Extended parameters added to previous effects, including dotted and triplet note values for tempo syncing

In terms of build, the RC 600 feels far more solid than the RC 505 MK2. While the RC 600 is made out of plastic, the 505 MK2 is made out of plastic. However, this does mean that the 505 is the lightest of the two by quite a stretch! The RC-505 MkII may exude a jolly Christmas tree vibe but it is a formidable powerhouse of looping and layering with enough functionality and flexibility to grow with dedicated users. It can be used for a large range of performance, composition and experimentation tasks and benefits from an easy to use control set that draws users in. This is a professional tool that can inspire creativity as easily as it can capture it. There is a lot on offer for the kind of sensible price one expects from Boss.Both the RC 505 Mk2 & the RC 600 have the same internal brain. The easiest way to think of them is like 2 separate controllers which make use of the same looping and effects engine. DJ PRO-ZEIKO performs with the HandSonic HPD-20, RC-505, A-800PRO, and SP-555, while graffiti sprayer and airbrush artist Jan-Malte Strijek creates a mural. And yes, it’s not perfect. It’s slightly heavier than the MK1 and boast the same in terms of phase memory. However, that doesn’t stop it from being the best tabletop loop station you can get your hands on. Consider that the MK1 was pretty much the market leader in this segment anyway, and yep – the MK2 has (if you ask us) stolen the crown. However, notice we said the best ‘tabletop’ looper. The screen on the RC 505 MK2 looper is also far easier to control. There’s 4 knobs to do so under the screen, opposed to the single knob you got with the original. The transport controls are so much more intuitive! As you’d expect with a new loop station, the RC 505 MK2 loop station comes with a whole bunch of new rhythms & effects. More on these later…

While the first model featured two ‘proper knobs’ for microphone and instrument levels, these functions are now found in menus and under encoder control. It’s not an ideal swap but is understandable, given there are now a total of six inputs — two for XLR microphones (with phantom power), plus two pairs of inputs for synths, mixer sends, and so on. On stage these might even eliminate the need for a mixer. In general, the I/O really delivers — joining the main stereo and phones outputs are two assignable stereo subs. EQ is provided for inputs and outputs, with a compressor available to each microphone. If that isn’t enough, an optional final glue in the form of a master reverb and compressor can be assigned to the main or either sub output.It’s a loop station that (we think) improves on a winning formula. Call it the rightful successor to the original, which when it was released over 8 years ago, made the art of looping so much more accessible. In which case, with the RC 505 now receiving its long awaited facelift – what’s changed? In terms of sound bankage, the RC 600 comes out on top. While the RC 505 has 10 assignable buttons, each with 2 sound banks. The RC 600 features 9 foot switches, each of which boast 3 sound banks, making it 7 banks up & arguable the more custom of the two. As well as a substantial upgrade to the sound quality, Boss has also armed the RC-505MKII with more audio inputs, audio outputs and more External footswitch/Expression options. Learn from artists in the global Swissbeatbox community as they showcase the powerful features and functionality of the BOSS RC-505mkII. Read more… BOSS RC-505mkII Loop Station: The Next Generation

You get no shortage of assignable switches with the MK2. There’s 10, each of which have two banks, allowing for 20 programmable effects! Numbers that you don’t get with the original 505!! The processor has also enabled faster file import, so if you want to use your own WAV files, use Boss Tone Studio to import to RC-505MKII. The RC-505 can be moulded to suit your performing style, rather than the other way round. The real-time controls can be customised to suit the way you like to loop. You can specify up to eight different functions and operate them in a variety of ways-with front-panel controls, an external expression pedal or foot switches, and/or various MIDI Control Change messages-extending your command of looping and many other operations. The eight control assignments are handily stored with phrase memories, allowing you to create and recall custom setups for different songs and performing situations. It was therefore a pleasant surprise to hear there would be a new chapter in 2022. Reassuringly called the RC‑505 MkII, this model features updated hardware and extra dollops of pretty much everything. We can surely forgive original owners a certain amount of anticipatory drooling, but this could also be an opportune moment for others to discover what all the fuss is about... The New Find out how global superstar Ariana Grande uses the BOSS RC-505 in her new Vevo video series and learn about her looping history. Read more… Loop StationVital information if you’re looking to make a fair comparison and come to a n educated decision. The last thing you want is to get the wrong impression of the MK2, only to be disappointed when it turns up on your doorstep. So with that in mind, here’s a speedy rundown of what you can expect from the Boss RC 505 MK2 loop station… Key details As well as the above effects, you can use functions like Half-speed and Double speed. These functions are separated from the FX sections! The RC-505 also supports computer integration via USB and operation with external pedals and MIDI, opening a world of advanced looping possibilities for all types of musicians. The Boss RC 505 MKII features a whopping 99 phase memories, which are all accessible via USB. This means that you can record specific loops to certain slots and then with a simple USB connection, import these into your DAW, independently or as one. Nice flexibility to have!