Boss RC-30 Loop Station Guitar Effects Pedal Review (July 2024)
$302.00
Description
In this review post we’re going to be discussing the Boss RC-30 Loop Station Guitar Effects Pedal, including an overview of its unique features.
Product Description
BOSS celebrates the 10th anniversary of the LoopStation with an exciting new lineup of RC-series loopers! First out of the gate is the RC-30, a Twin Pedal multitrack looper with two synchronized stereo tracks and built-in loop effects. Plugin your instrument of choice, or even a microphone; an XLR input is provided, complete with phantom power. Record for up to three hours directs to internal memory, adding effects as you go. The USB 2.0 port lets you save your loops externally, and import/export WAV files.
Create and stack multi-layered loops with twin stereo tracks — each track being independently controllable with dedicated volume faders and track-select buttons. Creating loops is convenient with the Auto Recording feature, which starts recording the moment you begin playing your guitar, bass, keyboard, or singing, or as soon as you start a connected audio player. Count-In mode gives you one-bar of rhythm before the recording starts. You can Undo/Redo as you go. The sky’s the limit, with three hours of recording time!
Fans of BOSS’s world-famous effects will be pleased to find a lineup of creative effects onboard the RC-30. Bend Down provides a dramatic pitch-bend effect. Step Phaser changes phase in incremental steps. Sweep Filter alters frequency in sync with the current tempo. Tempo Delay produces a tempo-synced delay effect. Lo-Fi intentionally degrades the sound to create a distinctive character. Dunk your loops in cool effects without the cost and hassle of adding external gear.
Vocalists can plug a microphone of their choice directly into the RC-30’s XLR microphone input, complete with phantom power if you wish to use a condenser mic. Sing, overdub, and make multi-layered loops of your voice, create vocal sound-effects patterns, or point the microphone at your acoustic musical instruments, or anything that makes noise and turns it into a cool loop. You don’t have to be a musician to get in on the LoopStation action!
To keep your loops tight and in time, play along with one of the basic rhythm patterns in the RC-30’s onboard library as you record. Ten types of rhythm types are provided, including Rock, Pop, Funk, Shuffle, R&B, and Latin. A dedicated knob lets you adjust the volume of the rhythm, and you can set the tempo via tap tempo. You can also specify the time signature. When you save a phrase, the rhythm type and time signature will also be saved.
In addition to recording your instrument performances and turning them into playable loops, you can record other external stereo audio sources via the AUX IN. Sound from a digital-audio player or other device connected to the AUX input can easily be recorded and added to your loop.
Product Features
- Twin Pedal multitrack looper with true stereo I/O
- Two synchronized stereo tracks with dedicated volume faders and track-select buttons
- Massive internal memory with up to three hours of stereo recording time
- 99 onboard memory phrases for storing loops
- Built-in effects for processing loops
- Multiple inputs: 1/4″ A and B input jacks, stereo 1/8″ mini AUX input jack, XLR input jack with phantom power
- USB 2.0 port allows you to connect to a PC and import/export WAV audio
- Rhythm guide with real drums
- Runs on batteries or an optional AC power supply
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Solid build
- Incredibly reliable
- Favorable consumer ratings
- Worth the investment
- Excellent sound output
- There is plenty of room to save loops
- The use of two pedals makes it simple
- When compared to a single loop, dual stereo loops provide far greater flexibility
Cons
- Bulky in size
- Quite Expensive
- Changing tracks on the fly isn’t ideal
- The default switching (record, overdub, playback) isn’t always the greatest option
- Unless the unit is running firmware version 1.3 or higher, there will be a malfunction
Boss RC-30 Loop Station Guitar Effects Pedal Demo
Our Verdict
Unless you’re a severe looper who based an entire performance on loops, the RC-30 is likely to provide everything you need to explore the numerous textures and compositional possibilities that looping brings to the table. The loops sound amazing, there’s no noise or signal loss to speak of, the effects (if limited) can provide extra color, and getting in sync is a pleasure. The RC-30’s straightforward interface and approach to some of the most typical looping difficulties demonstrate Boss’ long experience with looping. And if you want to experiment with looping as a way to broaden your sound repertoire, you can’t go wrong with this excellent machine.
Where to Buy
The best place to buy this product has to be Amazon, due to their competitive pricing and fantastic customer service.
Pricing History
Price History for Boss RC-30 Loop Station Guitar Effects Pedal
Statistics
| Current Price | $298.00 | July 25, 2024 |
| Highest Price | $361.00 | August 16, 2023 |
| Lowest Price | $298.00 | October 10, 2023 |
Last price changes
| $298.00 | October 10, 2023 |
| $361.00 | August 16, 2023 |
Buyers Guides This Product Is Featured In
Best Looper Pedals On The Market
Additional information
| Item Weight | 4 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 10 x 4 x 10 inches |
| Item model number | RC-30 |
| Batteries | 6 AA batteries required. (included) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | January 24, 2011 |
| Color Name | RED |
| Compatible Devices | Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Banjo, Mandolin |
| Connector Type | USB |
| Musical Style | Any |
| Speaker Size | 99 |
| Size | (RC-30) |
| Battery type | Alkaline |
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