BOSS RC-5 Loop Station Compact Stereo Looper Pedal

The BOSS RC-5 Loop Station turns a familiar compact pedal into a powerful creative tool for practice, songwriting and live performance. Record a musical idea, build layered arrangements and develop complete backing parts—all without filling your pedalboard with additional equipment.

Underneath its straightforward stompbox layout is a high-quality 32-bit stereo looper with 99 phrase memories, 57 rhythm patterns, MIDI connectivity and up to 13 hours of total recording time. A clear colour display shows exactly where you are within your loop, helping you concentrate on playing rather than guessing what the pedal is doing.

Why You’ll Love the BOSS RC-5

The RC-5 can be as simple or as sophisticated as you need it to be. Beginners can start recording and layering ideas almost immediately, while more experienced musicians can incorporate external footswitches, expression control, stereo equipment, MIDI devices and computer-based audio into a much larger setup.

• Create complete arrangements: Build rhythm parts, chords, melodies and harmonies one layer at a time.
• Practise with a purpose: Use the built-in rhythms to improve timing, improvisation and confidence.
• Capture ideas quickly: Save riffs and song ideas before inspiration disappears.
• Perform independently: Prepare backing loops and recall them from the pedal’s 99 phrase memories.
• Keep every layer clear: Advanced 32-bit processing helps preserve definition as overdubs are added.

BOSS RC-5 Key Features

• Compact single-pedal Loop Station
• Premium 32-bit AD/DA conversion
• 32-bit floating-point audio processing
• Mono or stereo recording and playback
• Up to approximately 13 hours of total stereo recording
• Maximum recording time of approximately 1.5 hours per track
• 99 phrase memories for storing loops and settings
• 57 rhythm patterns with two variations each
• Seven selectable rhythm kits
• Reverse playback function
• Colour LCD showing loop status and position
• Support for external footswitches and expression pedals
• TRS MIDI input and output
• USB connection for importing, exporting and backing up loops
• Stereo inputs and outputs
• Buffered bypass
• Operates from a 9V battery or optional BOSS power supply

More Than a Basic Looper Pedal

A basic looper lets you record and repeat a phrase. The BOSS RC-5 goes considerably further by combining high-quality stereo audio, visual loop monitoring, onboard rhythms, memory storage and advanced control options within one pedalboard-friendly enclosure.

Its colour LCD provides a visual reference for your loop cycle and changes colour according to the current operation. This makes it easier to see whether you are recording, overdubbing or playing back—particularly useful on stage or while building several musical layers.

Clear 32-Bit Sound for Detailed Loops

Every new overdub adds more audio to your loop. Without sufficient processing quality, a busy arrangement can begin to sound compressed, cloudy or indistinct.

The RC-5 uses 32-bit AD/DA conversion and 32-bit floating-point processing to retain clarity and musical detail throughout the looping process. Chords remain defined, melodic lines are easier to distinguish and stereo effects retain their sense of space as the arrangement grows.

Turn Practice into a Full-Band Experience

Practising alone can sometimes feel repetitive, especially without a drummer or another musician to respond to. The RC-5 includes 57 rhythm patterns, each with two variations, alongside seven rhythm kits covering a variety of musical situations.

Build a chord progression, select a suitable rhythm and practise melodies, solos or bass lines over your own accompaniment. It is a fun and practical way to improve timing, explore new ideas and make everyday practice feel more like playing with a band.

The selected rhythm and kit can be saved within a phrase memory, allowing you to return to a complete practice or performance setup without rebuilding it each time.

Save Songs, Riffs and Performance Loops

With 99 phrase memories and approximately 13 hours of total stereo recording capacity, the RC-5 is also a useful songwriting notebook. Save an unfinished riff, prepare several live loops or organise ideas for different songs and rehearsals.

Audio can be transferred through USB, allowing compatible WAV files to be loaded into the pedal or recorded loops to be backed up to a computer using BOSS Tone Studio for RC. This opens the door to preparing backing material in advance or developing pedal-recorded ideas within recording software.

Expandable Control for Live Performance

The onboard footswitch handles recording, overdubbing, playback, stopping and undo or redo functions. Players who want more direct control can add compatible external footswitches or an expression pedal through the dedicated control connection.

TRS MIDI input and output allow the RC-5 to communicate with compatible drum machines, controllers, switching systems and computer-based setups. This makes it equally suitable for a simple home practice rig or a carefully synchronised live pedalboard.

Please note: compatible external controllers, expression pedals, MIDI cables and AC adaptors are available separately.

Who Is the BOSS RC-5 For?

• Guitarists buying their first serious looper pedal
• Songwriters who want to capture ideas quickly
• Solo performers creating layered arrangements
• Players looking to improve their timing and improvisation
• Electric and electro-acoustic guitarists
• Bass players creating grooves and practice parts
• Keyboard and synthesizer players using compatible mono or stereo connections
• Ambient musicians building detailed soundscapes
• Pedalboard users who require MIDI integration
• Home-recording musicians transferring loops between pedal and computer

Suitable Playing Styles

The BOSS RC-5 can adapt to almost any style in which repetition, accompaniment or layered sound plays a part, including:

• Rock and alternative
• Blues and improvisation
• Acoustic and singer-songwriter accompaniment
• Ambient and experimental music
• Funk and rhythm-based playing
• Pop and contemporary performance
• Bass grooves and rhythmic practice
• Songwriting, rehearsal and home recording

BOSS RC-5 Specifications

Brand	BOSS
Model	RC-5 Loop Station
Product Type	Compact stereo looper pedal
Loop Tracks	One
Audio Processing	32-bit floating point
AD/DA Conversion	32-bit
Sampling Frequency	44.1 kHz
Phrase Memories	99
Total Recording Time	Approximately 13 hours in stereo
Maximum Per Track	Approximately 1.5 hours
Rhythm Patterns	57 patterns with two variations each
Rhythm Kits	Seven
Display	96 x 32-dot RGB-backlit graphic LCD
Inputs	Input A/Mono and Input B
Outputs	Output A/Mono and Output B
External Control	Stop/Memory TRS connection
MIDI	TRS MIDI input and output
USB	USB Type-B
Bypass	Buffered bypass
Power	9V alkaline battery or optional BOSS PSA-series adaptor
Current Draw	170 mA
Dimensions	73mm wide x 129mm deep x 56mm high
Weight	450g including battery

What’s Included?

• BOSS RC-5 Loop Station
• 9V alkaline battery
• Manufacturer documentation

Please note: A BOSS PSA-series AC adaptor is not included and is available separately.

BOSS RC-5 Frequently Asked Questions

Is the BOSS RC-5 suitable for beginners?

Yes. The main footswitch provides direct access to recording, overdubbing and playback, while the colour display makes the current loop status easier to understand. Its additional memories, rhythms and control options also give the pedal room to grow with you.

Does the BOSS RC-5 record in stereo?

Yes. The RC-5 has stereo inputs and outputs and can record and play loops in stereo. It can also be used as part of a conventional mono setup.

How much recording time does the BOSS RC-5 provide?

The pedal provides approximately 13 hours of total stereo recording time across its memories, with a maximum of approximately 1.5 hours for an individual track.

How many loops can the RC-5 store?

The RC-5 provides 99 phrase memories for storing recorded loops and associated settings.

Does the RC-5 include drum rhythms?

Yes. It includes 57 rhythm patterns with two variations for each pattern, plus seven selectable drum kits. These are useful for practice, songwriting and live accompaniment.

Can I use the RC-5 with bass or keyboards?

Yes. Its mono and stereo connections make it suitable for guitar, bass and compatible electronic instruments such as keyboards and synthesisers.

Can I connect an external footswitch?

Yes. Compatible BOSS footswitches can provide additional control over functions such as stopping loops and changing memories. An expression pedal can also be connected for assignable real-time control.

Does the BOSS RC-5 have MIDI?

Yes. The pedal has TRS MIDI input and output connections for integration with compatible controllers, drum machines, switching systems and other MIDI equipment. Suitable TRS MIDI cables are sold separately.

Can loops be transferred to and from a computer?

Yes. The USB connection and BOSS Tone Studio for RC allow compatible WAV audio to be imported, exported and backed up.

Can the BOSS RC-5 play a loop backwards?

Yes. The RC-5 includes a reverse function for experimental textures, unusual accompaniment and creative sound design.

Does the RC-5 come with a power supply?

No AC adaptor is included. The pedal is supplied with a 9V alkaline battery and can also be powered using a compatible BOSS PSA-series adaptor, available separately.

How long will the RC-5 run from a battery?

BOSS quotes approximately two hours of operation from an alkaline battery, although actual battery life will vary according to operating conditions. A compatible mains adaptor is recommended for longer practice sessions and live performances.

Is the RC-5 a multi-track looper?

The RC-5 has one loop track onto which multiple overdubs can be recorded. Players who require several independently controlled loop tracks may prefer to consider one of BOSS’s larger Loop Station models.

Fair Deal Music Expert Verdict ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The BOSS RC-5 is a superb choice for musicians who want more creative freedom than a basic record-and-repeat looper can offer, without moving to a large floor-based unit.

Its excellent audio quality, generous memory capacity and visual display make everyday looping much more enjoyable, while the built-in rhythms give it genuine value as a practice partner. MIDI, stereo connectivity, USB transfer and external control support provide the flexibility needed for more advanced live and studio setups.

It remains a single-track looper, so it is not intended to replace one of BOSS’s larger multi-track Loop Stations. For most guitarists, bassists and songwriters seeking a compact, dependable and highly capable looping pedal, however, the RC-5 strikes an excellent balance between simplicity and creative depth.

Why Thousands of Musicians Choose Fair Deal Music

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you’re choosing one of the UK’s most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

• Friendly expert advice: Speak with experienced musicians who understand the equipment we sell.
• Carefully checked gear: Products are inspected by our team before dispatch.
• Competitive prices: Great-value equipment from leading musical instrument brands.
• Secure UK delivery: Your order is packed carefully for safe and reliable delivery.
• Flexible finance: Finance options are available, subject to status.
• Support after your purchase: Our team is here to help before and after your equipment arrives.
• A trusted Birmingham music shop: Visit our extensive showroom at 79–83 Holloway Head, Birmingham.

Buy • Sell • Trade

Have a pedal, instrument or piece of music equipment you no longer use? Fair Deal Music buys, sells and part-exchanges pre-owned musical gear.

Trade in your existing equipment and put its value towards the BOSS RC-5 Loop Station. Contact our Birmingham team for a valuation or bring your equipment into our showroom for friendly, straightforward advice.

Ready to build your next musical idea? Order the BOSS RC-5 Loop Station from Fair Deal Music or speak to our team for help choosing the right looper and accessories for your setup.