If you’re looking for a simple looper and you don’t need the extra features in the other loop station models, compare this pedal against the RC-3 and RC-5 to decide which is right for you.

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

The best feature of the RC-1, in my opinion, is the indicator ring. This gives you a great visual indication of the length of your loop and what the looper is currently doing.If you’re a guitarist who likes to build up complex loops and you want all of the features in the RC-5, the hard choice for you will be whether to go for the RC-5 or get a more capable unit such as the RC-500. Hopefully, this guide covered enough for you to make an informed decision on whether any of these loop stations are right for you. Extra Looper Pedal Resources If you want to record separate loops for your verse and chorus and switch between them as you perform, the RC-10R is better suited to do that. The second mode can be accessed by holding down the pedal switch and powering the pedal on simultaneously. The Second is Record > Play > Overdub. By having the RC-1 set to this alternative mode, users can explore musical ideas without capturing the audio straight after the initial recording. What’s really useful, is the coloured LEDs indicate exactly where you are within your loop, as well as give you a countdown to the start point. This visual aid is perfect for helping you to perform in time with your loop. IT will also inform you which mode you have the looper set to.

BOSS - RC-5 | Loop Station BOSS - RC-5 | Loop Station

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. BOSS created the RC-1 to compete against the incredibly popular Ditto Looper by TC Electronic ( read my review of the Ditto here). The Ditto Looper became popular thanks to the low price and easy-to-use features. 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.The optional FS-7 makes footswitching even simpler and easier! And, its compact size won’t take up much space on your pedal board. Pressing the “A” switch will stop the Rec/Overdub/Play mode. Hold down the “A” switch for two seconds or longer to erase the phrase. By pressing the “B” switch, you can easily undo or redo your phrase. It’s that easy! Specifications Nominal Input Level -20 dBu Input Impedance 1 M ohm Nominal Output Level -20 dBu Output Impedance 1 k ohm Recommended Load Impedance 10 k ohms or greater Maximum Recording Time Approximately 12 minutes Controls Pedal switch The RC-5 provides players a wealth of sonic possibilities, all without having to take hands off the guitar. Here are five powerful tips. Read more… If you would like to have more control of your loop, you can add an external footswitch to make your loop setup even simpler you use. By adding an FS-5U, you can have the pedal switch of the RC-1 will control Record and Overdub and the FS-5U will Stop and Undo/Redo layers.