Boss RC-505 User Manual

* This device contains demo data (Phrase Memory 95–99).
Once you delete these, they cannot be recovered. Please back them up as described in “Backing up to your computer” (p. 27).
* The power to this unit will be turned o automatically after a predetermined amount of time has passed since it was last used for
playing music, or its buttons or controls were operated (Auto O function).
If you do not want the power to be turned o automatically, change the system setting “Auto O” (p. 22) to “OFF” as described on “Basic
Procedure for Editing the Settings” (p. 5).
• Any settings that you are in the process of editing will be lost when the power is turned o. If you have any settings that you want to keep,
you should save them beforehand.
• To restore power, turn the power on again (p. 7).
Main Features
The RC-505 is a live performance tool that lets you record your vocal or guitar performance and then play it back instantly.
You can maximize your live performance potential by layering sounds in real time.
• Combine ve loop tracks for a variety of expressive possibilities.
• Input FX are provided for recording, letting you use eects such as robot voice or vocoder to make your phrase loops
even more diverse.
• Track FX are provided for the playback tracks, letting you enhance and develop your live performances by applying
eects that simulate changing the rotational speed of a turntable or the “stuttering” created by repeated notes on a
sampler.
• Combine previously-recorded phrase loops with realtime recording to make your performances even more exciting. You
can also import WAV les from your computer to use as phrase loops.
• Use the RC-505 in conjunction with other MIDI equipment for an even broader range of live performance possibilities.
Owner’s Manual
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (p. 33; p. 34). These
sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured
that you have gained a good grasp of every feature of your new unit, read Owner’s Manual in its entirety. This manual should
be saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.
Copyright © 2013 BOSS CORPORATION
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of BOSS
CORPORATION.
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Boss RC-505 Specifications

General

Type	Loop Station
Number of Tracks	5
Sampling Frequency	44.1 kHz
Power Supply	AC adaptor
AD/DA Conversion	24 bits
Recording Time	Approx. 3 hours per track
Memory	99
Connectors	MIDI (In, Out)
Dimensions	420 x 210 x 68 mm (16-9/16 x 8-5/16 x 2-11/16 inches)
Effects	Reverb, Delay, Phaser, Flanger, Pitch Shifter, Distortion

Summary

Main Features

Overview of the RC-505

Understanding Tracks and Phrase Memories

Explains the RC-505's five tracks and their role in phrase memories.

What is a Rhythm?

Details the function of the rhythm feature and its integration with recording.

Input FX and Track FX Explained

Describes how effects are applied to audio input and tracks.

Understanding System Settings

Covers settings affecting the entire RC-505, like display and auto-off.

RC-505 Basic Operation Guide

Basic Procedure for Editing Settings

Step-by-step guide for adjusting various settings on the RC-505.

Adjusting Input Level

Guides on setting the input audio level for microphones, instruments, and auxiliary devices.

Powering the Unit On and Off

Provides instructions for safely turning the RC-505 on and off.

Example Loop Recording Process

Demonstrates a basic loop recording process using vocal percussion.

Recording on Tracks

Explains how to record sounds onto one or multiple tracks.

Managing Phrase Memories

Covers saving, copying, and loading phrase memories and user settings.

Track 1-5 Settings

Playing a Track Backward (Reverse)

Specifies conventional or reverse playback for a track.

Adjusting Track Playback Level (Play Level)

Adjusts the playback level of individual tracks.

Specifying How a Track Will Play (One-Shot)

Determines if a track plays once or loops conventionally.

Specifying Track Playback Behavior (Start/Stop Mode)

Configures how tracks start (fade-in/immediate) and stop (immediate/fade-out/loop end).

Aligning Loop Playback (Loop Sync)

Synchronizes the start of loop playback across multiple tracks.

Synchronizing Track Tempo (Tempo Sync)

Controls whether tracks play at the phrase memory tempo or their original recorded tempo.

Phrase Memory Settings

Adjusting Phrase Memory Volume and Tempo

Sets the overall volume and tempo for a phrase memory.

Adjusting Compressor and Reverb Depth

Controls the depth of the compressor and reverb effects.

Setting Overdub Method and Rec Action

Configures overdub methods and the recording/overdub/playback sequence.

Specifying Single Play Change Behavior

Defines how tracks switch when in single play mode.

Rhythm Settings

Adjusting Rhythm Volume and Pattern

Sets the volume and selects the rhythm pattern.

Selecting Rhythm Beat (Time Signature)

Chooses the time signature for the rhythm sound.

Outputting Rhythm to Headphones

Controls whether the rhythm sound is output to line outputs or only headphones.

Count-In for Recording and Playback

Configures count-in sounds before recording or playback starts.

Specifying Rhythm Stop Behavior

Determines how the rhythm sound stops.

Input FX/Track FX Settings

Selecting FX Types

Lists and describes available effect types for input and tracks.

Adjusting FX Parameters

Details parameters for various effects, including filter, EQ, delay, and more.

System Settings

Adjusting Display Brightness and Play Screen

Configures LCD contrast and the initial display screen.

Loop Indicator and Auto Off Settings

Customizes loop indicator behavior and the auto power-off function.

Adjusting Output Level and USB Mode

Controls line output levels and USB connection modes.

Restoring Factory Settings

Resets system settings and phrase memories to factory defaults.

Connecting to Your Computer via USB

USB Mass Storage and Audio/MIDI Functions

Explains using USB for file transfer and computer audio/MIDI.

Installing the USB Driver

Guides on installing the necessary driver for USB functionality.

Setting USB Mode

Configures the RC-505's operation mode when connected via USB.

Exchanging Files via USB

Details backing up and loading WAV files using USB mass storage.

Connecting an External MIDI Device

MIDI Basics and Connectors

Introduces MIDI and its connector types for electronic instruments.

Controlling External MIDI Devices from RC-505

Explains how the RC-505 can transmit tempo, program change, and control change messages.

Controlling RC-505 from External MIDI Device

Describes how external MIDI devices can control the RC-505's tempo and phrase memories.

Connecting Two RC-505 Units

Details how to synchronize two RC-505 units using MIDI.

Troubleshooting

Resolving Sound and Volume Issues

Addresses problems like no sound, low volume, or incorrect output level.

Addressing Operation and Playback Issues

Solves issues with phrase memory switching, recording stops, and tempo changes.

Handling MIDI and USB Communication Problems

Troubleshoots MIDI transmission and USB computer connectivity problems.

Error Message List

Explains error messages and provides actions to resolve them.

Using the Unit Safely

General Safety Warnings and Precautions

Important safety instructions to prevent fire, shock, or injury.

Precautions for Handling and Environment

Guidelines on ventilation, handling AC adaptors, and location of use.

Important Notes

Power Supply and Placement Considerations

Advice on electrical connections, placement, and potential interference.

Repairs, Data Backup, and Maintenance

Procedures for repairs, data management, and unit cleaning.

Specifications