Depending on the input device connected, you’ll need to change the input gain type to either Line or Inst. The BOSS RC-10R stands out from the rest of the loop stations and was clearly designed for a specific type of guitarist. The screens on both the 505 MK2 & the 600 are also incredibly similar. In fact, both loopers share the exact same menu structure & navigation. Virtually all the systemwide settings are identical, as are all the audio routing options. 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.

Both these loopers incorporate real-time time-stretch, that actually works pretty well. We found that for speeding up the recording, this tends to work better than for slowing it down. Get a looper that you’re not going to outgrow in the next few years. As an example, while the Ditto looper was incredibly popular when it came out, it’s incredibly basic. A lot of guitarists enjoy using it for a while, then start noticing it’s limitations. That’s because the Boss RC 600 isn’t just designed for making music or jamming in your bedroom. Oh no – just like the Boss RC 505 MK2, it’s also geared towards performance. So much so that before even considering this looper, it’s a good idea to see how it fits into a live setting. Reason being that, if you’re considering (or have already bought) an RC 300 – this looper’s predecessor – then you may want to rethink your strategy.The most noticeable difference between the Boss RC 600 & the RC 300 is the size. Compared to the RC 300, the overall footprint of the RC 600 is tiny. Around two thirds of the size! So if you’re after a portable looper pedal, the 600 is by far your best bet. The display is also segmented to show how different loops sync together. This could be a handy way to manage different length loops as you can how the loops interact with each other. Who is the RC-5 for? The build of the RC 600 is worlds away from that of the RC 505 MK2. The RC 600 is made of all-metal, while the RC 505 MK2 makes do with plastic. Most likely because the RC 600 (being a foot-based looper) will take more of beating. But while the RC 600 does get rid of some inputs, it also adds a lot too. In comparison to the RC 300, you also get an additional XLR mic input, another stereo input & a 2nd sub output. If you’re a live performer looking for a solid range of features, the choice is tough between the RC-5 and other units such as the RC-10R, RC-30, or RC-500. BOSS RC-3 vs RC-5

The LCD display includes four dedicated knobs, which should make it easier to control the software side of things. Some hardware controls found on the RC-300 have been removed in the RC-600 and moved into the software side. So having an easy interface is important if you want to be able to dig into personalizing your pedalboard or setting up effects and signal routing. Before getting hands on with the Boss RC 600 looper, it’s important you get an understanding of just how much this clever piece of kit can revolutionise your sound capabilities. Let’s just say that, anyone who’s nutty about sound design needs to be all ears.

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. Having a way to see exactly what is happening with your looper pedal is a great advantage. Who is the RC-1 for?

You’re able to connect up to two more expression pedals, so if you feel you need control over more than one parameter at a time, you can expand the control. To update the SUB output routing, press MENU, press knob 2 to select OUTPUT, press knob 1 to select SETUP, then turn the associated knobs to turn the SUB outputs on or off (knobs 3 and 4).If you’re a guitarist who prefers simplicity, you may prefer one of the other pedals that use mainly knobs or sliders to change settings.