BOSS RC-20XL Looper Guitar Effects Pedal User Manual

Introduction

The BOSS RC-20XL Looper Guitar Effects Pedal is a powerful tool designed for musicians to create and layer musical phrases in real-time. It allows for recording, playback, overdubbing, and saving multiple loops, providing a versatile platform for practice, performance, and songwriting. This manual provides essential information for setting up, operating, and maintaining your RC-20XL.

Key Features

• Up to 16 minutes of recording time for extended phrase creation.
• 11 memory slots for saving and recalling your recorded loops.
• Undo function to correct mistakes during overdubbing.
• Adjustable loop tempo without altering the pitch.
• Multiple input options including Instrument, Microphone, and Auxiliary In.

Product Overview

Figure 1: Angled view of the BOSS RC-20XL Looper Pedal, showing the main controls and footswitches. The red top panel features knobs for Level, Guide, Phrase Select, Mic, Peak, and Inst, along with buttons for Reverse, Tap Tempo, Write, Exit, Auto Start Mode, Loop/One Shot, and Stop Mode. The two large black footswitches are for REC/PLAY/OVERDUB and STOP/TAP TEMPO/CLEAR.

Figure 2: Top-down view of the BOSS RC-20XL Looper Pedal, highlighting the control panel layout. This view clearly shows the Phrase Select knob with its 11 positions, the Input Level section with Inst & Mic controls, and the various mode buttons.

Figure 3: Rear panel of the BOSS RC-20XL Looper Pedal, displaying all input and output jacks. From left to right, these include INST Input, MIC Input, AUX IN, Phrase Shift (INC/DEC), Reverse, OUTPUT, and DC IN for power. This view is crucial for understanding connectivity.

Setup

1. Power Connection: Connect a BOSS PSA series AC adaptor (sold separately) to the DC IN jack on the rear panel. Ensure the adaptor is compatible with your region's power supply.
2. Instrument/Microphone Connection:
   • For guitar or other instruments, connect your instrument to the INST input jack.
   • For a microphone, connect it to the MIC input jack.
   • For external audio devices (e.g., MP3 player), connect to the AUX IN jack.
3. Output Connection: Connect the OUTPUT jack to your amplifier, mixer, or audio interface.
4. Power On: The unit powers on automatically when a cable is inserted into the OUTPUT jack. Ensure all connections are secure before powering on your amplifier or monitoring system.

Operating Instructions

Basic Looping

1. Recording a Phrase:
   • Press the left footswitch (REC/PLAY/OVERDUB) once to start recording. The REC indicator will light up.
   • Play your desired phrase.
   • Press the left footswitch again to stop recording and immediately start playback. The PLAY indicator will light up.
2. Overdubbing:
   • While a phrase is playing, press the left footswitch once to enter overdub mode. The OVERDUB indicator will light up.
   • Play additional layers over your existing loop.
   • Press the left footswitch again to exit overdub mode and continue playback.
3. Stopping Playback: Press the right footswitch (STOP/TAP TEMPO/CLEAR) once to stop playback.
4. Clearing a Phrase: While playback is stopped, press and hold the right footswitch for 2 seconds or longer. The CLEAR indicator will flash, and the phrase will be deleted.

Advanced Functions

• Undo Function: During overdubbing, press the left footswitch twice quickly to undo the last recorded overdub.
• Saving Phrases:
  • After recording a phrase, select a memory slot (1-11) using the PHRASE SELECT knob.
  • Press the WRITE button. The WRITE indicator will flash.
  • Press WRITE again to confirm saving.
• Recalling Phrases: Use the PHRASE SELECT knob to choose a saved phrase. Press the left footswitch to play it.
• Tap Tempo: While playback is stopped, tap the right footswitch two or more times to set the tempo. The loop will adjust to the new tempo without changing pitch.
• Reverse Playback: Press the REVERSE button to play the current phrase in reverse.

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the unit. Avoid abrasive cleaners or solvents.
• Storage: Store the unit in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Power Off: Always disconnect the AC adaptor when the unit is not in use for extended periods.

Troubleshooting

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information and product support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official BOSS website. You can also find additional resources and FAQs on the BOSS Store on Amazon.