The popularity of loopers has skyrocketed over the last few years, with musicians from all over the world using platforms like YouTube to showcase the impressive performances that can be put together using one. Boss has an immense wealth of experience in this field, and the industry standard for a long time has been the company's RC-1 model. This latest version of the pedal brings with it numerous upgrades, including enhanced control and clarity thanks to the innovative "Loop" LED indicator, while retaining the same intuitive footswitch-based operating principle that made its predecessor so popular. This combination together with up to 12 minutes' recording time means that the Boss RC-1 takes all the unnecessary hassle out of looping and gives the player unrestricted creative freedom.
Boss's extensive range of pedals is ample testament to the fact that the company is not afraid to be colourful, and the RC-1 looper continues this trend with its bold red finish. Measuring 73 x 129 x 59mm, it also has the same footprint as Boss's other compact pedals and, just like its siblings, can be supplied with power via a 9V battery or an optional mains adapter. The RC-1 features a stereo input and output, each comprising a pair of 6.35mm mono jack sockets, making it suitable for use with keyboards as well as guitars and basses, and the footswitch serves as a control for all of the essential functions - including record, stop, playback, and overdub, and it can also be used to delete the last take or even entire loops. The new 24-segment LED indicator shows the current status of the operating modes (record, overdub, playback, etc.) and the speed at which it rotates corresponds to the length of the loop.
As mentioned above, the Boss RC-1's mono and stereo connectivity makes it ideal for use with numerous instruments, including guitars, basses, keyboards, and electric pianos, and it gives solo musicians everything they need to create a complete performance on their own - at home, on stage, or on YouTube - without any extra help. The RC-1 is also an ideal tool for musicians to jam and develop their ideas in complete freedom, and it will certainly find favour among users who value intuitive operation and are happy for their gear not to be dependent on WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity or on smartphones, and apps.
The Boss brand has been an important part of the Japanese Roland Corporation since the mid-1970s and has caused a sensation from its inception, especially with its compact effect pedals but also multi-effect units and other helpful tools for guitarists. The company's single effect pedals in particular are legendary and can be found in almost every guitarist's home. An incredible 15 million have been sold to date. With its Katana series, the manufacturer now also offers excellent amplifiers at a very interesting price point.
Loopers like the latest version of the Boss RC-1 make it possible for a solo performer to conjure up the sound of an entire band, and video platforms like YouTube are packed with impressive (and inspiring) examples. Loopers can come in extremely useful in a variety of other ways, however: For example, a looper can be an extremely valuable tool for practising, in which case the player can record a short percussive loop to serve as a metronome or drum beat, thus reducing the amount of equipment they need. Musicians can also use recorded chord sequences to help improve their musical knowledge or as a backing track for improvising. These are just a few examples of how a looper like the Boss RC-1 can help musicians to practise and hone their craft more easily and effectively, but the possibilities are manifold.