The RC-3 adds useful features such as saving up to 99 loops and a rhythm player. These features make the RC-3 a worthwhile upgrade from the RC-1. The X2 only adds in two loop effects that most players aren’t going to use.

BOSS RC-1 Compact Loop Station Looper Pedal

There is a big difference in features across the loop station pedals. Before we look at each pedal and its unique features, let’s look at the common features available across all loop station pedals. The RC-3 is for guitarists looking for a simple looper that has room to grow with them. Basic loopers like the RC-1 or the Ditto can begin to feel limited after a while. The BeatBuddy is a superior rhythm pedal and the RC-5 is a superior looper pedal than the RC-10R. You can sync both pedals via MIDI, so they can act as one. There’s a vastness in the world of looper pedals that takes you from a simple, one-button control, right through to layering multiple loops up to six minutes long or adding crazy pitch and time effects. So to understand what kind of looper works best for you, you need to take a look at what you need from your playing.The RC-1 here is BOSS's most compact looper. Some said it couldn't be done because it would be too fiddly to work but those naysayers will have to eat some humble pie because not only have BOSS managed to cram an effective stereo looper into a compact pedal, it's also become their best selling pedal of the last couple of years! Buying an external footswitch to add to your RC-3 might give you enough control over your loop that you don’t need to consider the RC-30. Other convenient features include battery and AC power, as well as flexible external footswitching capabilities. Live use: some pedals are easier to use in live performances than others. You probably don’t want to need to bend down to adjust your pedals in a performance. There’s clearly a big difference between the RC-3 and RC-30. The RC-30 is also almost twice the price of the RC-3. So the big question for you is whether the extra control and features built into the RC-30 are worth it to you.

Boss RC-1 | Boss RC1 | Loop Pedal | GAK

The compact size and simple features make it an excellent looper for anybody with simple looping needs. Both pedals make use of one footswitch and one level knob. The Ditto Looper is mono while the RC-3 supports mono or stereo inputs and outputs. If you use stereo pedals or plan on using them in the future, this is a great feature to have. A great tip to master the art of looping is to treat the pedal as an instrument. All you need to do is press the pedal in time to what you are playing and you’re golden - if you can tap your foot in time, you can loop. If you are a guitarist who wants to play full verse/chorus style songs and jams in full using a looper and rhythm player, there is an alternative worth considering.You have a lot more control over your loops, the ability to store recorded loops on the pedal, and mix in rhythm patterns. The RC-5 is the same size as the two above pedals, but you’ll instantly notice a big change with the pedal’s interface as shown below.