Editing on the fly is pretty slick given there are four parameters on each page and, making use of the Assignment options, you can allocate any favourite parameter for remote control. It’s a decent enough system, made puzzling only when you try an option that won’t change until you stop all playback.

Furthermore, the complete input section has been revised and the RC-505 MK2 has been expanded with two XLR inputs for microphones that can be used in parallel and switchable phantom power. Recording a loop, overdubbing it, adjusting its level and applying effects is immediately satisfying, and layering up the five tracks is even more so. Though there are still 99 memory slots they now get to share a total of around 13 hours of recording time at 32-bit 44. Elevate your performances with five stereo tracks and four simultaneous Input FX and Track FX, and soar even further with customizable buttons, expanded I/O, increased mixing control, and other enhancements requested by long-time RC-505 users. You have two XLR inputs for mics and two mono/stereo line input pairs for instruments and other devices, plus an input mixer with two mic compressors and independent EQs for all channels.

Via USB, you can plug into your computer and import/export WAV audio phrases, great for loop archiving or loading up phrases with live backing tracks or sounds for sampler-style triggering. 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.

Sign up to the Boss UK monthly newsletter and look forward to the latest gear news, artist-related features, how-to guides and much more in your inbox. Less visual feedback and no effect section(s) makes this a more raw looper, though there’s plenty of flexibility via the USB, MIDI and SD card slot. Users who stick to regular loop lengths, probably in multiples of four bars, will experience no hardships whatsoever. Simultaneous effects can now be used in the Input FX and Track FX sections, and a number of new effects types are included. The six-track Performance Loop Laboratory hosts a not-dissimilar feature set, with footswitches that give it some floor-based potential.I mentioned unusual loop lengths just now but I should clarify that polymetric recording is not as straightforward as the manual suggests. The number of effects has also expanded with 49 available on the Input side and 53 on the Track side. Each rhythm type includes four pattern variations with intros and endings, and automatic fills for transitions between.

Simply plug in a mic, instrument or other audio source to build great loops, mix or get endlessly creative with the intuitive controls! A combination of frequently used settings can be saved as a User Set, which you can easily load to quickly reconfigure any phrase memory, even in the heat of performing. In general, the I/O really delivers — joining the main stereo and phones outputs are two assignable stereo subs.

Many refinements to the loop functionality offer a multitude of ways to enhance and improve live performances. While the original RC‐505 was very customizable, the RC‐505mkII takes things to the next level with a vast range of userconfigurable controls.

Additionally, it’s now possible to assign the Auto Rec function to a panel button or footswitch for quick activation whenever you need it. MusicRadar verdict: Boss has extended and enhanced its flagship desktop loop station without compromising its original quality and playability. Each track has gained an ‘FX’ button that serves as a top‑level toggle for effect status, and while this, too, has increased the footprint, it’s so darn convenient it never feels unwarranted. Global compressor and reverb effects are also on hand, perfect for adding some finishing polish to the overall sound. The packed rear panel sports two assignable pedal inputs, plus standard MIDI In and Out sockets, the latter optionally a soft Thru.This may only be one extra effect per section but the Edit button above turns the A-D buttons into bank selectors so that 16 different effect types can be assigned per program to each of the two effect blocks. Via MIDI, the RC-505 MkII can transmit and receive clock/tempo, program changes and control changes, the latter part of a comprehensive 16 slot control assignment sub-menu. While this year's superb RC-1 Loop Station offers an entry level single button looper that will suite many players' needs, the RC-600 and RC-505mk II are flagship models for the serious loopers out there.