Updated by Bobby
Updated on May 13th, 2022
The RC-300 is no longer in production though can still be found on various used markets. The RC-600 is Boss's follow up re-boot of this multi-effects pedal.
Boss RC-505 VS Rc-300 Looper (Comparison)
Our pick: The RC-300 (if you're a guitar player)
The biggest difference between these two pedals is how they're controlled. The RC-300 is designed to be controlled as a foot pedal, while the RC-505 is setup to more easily be controlled by your hands. For guitar players, we'd recommend the RC-300 since it'll be far easier to work with.
The Boss RC-505 and RC-300 are two similar loop stations that are well-matched on the spec sheet. They're essentially small computers made to bank sounds, play back tracks, and even add rhythm in some cases. But which one is right for you?
Which one is the better value?
We'll show you these two loop stations side by side, allowing you to compare specs and get a feel for which one is better suited for your situation.
Since the two units retail at a similar price point, we can expect a fairly similar feature set, which you can easily see via the following comparison tool:
Boss RC-505 VS RC-300 Comparison Tool (includes the RC-600)
Gear | Title | Rated | Browse |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Boss RC-505 | n/a | |
| Boss RC-300 (discontinued) | n/a | |
 | Boss RC-600 | n/a |
As you can tell by looking at the spec sheet comparison, there aren't a ton of differences between these two units. Let's look at more of the details for each one.
Boss RC-505 Details
The Boss RC-505 is ideal for keyboard players and club performers.
The RC-505 is a newer design which has five phrase tracks as opposed to the three in the RC-300. However, the 505 uses a button setup instead of pedals, which is less convenient for using your feet. The stop button is also just a lot smaller than the play button, whereas the play/stop footswitches are the same size in the 300.
Overall, the 505 is setup for your hands and not your feet, which leads us to categorize it as more of a non-guitar looping pedal.
It's more ideal for keyboard players and club performers, while the 300 is better suited for those wanting to use their feet for the primary controls.
Boss RC-300 Details
The Boss RC-300 is built more guitar players.
As you can tell by looking at the switches and foot pedals, the Boss RC-300 is built more to be controlled by your feet. The level tweaking and banking controls are certainly made to be controlled by hand, but you can record, play back, stop, and use the expression pedal all without the use of your hands.
This makes the RC-300 much better suited for guitar players or acoustic performers that want to use loops during live shows.
Otherwise, the 300's main difference from the 505 is the two less phrase tracks.
As we mentioned, the 505 has five phrase tracks, while the 300 only has three.
Summary of our Comparison
While there are some nuanced feature differences between these two pedals, the biggest distinction is how they were designed to be controlled:
- The RC-505: Control by hand
- The RC-300: Control by your feet
This difference should be the main factor in your decision between the two. Are you a guitar player, perhaps who performs and sings? Then definitely go with the RC-300.
Are you a beatboxer or club performer and you want to control loops by hand?
In that case, definitely go with the RC-505.
If you have questions about either looping station or you disagree with our assessment, drop it in the comments section below and we'll chat.
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Written by GC Editorial on Pedals and Comparisons
Written by Bobby on Pedals and Comparisons
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