I’ve looked at your videos on the RC 500 before mine arrived and thought , yeah I’ve got this only to realize I needed to go back when I had it in front of me to follow along with your instructions. You are an amazing teacher ! There are others doing videos on this unit but yours are so clear and easy to follow and understand. I downloaded the parameter guide and it’s a great help as well. I’m a rather old dog so the work you’ve done in making this great video is giving me hope . Thanks again John , you are amazing and much appreciated!
Hi Gary. Thank you for the kind remarks. There is in fact a dedicated playlist of videos I have done for the RC-500 Here it is, enjoy: th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html
Would you guys say the rc-500 is an OK tool for home use? I like the idea of 3 foot switches, as opposed to the 2 on the 10R. But I like the fills, in/out on the drums of the 10R. Can't decide which is better for me. I'm leaning toward the 500
This was very helpful! The other tutorials I found on TH-cam are so rushed and hard to follow. They also use a guitar as an example which I don’t play so that’s not very helpful 🫤but your video was by far the best! You did it all step by step and not too fast. Thank you so much! 💛
Glad you enjoyed it! Here’s the playlist of all the videos I’ve done for both the RC-5 and RC-500 so far: th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html&si=978NTH-yD0y6fbua I also now have a FULL RC-500 course here: www.johnpaulmusic.co.uk/offers/2HokeXzM/checkout
Man , you make this thing look way too easy ! I was setting mine up tonight and someone managed to customize my pedals without a stop .. I made a test loop and couldn’t stop it for over 20 mins ! lol I pushed every single button I could , even double tapping them and holding them .. finally I just unplugged it ! After that fiasco I changed it and then couldn’t record on track 2 .. every time I switched to track 2 and tried to record it switched back to track 1 ... I think I finally got 75-% of it down but I’m done for the night . Tomorrow is a née day ! Thanks for your help JP.
JohnPaul Music UK yes fighting with it is an understatement.. I tried setting it up with track 1, 2 being R, P, S, C but it is was just too complex for me .. so I went back to basics .. I can’t remember off the top of my head exactly but I made track 1 some variation of ( current , r, p, ) track 2 ( stop , clear current ) track 3 (select track) and then have the boss fs-6 set for tempo and start and stop rhythm but I’m already running into a snag .. if I save background vocals for a memory on track 1 and want to bring them in during the chorus and then stop them at the end of the chorus when I hit the stop button it’s stopping my rythym .. I don’t want that , I just want to be able to bring my saved vocals in and out during the chorus or ending without it effecting the rhythm then at the end of the song I will stop them .. what am I doing wrong ? I don’t think I could hit the undo button to take them in and out if they are saved . I’m trying to keep this looper setup as basic as possible.. I’m so used to rc30 and all these lights are throwing me off big time ..
Thank you for taking the time to produce this. I would like to recommend two simple tips when instructing/teaching where yours, and most on TH-cam fail. . Never assume your audience has any prior knowledge of the item/subject area you are about to explain, nor take their lack of knowledge for granted. They have come to learn from you. Spinning and dictating jargon is never appropriate. Speak slowly, clearly, with pauses. It's not a race to finish. If the content is too long for one session, split it into two or more. The product you are describing is a highly detailed, sophisticated piece of technology that would have taken a multitude of man-hours, if not years to develop. Some learners may not be as quick or able as you, or others, to grasp the correct operating procedures. Running so fast over such procedures with a lack of clarity is very poor teaching. Many will have inadequate, insufficient, or no prior knowledge of recording/looping with such complex devices. As a teacher, you have an obligation to understand, appreciate, and apply these principals.
I appreciate, from a teachers perspective the comments you have given and I fully take the constructive feedback onboard. Here’s the playlist of all the videos I’ve done for both the RC-5 and RC-500 so far: th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html&si=978NTH-yD0y6fbua I also now have a FULL RC-500 course to go from the very beginning to advanced setups here: www.johnpaulmusic.co.uk/offers/2HokeXzM/checkout
@@JohnPaulMusicUK You are very gracious, thank you. I am heartened you are not deterred by my austere remarks, I am both an educationalist and a musician. I am awaiting delivery of the RC-500. A lot of people, myself included are most appreciative of your guidance. I will study the recommendations you have detailed.
Bought myself a Boss RC-500 and been watching your vids on it ..I would like to say thank you dude great vids simple to understand and will save me hours of smashing my head off the wall ..Your a don.
Just bought waiting for delivery. I am an Ableton Live Guy since 2000. I use a PUSH .the idea of being able to use my RC-500 with LIVE would open all the doors. your videos are specific and succinct. thank you.
Hey 👋 You are welcome. That’s quite a change from Ableton to hardware. Just remember not apply some Ableton principles to hardware looping. It is different but the fact of midi control might just bridge that gap. 👍🏻 interesting journey your taking.
Oh God! Henning's video on this pedal is the first suggestion... Alright, I'll get one... Excellent work, sir. Answered a question I had. Thank you very much
This unit is complicated at first. Your way of describing, especially without instruments helped me to start to understand in the correct order. Thanks.
Glad I was able to help. 👍🏼 Have a look at all the other videos I’ve done for it (and the Rc-5 as it applies to the RC-500) here: th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html
Hope you enjoy it! Glad you enjoyed it! Here’s the playlist of all the videos I’ve done for both the RC-5 and RC-500 so far: th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html&si=978NTH-yD0y6fbua I also now have a FULL RC-500 course here: johnpaulmusicuk.mykajabi.com/boss-rc-500-course-page-1
I use the looper in single mode to go from verse to chorus. It was a real learning curve with this pedal, so maybe you could go over some of the setting to change to get that setup working right. I had trouble with the loops not changing at the right times, even tho it says to change at the loop end. I had to turn of the loop sync so that way when it changes from one to the other, the other loop will start at the beginning instead of in the middle if they’re looped. I also found that if you need more than two parts to a song and you need a third or fourth track for a bridge or an intro, you can use the controller to bank up to the next memory and it will transition seamlessly. There are some tricks tho, like if you want the drums on, in order for the drums to be on when you switch memories, you have to start the loop turn on the drums, then stop all and save the loop, so it was saved with the rhythm on. This also keeps external midi drums playing like a beat buddy.
That’s fantastic information and some great tricks in there. I will certainly be taking this down and bringing it into a future video. Thank you for the info. 👍🏻
Merciii ! Great vidéo ! Exactement. Ce que tu parles à 5:08 ! C'est vrai que c'est beaucoup plus clair sur le Boss rc30. Ça peut faire peur en concert avec le rc500.
Merci beaucoup. Le RC-500 est une énorme mise à niveau par rapport au RC-30 et je le recommanderais à tous ceux qui cherchent à améliorer la qualité de l'audio et des fonctionnalités. Cependant, Boss vient également d'annoncer le RC-600. Cela dépend donc de ce que vous avez besoin d'un looper. Traduit en français avec google translate.
Amazing review as always mate! Just placed my order on Amazon! So excited to get my hands(or feet) on it.. My good old rc20 is asking for retirement already and I need a new one soon because I'm now onboard working on a cruise ship! Stay safe mate! Cheers!
It’s a great upgrade but download the parameter guide as it give so much more info on how to set it up and also what’s setup be default. Also binge watch my Playlist for your homework. 😆 th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html
Hi JP, how do I eliminate the fade-in fade-out effect on loop playback? Does noise suppression help with reducing the white noise caused by condenser mic?
Select the Track edit buttons (underneath the faders) and change the start and stop mode from fade to immediate. Noise suppression will help with this, yes but be aware that too much will start to cut off the tail of voice and instruments.
Hi, JohnPaul, Great video explanation, thanks for this. I recently bought this looper and still have a burning question. Namely, the use of a backing track over which I want to use the looper in the middle and at the end of a song. The situation is as follows: The backing track consists of a 5-minute piano track. This entire track plays from beginning to end without interruption. This track is on Track 1 of the RC-500. After 3 minutes I have to play a guitar riff for 4 bars and then a wahwah riff for the next 4 bars. When playing the wahwah, the first riff must go on as a loop. So, +I want to record and loop the first riff, after which I can play the wah for the 2nd 4 bars. In the meantime, the piano backing track on track 1 should continue as usual. It must not stop. Everything must therefore take place on track without affecting track 1. Is this possible?"
Hi 👋 So the answer is yes. You have a few options but the main thing is to get the timing right for the backing and the 2ns track where you wahwah. It can be done but needs a bit of prep. Plus there’s more than one way to do it. Maybe a video for this would be useful?
How many extra buttons can you add? For example, can I add a 3 button box? Will the system recognize them? I was thinking of adding a box with 2 aux buttons, and one momentary switch (for loop fx)
Welcome to the world of looping! Here’s the playlist of everything I’ve done with the RC-5 and RC-500 so far for you to binge watch: th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html If you're new to loop pedals, I also have a beginners course all about Mastering the Basics of Looping, currently with 25% off the course. Check it out here: www.johnpaulmusic.co.uk/offers/AZBUfDvw?coupon_code=STARTERKIT
26.21 parallel/serial mode. Really thankful I knew this thing would have the capabillity of doing this just couldn't find the info in the manual thanks again
Hey David. No worries. Certainly can. You can set an expression pedal as the volume control of the loops.. which means you can not only control a fade in / out but also the general volume of the loops as well, which is really useful in a live gig/pub environment. 👍🏻
You can use either/or, if you want expression and extra control at the same time, you can use the expression jack for the swell, and a midi controller for the other footswitches. Morningstar have good ones. I pre-ordered the Matthews Effects “the Futurist” should be helpful
Hi John, fantastic video. I have the RC 500 and am having trouble with the mic input level being too low. I'm using a Shure SM58. Can you recommend another microphone that will work better with the RC 500?
Hey Marc. There have been quite a few complains about the low mic input. One thing that helps is turning down the Noise Suppressor (NS). Click the INPUT button underneath the mic dial and have and scroll across the MIC IN NS- It’s set at 50 but default. Setting this to 0 might help. Also the next one along there is INST IN NS too and work playing with. Hope that helps a little but it is low imo and you have to really crank it up.
Helo JohnPaul Music Uk. That was the video where I was looking for. I want do also use my voice to make a melody rhitmic and danceable, by using the loopstation Boss RC 500. The tune of your singingvoice looks similar like my singingvoice. You are a good teacher. Congratulation.
Thank you and glad you liked the video. Please have a look at my playlist for the RC-5 & 500. Hope you find it useful th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html
on the 500, can you save a loop to memory via one of the 3 stomp buttons on the box or an extension pedal? otherwise, its impossible to save a loop during a live performance
You are more than welcome 🙏 Go to my website and scroll to the bottom. There is a PDF I have made all about looping tips for FREE for you to keep. www.johnpaulmusic.co.uk
You can change the drum parts with an external foot switch. But you can also change memories whilst playing and it will be a completely different rhythm.
Hi JP Working my way through the RC500 and seeing if it’s possible to sync it to my beatbuddy mini 2 so the loop is in time with the drums. Any help would be great Thanks 👍
Excellent tutorial JP. I'm considering getting one of these to use with a new Yamaha THR30ii. I have never used a pedal of any sort. Is the RC 500 suitable for a beginner (a 66yr old :)) like me? Cheers...
Certainly! It’s very versatile and can be used for lots of things. Here is the playlist of all the videos I have done for the RC-5 and RC-500 for you to get a better idea of it’s capabilities - th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html Hope it helps. 👍🏻
If you select both tracks and then long press to erase, do both get erased? This is a problem that plagued the RC10-R and the Infinity looper. among others. If you are looping live for verse and chorus and need to change to another song or even record a third part coda/repeat, for example, it is unthinkable you would have to use your hands to erase both loops.
Is it possible to set up the footswitches on the RC-500 to trigger pre-recorded backing tracks (imported from a computer) without needing to link it to an external footswitch unitlime an FS-6?
Yes.. sort of. So the way you would go about it, is changing the pedals to just play and stop. You would import your backing track, technically like a loop but change it to one shot and then once it’s played, it stops. 👍🏻 Have a look at this video about changing the RC-5 to a backing track machine - the idea is very similar and achievable on the RC-500 - th-cam.com/video/txztkFgg7wU/w-d-xo.html
Ooooohhhh now. That’s not really a fair fight. The RC-500 is £249 and a 2 track looper The HeadRush Looperboard is £700 4 track looper with extensive effects... however just cause it costs more doesn’t mean it’s always better.. or does it? Hummmmmm
Hi John, Thank you for all your had work with explaining the RC-500 . I just had a couple of questions .When Load a Karaoke version guitar backing track into the memory via the Boss tone studio and then save it to a memory number . When I play it the volume is to high , I have tried to lower the volume with track edit but this does not edit it. What would you suggest ? Also if I a have a Boss fS-6 Pedal and want to assign it to move the memory numbers up and down is the possible? Thank you
Hi steve.. so when you are loading this in, this will become a loop. what I would recommend is looking into getting yourself an expression pedal, like this one Expression Pedal I use : geni.us/Maudioexpressionpedal (Affiliated link - Amazon) Then assign this to the volume of the loops. That way if it is too hot a volume in one venue than another you can adjust it directly at your feet. Alternatively, drag the backing track into a DAW and adjust the output and resave it with a lower volume before you import it.. but you would have no control over it live. Hope that helps.
Hi John, Awesome video. I was aiming for the Ditto X4 but because of the fail reports everywhere I am now looking for the Boss RC-500. One thing that the Ditto x4 can do is this: Record a loop, which is automatically assigned 4 bars. So for example, I can create a drum pattern. Then, on track 2, record any length, which might turn out 16 bars. (It will keep a multiple of four bars, so if I would record 17 bars, it will automatically run to 20 bars). And then while playing, automatically I have a 4 bar loop on track 1 and a 16 bar loop on track 2. Can the Boss RC-500 do that?
Hi JohnPaul, just found this, I’m getting one of these for Christmas, I have a Fender practice amp the Mustang Lt25 which doesn’t have an fx loop, initially it’s for timing / practice but wondered what sort of amp I should be looking for in the future, for home use but who knows?, any advice greatly appreciated
Hi Steve. Sorry, only just seen this. Did you get one for Christmas? Hope so. If you are just looping guitar then your normal amp will be fine. If you want to loop other things like vocals / keyboards etc, I would suggest getting a speaker that’s flatter like a PA speaker. It depends on how big you need it and if it needs to fill a room. I use Mackie speakers for my PA for when I gig live. I just like them and they have a great sound. Lots of companies now do small PA speakers for the home to get a decent sound. 👍🏻
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Hi JohnPaul yes I got one and enjoying using it but I’ve found that when I record something and try to use one of the fx on the amp it muddies everything on that loop, people on boss rc500 Facebook group have said things like i need a pa, an fx pedal in between, a preamp, I didn’t think I’d need to spend out on more equipment? As a beginner I don’t understand putting the rc500 in front of or behind the amp, how things are wired etc, I have emailed you awhile back Cheers Steve
Ahhh okay. So that is a very good point. What I would do is if your amp has built in effects that you want to loop, see if your amp has a ‘line out’ to go into the looper. Then you would need a PA speaker to go out to as the final destination. If your effects are not inside the amp and are separate, then we just need to change the chain you have to get them into the looper. Hope that makes sense. Drop me an email and I’ll get you a diagram to help you. 👍🏻
Thanks for the video. Can you tell me if there is a esperate output for the drums or can you use one of the stereo outputs so you are not sending it to the guitar amp?
Hi. Thanks for the great explanations. I loaded a backing track from my computer into the RC-500 (a whole song structure of 3 minutes) and now I want to play and record some loops onto that (on track 2). But when I start recording the RC-500 doesn't let me decide the loop length. As if I should loop during three minutes. Is there a way to record short loops on a longer backing track or this not a function? To play live, for me, this would be necessary in order to be able to play /loop some arrangements of the album. Thanks in advance!
Your a great teacher. Not just the video but your attention to the comments as well. One thing all mentioned is if you hold down the rotary button you can scroll through the settings much faster x10. If I want to listen through stereo headphones do I need a Y adaptor? I guess there is no global setting to adjust all the parameters on all the tracks at once. That's a bummer. Do you find this unit goes through batteries quickly? I just bought some stronger batteries but still it seems to eat them up rather quickly.It should come with a power supply and better feet. That said it's the best looper I ever owned. The audio quality is Excellent and it is very versatile.
Hey DG 👋 So to answer your questions, Headphones - Yes, a Y adapter would be what you need if you want to hear stereo. Global Settings - There acually is a way to do that - go to Menu - Preference - and then you can change the preference from memory to system. Batteries - yeah.. its really power hungry. I have a power supply with a 5 way splitter that I got which works great. For the buttons, I would look at BareButtons to make them bigger and easier to trigger. You might like this next video about external foot pedals. th-cam.com/video/Jy1g7GKb398/w-d-xo.html or even this on about Midi control - th-cam.com/video/oBnMav-yXiY/w-d-xo.html hope that helps and enjoy.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thanks John. I can buy a Y adapter. If it's just guitar on one track though it will still only output in Mono. I'll have to check out that Global Setting- THANKS! Regarding batteries I solved that problem. They were pricey but I picked up an 8 pack of eneloop AA "PRO" 2550 mAh batteries. I have been playing over an hour and they are going strong- still showing 1.3 volts left in the tank! Great tip on the Barefoot buttons. I watched your videos. If I only bought one, should I pick up a FS-6, FS-7 or a Midi unit? Midi seems like the best- any good ones you can recommend that are less pricey than the MC8?
Oooh never seen the eneloop batteries before. Nice. Fs-6 is good for foot spacing so you don’t miss hit a button. FS-7 is good for actual space saving. Midi pedals - there are absolutely loads out there but have a look at the Harley Benson MP-100. Not a bad price at under £100 and buttons are spaced out well. 👍🏻
Hello. I’m having issues understanding something that should be pretty straightforward. I’m recording a whole backing track on track 1 and then I record on track 2 with loop backing track 1 playing back so I have a reference. The problem I’m having is that track 2 is out of sync by a lot with track 1 when I play them both back. They’re both in parallel setting
Hi. So the backing track is a loop? The looper understands time and converts that into a bpm. It cannot analyse a whole backing track and figure out the bpm. If there are silences in the beginning and end and it’s not a ‘loop’ then it will be out of sync.
Great video thanks. I’m stuck with not being able to figure out how to have track one playing while I record on track two, it just has the rhythm continuing. Any ideas what I’m not understanding?
just record onto track 1 as normal and then when you are ready, tap the 'track select' button to switch to track 2. this will change all the pedals to track 2, which will be blank but track 1 and the rhythm should continue to play. then you can start to record onto track 2. if you hold track select down you are then controlling both tracks together. pay attention to the flashing little LEDs under the volume faders, which ever one is flashing, that the one you are on.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK amazing thanks - I hadn’t been starting track one before hitting record on track 2. I’m thinking too much of how things worked on the RC30. I’m using the play count in to give me the time to get track 1 going and swap to track 2 to record. Thanks again
Great video! For me, not a technical guy much, I need to put in key parts from a Guitar pedal that does keyboard effect. Per song. And each song has verse and chorus. And name them all (song, verse, chorus) for a night live gig. I'm sure the RCX -500 can do this, but do you have specifc info? You can email me if you can. Thanks!
Hi Steven. Thanks for reaching out. So the RC-500 can save each preset on the 99 memories. You can have it in ‘Single’ mode which is Verse / Chorus mode and you can name them all including which rhythm you want as well. It’s pretty versatile and you can do a lot so I have made quite a few videos on the subject and here is the playlist about it to get your teeth into 👍🏻 th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html
It does. 4x AA. Main reason I think is most people add it to a pedalboard which would have power but yeah, it’s an extra cost. I have one already so wasn’t too fussed.
The videos are brilliant thanks. Don't know how it happened but my rc 500 is stuck with track 2 being the main track. How can I get it to track 1 being the main track?
Absolutely! You just need to know what the CC#’s are for the midi foot controller and then assign then. There are Soooo many options available which is great! In fact I just did a #shorts video about this. th-cam.com/video/g1-3-73Y82o/w-d-xo.html
Hey JP! Here’s a technical question so I’m going to try to ask it correctly.. ok so if I want to save backup vocals to track 1 and a particular rhythm for that song into a memory in order to make my background vocals correctly I need to sing and play with the rhythm on so the vocals match the beat . Is there a way that I can play with the rhythm on and not record it to the track ? I want the rhythm saved to the memory slot but not on either track . My concern is , ok so I start the song with the rhythm playing .. I get to the chorus and go to bring in backup vocals and if that recorded with the Rythym playing it’s going to try to quantize with the rhythm that’s already playing and it will mess up where the vocals start ..hope that makes sense ! Thanks for the help ! Love this channel.. I learn something new every time I watch a video
Hey 👋 So.. I’m not entirely sure I follow you. Let me see if I’ve managed to get what you mean. You have a memory (let’s say memory 10/99) and on that memory you have rhythm track and 2 loops. You want the rhythm track to come on and off but also to be in tile with what you have recorded? Sounds like you need an external pedal or change one of the three main pedals to turn on/off rhythm. A neat trick to make sure your in time is have a part of the breakdown where you stop everything and then can start everything. For example. I have mine set with the FS-7 pedal that start/stop all is the bottom pedal and rhythm start/stop is the top pedal (or I switch this to undo/redo). The rhythm is independent and can play without ever pressing record if you need it to. Let me know if any of that has answered your question.
JohnPaul Music UK thanks so much for taking the time to explain .. ok I’ll be using the fs -6 pedal with my new rc-500.. I’m just setting it up finally today .. sorry about the confusion with the question. I love making cover videos and I use the looper to more or less create background chorus vocals and the rhythm . With the rc30 I couldn’t start and stop the rhythm with a foot pedal or save it to a memory so the only way for me to do it was to save a portion of the rhythm to track 1 and then add background vocals to 2 .. but it messed me up bc I’d start the rythym on track 1 to play during the song but then when I went to bring in the vocals on track 2 it would quantize with track 1 and start the vocals at the wrong spot .. the only way to stop this with the 30 was to double tap to stop then bring them back in and then screwed me up constantly.. with the new one I just want to save the rhythm to the memory , and not to the track 1, or 2.. I’ll leave those for backup vocals .. so I guess my question is if I have the rhythm playing while I record the background vocals to track 1 the drum is obviously going to record also bc it’s playing .. The only reason I’m leaving them on when I record to track 1 is to just make sure that I’m time but I don’t want them to record to track 1 lol .. I know it’s confusing what I’m saying sorry .. I want to just start the drums in the beginning of the song with the pedal and then bring the chorus vocals in and out .. if that track 1 also has drums on it then it will be a mess .. I just need the rhythm playing while I record the track 1 vocals for timing but is it possible that the looper doesn’t record the rhythm? Like you know how u can choose to not record vocals or just vocals with no guitar can I do that with the rhythm where I have it playing while I’m recording a track to stay in time but not recording ? I just want the rhythm saved to the preset ( memory) but not track 1 or 2... sorry man , I know I’m not great at explaining this .. I’m still new to this . Thanks for the patience!
So think of it this way. You have track 1 and 2 and rhythm is separate. It’s nit recorded onto any of the 2 tracks- ans you can independently switch it on or off with either an additional pedal or changing one of the original pedals.
I have the rc-10R. Does this sync up the loop and the rhythm or do you have hit at the exact millisecond to have it stay on time throughout? I find that extremely difficult sometimes. It will be on time with the beat for a while but eventually slowly get off time. Thx!
Having trouble midi linking my BeatBuddy with the RC500, wanting to use the looper as master and the drum machine as slave.. Made up 2 different sets of trs to midi cables, type A, but no joy. Halo.
That’s a bummer! I wonder what’s stopping it 🤔 When you say you ‘made up’ did you wire them yourself? Would check that maybe on another device to know they are working properly to rule out the cables. Maybe it’s down to management. Have you tried out the other way where the beat buddy is in control of the bpm/time and the rc500 is following?
Hi John and thank you for your videos! I'm not sure if my previous comment saved as I was on my work laptop. I'm a solo artist, and want to use the RC500 as a drum machine (whole song), and to record a verse loop to solo over during a song. I cant seem to be able to rec a loop, stop and play it to solo over, whilst having the drums continuing for the whole song. Even with a switch assigned to just rhythm play/stop. The stop loop switch turns off the drums as well. Is there any way to do this? Any help much appreciated!!
oh wow! I didnt know there was such a difference. no its the same unit.. but you will have to get it shipped and then you might get an inport tax depending on where you are. figure out the conversion rate and have a look.
Hello John Paul. I really think it's helpfull to watch your videos. This weekend I bought my RC 500. But now I have a question. I think it's really a small thing maybe I don't get right. I only get a sound signal from my microphone when I record my loop. If I speak into the microphone (without recording) I can't hear it out on the speakers. Can you help me with that? And how can I connect my audio-set with mixing console on my Boss RC 500? I want to use it for performing in stereo/reverb and so on. So not only the Mono sound of the loopstation. I hope you can help me with my questions. Thanks a lot !
Hey 👋 Looks like you have the output switched off. Go to INPUT button and scroll to Mic in. Should be on A&B as default but you might have set it to off. And yes you can connect a mixer to the looper. 👍🏻
Also, here is the playlist of all the RC-5 and RC-500 videos i have done so far: th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html Hope that helps. 👍🏻
Hey Richie - so from the unit I’m afraid it’s a no, you’ll have to do it for each memory - however you could write patch 1 and then just click to write again and save to memory 2 then 3 etc if you want all that patches the same. Unsure if you can bulk do this with the Tone Studio via a computer.
Unfortunately not although it has a few different stop options. Have a look at page 6 of the parameter guide. static.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/RC-500_Parameter_eng01_W.pdf
Not very often I have to dive back into the parameter guide but this question had me scratching my head. 😂 So unfortunately no, the only way is to do replace instead of traditional overdubs but this would replace what you have recorded.. not overdub on the original.
It I don’t see why not. Looking at 9v and I have used the Boss Adapter and Daisy chained off it so should be able to. Just watch out if you are using phantom power.
Thanks for all this. This is like lesrning a new instrument! Any idea how to change pedal 2 (stop) to double tap to make it stop all? Also, I noticed that when i am overdubbing and want to switch tracks, i jave to stop the recording before switching. Is there a way to set it that it automatically stops the overdubbing when switching tracks?
It has what are called ‘loop fx’ which only go onto the loops themselves - the reverb is only for the Rhythm section. I would recommend marrying it with something like the TC-Helicon range of effects processors if you are looking at vocal effects which something like the Voiclive range also has guitar fx built in taken from their sister company tc-electronics. 👍🏻
Hey JohnPaul, I’m following up my question from an hour ago with another. This one may be more phrased more effectively. If I want to record a short phrase on track 1, then record a longer phrase on track 2, what settings do I need to have in place? I would rather not have to specify a number of measures for track 2, though I know I can. I know that AUTO will make track 2 the same length as track 1. I thought I should be using FREE on track 2, but that leaves me with a timing gap after I am finished. I also don’t know what it means when I get a flashing red light on the REC/PLAY button after I press it, with the intent to stop recording and go into play mode. I’m pretty sure this relates to the timing gap I mentioned just a moment ago, but I can’t figure out how.
Hey adam. So yes the flashing red light is the brain of it trying to ‘fill’ the gap with air or no audio whilst the 2nd track plays out. I would have Auto on both and it SHOULD allow you to have derivatives of 1 bar loop 2,4,8,16 or 3,6,12 etc as long as you time it right (normally just before bar 1 beat 1).
Your videos are amazing! Such a great teacher. I have a question: When I switch between saved loops, it seems like it starts up at mid-volume no matter where the volume sliders are on the tracks. Is there a way to change this so I can fade in on saved loops? I feel like I'm missing something basic here...
Oh that’s sounds a bit weird. Yes you can go into the individual track volume for each. Press the button under the fader for each track and it should show you what it’s saved as within that menu.
Hi John, just brought this loop pedal but I’m finding it hard to clear all overdubs without clearing the first recorded layer? I have 2 percussion tracks but want some overdubbing in one part of the song then I want to revert back to the 2 percussive tracks. Is there a way away this? Thanks. ps sorry if you already mentioned it.
You can only undo the last recording on each track. So either try to do all your overdubs in one ‘take/recording’ and then you can undo that to revert. Or separate them so the 2 percussive tracks are actually on track one and the other ‘overdubs’ are on track 2. You could undo the 2nd percussive on track one if you needed to and then all your overdubs are separate to switch on/off. Hope that way round would help?
For me it’s at the very end. Unless you want an overall effect on the output of the looper. The RC-5 and RC-500 have reverb but only for the rhythm, not the loops. I only have a TC-Helicon Voicelive Play Acoustic to plug in so it has effects that are for the vocal and guitar. So my looper is at the end. But it’s different for everyone.
Hi there I once owned a RC3 which are amazing and used to have a whole set saved in it which was great. Any way I digress that pedal had a trigger setting for recording which was absolutely brilliant can I set the RC 500 to do this I can’t find it anywhere thanks
Hey Jeremy. Trigger as in record when it heard a sound? Yes it does. Press MEMORY button and scroll along until you find REC, then click that and these are all the record settings. Find AUTO REC and turn it on (off by default) then the next setting is Auto Record SENS which means sensitivity and you can play around and set that how you like. 👍🏻 Hope that helps.
It’s a great shout. Have a look as Boss have announced the 505 MKii with multiple inputs and more outputs. Very tempting. You can still add a foot pedal onto it but it’s very very versatile as the beat boxers have shown due to being able to add both track FX and main FX.
I'm new to this, I have 2 questions, can I plug my electronic drums and loop, and/or record and store them in the blank slot. Also can I plug my midi keyboard to it and trigger the options as well? Thank you for this review/demonstration.
Hey Cedric 👋 So yes and yes. You will be able to plug in electronic drums and loop them and then save that to one of the 99 memory’s. Then also you can plug in midi and control it with midi signals. You’ll need midi to Mini TRS but yeah. Ask any more questions you have. Happy to help. 👍🏻
Great Instruction videos. I am having an issue with downloading Tracks from BOSS Tone Studio into my RC-500. The unit connects properly and I can do everything (Play, Stop Delete and Import WAV) except download tracks. I get a message "Download Failed". Help, please if you can. Thanks
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Yes, The Tracks from BOSS Tone Studio. Actually, a week or so ago, I was able to download 13 tracks. Since then when trying to add some more tracks: "Download Failed". All other functions work with BTS. I've tried different USB cables and even another computer.
So, actually I've been fiddling around with it a little more... I seem to understand that the track edit, memory and rhythm section settings are per memory, while the general settings can be set to the whole system or per memory... My biggest question is: if I change the general settings to - per memory, does that mean the factory settings are still the default for each memory slot until I edit them?
Hello again Peter. I’m so happy you have these questions as you are discovering the features of the unit. The answer is yes. If you change to “per memory” then it will be exactly that. 👍🏻 Please do not hesitate to ask any questions, Everyone learns from it. 👍🏻
Thank you for the informative video. I've used simple loopers for years (boomerang) but this is my first really sophisticated one so it will take me a while to figure out how to do many things. One starting question though.... I'm a bit confused with the concept that settings can be saved by memory setting or for the whole system.... Does this apply to all settings or only certain types (I know you talked a lot about this but I"m a little overwhelmed with information right now and being new to this type of looper maybe I miss some basic info you take for granted).
Hey Peter. It’s amazing what this little box can do and it can be quite overwhelming. You can save per memory: loops, the rhythm, the drum kit used, button settings, midi settings. You need to download the parameter guide as it’s the best way to get to grips with it: www.boss.info/uk/support/by_product/rc-500/owners_manuals/
The way round that would be to have mic 1 in the XLR input, mic 2 in the Jack input 1 (L) and guitar in Jack input 2 (R). Then you would need to look at the routing. Have a look at this video - th-cam.com/video/SCBU0A2Gwjw/w-d-xo.html
So the best way to do this is to utilise the FX loop on the Katana. 1) plug your guitar into the Katana input. 2) take a jack lead and plug the SEND of the effects loop into the RC-500 3) take the out put of the RC-500 and plug it into the RETURN on the Katana. This way you can use your guitar effects and they won’t effect the loop after you change the setting. 👍🏼 Hope that helps.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK So as I understand the routing, guitar to input Katana amp / TRS cable to instr Input A boss RC 500 to send Katana amp / Trs cable from output A to effects return loop katana amp? Thank you so much!! 🤘🎸
You’re more than welcome GerBard 🙏 Here’s the full playlist of all the other videos to get you binge watching. 😊 th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html
i just bought the RC500 and noticed an immediate problem. when i record a loop in either track and alter the tempo even slightly, it cause the loop soung to distort as a warble. i've updated the system version to 1.02 and turned off all loop FX, still the same problem. i've contacted Boss and waiting for an answer. do i have a defective unit or is this a product design defect?
JohnPaul Music UK I have never used a looper before have I done well to go for something like that ?or I have should have bought a simple single cheaper looper ?
I think you have done well. If you had gone for a simple looper, you might have reached the limitations of it quickly and therefore got bored with it (as a lot of people do). Cause you have one with LOTS of possibilities, I would look at it as an investment into your performing. Just work backwards with a song. Look at its structure and break it up. Just cause it CAN be looped.. doesn’t always mean it should. Hope what makes sense?
Hi John thanks for the Tutorial! On the 30 and the 300 you could tap in the songs tempo prerecording the first loop by tapping the stop (right pedal). I can’t seem to find a way to do this stock. I am either missing it, or it’s a setting to turn on somewhere... any ideas? Thanks
Hello Matt. It’s a setting and isn’t something that is set up straight away. The best way you can do this is by assigning a external foot pedal or reassigning one of the three pedals on the RC 500.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thanks! I got a FS-6 footswitch. But im regretting the decision. I already need more buttons haha. I'm keeping the actual normal buttons as stock. But I want tap tempo, variation change and rhythm on off. Should have got a midi pedal. Dang. One odd thing I did notice though. Is the options for the "Ctrl" pedal 1 and 2, do not have the option to control variation change. But I got around this by turning the ctrl pedals off. Then going into assign like you said, and there was variation change there. Odd that the pedal can do it in one menu, but not the other.... thanks again though for the help!
You can assign the stop pedal to also be a tap tempo while the loop is stopped. This can be troublesome tho, cuz if you hit stop, and accidentally hit it again, it will change the tempo of the loop, and that could ruin your loop if it isnt saved.
Great video. If anyone could help me. How should I connect RC500 with my Boss GT1 guitar processor and then to the stereo PA mixer? What cables should I use? ( balanced or unbalanced) Thank you in advance:) I'm a completely novice with these things Kind regards
Another question, JohnPaul, this time about battery life. I think I’ve heard that the unit will last around 1.5 hours on a set of batteries. What is your experience? I’ve just read in the manual that battery life can be improved by reducing the screen brightness/contrast. Do you do this, how does it work, and what’s the best battery life you’ve been able to eek out of the unit? I picked up a couple sets of Duracell Alkaline rechargeables and a charger, but haven’t gone gigging with them yet.
Hey Adam 👋 So I burnt through a couple of batteries and then just got my boss PSA and stick with that now. Have got around 3.5hrs (including standing by) with Varta batteries. If busking or not near a power supply, then that’s what I would do but try and get rechargeable with a high output.
Battery life is disappointing compared to the RC-30 for a busker. I put new Energizer Max batteries in about 2 hours ago and it is already giving me a Low Battery warning. Bought it today , looking at tutorials.... only did a minute of recording, whats goin on ? My RC 30 does loads of 3 hour busking sessions , I would say around 12 hours between battery changes.
I always use Varta batteries - don’t know if they have more mAh in or what but they always seem to last the longest. Yeah it is a lot shorter than the RC-30. Think it must be the processor or the higher 32bit rate. I haven’t busker either mine yet (lockdown) but will be doing some tests when I’m allowed to. 👍🏻
My RC-500 has a longish (5 seconds or so) delay AFTER I hit STOP. I notice this behavior even more on longer loops. At first I think I missed the button or the looper is broken, but several seconds later, it finally stops. This really throws me off. Especially because the Drums/Rhythm keeps going. To be usable, it needs to STOP immediately. I have about 10 other memories saved. Is it a buffer/memory issue? Do I need to update firmware? I have done resets in the past. I have it plugged into a 300ma supply. Do I need to upgrade the PSU? Otherwise I really love the Looper. Has anyone else experienced this and found a fix? If my loop is very short, say 5 seconds, it STOPS immediately. Any help or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all!
So my main question. (You may have answered and I missed it)... Can you play one chord progression on loop one, and another on loop two? And play them individually. Trying to mash up two songs with the same chords separated by solos with one guitar.
Glad you enjoyed it! Here’s the playlist of all the videos I’ve done for both the RC-5 and RC-500 so far: th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html&si=978NTH-yD0y6fbua I also now have a FULL RC-500 course here: www.johnpaulmusic.co.uk/offers/2HokeXzM/checkout
Hey Michael. It looks like one doesn’t it. It’s actually a Fifine K8. It’s what I use for live gigs in pubs now cause it’s super cheap!! Did a review of it here: th-cam.com/video/ov4TDXv3_Es/w-d-xo.html
Hey Jp.. going on week 2 with the new rc 500 and I’m absolutely hating it so far . The rythym section is messing me up bad .. I’m using an fs-6 foot switch to control the rythym stop and start and tempo .. if I have a loop playing and bring in a rythym it distorts all the vocals and slows them down like some strange effect is on .. what is that all about ? .. I have all the effects set to off .. I only want the drums to come on and off when I hit the foot switch .. if I stop the drums with the fs6 as soon as I hit the record button again the drums start and I don’t want that ... I want to use this thing as basic as possible.. I want to record backup vocals on track 1 to bring in and out and I want to be able to save the rythym for that particular song .. I want to start the rythym at the beginning of the song let it play throughout and bring the saved vocals in and out during the chorus .. at the end of the song I want to hit rhythm stop and that’s it .. I can’t for the life of me figure out what I’m doing wrong
Can you Please forward me info on how to schedule a FaceTime session with you ? I know it costs money and that’s fine , I just know if I don’t figure this out soon Im not going to use it and I’m going to end up returning it .. i just can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong
Watch my very latest video and the following one that is coming out later today. Then if you are still having issues, please book a FaceTime call here: www.buymeacoffee.com/Johnpaulmusicuk/e/133 We’ll sort something out.
Ok thanks so much .. so I figured out a few things I was doing wrong .. when I switched the loop effects off I never saved it to memory ..I did the same thing for the drum beat .. I changed the volume level but never hit save so it just kept going back to full volume .. in the beginning I set my pedal functions to system so I thought that meant everything that I saved would be saved all across the board .. so if I’m understanding it correctly now the only things that are system are my pedal functions .. all the memories have to be done individually for every single memory .. so for every memory I have to go in and turn the loop effects off and save it and also set my drum level and save that ? There’s no way to save those things as system pre sets right? Thanks again JP.. I think I’m still going to set up a FaceTime with you . I think that would help me tremendously
Thanks 🙏 here’s every video I’ve done on both the rc-5 and rc-500 so far. Let me know if I’ve missed anything. th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html
Hi, great review thank you! I just purchased this pedal and I’ve been reading in the manual that the input indicator light below the mic level should flash green if it’s low, Orange if it’s suitable and red if it’s high, however mine only ever shows green like yours no matter how high the gain for guitar or mic is. Any ideas? Thanks so much, and hello from NZ! ☺️
hi 👋 so.. I figured this out and there is a build in suppressor on the input. click the input button and scroll through until you see Mic In NS & Inst In NS. it’s normally set to 50/100. turn it down to 0 and see how you do. sorry it’s taken me a while to respond. Only just figured it out. hope it works for you.
Hey 👋 Not a daft question as it’s not obvious. Fastest way is long press the rhythm ON/OFF button (more than 2 secs) and you can access the Rhythm’s menu there and volume is the first one. 👍🏻 Remember to write it to the memory otherwise it will return to default. Also have a look at this video - it will help you. 👍🏻 th-cam.com/video/BunZH2Vnbno/w-d-xo.html
Hi John Can Rc 500 recognize the tempo when you record first loop? Like in the start of the song if you record 1 bar of rythm witha a guitar chord, can Rc500 set the tempo by itself Thank you
Hi JP I find the input levels on the rc500 very weak , I just purchased a tc helicon play acoustic to replace my boss ve8. I love your videos but try as I might nothing ever seems to work lol , I have seen suggestions that you can set mic level to 200 and guitar level to 25 but I’ve been through the manual and can find no such setting. Also bought the mc8 after watching one of your videos . Completely paralysed by tech at the minute .
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thanks for the reply. Must be more to it than I think. Seems though that they are missing an opportunity to make these pedals with grooves a bit more tailored to the user. Would love to replace the grooves with a heap of cajon and percussion loops for simple acoustic work.
There are cajon and percussion loops in there but I realise they are basic. You could always load a sample up into one of the tracks as a base and just opt out of using the built in stuff. Here’s the video on how to load loops and samples into an RC-5/500 using RC Tone Studio - th-cam.com/video/pBUyIajS_BY/w-d-xo.html
Glad it was helpful! Glad you enjoyed it! Here’s the playlist of all the videos I’ve done for both the RC-5 and RC-500 so far: th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html&si=978NTH-yD0y6fbua I’m also making a FULL RC-500 course and you can get 15% off atm whilst I build it here: www.johnpaulmusic.co.uk/offers/2HokeXzM/checkout?coupon_code=RC50015
Glad it was helpful! Glad you enjoyed it! Here’s the playlist of all the videos I’ve done for both the RC-5 and RC-500 so far: th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html&si=978NTH-yD0y6fbua I’m also making a FULL RC-500 course and you can get 15% off atm whilst I build it here: www.johnpaulmusic.co.uk/offers/2HokeXzM/checkout?coupon_code=RC50015
![ILLSLICK - KILLSHOT REMIX [FULL VERSION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RIK8RrqIAzE/mqdefault.jpg)
Pick yourself up a loop pedal:
🛒Boss RC-30 geni.us/Bossrc30 🛒
🛒Boss RC-5 geni.us/Bossrc5 🛒
🛒Boss RC-500 geni.us/Bossrc500 🛒
I’ve looked at your videos on the RC 500 before mine arrived and thought , yeah I’ve got this only to realize I needed to go back when I had it in front of me to follow along with your instructions. You are an amazing teacher ! There are others doing videos on this unit but yours are so clear and easy to follow and understand. I downloaded the parameter guide and it’s a great help as well. I’m a rather old dog so the work you’ve done in making this great video is giving me hope . Thanks again John , you are amazing and much appreciated!
Hi Gary. Thank you for the kind remarks. There is in fact a dedicated playlist of videos I have done for the RC-500
Here it is, enjoy: th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html
Would you guys say the rc-500 is an OK tool for home use?
I like the idea of 3 foot switches, as opposed to the 2 on the 10R.
But I like the fills, in/out on the drums of the 10R.
Can't decide which is better for me.
I'm leaning toward the 500
I'm ready to come back when mine arrives 😂👌🏻
The first video on the internet that pays attention how to power up the Boss. Thanks
You are welcome 🙏
This was very helpful! The other tutorials I found on TH-cam are so rushed and hard to follow. They also use a guitar as an example which I don’t play so that’s not very helpful 🫤but your video was by far the best! You did it all step by step and not too fast. Thank you so much! 💛
Glad you enjoyed it!
Here’s the playlist of all the videos I’ve done for both the RC-5 and RC-500 so far: th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html&si=978NTH-yD0y6fbua
I also now have a FULL RC-500 course here: www.johnpaulmusic.co.uk/offers/2HokeXzM/checkout
Man , you make this thing look way too easy ! I was setting mine up tonight and someone managed to customize my pedals without a stop .. I made a test loop and couldn’t stop it for over 20 mins ! lol I pushed every single button I could , even double tapping them and holding them .. finally I just unplugged it ! After that fiasco I changed it and then couldn’t record on track 2 .. every time I switched to track 2 and tried to record it switched back to track 1 ... I think I finally got 75-% of it down but I’m done for the night . Tomorrow is a née day ! Thanks for your help JP.
Wow. Sounds like you are fighting with it.
Yes tomorrow is a new day.
Look back, learn and then move forward.
JohnPaul Music UK yes fighting with it is an understatement.. I tried setting it up with track 1, 2 being R, P, S, C but it is was just too complex for me .. so I went back to basics .. I can’t remember off the top of my head exactly but I made track 1 some variation of ( current , r, p, ) track 2 ( stop , clear current ) track 3 (select track) and then have the boss fs-6 set for tempo and start and stop rhythm but I’m already running into a snag .. if I save background vocals for a memory on track 1 and want to bring them in during the chorus and then stop them at the end of the chorus when I hit the stop button it’s stopping my rythym .. I don’t want that , I just want to be able to bring my saved vocals in and out during the chorus or ending without it effecting the rhythm then at the end of the song I will stop them .. what am I doing wrong ? I don’t think I could hit the undo button to take them in and out if they are saved . I’m trying to keep this looper setup as basic as possible.. I’m so used to rc30 and all these lights are throwing me off big time ..
Thank you for taking the time to produce this.
I would like to recommend two simple tips when instructing/teaching where yours, and most on TH-cam fail.
.
Never assume your audience has any prior knowledge of the item/subject area you are about to explain, nor take their lack of knowledge for granted. They have come to learn from you. Spinning and dictating jargon is never appropriate.
Speak slowly, clearly, with pauses. It's not a race to finish. If the content is too long for one session, split it into two or more.
The product you are describing is a highly detailed, sophisticated piece of technology that would have taken a multitude of man-hours, if not years to develop.
Some learners may not be as quick or able as you, or others, to grasp the correct operating procedures. Running so fast over such procedures with a lack of clarity is very poor teaching.
Many will have inadequate, insufficient, or no prior knowledge of recording/looping with such complex devices.
As a teacher, you have an obligation to understand, appreciate, and apply these principals.
I appreciate, from a teachers perspective the comments you have given and I fully take the constructive feedback onboard.
Here’s the playlist of all the videos I’ve done for both the RC-5 and RC-500 so far: th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html&si=978NTH-yD0y6fbua
I also now have a FULL RC-500 course to go from the very beginning to advanced setups here: www.johnpaulmusic.co.uk/offers/2HokeXzM/checkout
@@JohnPaulMusicUK You are very gracious, thank you. I am heartened you are not deterred by my austere remarks, I am both an educationalist and a musician.
I am awaiting delivery of the RC-500. A lot of people, myself included are most appreciative of your guidance. I will study the recommendations you have detailed.
Bought myself a Boss RC-500 and been watching your vids on it ..I would like to say thank you dude great vids simple to understand and will save me hours of smashing my head off the wall ..Your a don.
Awww very kind.
More than welcome. 👍🏻
Just bought waiting for delivery. I am an Ableton Live Guy since 2000. I use a PUSH .the idea of being able to use my RC-500 with LIVE would open all the doors. your videos are specific and succinct. thank you.
Hey 👋
You are welcome.
That’s quite a change from Ableton to hardware. Just remember not apply some Ableton principles to hardware looping. It is different but the fact of midi control might just bridge that gap. 👍🏻 interesting journey your taking.
Oh God! Henning's video on this pedal is the first suggestion...
Alright, I'll get one...
Excellent work, sir.
Answered a question I had.
Thank you very much
Welcome 🙏
This unit is complicated at first. Your way of describing, especially without instruments helped me to start to understand in the correct order. Thanks.
Glad I was able to help. 👍🏼
Have a look at all the other videos I’ve done for it (and the Rc-5 as it applies to the RC-500) here: th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html
Great stuff. Many thanks. My pedal arrives tomorrow. 😊
Hope you enjoy it!
Glad you enjoyed it! Here’s the playlist of all the videos I’ve done for both the RC-5 and RC-500 so far: th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html&si=978NTH-yD0y6fbua I also now have a FULL RC-500 course here: johnpaulmusicuk.mykajabi.com/boss-rc-500-course-page-1
I use the looper in single mode to go from verse to chorus. It was a real learning curve with this pedal, so maybe you could go over some of the setting to change to get that setup working right. I had trouble with the loops not changing at the right times, even tho it says to change at the loop end. I had to turn of the loop sync so that way when it changes from one to the other, the other loop will start at the beginning instead of in the middle if they’re looped. I also found that if you need more than two parts to a song and you need a third or fourth track for a bridge or an intro, you can use the controller to bank up to the next memory and it will transition seamlessly. There are some tricks tho, like if you want the drums on, in order for the drums to be on when you switch memories, you have to start the loop turn on the drums, then stop all and save the loop, so it was saved with the rhythm on. This also keeps external midi drums playing like a beat buddy.
That’s fantastic information and some great tricks in there.
I will certainly be taking this down and bringing it into a future video.
Thank you for the info. 👍🏻
Let us know how you get on David. 👍🏻
Men you tutorial is the best on TH-cam!!!
Merciii ! Great vidéo !
Exactement. Ce que tu parles à 5:08 !
C'est vrai que c'est beaucoup plus clair sur le Boss rc30. Ça peut faire peur en concert avec le rc500.
Merci beaucoup.
Le RC-500 est une énorme mise à niveau par rapport au RC-30 et je le recommanderais à tous ceux qui cherchent à améliorer la qualité de l'audio et des fonctionnalités. Cependant, Boss vient également d'annoncer le RC-600. Cela dépend donc de ce que vous avez besoin d'un looper.
Traduit en français avec google translate.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK d'accord merci beaucoup pour votre réponse🙂
Amazing review as always mate! Just placed my order on Amazon! So excited to get my hands(or feet) on it.. My good old rc20 is asking for retirement already and I need a new one soon because I'm now onboard working on a cruise ship! Stay safe mate! Cheers!
It’s a great upgrade but download the parameter guide as it give so much more info on how to set it up and also what’s setup be default.
Also binge watch my Playlist for your homework. 😆
th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html
Hi JP, how do I eliminate the fade-in fade-out effect on loop playback? Does noise suppression help with reducing the white noise caused by condenser mic?
Select the Track edit buttons (underneath the faders) and change the start and stop mode from fade to immediate.
Noise suppression will help with this, yes but be aware that too much will start to cut off the tail of voice and instruments.
Nice one JP. 🤜🏾🌟🤛🏾
Hi, JohnPaul, Great video explanation, thanks for this. I recently bought this looper and still have a burning question. Namely, the use of a backing track over which I want to use the looper in the middle and at the end of a song. The situation is as follows: The backing track consists of a 5-minute piano track. This entire track plays from beginning to end without interruption. This track is on Track 1 of the RC-500. After 3 minutes I have to play a guitar riff for 4 bars and then a wahwah riff for the next 4 bars. When playing the wahwah, the first riff must go on as a loop. So, +I want to record and loop the first riff, after which I can play the wah for the 2nd 4 bars. In the meantime, the piano backing track on track 1 should continue as usual. It must not stop. Everything must therefore take place on track without affecting track 1. Is this possible?"
Hi 👋
So the answer is yes. You have a few options but the main thing is to get the timing right for the backing and the 2ns track where you wahwah. It can be done but needs a bit of prep.
Plus there’s more than one way to do it.
Maybe a video for this would be useful?
How many extra buttons can you add? For example, can I add a 3 button box? Will the system recognize them? I was thinking of adding a box with 2 aux buttons, and one momentary switch (for loop fx)
Bro you’re the best. THANK YOU for teaching all of this! I can’t wait to get mine, so I can dive right in. 😎🙏🙏🙏
More than welcome 🙏
Grab my Pro Looping tips pdf here:
www.johnpaulmusic.co.uk/opt-in-0241b324-ca30-41b6-bdc3-1b2e4914e3c6
Great Video, much appreciated. What type of power supply (cioks, t rex etc) is compatible with this? Thanks again
I use the official Boss Power Adapter for it but there are alternatives out there. 👍🏼
Hey JP , what an excellent rundown of the rc500. I’m new to pedals and your videos have been extremely helpful
Welcome to the world of looping!
Here’s the playlist of everything I’ve done with the RC-5 and RC-500 so far for you to binge watch: th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html
If you're new to loop pedals, I also have a beginners course all about Mastering the Basics of Looping, currently with 25% off the course. Check it out here: www.johnpaulmusic.co.uk/offers/AZBUfDvw?coupon_code=STARTERKIT
Can you use the reverb on your tracks or just the drums?
The reverb on the RC 500 is just for drums.
Boss says to use their wall wart power supply. What if you want to power off a power supply such as a Strymon?
They always say that. As long as it’s the right power, you should be fine. 👌
Very impressive and thorough review! And also simple enough to grasp Good work.
Thank you.
Checkout the other work I have done with the RC-5 and RC-500 here: th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html
Does this have a fade out function footswitch assignable?
26.21 parallel/serial mode. Really thankful I knew this thing would have the capabillity of doing this just couldn't find the info in the manual thanks again
More than welcome 🙏
Thanks for the overview JohnPaul. Can you use a volume pedal to fade in a loop & fade out again?
Hey David. No worries.
Certainly can.
You can set an expression pedal as the volume control of the loops.. which means you can not only control a fade in / out but also the general volume of the loops as well, which is really useful in a live gig/pub environment. 👍🏻
You can use either/or, if you want expression and extra control at the same time, you can use the expression jack for the swell, and a midi controller for the other footswitches. Morningstar have good ones. I pre-ordered the Matthews Effects “the Futurist” should be helpful
Love the MorningStar range.
Looking into them. 👍🏻
Hi John, fantastic video. I have the RC 500 and am having trouble with the mic input level being too low. I'm using a Shure SM58. Can you recommend another microphone that will work better with the RC 500?
Hey Marc. There have been quite a few complains about the low mic input. One thing that helps is turning down the Noise Suppressor (NS).
Click the INPUT button underneath the mic dial and have and scroll across the MIC IN NS- It’s set at 50 but default. Setting this to 0 might help. Also the next one along there is INST IN NS too and work playing with.
Hope that helps a little but it is low imo and you have to really crank it up.
Helo JohnPaul Music Uk. That was the video where I was looking for. I want do also use my voice to make a melody rhitmic and danceable, by using the loopstation Boss RC 500. The tune of your singingvoice looks similar like my singingvoice. You are a good teacher. Congratulation.
Thank you and glad you liked the video.
Please have a look at my playlist for the RC-5 & 500.
Hope you find it useful th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thank for your answer. I will take a look to click the Link.
on the 500, can you save a loop to memory via one of the 3 stomp buttons on the box or an extension pedal? otherwise, its impossible to save a loop during a live performance
Thanks champ! This video was so helpful and saved me loads of time.
I wish you the best!
You are more than welcome 🙏
Go to my website and scroll to the bottom.
There is a PDF I have made all about looping tips for FREE for you to keep.
www.johnpaulmusic.co.uk
sunshine of my elevator love lol ,when your in single mode can you change the drums ?
You can change the drum parts with an external foot switch.
But you can also change memories whilst playing and it will be a completely different rhythm.
Thank you
Hi JP
Working my way through the RC500 and seeing if it’s possible to sync it to my beatbuddy mini 2 so the loop is in time with the drums.
Any help would be great
Thanks 👍
I know it can be done. I don’t own a BeatBuddy but check this out.
th-cam.com/video/KJa8bA7b_I4/w-d-xo.html
Excellent tutorial JP. I'm considering getting one of these to use with a new Yamaha THR30ii. I have never used a pedal of any sort. Is the RC 500 suitable for a beginner (a 66yr old :)) like me? Cheers...
Certainly! It’s very versatile and can be used for lots of things. Here is the playlist of all the videos I have done for the RC-5 and RC-500 for you to get a better idea of it’s capabilities - th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html
Hope it helps. 👍🏻
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thanks JP - I'll watch the other videos as well :)
If you select both tracks and then long press to erase, do both get erased? This is a problem that plagued the RC10-R and the Infinity looper. among others. If you are looping live for verse and chorus and need to change to another song or even record a third part coda/repeat, for example, it is unthinkable you would have to use your hands to erase both loops.
This is where an external pedal or changing one of the on board switches out come into play. 👍🏻
Is it possible to set up the footswitches on the RC-500 to trigger pre-recorded backing tracks (imported from a computer) without needing to link it to an external footswitch unitlime an FS-6?
Yes.. sort of.
So the way you would go about it, is changing the pedals to just play and stop. You would import your backing track, technically like a loop but change it to one shot and then once it’s played, it stops. 👍🏻
Have a look at this video about changing the RC-5 to a backing track machine - the idea is very similar and achievable on the RC-500 - th-cam.com/video/txztkFgg7wU/w-d-xo.html
Nice. So do you prefer this over the head rush looperboard?
Ooooohhhh now.
That’s not really a fair fight.
The RC-500 is £249 and a 2 track looper
The HeadRush Looperboard is £700 4 track looper with extensive effects...
however just cause it costs more doesn’t mean it’s always better.. or does it?
Hummmmmm
Hi John, Thank you for all your had work with explaining the RC-500 . I just had a couple of questions .When Load a Karaoke version guitar backing track into the memory via the Boss tone studio and then save it to a memory number . When I play it the volume is to high , I have tried to lower the volume with track edit but this does not edit it. What would you suggest ?
Also if I a have a Boss fS-6 Pedal and want to assign it to move the memory numbers up and down is the possible?
Thank you
Hi steve.. so when you are loading this in, this will become a loop.
what I would recommend is looking into getting yourself an expression pedal, like this one Expression Pedal I use : geni.us/Maudioexpressionpedal
(Affiliated link - Amazon)
Then assign this to the volume of the loops.
That way if it is too hot a volume in one venue than another you can adjust it directly at your feet.
Alternatively, drag the backing track into a DAW and adjust the output and resave it with a lower volume before you import it.. but you would have no control over it live.
Hope that helps.
Hi John, Awesome video. I was aiming for the Ditto X4 but because of the fail reports everywhere I am now looking for the Boss RC-500. One thing that the Ditto x4 can do is this: Record a loop, which is automatically assigned 4 bars. So for example, I can create a drum pattern. Then, on track 2, record any length, which might turn out 16 bars. (It will keep a multiple of four bars, so if I would record 17 bars, it will automatically run to 20 bars). And then while playing, automatically I have a 4 bar loop on track 1 and a 16 bar loop on track 2. Can the Boss RC-500 do that?
yes it does.
Yes you can do this. 👍🏻
Hi JohnPaul, just found this, I’m getting one of these for Christmas, I have a Fender practice amp the Mustang Lt25 which doesn’t have an fx loop, initially it’s for timing / practice but wondered what sort of amp I should be looking for in the future, for home use but who knows?, any advice greatly appreciated
Hi Steve. Sorry, only just seen this. Did you get one for Christmas? Hope so.
If you are just looping guitar then your normal amp will be fine. If you want to loop other things like vocals / keyboards etc, I would suggest getting a speaker that’s flatter like a PA speaker. It depends on how big you need it and if it needs to fill a room. I use Mackie speakers for my PA for when I gig live. I just like them and they have a great sound. Lots of companies now do small PA speakers for the home to get a decent sound. 👍🏻
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Hi JohnPaul yes I got one and enjoying using it but I’ve found that when I record something and try to use one of the fx on the amp it muddies everything on that loop, people on boss rc500 Facebook group have said things like i need a pa, an fx pedal in between, a preamp, I didn’t think I’d need to spend out on more equipment? As a beginner I don’t understand putting the rc500 in front of or behind the amp, how things are wired etc, I have emailed you awhile back Cheers Steve
Ahhh okay.
So that is a very good point.
What I would do is if your amp has built in effects that you want to loop, see if your amp has a ‘line out’ to go into the looper. Then you would need a PA speaker to go out to as the final destination.
If your effects are not inside the amp and are separate, then we just need to change the chain you have to get them into the looper.
Hope that makes sense. Drop me an email and I’ll get you a diagram to help you. 👍🏻
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thank you will do
Thanks for the video. Can you tell me if there is a esperate output for the drums or can you use one of the stereo outputs so you are not sending it to the guitar amp?
Hey 👋
So it’s the second option.
You can re-route the signals
Have a look at this video I made
th-cam.com/video/SCBU0A2Gwjw/w-d-xo.html
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thanks
Enjoy it. That looper can do SO MUCH!
Hi. Thanks for the great explanations. I loaded a backing track from my computer into the RC-500 (a whole song structure of 3 minutes) and now I want to play and record some loops onto that (on track 2). But when I start recording the RC-500 doesn't let me decide the loop length. As if I should loop during three minutes. Is there a way to record short loops on a longer backing track or this not a function? To play live, for me, this would be necessary in order to be able to play /loop some arrangements of the album. Thanks in advance!
Your a great teacher. Not just the video but your attention to the comments as well. One thing all mentioned is if you hold down the rotary button you can scroll through the settings much faster x10.
If I want to listen through stereo headphones do I need a Y adaptor?
I guess there is no global setting to adjust all the parameters on all the tracks at once. That's a bummer.
Do you find this unit goes through batteries quickly? I just bought some stronger batteries but still it seems to eat them up rather quickly.It should come with a power supply and better feet. That said it's the best looper I ever owned. The audio quality is Excellent and it is very versatile.
Hey DG 👋
So to answer your questions,
Headphones - Yes, a Y adapter would be what you need if you want to hear stereo.
Global Settings - There acually is a way to do that - go to Menu - Preference - and then you can change the preference from memory to system.
Batteries - yeah.. its really power hungry. I have a power supply with a 5 way splitter that I got which works great.
For the buttons, I would look at BareButtons to make them bigger and easier to trigger.
You might like this next video about external foot pedals. th-cam.com/video/Jy1g7GKb398/w-d-xo.html
or even this on about Midi control - th-cam.com/video/oBnMav-yXiY/w-d-xo.html
hope that helps and enjoy.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thanks John. I can buy a Y adapter. If it's just guitar on one track though it will still only output in Mono.
I'll have to check out that Global Setting- THANKS! Regarding batteries I solved that problem. They were pricey but I picked up an 8 pack of eneloop AA "PRO" 2550 mAh batteries. I have been playing over an hour and they are going strong- still showing 1.3 volts left in the tank!
Great tip on the Barefoot buttons.
I watched your videos. If I only bought one, should I pick up a FS-6, FS-7 or a Midi unit? Midi seems like the best- any good ones you can recommend that are less pricey than the MC8?
Oooh never seen the eneloop batteries before. Nice.
Fs-6 is good for foot spacing so you don’t miss hit a button.
FS-7 is good for actual space saving.
Midi pedals - there are absolutely loads out there but have a look at the Harley Benson MP-100. Not a bad price at under £100 and buttons are spaced out well. 👍🏻
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thanks. If space is not an issue, is the FS-6 better? Perform the same function an have power in (not just batteries?)
The FS-6 & FS-7 are exactly the same in functionality.
Hello. I’m having issues understanding something that should be pretty straightforward. I’m recording a whole backing track on track 1 and then I record on track 2 with loop backing track 1 playing back so I have a reference. The problem I’m having is that track 2 is out of sync by a lot with track 1 when I play them both back. They’re both in parallel setting
Hi. So the backing track is a loop? The looper understands time and converts that into a bpm. It cannot analyse a whole backing track and figure out the bpm. If there are silences in the beginning and end and it’s not a ‘loop’ then it will be out of sync.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK ok thanks for the reply. I guess I’ll have to record on a software my backing tracks then upload to RC500. Awesome video BTW!
Okay no worries.
You are more than welcome 🙏
Great video thanks. I’m stuck with not being able to figure out how to have track one playing while I record on track two, it just has the rhythm continuing. Any ideas what I’m not understanding?
just record onto track 1 as normal and then when you are ready, tap the 'track select' button to switch to track 2. this will change all the pedals to track 2, which will be blank but track 1 and the rhythm should continue to play. then you can start to record onto track 2.
if you hold track select down you are then controlling both tracks together.
pay attention to the flashing little LEDs under the volume faders, which ever one is flashing, that the one you are on.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK amazing thanks - I hadn’t been starting track one before hitting record on track 2. I’m thinking too much of how things worked on the RC30. I’m using the play count in to give me the time to get track 1 going and swap to track 2 to record. Thanks again
You’re welcome 👍🏻
can you save a loop to memory any other way than pushing those two buttons on the box? its impossible to do while performing live.
Great video! For me, not a technical guy much, I need to put in key parts from a Guitar pedal that does keyboard effect. Per song. And each song has verse and chorus. And name them all (song, verse, chorus) for a night live gig. I'm sure the RCX -500 can do this, but do you have specifc info? You can email me if you can. Thanks!
Hi Steven. Thanks for reaching out.
So the RC-500 can save each preset on the 99 memories. You can have it in ‘Single’ mode which is Verse / Chorus mode and you can name them all including which rhythm you want as well.
It’s pretty versatile and you can do a lot so I have made quite a few videos on the subject and here is the playlist about it to get your teeth into 👍🏻
th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html
What about the adaptor? It comes with batteries only???
It does. 4x AA.
Main reason I think is most people add it to a pedalboard which would have power but yeah, it’s an extra cost.
I have one already so wasn’t too fussed.
The videos are brilliant thanks. Don't know how it happened but my rc 500 is stuck with track 2 being the main track. How can I get it to track 1 being the main track?
I have a Midi foot controller, I should be able to use that to control the functions like if I had a function switch , only more of them, right?
Absolutely! You just need to know what the CC#’s are for the midi foot controller and then assign then. There are Soooo many options available which is great!
In fact I just did a #shorts video about this. th-cam.com/video/g1-3-73Y82o/w-d-xo.html
Hey JP! Here’s a technical question so I’m going to try to ask it correctly.. ok so if I want to save backup vocals to track 1 and a particular rhythm for that song into a memory in order to make my background vocals correctly I need to sing and play with the rhythm on so the vocals match the beat . Is there a way that I can play with the rhythm on and not record it to the track ? I want the rhythm saved to the memory slot but not on either track . My concern is , ok so I start the song with the rhythm playing .. I get to the chorus and go to bring in backup vocals and if that recorded with the Rythym playing it’s going to try to quantize with the rhythm that’s already playing and it will mess up where the vocals start ..hope that makes sense ! Thanks for the help ! Love this channel.. I learn something new every time I watch a video
Hey 👋
So.. I’m not entirely sure I follow you.
Let me see if I’ve managed to get what you mean.
You have a memory (let’s say memory 10/99) and on that memory you have rhythm track and 2 loops.
You want the rhythm track to come on and off but also to be in tile with what you have recorded?
Sounds like you need an external pedal or change one of the three main pedals to turn on/off rhythm.
A neat trick to make sure your in time is have a part of the breakdown where you stop everything and then can start everything.
For example. I have mine set with the FS-7 pedal that start/stop all is the bottom pedal and rhythm start/stop is the top pedal (or I switch this to undo/redo).
The rhythm is independent and can play without ever pressing record if you need it to.
Let me know if any of that has answered your question.
JohnPaul Music UK thanks so much for taking the time to explain .. ok I’ll be using the fs -6 pedal with my new rc-500.. I’m just setting it up finally today .. sorry about the confusion with the question. I love making cover videos and I use the looper to more or less create background chorus vocals and the rhythm . With the rc30 I couldn’t start and stop the rhythm with a foot pedal or save it to a memory so the only way for me to do it was to save a portion of the rhythm to track 1 and then add background vocals to 2 .. but it messed me up bc I’d start the rythym on track 1 to play during the song but then when I went to bring in the vocals on track 2 it would quantize with track 1 and start the vocals at the wrong spot .. the only way to stop this with the 30 was to double tap to stop then bring them back in and then screwed me up constantly.. with the new one I just want to save the rhythm to the memory , and not to the track 1, or 2.. I’ll leave those for backup vocals .. so I guess my question is if I have the rhythm playing while I record the background vocals to track 1 the drum is obviously going to record also bc it’s playing .. The only reason I’m leaving them on when I record to track 1 is to just make sure that I’m time but I don’t want them to record to track 1 lol .. I know it’s confusing what I’m saying sorry .. I want to just start the drums in the beginning of the song with the pedal and then bring the chorus vocals in and out .. if that track 1 also has drums on it then it will be a mess .. I just need the rhythm playing while I record the track 1 vocals for timing but is it possible that the looper doesn’t record the rhythm? Like you know how u can choose to not record vocals or just vocals with no guitar can I do that with the rhythm where I have it playing while I’m recording a track to stay in time but not recording ? I just want the rhythm saved to the preset ( memory) but not track 1 or 2... sorry man , I know I’m not great at explaining this .. I’m still new to this . Thanks for the patience!
So think of it this way.
You have track 1 and 2 and rhythm is separate. It’s nit recorded onto any of the 2 tracks- ans you can independently switch it on or off with either an additional pedal or changing one of the original pedals.
I have the rc-10R. Does this sync up the loop and the rhythm or do you have hit at the exact millisecond to have it stay on time throughout? I find that extremely difficult sometimes. It will be on time with the beat for a while but eventually slowly get off time. Thx!
Having trouble midi linking my BeatBuddy with the RC500, wanting to use the looper as master and the drum machine as slave.. Made up 2 different sets of trs to midi cables, type A, but no joy. Halo.
That’s a bummer!
I wonder what’s stopping it 🤔
When you say you ‘made up’ did you wire them yourself? Would check that maybe on another device to know they are working properly to rule out the cables.
Maybe it’s down to management.
Have you tried out the other way where the beat buddy is in control of the bpm/time and the rc500 is following?
Hi John and thank you for your videos! I'm not sure if my previous comment saved as I was on my work laptop.
I'm a solo artist, and want to use the RC500 as a drum machine (whole song), and to record a verse loop to solo over during a song. I cant seem to be able to rec a loop, stop and play it to solo over, whilst having the drums continuing for the whole song. Even with a switch assigned to just rhythm play/stop. The stop loop switch turns off the drums as well.
Is there any way to do this? Any help much appreciated!!
Does the Boss RC 500 British (amazon) at $245 differ from the "domestic" at $415?
oh wow! I didnt know there was such a difference.
no its the same unit.. but you will have to get it shipped and then you might get an inport tax depending on where you are. figure out the conversion rate and have a look.
Hello John Paul. I really think it's helpfull to watch your videos. This weekend I bought my RC 500. But now I have a question. I think it's really a small thing maybe I don't get right. I only get a sound signal from my microphone when I record my loop. If I speak into the microphone (without recording) I can't hear it out on the speakers. Can you help me with that?
And how can I connect my audio-set with mixing console on my Boss RC 500? I want to use it for performing in stereo/reverb and so on. So not only the Mono sound of the loopstation.
I hope you can help me with my questions. Thanks a lot !
Hey 👋
Looks like you have the output switched off.
Go to INPUT button and scroll to Mic in. Should be on A&B as default but you might have set it to off.
And yes you can connect a mixer to the looper. 👍🏻
Also, here is the playlist of all the RC-5 and RC-500 videos i have done so far: th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html
Hope that helps. 👍🏻
One question, can all memories be programmed for verse/chorus in one go?
Hey Richie - so from the unit I’m afraid it’s a no, you’ll have to do it for each memory - however you could write patch 1 and then just click to write again and save to memory 2 then 3 etc if you want all that patches the same.
Unsure if you can bulk do this with the Tone Studio via a computer.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK OK thanks for the reply. I have one of these and am loving it so far.
Thanks for this great review. Can the RC500 do a drum outro?
Unfortunately not although it has a few different stop options. Have a look at page 6 of the parameter guide.
static.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/RC-500_Parameter_eng01_W.pdf
Is there a way of getting the overdub to start from the beginning every time the redo button is pressed no matter where you are on the loop?
Not very often I have to dive back into the parameter guide but this question had me scratching my head. 😂
So unfortunately no, the only way is to do replace instead of traditional overdubs but this would replace what you have recorded.. not overdub on the original.
Sorry to confuse you. 😅. Thanks
Can i connect a condenser microphone to the input of rc-500? does it have a 48V?
yes you can.
Can that looper be powered by my Strymon Zuma power pedal board power supply?
It I don’t see why not. Looking at 9v and I have used the Boss Adapter and Daisy chained off it so should be able to. Just watch out if you are using phantom power.
Hi, can you put songs from a computer in to this looper ? If so, how is that done ? Thanks
Hi Michael.
Yes you can and here’s how: th-cam.com/video/pBUyIajS_BY/w-d-xo.html
Thanks for all this. This is like lesrning a new instrument! Any idea how to change pedal 2 (stop) to double tap to make it stop all? Also, I noticed that when i am overdubbing and want to switch tracks, i jave to stop the recording before switching. Is there a way to set it that it automatically stops the overdubbing when switching tracks?
Does it have effects on vocals too? Like reverb? Echo? And can you put reverb on a Guitar Input too?
It has what are called ‘loop fx’ which only go onto the loops themselves - the reverb is only for the Rhythm section.
I would recommend marrying it with something like the TC-Helicon range of effects processors if you are looking at vocal effects which something like the Voiclive range also has guitar fx built in taken from their sister company tc-electronics. 👍🏻
Hey JohnPaul, I’m following up my question from an hour ago with another. This one may be more phrased more effectively. If I want to record a short phrase on track 1, then record a longer phrase on track 2, what settings do I need to have in place? I would rather not have to specify a number of measures for track 2, though I know I can. I know that AUTO will make track 2 the same length as track 1. I thought I should be using FREE on track 2, but that leaves me with a timing gap after I am finished. I also don’t know what it means when I get a flashing red light on the REC/PLAY button after I press it, with the intent to stop recording and go into play mode. I’m pretty sure this relates to the timing gap I mentioned just a moment ago, but I can’t figure out how.
Hey adam. So yes the flashing red light is the brain of it trying to ‘fill’ the gap with air or no audio whilst the 2nd track plays out.
I would have Auto on both and it SHOULD allow you to have derivatives of 1 bar loop 2,4,8,16 or 3,6,12 etc as long as you time it right (normally just before bar 1 beat 1).
Your videos are amazing! Such a great teacher. I have a question: When I switch between saved loops, it seems like it starts up at mid-volume no matter where the volume sliders are on the tracks. Is there a way to change this so I can fade in on saved loops? I feel like I'm missing something basic here...
Oh that’s sounds a bit weird.
Yes you can go into the individual track volume for each.
Press the button under the fader for each track and it should show you what it’s saved as within that menu.
Hi John, just brought this loop pedal but I’m finding it hard to clear all overdubs without clearing the first recorded layer? I have 2 percussion tracks but want some overdubbing in one part of the song then I want to revert back to the 2 percussive tracks. Is there a way away this? Thanks. ps sorry if you already mentioned it.
You can only undo the last recording on each track. So either try to do all your overdubs in one ‘take/recording’ and then you can undo that to revert. Or separate them so the 2 percussive tracks are actually on track one and the other ‘overdubs’ are on track 2. You could undo the 2nd percussive on track one if you needed to and then all your overdubs are separate to switch on/off.
Hope that way round would help?
Yeah, worked it out now.
Where do you put the looper in your pedal chain? Let’s say you have 3 or 4 guitar effects and a TC harmony for vocals?
For me it’s at the very end.
Unless you want an overall effect on the output of the looper. The RC-5 and RC-500 have reverb but only for the rhythm, not the loops.
I only have a TC-Helicon Voicelive Play Acoustic to plug in so it has effects that are for the vocal and guitar.
So my looper is at the end. But it’s different for everyone.
Hi there I once owned a RC3 which are amazing and used to have a whole set saved in it which was great. Any way I digress that pedal had a trigger setting for recording which was absolutely brilliant can I set the RC 500 to do this I can’t find it anywhere thanks
Hey Jeremy.
Trigger as in record when it heard a sound? Yes it does.
Press MEMORY button and scroll along until you find REC, then click that and these are all the record settings. Find AUTO REC and turn it on (off by default) then the next setting is Auto Record SENS which means sensitivity and you can play around and set that how you like. 👍🏻
Hope that helps.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK yes that’s exactly it recorded when sound signal was heard. Once again I am in debt to you forever great full thanks for your time
Thanks again for the auto recording tip it works a treat 👍
For someone who wants room to grow in looping multiple instruments is the 505 a no brainer over this? I don't mind desktop operation.
It’s a great shout.
Have a look as Boss have announced the 505 MKii with multiple inputs and more outputs. Very tempting.
You can still add a foot pedal onto it but it’s very very versatile as the beat boxers have shown due to being able to add both track FX and main FX.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK ok silly question, what do you mean by shout? Hahah
Ahhh. Sorry.
Local liguistics hehe.
I mean that’s a great option / thought.
I'm new to this, I have 2 questions, can I plug my electronic drums and loop, and/or record and store them in the blank slot.
Also can I plug my midi keyboard to it and trigger the options as well?
Thank you for this review/demonstration.
Hey Cedric 👋
So yes and yes.
You will be able to plug in electronic drums and loop them and then save that to one of the 99 memory’s.
Then also you can plug in midi and control it with midi signals. You’ll need midi to Mini TRS but yeah.
Ask any more questions you have.
Happy to help. 👍🏻
Great Instruction videos. I am having an issue with downloading Tracks from BOSS Tone Studio into my RC-500. The unit connects properly and I can do everything (Play, Stop Delete and Import WAV) except download tracks. I get a message "Download Failed". Help, please if you can. Thanks
Hey. are we talking about the usable tracks from Boss? thats weird. should be able to download to your computer and then use them on a memory.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Yes, The Tracks from BOSS Tone Studio. Actually, a week or so ago, I was able to download 13 tracks. Since then when trying to add some more tracks: "Download Failed". All other functions work with BTS. I've tried different USB cables and even another computer.
So, actually I've been fiddling around with it a little more... I seem to understand that the track edit, memory and rhythm section settings are per memory, while the general settings can be set to the whole system or per memory... My biggest question is: if I change the general settings to - per memory, does that mean the factory settings are still the default for each memory slot until I edit them?
Hello again Peter.
I’m so happy you have these questions as you are discovering the features of the unit.
The answer is yes. If you change to “per memory” then it will be exactly that. 👍🏻
Please do not hesitate to ask any questions,
Everyone learns from it. 👍🏻
Thank you for the informative video. I've used simple loopers for years (boomerang) but this is my first really sophisticated one so it will take me a while to figure out how to do many things. One starting question though.... I'm a bit confused with the concept that settings can be saved by memory setting or for the whole system.... Does this apply to all settings or only certain types (I know you talked a lot about this but I"m a little overwhelmed with information right now and being new to this type of looper maybe I miss some basic info you take for granted).
Hey Peter. It’s amazing what this little box can do and it can be quite overwhelming.
You can save per memory: loops, the rhythm, the drum kit used, button settings, midi settings.
You need to download the parameter guide as it’s the best way to get to grips with it: www.boss.info/uk/support/by_product/rc-500/owners_manuals/
Great video! Can you input 2 mics and a guitar?
The way round that would be to have mic 1 in the XLR input, mic 2 in the Jack input 1 (L) and guitar in Jack input 2 (R). Then you would need to look at the routing.
Have a look at this video - th-cam.com/video/SCBU0A2Gwjw/w-d-xo.html
Thank you JP! I'll give it a try.
What wouldt be the best method to use the RC500 with the boss katana MKII 100? How to setup? Thanks in advance!
So the best way to do this is to utilise the FX loop on the Katana.
1) plug your guitar into the Katana input.
2) take a jack lead and plug the SEND of the effects loop into the RC-500
3) take the out put of the RC-500 and plug it into the RETURN on the Katana.
This way you can use your guitar effects and they won’t effect the loop after you change the setting. 👍🏼
Hope that helps.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK So as I understand the routing, guitar to input Katana amp / TRS cable to instr Input A boss RC 500 to send Katana amp / Trs cable from output A to effects return loop katana amp?
Thank you so much!!
🤘🎸
Thanks for the review. One Question: What happens if I recorded a loop and want to do a overdub thats twice the lenght. Is that possible?
Hey. You would either have to use track 2 for the double length or record the original loop at double the length.
Hey JohnPaul Music UK do you know if its possible to adjust the volume on the drum tracks?
It certainly is. 👍🏻
Have a look at the video here where we go into the Rhythm section in it’s entirety. 👍🏻
th-cam.com/video/BunZH2Vnbno/w-d-xo.html
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thanks man!!
Welcome 🙏
Most helpful tutorial!
Thankx
GerBard
You’re more than welcome GerBard 🙏
Here’s the full playlist of all the other videos to get you binge watching. 😊
th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html
i just bought the RC500 and noticed an immediate problem. when i record a loop in either track and alter the tempo even slightly, it cause the loop soung to distort as a warble.
i've updated the system version to 1.02 and turned off all loop FX, still the same problem. i've contacted Boss and waiting for an answer. do i have a defective unit or is this a product design defect?
Happy new year just bought this product I want to learn how to use it fast !!
Happy New Year 🎆
New video after this one to get your teeth into - th-cam.com/video/BunZH2Vnbno/w-d-xo.html
JohnPaul Music UK I have never used a looper before have I done well to go for something like that ?or I have should have bought a simple single cheaper looper ?
I think you have done well.
If you had gone for a simple looper, you might have reached the limitations of it quickly and therefore got bored with it (as a lot of people do). Cause you have one with LOTS of possibilities, I would look at it as an investment into your performing. Just work backwards with a song. Look at its structure and break it up. Just cause it CAN be looped.. doesn’t always mean it should.
Hope what makes sense?
@@JohnPaulMusicUK thanks you sir you made my day keep us updated with your beautiful videos match appreciate it
That’s really nice of you to say.
Thank you 🙏 more on the way
Hi John thanks for the Tutorial! On the 30 and the 300 you could tap in the songs tempo prerecording the first loop by tapping the stop (right pedal). I can’t seem to find a way to do this stock. I am either missing it, or it’s a setting to turn on somewhere... any ideas? Thanks
Hello Matt. It’s a setting and isn’t something that is set up straight away. The best way you can do this is by assigning a external foot pedal or reassigning one of the three pedals on the RC 500.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thanks! I got a FS-6 footswitch. But im regretting the decision. I already need more buttons haha. I'm keeping the actual normal buttons as stock. But I want tap tempo, variation change and rhythm on off. Should have got a midi pedal. Dang. One odd thing I did notice though. Is the options for the "Ctrl" pedal 1 and 2, do not have the option to control variation change. But I got around this by turning the ctrl pedals off. Then going into assign like you said, and there was variation change there. Odd that the pedal can do it in one menu, but not the other.... thanks again though for the help!
Get googling a good midi pedal. There are a few out there with one midi cable you can have loads of pedals.
That sounds like your answer. 👍🏻
You can assign the stop pedal to also be a tap tempo while the loop is stopped. This can be troublesome tho, cuz if you hit stop, and accidentally hit it again, it will change the tempo of the loop, and that could ruin your loop if it isnt saved.
My answer would be a Morningstar MC6 or MC8 - those things are amazing and can even trigger multiple midi switches with one pedal.
Great video.
If anyone could help me. How should I connect RC500 with my Boss GT1 guitar processor and then to the stereo PA mixer? What cables should I use? ( balanced or unbalanced)
Thank you in advance:)
I'm a completely novice with these things
Kind regards
Another question, JohnPaul, this time about battery life. I think I’ve heard that the unit will last around 1.5 hours on a set of batteries. What is your experience? I’ve just read in the manual that battery life can be improved by reducing the screen brightness/contrast. Do you do this, how does it work, and what’s the best battery life you’ve been able to eek out of the unit? I picked up a couple sets of Duracell Alkaline rechargeables and a charger, but haven’t gone gigging with them yet.
Hey Adam 👋
So I burnt through a couple of batteries and then just got my boss PSA and stick with that now. Have got around 3.5hrs (including standing by) with Varta batteries. If busking or not near a power supply, then that’s what I would do but try and get rechargeable with a high output.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Good to know about the 3.5 hours. I can live with that and rechargeables. I’ll see what the output is on the Duracells. Thx!!!
No worries buddy 👍🏻
Battery life is disappointing compared to the RC-30 for a busker. I put new Energizer Max batteries in about 2 hours ago and it is already giving me a Low Battery warning. Bought it today , looking at tutorials.... only did a minute of recording, whats goin on ?
My RC 30 does loads of 3 hour busking sessions , I would say around 12 hours between battery changes.
I always use Varta batteries - don’t know if they have more mAh in or what but they always seem to last the longest.
Yeah it is a lot shorter than the RC-30. Think it must be the processor or the higher 32bit rate.
I haven’t busker either mine yet (lockdown) but will be doing some tests when I’m allowed to. 👍🏻
Hi JP! Love your channel! I'm wondering if you could do a video on synching the RC500 to a DAW through midi?
Hi Michael - thanks 🙏
What a great idea! It’s on the roadmap - sit tight, hit the notification bell and then you’ll know when it goes live. 👍🏻
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Done long since hit d bell!
My RC-500 has a longish (5 seconds or so) delay AFTER I hit STOP. I notice this behavior even more on longer loops. At first I think I missed the button or the looper is broken, but several seconds later, it finally stops. This really throws me off. Especially because the Drums/Rhythm keeps going. To be usable, it needs to STOP immediately.
I have about 10 other memories saved. Is it a buffer/memory issue? Do I need to update firmware? I have done resets in the past. I have it plugged into a 300ma supply. Do I need to upgrade the PSU? Otherwise I really love the Looper. Has anyone else experienced this and found a fix? If my loop is very short, say 5 seconds, it STOPS immediately. Any help or insights would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks all!
Certainly update the firmware now!
V1.3 - th-cam.com/video/vJhTVoqEkzo/w-d-xo.htmlsi=9aH4-QESKxcnHj4A
So my main question. (You may have answered and I missed it)... Can you play one chord progression on loop one, and another on loop two? And play them individually. Trying to mash up two songs with the same chords separated by solos with one guitar.
Yes. You put the looper into single mode and you can do just that. 😊 👍🏻
This might be helpful - th-cam.com/video/rWjM9cn9IRM/w-d-xo.html
Thx great video👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
Here’s the playlist of all the videos I’ve done for both the RC-5 and RC-500 so far: th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html&si=978NTH-yD0y6fbua
I also now have a FULL RC-500 course here: www.johnpaulmusic.co.uk/offers/2HokeXzM/checkout
Can the rc 500 transmit drum pattern data via midi to a DWS
Yes it can transmit the drum info via midi. 👍🏼
Is that a Sennheiser 431? Great video! I'm about to unbox my RC500, and you’ve made it less daunting!
Hey Michael.
It looks like one doesn’t it.
It’s actually a Fifine K8.
It’s what I use for live gigs in pubs now cause it’s super cheap!!
Did a review of it here: th-cam.com/video/ov4TDXv3_Es/w-d-xo.html
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thanks!
Hey Jp.. going on week 2 with the new rc 500 and I’m absolutely hating it so far . The rythym section is messing me up bad .. I’m using an fs-6 foot switch to control the rythym stop and start and tempo .. if I have a loop playing and bring in a rythym it distorts all the vocals and slows them down like some strange effect is on .. what is that all about ? .. I have all the effects set to off .. I only want the drums to come on and off when I hit the foot switch .. if I stop the drums with the fs6 as soon as I hit the record button again the drums start and I don’t want that ... I want to use this thing as basic as possible.. I want to record backup vocals on track 1 to bring in and out and I want to be able to save the rythym for that particular song .. I want to start the rythym at the beginning of the song let it play throughout and bring the saved vocals in and out during the chorus .. at the end of the song I want to hit rhythm stop and that’s it .. I can’t for the life of me figure out what I’m doing wrong
Can you Please forward me info on how to schedule a FaceTime session with you ? I know it costs money and that’s fine , I just know if I don’t figure this out soon Im not going to use it and I’m going to end up returning it .. i just can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong
Watch my very latest video and the following one that is coming out later today.
Then if you are still having issues, please book a FaceTime call here: www.buymeacoffee.com/Johnpaulmusicuk/e/133
We’ll sort something out.
4:40 into my latest video is your answer. This link should take you right to that section - th-cam.com/video/sBovcjfWgQ4/w-d-xo.html
Ok thanks so much .. so I figured out a few things I was doing wrong .. when I switched the loop effects off I never saved it to memory ..I did the same thing for the drum beat .. I changed the volume level but never hit save so it just kept going back to full volume .. in the beginning I set my pedal functions to system so I thought that meant everything that I saved would be saved all across the board .. so if I’m understanding it correctly now the only things that are system are my pedal functions .. all the memories have to be done individually for every single memory .. so for every memory I have to go in and turn the loop effects off and save it and also set my drum level and save that ? There’s no way to save those things as system pre sets right? Thanks again JP.. I think I’m still going to set up a FaceTime with you . I think that would help me tremendously
Can it do different signatures like 3/4 or 5/4? Also, can you record two different loop lengths and play them together?
yes and yes.. there are lots of different time signatures and yes you can have 2 loops at different lengths and be in sync with one another.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK this is awesome! Thank you.
Thanks 🙏 here’s every video I’ve done on both the rc-5 and rc-500 so far. Let me know if I’ve missed anything.
th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html
Hi, great review thank you! I just purchased this pedal and I’ve been reading in the manual that the input indicator light below the mic level should flash green if it’s low, Orange if it’s suitable and red if it’s high, however mine only ever shows green like yours no matter how high the gain for guitar or mic is. Any ideas? Thanks so much, and hello from NZ! ☺️
hi 👋
so.. I figured this out and there is a build in suppressor on the input. click the input button and scroll through until you see Mic In NS & Inst In NS. it’s normally set to 50/100. turn it down to 0 and see how you do.
sorry it’s taken me a while to respond. Only just figured it out. hope it works for you.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK that’s awesome! Thanks so much for figuring it out! 🙏😊
No worries. 👍🏻
Daft question. How do i turn down the drum volume? Seems too loud
Hey 👋
Not a daft question as it’s not obvious.
Fastest way is long press the rhythm ON/OFF button (more than 2 secs) and you can access the Rhythm’s menu there and volume is the first one. 👍🏻
Remember to write it to the memory otherwise it will return to default.
Also have a look at this video - it will help you. 👍🏻 th-cam.com/video/BunZH2Vnbno/w-d-xo.html
Thank you
Hi John
Can Rc 500 recognize the tempo when you record first loop?
Like in the start of the song if you record 1 bar of rythm witha a guitar chord, can Rc500 set the tempo by itself
Thank you
The RC-500 can indeed recognize the tempo when you record the first loop! It's a handy feature for getting your timing just right.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thank you very much ,sir.
Do you have tutorial how to do it on some of your videos maybe ?
Hi JP I find the input levels on the rc500 very weak , I just purchased a tc helicon play acoustic to replace my boss ve8. I love your videos but try as I might nothing ever seems to work lol , I have seen suggestions that you can set mic level to 200 and guitar level to 25 but I’ve been through the manual and can find no such setting. Also bought the mc8 after watching one of your videos . Completely paralysed by tech at the minute .
Can the drum loops be swapped out for your own?
No, the drums are internally programmed and cannot be swapped out but they are editable into their separate 4 parts and all have an A&B variation.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thanks for the reply. Must be more to it than I think. Seems though that they are missing an opportunity to make these pedals with grooves a bit more tailored to the user. Would love to replace the grooves with a heap of cajon and percussion loops for simple acoustic work.
There are cajon and percussion loops in there but I realise they are basic.
You could always load a sample up into one of the tracks as a base and just opt out of using the built in stuff.
Here’s the video on how to load loops and samples into an RC-5/500 using RC Tone Studio - th-cam.com/video/pBUyIajS_BY/w-d-xo.html
How do you save the title of your loop? I can put the name in but can't seem to save it. Thanks Dan
Once you have put the name in, write it like you are saving a memory. Click exit & Enter together and confirm. 👍🏻
Thanks for clear explanation, appreciated
Glad it was helpful! Glad you enjoyed it!
Here’s the playlist of all the videos I’ve done for both the RC-5 and RC-500 so far: th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html&si=978NTH-yD0y6fbua
I’m also making a FULL RC-500 course and you can get 15% off atm whilst I build it here: www.johnpaulmusic.co.uk/offers/2HokeXzM/checkout?coupon_code=RC50015
Glad it was helpful! Glad you enjoyed it!
Here’s the playlist of all the videos I’ve done for both the RC-5 and RC-500 so far: th-cam.com/play/PLO36LpORUSaa2hQEKtoW-FyuhOBCwlfRs.html&si=978NTH-yD0y6fbua
I’m also making a FULL RC-500 course and you can get 15% off atm whilst I build it here: www.johnpaulmusic.co.uk/offers/2HokeXzM/checkout?coupon_code=RC50015