USING THE UNIT SAFELY

CAUTION
Keep small items out of the reach of children
To prevent accidental ingestion of the parts listed below, always keep them out of the reach of small children.

• Included Parts
  Rubber feet.

CAUTION
Precautions concerning use of phantom power supply
Always turn the phantom power off when connecting any device other than condenser microphones that require phantom power. You risk causing damage if you mistakenly supply phantom power to dynamic microphones, audio playback devices, or other devices that don’t require such power. Be sure to check the specifications of any microphone you intend to use by referring to the manual that came with it. (This instrument’s phantom power: 48 V DC, 10 mA Max)

IMPORTANT NOTES
Power Supply: Use of Batteries

• Batteries should always be installed or replaced before connecting any other devices. This way, you can prevent malfunction and damage.
• If operating this unit on batteries, please use alkaline batteries.
• Even if batteries are installed, the unit will turn off if you connect or disconnect the power cord from the AC outlet while the unit is turned on, or if you connect or disconnect the AC adaptor from the unit. When this occurs, unsaved data may be lost. You must turn off the power before you connect or disconnect the power cord or AC adaptor.

Repairs and Data

• Before sending the unit away for repairs, be sure to make a backup of the data stored within it; or you may prefer to write down the needed information. Although we will do our utmost to preserve the data stored in your unit when we carry out repairs, in some cases, such as when the memory section is physically damaged, restoration of the stored content may be impossible. Roland assumes no liability concerning the restoration of any stored content that has been lost.

Additional Precautions

• Any data stored within the unit can be lost as the result of equipment failure, incorrect operation, etc. To protect yourself against the irretrievable loss of data, try to make a habit of creating regular backups of the data you’ve stored in the unit.
• Roland assumes no liability concerning the restoration of any stored content that has been lost.
• Never strike or apply strong pressure to the display.
• When disposing of the packing carton or cushioning material in which this unit was packed, you must observe the waste disposal regulations that apply to your locality.
• Do not use connection cables that contain a built-in resistor.

Documents / Resources

Boss Loop Station [pdf] Owner's Manual Loop Station, RC-500