BOSS RC-1 Loop Station Owner's Manual

Panel Descriptions

DC IN jack

Accepts connection of an AC Adaptor (PSA series; optional). Using an AC adaptor allows continuous operation without concern for battery life. Use only the specified AC adaptor. If an AC adaptor is connected and a battery is installed, power is drawn from the AC adaptor.

AC Adaptor (PSA series: sold separately)

It is recommended to keep batteries installed even when using an AC adaptor, to ensure continued performance if the AC adaptor cord is disconnected.

LEVEL knob

Adjusts the volume level of the loop phrase being played back. The input level from the INPUT jacks cannot be adjusted.

CHECK indicator

Indicates the power status and provides a battery check function. If the indicator dims or does not light when operating on battery power, the battery is low and needs replacement.

LOOP indicator

Lights during recording, overdubbing, and playback. The rotation speed corresponds to the length of the loop during overdubbing/playback.

OUTPUT jacks A (MONO)/B

Connect to your amplifier or monitor speakers. Use OUTPUT A for mono setups. The OUTPUT A jack also serves as the power switch; the unit powers on when a plug is inserted and powers off when removed. Do not connect headphones to these jacks to avoid damage.

Pedal switch

Cycles between recording, overdubbing, and playback. Pressing twice stops playback. Holding the pedal down for two seconds or longer while stopped erases the recorded phrase.

Thumbscrew

Loosening this screw allows the pedal to open for battery replacement. Refer to "Changing the Battery" for instructions.

STOP/UNDO jack

Connect an external footswitch (FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7: sold separately) to stop playback or perform undo/redo operations.

INPUT jacks A (MONO)/B

Connect your electric guitar, instrument, or effects unit. Use both jacks for stereo effects; use INPUT A for mono sources.

Basic Operation

To perform recording, overdubbing, and playback, use the pedal switch as indicated.

Technique for Stopping

To stop precisely at the end of a measure (e.g., in 4/4 time): Press the pedal once at the beginning of the fourth beat, then press it again at the beginning of the first beat of the next measure.

Stop: 1st time (beat 4), 2nd time (start of next measure).

During overdubbing or loop playback, you can stop by pressing the pedal twice in succession within one second.

Memo: A connected footswitch to the STOP/UNDO jack allows stopping with a single press. Recorded phrases are saved even when the power is turned off.

Note: The minimum recording time is approximately 0.25 seconds. Recording continues until at least 0.25 seconds if the pedal is pressed shortly after starting. The maximum recording time is approximately 12 minutes (stereo). Exceeding this time interrupts recording/overdubbing and switches to loop playback. Roland is not liable for lost stored content.

Deleting a Phrase

Hold down the pedal for two seconds or longer while stopped to erase the recorded phrase. The LOOP indicator (red) blinks rapidly during erasure. Never turn off the power while the indicator is blinking rapidly, as recorded data may be lost. The phrase plays while holding the pedal; use an external footswitch to stop it first if you wish to erase without playback.

Cancelling an Overdub (Undo/Redo)

You can undo or redo by holding down the pedal for two seconds or longer during overdubbing or playback.

Undo: Cancels the last recording or overdub.

Redo: To restore the cancelled sound, hold down the pedal again for two seconds or longer during playback. Redo is only possible during overdubbing or playback. The LOOP indicator (green) blinks rapidly during undo/redo.

Connecting to an External Footswitch

Connect your footswitch to the STOP/UNDO jack and set its POLARITY switch. The FS-5L cannot be used.

Operation:

• Stop: Press the footswitch once during recording/overdubbing/playback.
• Erase: Hold down the footswitch for two seconds or longer.
• Undo/Redo: Press the footswitch.

Changing the Recording Mode/Stop Mode/Display Mode

These modes are changed by holding the pedal switch and turning on the power, then pressing the pedal switch to cycle through options.

1. Changing Recording Mode: Hold the pedal switch, turn on power (insert plug into OUTPUT A jack). The LOOP indicator (red) shows the current mode. Press the pedal switch twice (within one second) to change modes.
   • Upper half: Switch in the order of recording ➔ overdubbing ➔ playback.
   • Lower half: Switch in the order of recording ➔ playback ➔ overdubbing (default setting).
2. Changing Stop Mode: After changing recording mode, press the pedal switch. The LOOP indicator (green) shows the current stop mode. Press the pedal switch twice (within one second) to change modes.
   • Upper half: Press the pedal switch twice to stop immediately (default setting).
   • Lower half: Press the pedal switch twice to enable stopping at the end of the phrase; playback stops when the phrase has played to its end. When playback stops, the phrase is erased. The LOOP indicator (green) rotates while blinking. Pressing twice stops immediately and erases. Holding for two seconds or longer cancels the stop-enabled state.
3. Changing Display Mode: After changing stop mode, press the pedal switch. The LOOP indicator (red and green) shows the current display mode. Press the pedal switch twice (within one second) to change modes.
   • Upper half: The rotational speed of the LOOP indicator changes according to the length of the recorded phrase (default setting).
   • Lower half: The LOOP indicator rotates rapidly; then the playback location blinks.

After changing modes, pressing the pedal switch twice (within one second) will change the stop mode again (this seems like a typo in the original, likely meant to change display mode or return to stop mode selection). When the power is turned off and on again, the unit returns to normal operation.

Changing the Battery

Follow these steps to replace the battery:

1. Hold down the pedal and loosen the thumbscrew, then open the pedal upward. The thumbscrew does not need to be fully detached.
2. Remove the old battery and its connected snap cord from the battery housing.
3. Connect the snap cord to the new battery, ensuring correct polarity (+ versus -), and place the battery inside the housing.
4. Slip the coil spring onto the spring base on the back of the pedal, then close the pedal. Avoid catching the snap cord in the pedal, spring, or housing.
5. Insert the thumbscrew into the guide bush hole and fasten it securely.

Specifications

Note: 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms. This document reflects specifications at the time of issue. Refer to the Roland website for the latest information.

About the Battery

• Always install or replace batteries before connecting other devices to prevent malfunction and damage.
• AC adaptor use is recommended due to the unit's relatively high power consumption. Use alkaline batteries if preferring battery power.
• Improper battery handling can cause explosion or fluid leakage. Observe all safety guidelines in "USING THE UNIT SAFELY" and "IMPORTANT NOTES."

Repairs and Data

While Roland strives to preserve stored data during repairs, data restoration may be impossible if the memory section is physically damaged. Roland assumes no liability for lost stored content.

Intellectual Property Right

It is illegal to make audio/video recordings, copies, or revisions of copyrighted works (music, video, broadcasts, performances, etc.) and distribute, sell, lease, perform, or broadcast them without permission from the copyright owner. Do not use this product to infringe on third-party copyrights. Roland is not responsible for any copyright infringements arising from your use of this product. Roland, BOSS, and Loop Station are registered trademarks or trademarks of Roland Corporation.