How to use the Boss RC-5 Loopstation with Backing Tracks
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- Опубликовано: 14 июл 2021
- Get your LoopStation here: redir.love/thocf/4jzg2rsxjg - Affiliated link from Thomann In this video I show you how to use the BOSS RC-5 loop station as a backing track machine and some tips and tricks on how to use it.
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#bosspedals #bossrc5 #backingtracks 
Видеоклипы
About backing tracks, here is something any RC-5 owner should know. When importing a backing track into a memory slot, either with Tone Studio or with the SETUP/STORAGE feature, the unit uses a beat detection algorithm to infer the tempo, the time signature and the total bar count in the loop. Problem is, this algorithm is not robust and often fails.
As an example, consider the track "Funky Groove1" in the "Soul Collection (Backing)". The info provided with this track is "98 bpm, key E".
Ok, but when this track is imported into the RC-5, the tempo displayed by the unit is 130.6 bpm and the length of the loop is supposed to be 32 bars (MEMORY/LOOP/MEASURE). This is obviously wrong, and one way to be sure is to play the rhythm section at the same time and listen to the mess. The correct numbers should be 24 bars @ 98 bpm, 4/4 time signature.
This can be solved but it's not trivial:
1- some calculus are needed. Easy ones, but still annoying...
2- some tweaking is required. Basically, one of the xml files MEMORY1.RC0 and MEMORY2.RC0 has to be edited by hand.
Be aware that this quirk can happen with ANY backing track. Personal ones, but also "official" backing tracks from Boss, as demonstrated above. So far, I have failed to import backing tracks in 6/8 and 5/4 time signatures properly. The unit always detects them with a 4/4 time signature, with bad consequences on tempo and bar count, making the song structure a complete mess :(
I could elaborate on the (tedious) way to solve this, if anybody's interested.
this is very important please send me video link to solve
@@sherzar I'll make it explicit here, using the example from my previous comment. The method can be extrapolated to any situation
Prerequisites:
- you know the exact time signature. In the example it's 4/4
- you know the exact tempo, let's call it TrueBPM. In the example TrueBPM = 98
- take note of the memory slot where the track is stored. In the example let's say it's at Memory 42
- you need a text editor, if possible with syntax highlighting. On the Windows platform, Notepad++ is free and displays XML data nicely
First thing to do is writing the memory slot 42 twice
It's merely a trick ensuring that both data files have the same content
Set up a USB link between your computer and the RC-5. Do not use Tone Studio, instead use the RC-5's storage facility:
Go to SETUP/STORAGE until the RC-5 shows: STORAGE OFF
On the RC-5 turn the button clockwise
The RC-5 displays: STORAGE CONNECTING...
On your computer, the "BOSS RC-5" unit appears. Basically the RC-5's inner filesystem is given exposure
The files of interest are located at: BOSS RC-5/ROLAND/DATA
Open the file MEMORY1.RC0 with the text editor. It's an XML file which contains data for every memory slot, from first to last
We want to scroll down to our memory slot number, MINUS ONE. So in the example we look for this tag: mem id="41"
The attributes to be examined and/or modified are in the nodes TRACK1, MASTER and RHYTHM:
TRACK1/MeasLen
TRACK1/RecTmp
TRACK1/WavLen
MASTER/Tempo
MASTER/LpLen
RHYTHM/Beat
In this example we can see that WavLen has the value 2592000
We also can see the bogus measure count: MeasLen = LpLen = 32
We also can see the bogus tempo: RecTmp = Tempo = 1306 (in the file, the units for tempo are tenths of BPM, making this value an integer)
The total number of beats in the track is Nbeats = WavLen * TrueBPM / 2646000
In the example we have Wavlen = 2592000 and TrueBPM = 98, which leads to Nbeats = 96 beats (quarter notes)
Knowing the time signature is 4/4, the total number of measures in the track is Nmeasures = Nbeats / 4 = 24 measures
If the time signature was 3/4 we'd have to divide by 3. If it was 5/8 we'd have to divide by 2.5
At this point, Nmeasures MUST be an integer. If the result of the calculation is a floating point number, this means either that the prerequisites are not met or that the track's author has been negligent wrt timing consistency. Anyway, if Nmeasures is fractional, round it to the nearest integer. Never EVER insert a floating point number into the data files!
Now is the time to modify the file
Set attributes MeasLen and LpLen to the value Nmeasures, i.e: replace 32 with 24
Set attributes RecTmp and Tempo to TrueBPM*10, i.e: replace 1306 with 980
Finally, set Beat to an integer in the range [0..16]
0 is for signature 2/4 and 16 is for signature 15/8
In the example, since the track is in 4/4 the Beat attribute stays at 2
Save the file and close the editor
Edit the file MEMORY2.RC0 and perform the exact same modifications
On the RC-5 turn the button counterclockwise
The RC-5 displays: STORAGE DISCONNECT...
On your computer the "BOSS RC-5" unit disappears
At this point the USB cable can be unplugged at either side
Is this an issue on all boss loopers or only on this one? That is a tedious process... I'd rather find another model that identifies correctly tempo/key
@@RuiSousas This issue affects the RC-5 but I can't tell about other Boss loopers. The recent 1.06 update didn't fix the issue.
The procedure is tedious, agreed. I don't use it anymore, instead I use a program of mine which needs only a few clicks. You should consider the procedure as a recipe intended for a programmatic implementation rather than for a manual fix. It's precisely the reason why I've made it so verbose.
About your worries and your search for another model:
- a looper can be used in many ways. Loading backing tracks and playing them back is one of these ways. But imho it's a niche use.
- the wrong tempo and/or time signature is not necessarily an issue to be tackled with. If you don't have to let the internal drum machine pop in now and then, if you don't need any midi sync trickery during playback, if you don't want/need to rely on the tempo LED's blink rate, then... the issue simply vanishes. Just enjoy what is played back. As long as it loops nicely, you're fine.
- yes another model or another brand could do better, but don't expect miracles. At the end of the day an algorithm still has to be used, but beat detection and time signature recognition algorithms are notoriously non-trivial. Even a trained human ear can get confused, no wonder a program can lack robustness, e.g. all of us have witnessed some DAWs fail in this area. My point here is, if this feature truly matters to you then you'll have to thoroughly investigate before buying your next equipment.
You are very knowledgeable, Thank you lots
This is exactly what I wanted to know, and how to do it. Brilliantly explained, super helpful. Thanks!
GREAT VIDEO! I had almost ruled out the RC5 as the solution I am seeking... and then I found your video. While I am not doing full backing tracks... I do plan on using this to trigger a few 'icing on the cake' samples. For example... in Elton John's "Rocket Man" there is a slide guitar in the chorus-- once ascending and then descending. So now I can assign ascending to one track and descending to another and since the chorus repeats I can switch between the two as appropriate within the chorus (with a little help from the aux pedal). Placing my order this weekend. THANK YOU!!!
What’s a great idea!! Just all down to timing (no pun intended) as it’s triggering a loop and make sure the one shot is on. Excellent idea btw for embellishing the live performance.
Love it! 👍🏻 😊
Brilliant! Thank you so much for this. No one else including Boss even seems to mention this feature.
Well done. 👍🏻
You’re more than welcome. 👍🏼
Mate, this is awesome! It's absolutely what I needed. You answered every possible question I could have.
I'm bookmarking this video, as it will be my manual, hah. Thanks again. 👍
More than welcome 🙏
Thank you, I practice with backing tracks and my ditto looper. I’ve been looking at upgrading to a RC500, this was great showing how to set these up for backing track control. I’m looking at the 500 because of its routing ability.
This is super useful. I just ordered an RC-5 for this exact function.
Glad it helped.
VERY IMPORTANT FOR SAMPLING: When you save the '1 shot' setting in each memory file, you have to hit 'setup' and 'memory' at the same time and then click (with the wheel) 'write' to save the setting. otherwise, each time you turn the pedal on, it will go back to looping the samples.
Great advice! Yes the pedal doesn’t assume this and it needs setting. 👌
Just the answers I was looking for! Thank you so much for this video !
Glad it was helpful! Have a look at this video too and cross reference it for the RC-5. Most of the process if the same. 😊
ruclips.net/video/OaJ2dJ_phrE/видео.htmlsi=Oioj_CQGVRVzaq3B
This is an incredibly informative video. Exactly what I was looking for - thank you!
More than welcome 🙏
Great informative video. Something I was looking for all along as I own this looper but don't loop in a live setting. This is what I really want to do as a Solo Act and only for embellishing a few songs in a few places. This is perfect for this purpose. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome! Thanks for this video John... I do quite a few hotel and restaurant solo gigs with my own backing tracks, have them all on my ipad and sent to PA via bluetooth... works fine... but I'm always a bit worried my ipad is gonna crap out on me or if I get bluetooth problems... so having this pedal will solve this worry! Plus work as a looper! :)
It’s a great versatile little pedal to have. 👍🏻
Such a great video! Answered a lot of my questions. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Great information explained & presented here. Appreciate the clear & concise instructional tips. oNe LovE from NYC
Glad it helped. 🙏
Daaamn it!! Thats what i needed thnks!!! Cheers from a Metal head in Mexico!!😎✌️😈
Welcome dude! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻
Exactly what I needed! Thank you :)
Welcome 🙏
Many thanks for this helpful video! Learned a lot about the versatility of the RC-5! Just a brief question for home use: when using the RC-5 with a combo amp, would it be best to place the RC-5 in the FX-loop in order to keep the backing tracks unaltered by the pre-amp? Unfortunately, no PA or separate cabinet available at home. Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Yes Niels, in this instance that’s what I would do. 👍🏻
Brilliant . Thank you
You are welcome! 🙏
This was super helpful, Cheers
Welcome 🙏 you might find this one helpful too - ruclips.net/video/OaJ2dJ_phrE/видео.htmlsi=bYecw1CzRjPmyzTe
Bloody legend JohnPaul. Your videos are excellent. Very easy to digest all the information. Thanks again mate keep up the good work
More than welcome 🙏
thank you, that was really great, simple and easy! Is it possible to let the pedal play, pause and then go on from where it paused? In case the drums make a brake?
Great video! I am wondering whether it's possible to load your OWN drum loops that you've recorded or pulled from your DAW, put them on the RC 500 as a backing track and then play it as track 1 and do all your guitar stuff on track 2, thus letting you use your own drums (even though it will be using up one of the tracks)
The downside to this is you will have to decide on the length of the drum loop. Is this possible to do? I would love to use some hip hop style beats from ableton and be able to control the volume independently of my guitar!
MATE!!!! thank you so much for this, !! All my questions answered.
That’s great 😁
Hi, great video. When it comes to naming the files, can you name them on the computer (i.e. with a keyboard), or do you have to name them onnthe pedal with the wheel?
Thanks!
Very cool! I will give it a go. Thanks for that.
you are more than welcome 🙏
This was really helpful thank you!
More than welcome 🙏
Thank you very much, very helpful! Nice and simple, all i needed. Exactly what i expected from a simple device! (maybe a bit complicated for a natural born dummies) :)
More than welcome 🙏
This is one of the most maddening pieces of equipment I own. BOSS is of little help, and I am about to heave this thing into the Rio Grande.
What’s the issue? What do you need?
I was using the RC-5 yesterday, after creating Wav FILES AND WAS IMPORTING. i Had to step away for a bit. Powered the unit down. Came back and it will not connect to the laptop. "Editor connecting" on the RC-5, but no connection on the app. Version 1.3.0. BOSS is of no help. They treat customers with all the courtesy of a pissed off, cornered cat. I was not really asking for help, though gladly taken, as much as ranting. Thanks mate.
Thanks for this wonderful and very clear video. I just wanna know if there's a way that FS-7 can do both work at time: scroll up and down the memory and stop loop with a single tap instead two tap (as pedal do by default). Thanks again.
Thank you 🙏
And that is a good question.
So you would have to choose. You could have one button stop a loop and another button either go mem up or mem down and when you get to the 99th memory, it would scroll to memory 0 again.
Alternatively if you want to have more buttons, then this might be the answer (..and yes this will work with the RC-5 as well) ruclips.net/video/i5vAbZTcFFQ/видео.html
Good man cheers!
Thanks 🙏
Hi, what polarity should the fs7 be set to? I guess that you set the switches to momentarily? Thanks in advance.
Awesome content!!! Thanks!!!
Is there some way to have an external midi metronome?
You can change the clock settings and the midi clock to external, yes. 👍🏻
Thanks for the vid. I’m buying the rc5 to play backing tracks. I don’t need a looper.
Glad I could help!
If you want multi-track backing tracks you can control, maybe checkout the idoru-P1
idoru.live
@@JohnPaulMusicUK looks amazing! It’s a bit more than I need at the moment. It’s great to know it exists though. Certainly a possibility in the future.
This is great thank you.
If I have a hard panned left and right stereo track (ie rhythm track on left, click on right) will the signal split via the Boss RC5 A and B output? Thanks in advance for any help with this.
Yes, exactly. the signal is split stereo of dual mono depending on ho you look at it. The only thing is that any rhythm sound is designed to come out of both, in stereo. So if you use the internal rhythm, it will come out of both the left and right channel.
Very informative. Thank you.
More than welcome 🙏
Hi John.. can you switch memory while playing using the external footswitch? For example when shifting from verse to chorus when playing live
Yes and no.
Yes you can switch but then the loop you created is lost!!
Unless you save it first or have a skeleton version saved you can add on top off. Have a look at this video that might help. ruclips.net/video/sBovcjfWgQ4/видео.html
Marvellous upload
Thank you! 🙏🏻
Hi John, when using the start /stop function if you play track one does it stop at the beginning of the track two interval and cues it up so you only need to tap once to advance to track two ? Or do you have to reach down to cue up the next track ? Great vids by the way !
Hey 👋
So remember it’s a loop pedal. We care just using it like a backing track player. So, with that in mind, you would have to either reach down or get an external pedal like an FS-6/7 and you could program that up to be memory up and down. 👍🏼
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thanks' John Paul. If you're ever in Galway this summer look me up I'll be busking and playing about the town the names Matt Clancy, Cheers.
Great video! If you want to find the backing tracks to do guitar covers on, how would you go about finding/downloading those tracks? For example, I'm wanting to do a cover of Take 5 by David Brubeck and just need to drums, piano, bass and I'll take over the sax with my guitar. Thank you!!!
There are loads of different places you can get backing tracks from, but one that I quite like is called JamTracks from JamKazam because you can dictate/mix what you want or don’t want in the backing track.
Check them out here: www.jamkazam.com/products/jamtracks
Greetings JohnPaul. Great video. I have a Boss RC-5 Looper and I want to use it for creating backing track segments, load them to my macOS Big Sur desktop, piece together in GarageBand, embellish with minimum additional tracks, compression and EQ. I am told that the RC-5 is looking for 32-bit recording with at least 44kHz clock. My MAC only has a 24-bit audio processing. When I have my 20 backing tracks created, will I be able to export them to my RC5 so that I can use it for live sets?
Yes you will.
As long as it’s over 16-but, you can import them. 👍🏻
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Awesome. Thanks for the quick reply.
Welcome 🙏
Marvelous!!. Just one question: Can I loop over backing tracks that are stored in memory?…I mean, can I loop over a backing track? I have the RC 500 and I suppose it will be possible but I don't know how to configure it properly
Fantastic very cool!! Get mine in a couple of days
Awesome! That’s great! 👍🏻
Great video. Question for you, will the RC-5 automatically detect the BPM from a back track? Then, could you use the RC-5 as the midi master to control your tempo for your delay? I have a morning star MC 6 going into a HX stomp. I want the RC-5 to send the BPM to the MC 6 which I then use to control the HX Stomp. It would be awesome to have my effects automatically in time with the back track without the need to tap the tempo in. Thanks!
The RC-5 can certainly send the tempo to the morningstar and in turn control the Bon of your effects for the HX stomp. But it’s doesn’t auto detect the bpm of a backing track, although it will work out the bpm of a loop when you press it.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK I set the BPM of the RC Track prior to importing the back track which is also set at the same bpm. However, I cannot get the morning star to receive the midi clock. I've got all the settings right for midi on the RC-5 but still nothing. Sounds like the only way the morningstar will accept the RC-5 midi is when being used as a looper regardless if you pre-program the BPM of the Rc-5 track prior to importing a back track. Thanks.
Hi John Paul, great video. I am planning to buy this for playing live gigs with backing tracks as a singer songwriter. Is there a way to do in ear monitoring on this while playing live? Without the need of another pedal?
Yes… but.
It would mean to either send it out to a mixer and pick it up there.. or without anything else, you can do it where you end one jack to the PA and the other to an IEM.
Downside is it’s all in Mono. But it means it’s clean and simple. Hope that helps.
Is it possible to set up the RC-500 as a backing track machine without any external pedals (FS-6, etc.) by re-assigning the footswitches as play/stop/memory select?
Follow the steps I’ve done in this video for the RC-500 and yes it will work. 👍🏻
Great Video!
Glad you liked it. I hope you found it useful?
Great video. Where did you get the line out boxes for the click/tracks? That's a great idea to have them fixed on the board.
Haven't had any problems with the sync things. The sound is hifi and unforgiving if your tracks are not well produced. This is my first experience using my own backing tracks and yeah i need to up my game. I use the pedal with the boss double switch. The numbers and named tracks just work.
That’s great! Yeah the pedal can handle 32 bit quality and if you’re using 16 bit on a big PA you’ll notice the difference. Glad it’s working out. 👍🏻
Great video, you covered all the things, thanks! It's 2024, is RC-5 still your recommendation for an easy, backing tracks solution?
That’s a great question. Coming from a looping background, yes.. although there are probably iPad, phone and computer apps that could do it now as well. A friend of mine who works cruise ships swears by StageTraxx on their iPad.
An alternative if you want it to be pedal based is the iduro P1 which is a floor based backing track machine that can take multiple stems and you can mix them out. 👌 niche product but VERY cool! But if you already have an RC1/3/5 with an external foot pedal like the FS6 or FS7 then it’s a winner.
Hope that helps.
Do you recomend using a separate amp or speaker to playback the backing track's as opposed to my guitar amp ? Thanks
Yeah I would. If your going to split the track then yes. Or just as a more flatter, cleaner sound.
Appreciate the Video. I Just picked up an RC-600 to enhance my solo shows. I plan on setting up memories for looping certain songs with some of the built in Rhythms, and also want to install backing tracks for some of my released songs. Im assuming it would be the same process on the RC 600 for installing and running the backing tracks??
Certainly would but with the RC-600 you could go so much further. You could (if you wanted to) separate out the parts of the songs and put them over the 6 tracks (verse, chorus bridge etc) and if it was me, I would HEAVILY advise to use the John Taylor RC-Editor! Cause you can then make set lists! Check this out: ruclips.net/video/l5ZBQqyfZwo/видео.htmlsi=9b7i0SQSIGfTVuzz
Here is the playlist to all the RC-600 videos I have made so far - ruclips.net/p/PLO36LpORUSaa9-oX7LbZ4CRRUHMiWoU0s
I also have a FULL RC-600 course with over 55 unique deep dive videos in, which you can now pay for monthly! Put SUBSCRIBER in the checkout for a discount - www.johnpaulmusic.co.uk/boss-rc-600-course-page
And if you want 121 consultation, I do this as well: www.johnpaulmusic.co.uk/coaching-options
Hello, could you tell me if there is some setting to change memory instantly on the RC5 while it is in play? I realize that to go to the next memory I have to wait for the end of the first loop. Thanks in advance.
Not that I know of, no. You can only go to loop end and then the memory will change.
Hi JP wonderful stuff I learned so much in a few minutes. Where are your ouputs going to from the looper? Studio Monitors/PA? thanks JS
Hey John.
So my looper is normally going to my PA speaker, the Mackie Reach which I use for gigs. It’s normally the lat thing in the chain before going to the speaker which has an internal mixer.
Hope that helps 👍🏻
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thanks so much I appreciate your help. John
No worries 😉
Great vid!
So if I load a backing track with a Click on one side (lets say R)... when I play it back will the pedal output it to ONLY that side like in my track? or does that only apply to the Rhythm like on the RC-10R?😃Cheers!
If you have a ‘stereo’ backing track and the backing is on the left and the click is on the right, then you can output this stereo track with left and right and send the click track to your monitors or ears whilst the audience get the mono left output.
So if I have a backing track downloaded on my computer (one that was created in garage band) and upload it to an RC-5 memory slot, will the drums play too? Or do the drums have to be configured by Boss to come out of this pedal?
Yes the rhythm section is independent but just be aware of the bpm once you have imported it to the looper.
When I imported tone center backing tracks they were super loud. Can that only be fixed with something like audacity? Or can it be done on the Looper? Thanks
So you can fix the audio in audacity by bringing the main volume down before you export it. I would recommend around -3db to -6db to give you some headroom.
You can also adjust the actual volume of the loop in the RC-5. Click memory button and scroll across one to ‘Level’. (Remember the RC-5 thinks the backing track is a loop).
There you can use the main knob to adjust the volume.
Just remember to write that to the memory so it sticks. 👍🏼
Question. Can wav files be loaded onto the RC-5 without downloading any outside software to do it? The reason I ask is because I am able to load wavs onto Boss's older version of this pedal, the RC-3, without having to use any kind of software at all. I just use a USB-B cable and plug it from my RC-3 into my computer. When the pedal shows up on my computer's desktop, I simply drag and drop the wav from my computer into the correct numbered folder in the pedal's WAVE folder and, assuming that my wav files are labeled correctly, everything should work just fine. Simple. I'm having a problem doing this with the RC-5 , but my biggest obstacle is even getting my computer to see the pedal. When I use the same USB-B cable that I use with no problem for my RC-3 on my RC-5 instead, I can't even get the pedal to show up on my computer's desktop.
Is it possible to send the backing track out of one output to a PA and the guitar signal and guitar loop out the other output to an amp? Thanks!
It certainly is. But just remember that with the RC-5 you only have one track, so the backing track is the loop of that makes sense. You can reroute the signals per memory so that Backing Track / loop is one output and the guitar is another. This is not an issue. 👍🏻
Hi John, this makes me feel like I could purchase the RC600 and load loops/backing tracks into the pedal and trigger them live. Could for example, I fire a drum loop from previously recorded content + trigger a bass line + a bridge sequence using files from my DAW and not live looped? I love the customized performances live looper artists have but I would like to get there a lot faster and not make loop live. I play singer-songwriter music and I want the focus to be on the stories and lyrics I am communicating and not the layers of a loop.
Hi Logan.
Yes you could totally do that, either as one backing track or if you have the steps, you could load them up and set them to one shot so they play all together at the right time. 👍🏻
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thanks for your help!!
More than welcome 🙏
Great video. Such useful info. Is there any time limit per track? Say I have a flamma fs21 looper that has 40 tracks at a 4 minute limit, therefore any backing tracks linger won't fit. Thanks again
Yes. But it’s ridiculous.
Total record time on the unit - 13hrs
Total record time per track - 90mins!
90 minutes!! It’s a HUGE limit. 😂
@@JohnPaulMusicUK that is ridiculous (ly good) 😅. I was wondering alright was it just a case of dividing 13hrs by 99 preset slots. Anyway thanks for getting back to me. Your videos on these units are excellent
Hi. Nice videos.
Can boss RC 10 play backing tracks. Also does it have the 4 parameters for turning in and off individual drums.
Thomas
Hi! Great tutorial. I have a question: i have tracks that has the click on the left side and the music on the right side. Could I take out two mono cables through the output? I need the soundman to send the click only to me and the music for the PA.
Thanks.
Yes absolutely you could. 👍🏻
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thanks!! And sorry for the stupid question, but i need one stereo jack for connect the guitar in the IN and two mono jacks for the outputs?
Awesome video I just have one question I want to use this for bass backing tracks. Can I just assign one song for each number basically scroll through with the dual switch, stop and play like you were and run it straight into a bass amp ???? 🤔
How many banks does it have? And how much time can I put on each Bank?
Yes you can and yes! 😉
So the unit has 99 memories (songs) and a total of 13hrs record time across the 99 with a limit of 90mins per song!
More than most people would ever need! 👍🏻
@@JohnPaulMusicUK cool thanks man
Thank you this is very helpful. Is the workflow similar for Boss RC-505MKII and RC-600? Thanks again.
Basically yes. 👍🏻
Hi JohnPaul - I've got my RC-5 pedal connected via USB, storage is turned on, and once i click on connect on the Boss Tone Studio my pedal reads 'Editor Connecting' and then nothing happens. The import and export buttons remain greyed out / inaccessible. Any ideas?
Thanks for the video, John. This is exactly what I am going to use the pedal for. Hoping you might have a video explaining how to setup the RC-5 so that the backing track splits into L/R so I can run the click to my in-ears and the backing track music to the speakers? Appreciate your advice.
and further: if i create my backing track and hard pan all the music R and the click on the backing track hard pan L will the RC-5's outputs A&B also be split R and L?
Hi Paul.
Ahh i see. So the reason I haven’t made that kind of video is that I would have thought most people would want their backing tracks in stereo.
But yeah the backing track would indeed be panned and then you could pan the click track to the other side.
Bear in mind that the internal click would have to be set to the same bpm as the backing track thou and saved that way. 👍🏻 and yes the output A&B would also be split.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK right. To be clear I don't want to use the RC-5 internal click. I want to create my backing track as essentially a 2-track that will have music on one track and my click on the other track. I will pan one hard right and one hard left, then bounce that 2-track into 1 stereo track as 1 backing track. So when the RC-5 plays the backing track one output from the RC-5 will be the music (R) and the other output on the RC-5 will be the backing tracks click (L). When the RC-5 plays the backing track, output A will be the music and Output B will be the click, both outputs playing the same backing track but panning makes only 1 sound come out each output. I hope I have explained this clearer. I just bought the RC-5 so hoping it can be my solution so I don't have to have an iPad or Laptop running Ableton live on stage with me.
I am going to test this functionality this morning and will post my findings here.
Output B of RC-5 is music only, Output A of RC-5 is music with the click on the backing track. So if any drummers or bands want to use the RC-5 as a compact piece of gear to play backing tracks it is easily done.
FANTASTIC VIDEO! I am importing loops that I have created in cubase. Do you have any suggestion about whether I should mix down these tracks at 16 or 24 bit wav files?
24-bit or even 32-bit if you’re able.
With the RC-600 how do you do the same process? will it work with the usb out to usb in?
Yea it can. It has 2 modes generic and vendor mode for usb audio.
Generic (the default) is 2in and 2out.
Vendor is 8in and 8out.
So you would only need generic mode if playing with stereo tracks.
Is it possible to increase/decrease the tempo of a recorded sample? I’m trying to figure out if it’s possible to double the time of the sample and have it go an octave in pitch. Akin to the line 6 DL4 looper.
Yes. If it is imported and the bpm has been set. You can then change the bpm and it will change the sample. 👌
Awesome inför John! I do have a question. Is there a way to preset the tempo and then import a backing track? Case in point, my backing track is 85bpm. When I import it changes it to 112.9 bpm. So if I change it back to 85 it's now death metal.
Hahaha A bit of death metal! So I would save the memory to 85 first and then turn off tempo sync and Loop Sync. Then import the file. Then you can turn Tempo Sync back on and should be alright.
Tempo sync is what’s causing the time move.
Hi John, Thank you so much for this tutorial-- very helpful! I am interested in using the RC-5 in a performance situation where I trigger a short backing track at the beginning of a song (as a 1-Shot) and then record a loop while I am playing later in the song. Is that possible? Maybe move the Memory slot from my pre-recorded intro to a blank slot with the foot switch after my 1-Shot plays? Thanks again!
I think you just answered your own question. Yes. Grab an external pedal and program it to be memory up. 👍🏻
Then you can start the backing.. once that is finished, memory up and then your next memory (blank track or not) is ready to be used. 👍🏻
Hi John. Great info and video thanks. One problem when I have added backing tracks... When I add a 1 measure count in for playback it also adds and plays the built in drum rythym and lights up the rythym on/off button. Is this normal as I obviously do not want this playing over a backing track, thank you.
Yeah it’s normal. It’s a looper first and foremost but you can turn this feature off in the Rhythm ‘start’ and ‘stop’ menus. 👍🏻
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thanks for the reply. I've tried everything I can think of but cannot turn it off. Could you please tell me where the setting is? Thank you.
@JohnPaulMusicUK ive been reading mixed reviews about uploading mp3/wav files, could you tell from your experience? peoplea re saying that you have to upload a 32bit mp3/wav at 44.1khz and that you ahve to edit the files in audacity before uploading them, or the looper wont recognize... in your video the boss app you downloaded you just picked some mp3 of your music and added them without having to go back and edit the bit/khz
Hey 👋
Yeah there are mixed reviews.
It doesn’t just have to be 32bit.
The BOSS TONE STUDIO for RC can load (import) WAV files in the following formats.
- See the PDF in the “BOSS TONE STUDIO for RC” folder for details on how to do this.
Data format: WAV data (stereo, PCM)
Bit rate: 16 bits, 24 bits, 32-bit floating point
Sampling frequency: 44.1 kHz
Data length: 0.35 sec.~ 101 min.
You can also save (export) data from the RC-500 (RC-5) to your computer.
- The bit rate (16/24/32 bits) can be selected at the time of export.
Best idea is if you’re not sure to alter them in something like Audacity’s software.
John, I come back to your video often to try and master this RC5 pedal. I have a question, can you recommend an MP# to WAV converter? One that you trust. Chhers
Good question. On Mac or Pc the best and free one really is Audacity. It’s an audio recorder itself but you can pull in an audio file in and export out in a different format but also choose the quality. Hope that helps.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Of course!!!!!!!!! I use audacity, never thought to rewrite through the system. Thank you sir. Cheers on a good weekend.
Great video! Do you know if you can assign the backing tracks to play out of just output B? Would love to hear my guitar out of output A to an amp and then the tracks through output B to FOH.
So this would be slightly tricky.
When you have a loop it comes out of output a & b which you can’t change.. however, if you has a stereo track on your computer and panned it to just the right.. then exported it and put it in the RC-5 it would come out of both but you would have output A as silent and output b only as the backing.. then plug your guitar into Input/Output A.
On the RC-500 and above you can change the routing. A limitation with the RC-5 but just have to low-jack it in this way. Hope that helps. 👍🏻 😊
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Brilliant, thank you!
At 10:30 minute mark. If I press the footswitch in the middle of track1 playing (go from track1 to track2), will track2 start playing immediately?
Or I have to also press the RC-5 pedal to play track2?
It should play automatically if you have stuff on each memory. 👍🏻
Hi John - Greetings from Down Under - Fantastic video ! I have the RC5/FS7 set up. I want to use it for backing tracks. However I wish to just use it at home to playing some tracks to play my electric guitar along to. Playing thru a guitar amp does not sound that good, nor computer speakers. Do you have any suggestions, like maybe a small PA or monitor so I have decent sound to play along to, and imagine I am a rock star several times a week in the privacy of my own home 😆
Hey 👋 does your amp have a fx send and return loop? Maybe on the back? If so you’re in luck.
1) plug your guitar into the amp as normal
2) plug the effects loop SEND to the input of the RC-5 (input A)
3) output A of the RC-5 goes to the return of the effects loop.
This will keep the backing tracks sounding as they are whilst you can use your amp normally with its effects.
Failing that, if you want a decent PA speaker instead, maybe check out the Mackie Thump GO or SRM150, or a Roland Cube or a Behringer Eurolive.
Hope all this helps,
I contacted ya a week or so about me running old midi back tracks playing back through all the keyboards and drum machine into board and into RC5 . Everything recorded clearly into the RC5 I even played each track back after saving each one onto memory, I did about 50 tracks and all sounded fine. Next day I turned it all back on and all the tracks on RC5 sounded like they have a weird warbly sound making every track usless as a backing track, I thought I did something wrong so I went through the whole process again of recording again they sounded great then when next day they sounded all weird and not clear. What is going on and how do I fix this issue?
Wow! This is weird!
Is it down to the RC-5 making a bpm change? Wondering if it’s setting as for example a 70.4 bpm but when you save it, it’s moving it to 70 and having a ever so slight change to the bpm?
Other than that, it could be the kHz
Other than that, I’m not sure and I would strongly suggest about contacting Boss Support!
@@JohnPaulMusicUK it was weird but I figured it out. I downloaded updates as I had version 100.2 on RC 5. Once I did that everything I recorded previous was fixed and played as I recorded it and stayed playing perfect from now on
I also don’t set tempo when I record I simply press play on sequence and step on RC5 pedal as if I was pressing record button and that works fine. The drum tracks on all my midi stuff have count in measure as well as fills to guide me through all songs songs. I started doing backing track 30 years before many considered the benefits. So setting tempo on RC5 didn’t seem to matter.
Thanks for getting back to me. Now I can proceed with the other 50 tracks.
Is there a way to name the Memory before you import it, so you don't have to do it on the pedal? Maybe an Idea for a video is prepping tracks for import.
I like this idea (how have I not seen this comment until now 🤷♂️) - let me work on that.
Thanks for the great Video, when I put my song name in it doesn't save, what step am I missing? Also can it be done from the computer
Remember to write it to the memory after you have made it.
Hi 👋 great video dude 👍 I’ll buy a looper soon for composing. My question is : can we record over the backing track ? If not, which model could do that ? Thanks a lot 🙏
Hey 👋
Yes you can. Technically unlimited overdubs. 👍🏻
@@JohnPaulMusicUK thanks for your reply ! I think I’ve taken my decision 👍😎
Hello, I have a question, with the RC5 can I change memory as if they were parts of a song with the footswitch? thank you!!
Yes you can but you would have to have a separate foot switch attached to it. If it was me I would invest in an FS6 or FS7 pedal that you would plug in at the side. Then reprogram them for both memory up and down, whilst having the main button as play and stop. The nice thing is that the Looper can handle swapping memories whilst playing and also if you set the loops (parts of the songs) stop function to ‘Loop end’ then they will switch at the end of the loop. - worth me making a video on that I recon. 😊 👍🏻
I like this idea- i have a life synth set in the works with drum machine… but there are some beats/accent lines I simply want playing underneath me on a few tracks… boom: RC-5
That a good shout. 👍🏻
I know this is a dated vid, but just got the rc5 & was wondering if I could import full mix backing tracks from like YT, record an improv over it & then upload to the Mac. Very helpful vid.
Yes technically you can import any audio and then that is a loop. You can then play on top of that as it plays in the background and then use the output to put into an audio interface.
The RC-5 is not an audio interface itself.
@JohnPaul Music UK thank you! And thanks for doing vids on this pedal. Quite a learning curve to it & your channel is fantastic.
hey John, is it possible to loop onto of the backing track that is playing? Or am I missing something??
Hey 👋
So in this scenario, no because it’s one long ‘loop’ as an audio wav file playing just once from beginning to end.
With a looper that has more than one track, like an RC-300/500/600 etc you could yes.
Excellent thank you
You are very welcome 🙏
Hey I’m thinking of getting this for my backing track but can you explained to me how you split the click to the drummer and the backing track to the front of house with out the click being heard . Cheers I’m all new to this
You can and you can’t. So the click track on the device is the rhythm section and the backing track is the ‘loop’. Now, I know your not using it like a loop but you would have to get the bpm 100% right with the unit, which is difficult. Then send the rhythm (click) out to one output (let’s say output B) and the backing out to output A. Then the issue is that the backing track is mono.
Alternatively have a look at the Idoru P-1 backing track machine.
This tutorial was phenomenal . . . ( I keep coming back to it, for reference ). Can you get Elevated Jam Tracks into the RC-5?
As long as the JamTracks are in wav, yes.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thanks so much John. Great stuff on your channel.
Thank you. 🙏
I'm new to the looping game and your videos are absolutely superb. Thanks so much for the time you take to explain things so clearly and concisely. My issue: when I import a purchased backing track (e.g., a song without the guitar track), the playback of the backing track is incredibly distorted. I've set the bit rate and sample size correctly and it's not a level issue. The file is an mp3 that has been converted to .wav. Am I missing something?
Hey Simon 👋
Very kind words and lovely to hear that I’m helping. 👍🏻
Regarding the purchased backing track, how does it play as a wav on the computer? Is it okay? Is it 44.1? What’s the sample rate and bitrate?
Converting mp3 to wav is always a bit weird.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Thanks so much for responding so quickly, John. I've tried converting using a different program and no change. (BTW, I'm using an RC-500, but I assume the process is the same as the RC-5). Bit rate: 1,411 kbps. Sample rate: 44.1. Sample size: 16 bit. I'm also thinking that the onboard loops are coming out "cranked" (i.e., really loud) as well. When I try to adjust the level, it says "O" but it's still loud! I'm sure I'm making a basic mistake so I appreciate your patience! Thanks again!
Yes but I dont think you explained what connection settings are made in the RC5. Setup:Midi:USB THRU?
You can send & receive midi either through the dedicated TRS midi connections or the USB. You can decide that. 👍🏼
Can you use the rc-500 for the same options without an pedal extension
Yes. Totally.
Change the memory into one shot and you have the same option. 👍🏼
I come from the infinity looper and I change few days ago to the boss rc 5 because I reduce the side of my pedalboard. I use ableton as a midi master clock for the looper and I use to Record at the start of the next measure after the switch has been pressed. That's work perfect in the infinity but I don't see this option in the Boss. How can I do this or similar with the RC 5?
So you need the RC-5 to follow Ableton . In the main menu, you need to change the internal clock to external.
Press SETUP button> Scroll to MIDI> SYNC CLOCK> and you have a couple of options whether you want it to be via USB or MIDI etc. make sure Ableton is sending Midi Clock data out. 👍🏻
@@JohnPaulMusicUK Perfect and this way when you step on the pedal at any time in the previous bar, the boss will start recording when the click hits the first beat of the next bar, right? And the same for the stop right?
Well.. it should do yes.
Make sure you have your play and stop settings how you want them.
Have you got the parameter guide? It’s probably gonna help a lot - static.roland.com/assets/media/pdf/RC-5_reference_eng02_W.pdf
Can you use this to play drum loop samples instead of the internal drum kits? I’m not a fan of the drums on these and wanted to replace them with yurt rock loops.
Yes. It’s a looper so you could load up a drum loop sample and have it looping away. 👍🏻 and you have 99 memories so 99 different wavs to import. 👍🏻
So any guitar you record essentially becomes an overdub? Can you accidentally delete the drum loop by clearing recordings?
Hi, can anyone help, I've got an RC5 to play my own original guitar backing tracks, so guitar, bass and drums live with an added guitar track. With this set up how can I use a click track for the drummer to keep in time with the RC5 bits? Anyone know what's best to do?
Cheers.
So to help you with this, just a few questions.. you say backing tracks but then you say guitar, bass, drums live.. so are you recording them live in the moment or are they files like backing tracks?
If they are files then the only way to do this is set the tempo on the looper first then re-import them. Then you will be able to use the rhythm section of the looper. Downside is the rhythm comes out of BOTH Left and Right of the RC-5 and you can’t change it. That’s one of the limitations of it.
The other way is to split the signal. So for you backing track, put a metronome in your DAW and pan it to the left (or right) and export that. Then you could send that signal to the drummer and just use the RC-5 as a backing machine.
Alternatively look into something like the iduro P-1 backing machine. Multiple tracks, multiple outs, different mixes for different people. Backing track gold.
I’ve imported a couple tracks and they are incredibly loud when played on the looper.. Dropping the volume is fine until you want to record another layer (guitar solo) because if you want to listen back to your efforts the new track sounds very much too low in volume .. they need a global volume control i think
Yes. Remember this is a loop pedal first and even though you can drop loops in which we can use as backing tracks it’s getting that fine line volume control of the backing track itself versus your own guitar. Of course you can experiment with this by dropping the backing track by a couple of dB in software before importing into the RC5 then when you have found the sweet spot you should be okay for the other tracks as well.
Can this functionality also be achieved with RC 10r ? thanks in advance JohnPaul or anyone who knows
Don’t see why not. As long as you can turn a loop into a one-shot, you are good. 👍🏼
i also got this amazing looper recently and i hope you don't mind me asking... how is it possible, if at all, to set the looper to store single layers (overdubs) in separate wav files within a memory. this would be immensely helpful when editing and the machine has soo many secret functions... thank you for you help. i hope you know what i mean. cheers!
You would have to record those single layers as a new loop separately onto each memory, which I think is not what you want. If you are looking for a way to separate the layers out.. no can do. 👎🏻
This is why multi-track loopers are so popular.
@@JohnPaulMusicUK that's a shame. i somehow thought it wasn't possible. :( yeah... you understood what i want, but recording onto different memories is kind of a bummer since you can't loop that way. i just thought the machine will record each new layer (dub) into a separate wav within the memory container. that way you could still playback all layers simultaneously but if you hooked it up to the pc take out different layers as wavs. like 01_1.wav first layer, 01_2 second layer etc. :( honestly i don't doubt the machine could do it, but yeah... i guess the industry's also gonna make some money with more equipment. :) cheers man
Thank you for this information! I have a question, can you change the tempo while your backing track is playing? What happens to the sound, does it warp in the same scale, or does it change its pitch? I mean, in the case that you have the RC5 as tempo slave and you change the tempo with another device. Have you tried this? Thank you again!
Hey 👋
It will warp and keep the same scale. If done too extreme it will get a warbling effect if going slower.
Thank you!
Hi There, great video, can the Boss RC 500 work with backing tracks ?
Sort of. You can import wav backing tracks as loops and use the same principles as we have in this video. 👍🏻
If the battery died in rc5 do I lose all the track data I stored on it? I know to back it up on lap top. But I am concerned at a gig as to know how memory can be accidentally lost.
If you haven’t written it to the memory then yes it would go but if it is written to the memory before it looses power, then no, you should be fine. 👍🏻