Boss RC-5 Vs RC-500: Differences?
Tracks, rhythm kits, and control
While the RC-500 has more rhythm kits and a second track, the main difference between the two is how you're able to control them. The RC-500 is (in our opinion, of course) far easier to control with three separate footswitches and a wide range of buttons for editing and controlling each track.
| Specification | Boss RC-5 Looper Pedal | Boss RC-500 Loop Station |
|---|---|---|
| Pedal Type | Looper | Loop Station |
| Looper | 99 x Phrases, 1-track Looper | 99 x Phrases, 2-track Looper |
| Looping Time | 1.5 hours (1-track), 13 hours (max memory total) | 1.5 hours (1-track), 13 hours (max memory total) |
| Presets | 57 x Rhythms (2 variations), 7 x Rhythm Kits | 57 x Rhythms (2 variations), 16 x Rhythm Kits |
| Effects | Reverb (rhythm parts) | Loop FX, Reverb (rhythm parts) |
| Inputs | 2 x 1/4" (A/mono,B) | 2 x 1/4" (A/mono,B), 1 x XLR (mic) |
| Outputs | 2 x 1/4" (A/mono,B) | 2 x 1/4" (A/mono,B) |
| MIDI I/O | 2 x 1/8" TRS (In,Out) | 2 x 1/8" TRS (In,Out) |
| USB | 1 x Type B | 1 x Micro-B |
| Other I/O | 1 x 1/4" TRS (stop/memory) | 1 x 1/4" TRS (control 1/2, expression) |
| Bypass Switching | Buffered Bypass | Buffered Bypass |
| Storage | WAV file audio (backup via USB) | WAV file audio (backup via USB) |
| Software | Boss Tone Studio | Boss Tone Studio |
| Power Source | 9V DC power supply (sold separately) | 9V DC power supply (sold separately) |
| Batteries | 1 x 9V | 4 x AA Batteries |
| Power Usage | N/A | 330mA |
| Height | 2.25" | 2.5" |
| Width | 2.87" | 6.75" |
| Depth | 5.12" | 5.43" |
| Weight | 0.93 lbs. (excluding battery) | 1.9 lbs. (excluding battery) |
| Manufacturer Part Number | RC-5 | RC-500 |
The Boss RC-500 is more expensive, but a lot easier to control. Image via ToneMarrow
The Boss RC-5 is a compact Boss looping pedal with a more limited control scheme. Image via Kraft Music
7 Most Significant Differences
Based on the above specs, the Boss RC-5 looper and RC-500 loop station share a lot of similarities and almost look the same on paper. However, there are several key differences between the two.
- Number of tracks: The most significant difference is the number of tracks they support. The Boss RC-5 is a 1-track looper, whereas the Boss RC-500 is a 2-track looper. This means the RC-500 allows you to record and play back two separate loops simultaneously, making it more versatile for layering and creating complex arrangements.
- Rhythm kits: The Boss RC-500 offers more rhythm kits with 16 variations compared to the RC-5's seven variations.
- Inputs: The Boss RC-500 has an XLR input for a microphone, which is missing from the RC-5. If you plan to use a microphone with your looping setup, the RC-500 is a better (necessary) option.
- Control and expression: The Boss RC-500 has an extra 1/4" TRS input for an expression pedal. Once again, it expands the control you get with the RC-500.
- USB Connection: While both pedals have USB connectivity for audio backup, the RC-5 uses a Type B USB connection, whereas the RC-500 uses a Micro-B USB connection. The choice of USB port type might affect your compatibility with different devices.
- Physical size and weight: The RC-500 is larger and heavier compared to the RC-5. If size and weight are factors for your setup, this might be a consideration.
Which one is the better value?
While the RC-500 is roughly $150 more than the RC-5 (always check for changes in pricing and availability), it's a far more complete looping pedal. You need those extra footswitches for recording and playback, which I would argue is even more important than the extra rhythm kits.
Because again, the two spec sheets are very similar on paper.
It's a situation where the features list doesn't quit tell the entire story.
So I'd much rather have the RC-500 for ease of operation, which is not to say that the RC-5 is bad, but the 500 is worth the upgrade in most situations.
If you disagree, let us know in the comments section.
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