Boss RC-2 Loop Station

This isn't an 'effect' pedal as such - you get out purely what you put into the loop.
After a few trial and error attempts to record loops I recorded several decent sounding backing tracks including a sequencer type bass patch and a 12 bar blues loop to solo over.
The manual is very good in the usual Boss type way which can be a little robotised at first but after a couple of reads I worked out the bottom line. Its pretty comprehensive from what I've looked at so far.
This is a fairly complex piece of excellent kit in a small box. Eveything considered its nearly a top mark.
If you're a control freak who wants every parameter with its own control knob, buy the bigger RC-20XL or RC-50.

No problems with the sounds it produces - again its the quality of what you put in.
I'm not a hi-fi sound engineer but there are no adverse buzz's, squeeks or humming.
Gibson Les Paul Studio into a Fender Super Champ XD.

I have never had a single problem with any Boss pedal I've owned. I would happily gig with the RC-2.

Never had the need to contact the Company.

This pedal kept me fascinated all afternoon and is very addictive.
I didn't have issues with timing loop start/stops. Experiment and you'll get it right - its down to a bit of intuitive feel and gauging the rythym. I'm not the worlds best musician or timing expert but I found my way through.
It really did improve my playing straight away, recorded the 12 bar blues track then solo'd over it till my fingers gave up.
Go and buy one even if you only use it as a practice tool. Sounds can be layered up like a mini recording studio.
Thought about the RC-20 but it didn't have the 'drum' sounds that I wanted and I'm glad I bought the RC-2 for those-loads to go at in the memory and they're all good passable sounds.
Would definitely replace the RC-2 if it went walkabout.
I love this thing and whole heartedly recommend it to any guitarist/bassist.

It is of coarse a little complicated to operate, considering what it is, and it's in such a small package. But with a little(very little) patience and reading the manual it's surprisingly easy to figure it out. And it's very smart at setting the tempo and looping your phrase in accurate time. It probably only took me about 6 tries to figure out the procedure to successfully record a phrase. I would say the manual is above adaquate, but not great. I give it a 9 for ease of use because it wasn't EXTREMELY easy. But if it where just an overdrive and it was this difficult, it would be a 3. But considering what it is, it's very easy to operate.

I use a MIM Strat, Epiphone VJ. It does what it says it does. Duplicates and loops your recording. It sounds pretty much exactly as I played it. I think it becomes a little bit digital sounding. If you're planning to use it for live performance, it would sound just fine for you basic rhythm track. Most people aren't really listening to the rhythm anyway. But I think it's intended purpose is for practicing/learning. In this functin it is absolutely fantastic.

It's a Boss, Nuf Said.

NO Experience.

This is absolutely the best piece of gear I have ever bought(except for my Strat, kinda useless without that..). In less than a day's use, I can already tell it's improving my skills. I've never had so much fun, nor have I ever been so inspired to create music. If it ever got stolen, I wouldn't be able to buy a new one because I'd be in jail for beating the **** out of the SOB that stole it. This is a MUST have for any musician.

Very easy to use once you figure out the right settings. I don't like the auto feature and use it only on manual. Once you get the hang of punching in and out on beat, you have a great jam track. I use it to solo over chord progressions and also sometimes use it to lay down a repeating bass track with my bass and bass amp. It is like jamming with a bass player - cool.

It is good once you figure out how to get rid of the annoying hum. A number of guys have written about the obnoxious hum. Here is the deal: If you plug the pedal into one of the cords on a pedal board with multiple power cords, it will hum and also will make crappy noises as the tempo light flashes. But, if you isolate its power supply with its own sole source (its own 9 volt transformer) then all is wonderful. You won't notice this on solid state amps, just the tube ones. Once you fix that, the sound is perfect - just like what you played with no coloring.

Just got it - will assume it to be good.

Manual is a bit confusing and tiny.

I can not wait to use this baby live with my three piece band. It should make the band more full as I will be able to solo over my own rhythm. Like I said before, it is easy to punch in and out on time, assuming your timing is good.

After an hour of fiddling I had almost all the functions figgured out. The user manual is small, however I didn't need it much because I research just about everything I buy. Boss' Canadian site has the manual online, so i had gone through the whole thing a couple times before actually touching the pedal.

The drum patterns are fun and useful at home practicing but would seem a little lame live.

My setup includes a Yamaha SGV800 or a Ibanez AM73 into a Line 6 POD XT Live into the RC-2. At home it runs into a headphone amp (and then some home theater headphones, at my church I will run (I haven't played since I got the pedal) from the RC-2 straight into the PA.

As far as duplicating the sound it does great... and that's what it's supposed to do. Running it after the XT Live is great because you can completely change your sound (effects and amp) between the orginal patch and the overdubs.

It's a Boss pedal... they just don't seem to break. OK, the possibility of it breaking is there, however the Boss metal case will take a pounding without quiting.

Never delt with them.

I enjoy all sorts of styles - rock, metal, funk, pop, etc. - and it could be useful for all of the above.

I mainly bought this to learn to solo better, which it is great for. It will also come in useful live (a) with simple loops, and (b) for sampling sound effects (which would just be fun if not "useful").

Basically compaired to other loop stations available (JamMan, RC-20XL) this one seemed to me to be the best for it's price. For a couple more dollars you can attach a non-latching pedal to make it basically the same as the RC-20XL. Granted you don't get the reverse mode, but is that worth the extra 100ish dollars?

In the end, getting a loop station for under $200 is great, and the fact that it's Boss quality... Fantastic!

The basic functions of which I use this pedal for (live looping/playback) are extremely simple to use. Read the manual for 5 minutes and its a breeze! So far I haven't recorded any patches onto it, though it was easy to delete a patch I had accidentally saved.

In response to the previous poster, I have to say, it sounds like you got a shorted pedal. The RC-2 is not a true bypass pedal. Though if you read about true bypass, you'll note that having only true bypass pedals will dramatically effect your signal. Also, if you had a bad pedal, or if your RC-2 was short, this could have been the reason for all the noise. My RC-2 is silent, I use it at the end of my signal chain, right before the amp, after a Synth Wah, Overdrive, PH-3, Bass Processor, Digital Delay, and Tremolo and its virtually silent! The playback is quite loud, i believe having the level turned all the way up might make the loop actually louder than the original signal that went in, so I set my level at about 75%.

Of course you can depend on it, its a BOSS pedal, as of now (knock on wood) Ive had a BOSS pedal for over 2 years with no problems.

Never dealt with Support, never needed to.

This pedal is awesome, I've read alot of people using it for "at home use" only, but there is no reason this can't be a tool to be utilized at gigs. I want to add the BOSS FS-5U in order to stop my loops at the push of a button (rather than the double stomp on the actual pedal) has anyone used a footswitch to do this? If so please email me about it. But this pedal is freakin sweet!!! Im in an alternative/experimental 2 piece band featuring just me on bass/vocals and a drummer/sampler so I use this to provide additional rhythm to my leads. I would definitely replace this if it were lost or stolen

Quite easy to use, as long as you read the manual

It basically reproduces the sound from the signal you put in it.

Here's the thing. Make sure to use this unit in the fx loop, or with a preamp before it.
If you plug your instrument straight into it, you will get a really ennoying digital noise inbetween the notes you play. Whenever you don't play basically you will here a digital hum.

I'm not sure how good the bypass in this product is. I've used it for livesessions and I've experienced quite loud hum both in bypass and during playback.

The reason I'm writing this review is because today the pedal suddenly crapped out on me.
It suddenly started to produce a really loud noise, while I was using it through the fx loops of my amp.The noise(hitting a high Eb) was almost as loud as the playback of the things I'd looped. Since the fx loop is about the only way to use it if you want to stay away from digital noise inbetween your playing , there wasn't much to be do. Had to return it. After 2 weeks! This is the second boss pedal to have crapped out during this past week.!

Never dealt wiith them

Good idea, not sure if it is a quality product though. Maybe I just got a really bad example of the pedal

This unit is pretty small, and with only a few knobs and one button, each has a lot of uses which takes a while to figure out and get used to. However, boss has done a pretty good job of making it as easy as possible considering the size of the pedal, and especially if you've owned other loop stations, you'll be able to pick it up quite quickly.

There are some nice features like quantising, drum machine, tap tempo, and it automatically starting to record when you start playing, but i strongly suggest for you to read the manuel because these features are hard to just work out without it.

Although it is quite complicated, i cant imagine how else it could have been done without making the pedal bigger.

This pedal isnt technically an effect, so you're just looking for it to replicate your sound - and it does it well. theres no noticable loss of tone, and , as ive said before, since you dont really want it to affect your sound, it cant really be faulted in the category, and therfore gets a 10.

tuff stuff

never dealt with them, so no opinion.

For the money, this is a good buy. Its great for creating new stuff, and especially useful if you wanna practice theory and improvisation skills.
It can be used as a phrase trainer and in live situations. its pretty incrediable how all this functionality is packed into such a compact pedal, but because of this, its more complicated use, and therefore just falls short of perfect.

The sound quality is acceptable and based on my audience comments: clean and lovely. I play Godin ACS Steel and Nylon out to a DD5 pedal >> to the RC2 and to a PA or personal monitor system. All EQ set to flat, except on the Godin where I can play tone eq. I set the guitar output of the RC2 to about 9 or 10 o"clock and the drum machine to 8 or 9 o'clock and this setting sets me nicely through any PA system I play through. Magical at times, no distortion.

I use this pedal either for practicing, developing my scaling and simply enjoying nice moments with my playing as opposed to hiring another player to play chords for you.

I also use this to record almost 5 worship songs (3 mins plus each)first setting the rhythm guide, then set the tempo and start the recording waiting for the red signal to indicate timing. I use a FS5U to set the tempo. Quite intuitive. After I play the desired sequence of the song, I stop the recording, save it then I play it. I save it first so I can do whatever after that. It will definitely play at the start point and if I wish to play by myself I just stop it. The nice thing about this in a worship session is you can concentrate on singing and then during parts where you want to just spice up, you can just add bits live. I also add some organ or strings when the song requires it. Fun, and it gets my congregation to be inspired especially when the sound is clean and un-cluttered.

I read the manual once and thought that it is hands on that makes it work magically.

No firmware upgrade yet.

Its not that I could get either Phil Keaggy or James Taylor guitar sound but that the sound is pristine, emotional and inspiring.

I have played about 2 live worship sessions with it and countless at home. I have the RC50 for bigger events as a backup. But since the RC 2 is handy, I think it can last more than me. I have Boss pedals that work since 1980.

I know the repair guy at SweeLee in Singapore, the only repair I have had in the last 27 years is on my GR33 where the outputs started to get loose (plastic end pins) we changed these to heavy duty outputs.

I play folk, pop, mild rock. Sweet toy to enhance my playing. Played for 40 years now. I have a host of guitars but Godins do provide the backbone of my sound since 1996. I bought the RC50 so I could transfer in and out to my pc sound sequences or phrases instantly. The Rc becomes my workhorse and bring it anywhere. My favorite feature is the sound, ease of use and practicality especially if you want a bigger sound and in time everytime. Do you know why CD's sound so good, its because the timing is exacting. NO guessing. I think this is a good toy for drummers and every musician.

I wished it had more memory, well the RC50 does have. Music is the language of the soul, if it doesn't create a helping tool to your sound, don't buy it. But if you tested and it did click in your heart, then by all means grab this toy. They last some lifetime!

This pedal will take some time to completely understand all its functions. I have never used a looper before so it was all new to me from the get go. Ive owned it for 4 days now and played everynight for a few hours and finally feel like I have the hang of it. It now seems fairly easy to use but im pretty sure im not using every feature offered on it. It comes with a well written manual. Quite long for a boss pedal and if you never used something like this before you will get use out of the manual.

Like I said above,,,Ive never owned a looper and I will admit Ive never even tried one before. I purchased this because of its size,,it fits well in my pedal board. So being the only looper ive tried I think the sound is excellent. Whatever phrase you save sounds exactly like what you played. I dont play in a band nor have I ever so let me tell ya,,,in the past 4 days of owning this pedal I am a bit shocked at how fun playing has become due to the drum patterns. There are 33 in all and im positive there are drum machines out there that will blow this thing away but for a small pedal its got some real nice sounding patterns. The drums sound very nice through my amps loop. Im using it in a mesa boogie rectoverb...works well with it. Im still learning how to use it but what I enjoy the most is finding a good drum pattern,,setting the tempo and playing some chord progression with the drums then play leads on top of that...awsome,,,ive never had so much fun with my guitars.
The unit is quiet,,I cant hear any added noise and I dont notice any tone loss what so ever.

Its a boss so I dont worry too much

dont know

Ive been playing for only about 6 years or so,,Im still learning and other than playing once in a great while with some friends, Im pretty much just plucking away in the basement alone so this thing has so far been a God send for me. The pedal was a little frustrating at first for me but after a few days I got the hang of it. I will make one progression when I turn it on and then will find myself still playing ontop of it hours later... pretty cool

This product can be confounding. I had to read the manual and keep referring to it. Now, I find it easy though unintuitive.

The manual is perfunctory, but adequate. I have no questions about functions.

Some functions are a bit of a hassle. You must double click it to erase recorded loops. That's a pain when you're working live. You can use extra pedals for this and other features, but I think that defeats the purpose of having a compact pedal instead of say, the RC-20xl or the Digitech Jamman.

The compromises are for the most part intelligent ones.

The sound quality is quite high. I don't use true bypass products so I'm less concerned with having a gorgeous pure, tone. The level for recorded sound and 'guide track' are independantly adjustable.

Currently, I've been plugging this straight into the P.A.s I through. I play acoustic guitar accompanying my vocals and other instruments.

I've never had a Boss product fail on me in any situation: rehearsal, practice, or gig. I don't anticipate any problems. I used it extensively at home, in lessons, and on two gigs. It's performed well.

I think in a few years, I might begin to experience problems. Digital technology can die for no reason right out of the blue.

I won't gig with a back-up as I don't rely on it that much. As long as my guitar, voice, mic, and P.A. are working I can still play. This unit add another dimention, but is not integral to my act.

My rating is based partly on past experience with Boss products.

Never had a problem with their gear so company involvement hasn't been necessary.

If I was to encouter difficulties, I'd go through the dealer I purchased it from. They are very good outlet (Acoustic Music Shop - Edmonton, AB).

I play most acoustic based repetoire. Some Canadian maritime, Irish folk, and pop. I use the pedal to creat percussion loops and backing tracks for soloing over. I also use it for practice. I have lot's of fun with it!

I play a Larivee D-03 through this unit, a Boss LS-2, a Boss TU-2, and an L.R. Baggs preamp. I played for going on 30 years, giggin about 10.

I wouldn't definitely replace this unit with the same model. I'm even thinking of getting another one. I'd use one for percussion only and the other for chodal accompaniment. I think that if I do get another looper it'll be the Digitech Jamman as I unexpectly wish that it had more storage capabilitly.

I did compared it with other units and for the compact size and price, this piece is the hands-down winner. I look forward to solo gigs way more now 'cause I get to use my new and favourite toy!