Loopers are an indispensable gadget in a musical recording or performance. While it is generally associated with guitarists, loopers can be used by all cadres of musicians, performers, and artists.
Since the release of the first looping station by BOSS in 2001, loopers have come and gone in all sorts of shapes and sizes and loaded with a variety of features.
However, BOSS has continued to blaze the trail in this regard, continually furnishing the musical industry with reliable and effective looping stations.
So, you might be considering getting one or, perhaps, changing an old one. Yes, there are many options out there, even with BOSS products.
How do you decide which to choose and which will best meet your needs? As already said, BOSS is the pioneer and leading manufacturer of looping stations.
As such, we shall be comparing FOUR of their looping stations in this article.
These four products (RC1 vs RC3 vs RC30 vs RC300) are unique in their own rights. If you are interested in Boss' products and want to compare them, this article is for you.
So, we shall be comparing and contrasting them with a view to helping you make an informed decision. Keep your needs as of now, and in the immediate future, in mind, as you read about these products.
Comparison Table: BOSS RC1 vs RC3 vs RC30 vs RC300 Pedals
Last update on 2024-04-24 at 13:19 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Similarities between BOSS RC1, RC3, RC30, and RC300 Pedals?
In discussing the similarities of these models, it is important to note that some similarities cut across all the four models while some just across some of them.
BOSS Seal of Quality
Regardless of the model, each BOSS loop station is built according to BOSS’ renowned quality and performance.
Pedals
Each of the models has a least one pedal for looping functions.
Memory
All of the models have memory storage for your loops, though in varying capacities.
Stereo Inputs and Outputs
Each of the four models has stereo inputs and outputs to enhance your stereo effects while recording and performing.
The Differences Between BOSS RC1, RC3, RC30, and RC300 Looper?
In the same token, differences among the four models vary as follows:
Memory Storage
The RC3, RC3, and RC300 each has 99 onboard memory locations except the RC1 which has only 1.
Maximum Recording Time
The RC1 has a maximum recording time of 12 minutes while the RC3, RC30, and RC300 each has a maximum recording time of 3 hours.
Tracks
The RC1 and RC3 has one stereo track each. The RC30 has two stereo tracks while the RC300 has 3 stereo tracks.
Power
RC1, RC3, RC30 can be powered by alkaline batteries or by optional AC power supply. The RC300 can only be powered by AC power.
Pedals
Both RC1 and RC3 has a pedal each.
The RC30 has 2 pedals, and the RC300 has a pair of REC/DUB/PLAY and STOP pedals for each track, an expression pedal, an all START/STOP pedal, and a LOOP FX pedal.
Auto Record
The RC3, RC30, and RC300 models have the Auto Record feature. The RC1 does not.
USB Input port
The RC1 does not have a USB port. The other three models do, for external storage of loops and for importing and exporting WAV files.
XLR Input
The RC30 and RC300 models have an XLR input for microphones. The RC1 and RC3 do not.
Phantom Power
The XLR input in the RC30 and RC300 comes with phantom power. The RC1 and RC3 do not have an XLR input or phantom power.
Indicators
Indicators vary across all models:
The RC1 has only a 24-segment circular color LED indicator.
The RC3 has a 2-digit LED display for indicating the memory location, a REC indicator, and a PLAY indicator.
The RC30 also has a 2-digit LED display for indicating the memory location, a REC indicator and a PLAY indicator.
It has power on and mic-on indicators, and a STATUS indicator for each of the two tracks.
The LOOP FX has five indicators to show BEND DOWN, STEP PHASER, SWEEP FILTER, TEMPO DELAY, and Lo-Fi.
The RC300 also has a small LCD screen that houses a 2-digit LED display for indicating the memory location and a two-line LCD display screen.
Each of the tracks has a REC indicator and a PLAY indicator.
It has an INPUT LEVEL peak indicator and each of the 3 tracks has a STATUS indicator, while there are 5 LOOP FX indicators for TRANSPOSE, MODULATOR, VOICE, GUITAR AND OTHER.
For all these four models, when REC and PLAY indicators are both on, the unit is in DUB mode.
Controls
In the same token, controls vary across the models:
The RC1 only has one knob to control the loop’s volume.
The RC3 has a knob for loop volume and another (inset into the former) for rhythm volume.
It has UP and DOWN buttons for the memory location display, a WRITE/DELETE button, a RHYTHM ON-OFF/TYPE button, and a TAP TEMPO button.
The RC30 features UP and DOWN buttons for the memory location display as well as a separate WRITE and DELETE memory button.
It has a volume knob for the RHYTHM and MIC, that of the MIC doubles as an ON-OFF knob.
The RHYTHM section has independent buttons for TYPE, ON/OFF and TAP TEMPO. In the LOOP FX section, there is a button each for ON-OFF and TYPE.
The RC300 has a number of controls across its 6 sections
- MASTER level control knob
- TRACK: separate EDIT and SLIDER control for each of its 3 tracks
- RHYTHM: EDIT, ON-OFF/INS, TAP TEMPO/DEL button, and knob control
- GENERAL DISPLAY: SYSTEM, MEMORY EDIT, BACK, MEMORY/VALUE, FORWARD, WRITE, and EXIT buttons
- INPUT LEVEL: Controls for AUX, INST, and MIC
- LOOP FX button
Boss RC-1 Review
Whether you are a new or upcoming artist or an experienced performer, you will find the BOSS RC1 to be a simple and easy-to-use looping station.
Measuring 2.9 inches wide, 2.4 inches tall and 5.1 inches from front to back, it has a pedal for setting looping functions (such as record, play, stop playback or erase recording), and a knob for setting the loop’s volume.
It retains your recording even when the unit is turned off.
With a maximum recording time of 12 minutes, you can record, overdub and playback loops. You can also redo or undo loops.
The front has a 24-segment circular LED indicator which indicates the looping station mode (record, overdub or playback), and its speed of rotation indicates the length of the loop.
The RC1 comes with a pair of stereo input and output each as well as a pair of mono input and output.
It is powered by one 9 V alkaline battery that can last for almost 4.5 hours on a single battery and it comes with BOSS five-year warranty.
- Create your own backing track to play along with--great for learning or practicing
- The sharp-looking loop indicator displays the current loop mode (Rec/Overdub/Play)
Last update on 2024-04-24 at 13:19 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose Boss RC-1?
If you are trying out a looper for the first time or just looking for something to practice at home, you will find the RC1 right up your alley.
Boss RC-3 Review
This 12.9 x 7.3 x 5.9 inches’ looper gives you 99 onboard storage memories for your loops and up to a maximum of 3 hours of full stereo recording.
It features a 2-digit LED display that indicates the current memory number in use. It also has a REC light and a PLAY light indicator (when both lights are on, the unit is in DUB mode).
Its “real drums” rhythm guide provides you with pre-recorded rhythm types (such as Latin, R & B, Pop, Funk, Rock, and Shuffle).
It houses two knob controls inset together with the inner knob controlling the rhythm and the outer knob controlling the loop volume.
You can indicate the time signature for each recording as well as set the tempo via tap tempo.
An Auto Record feature commences recording immediately you strike your first note on your guitar or as any connected audio player starts playing.
It also features a count-in mode that gives you a bar of rhythm before record. Each phrase, with its time signature and rhythm, are saved in the unit.
With the AUX IN jack, you can connect external sound sources, record their input in the RC3 and use them in a loop.
An additional USB 2.0 port enables connection to a computer PC for import/export of WAV audio formats.
It is also powered by a 9 V alkaline battery or, optionally, by AC power supply. BOSS offers you a five-year warranty on this device.
Last update on 2024-04-24 at 16:27 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose Boss RC-3?
Professional musicians looking for more advanced features in a simple-to-operate looper would find the RC3 more suited to their needs.
Boss RC-30 Review
If you have read this far, I think you are also interested in comparing boss rc3 vs rc30, right?
Take one look at the RC30 and you know it comes with a lot of great features for the determined artist or performer.
It is a multitrack looping station with in-built looping effects, dual synchronized stereo tracks, and the long-awaited twin-pedal.
It has 99 storage memory phrases for loopswith a maximum stereo recording time of 3 hours.
The unit features a 2-digit LED memory number indicator, track 1 and track 2 status indicators, power on indicator, and REC/PLAY/DUB indicator.
There are buttons for selecting either of the stereo tracks and a fade slider control for each track.
There is a knob each for the rhythm output and mic input volumes. The knob control for the mic also doubles as the off/on knob.
The Auto Record features starts automatically with the playing of your keyboard, guitar, bass, or with singing or immediately a connected audio player starts playing.
It has an XLR input with phantom power on/off switch, AUX IN, instrument in (stereo/MONO), OUTPUT (stereo/MONO), optional footswitch jacks, a USB 2.0 input slot for saving loops to external storage devices and for importing/exporting WAV files.
It is powered by 6 AA batteries or optional AC power input and also comes with BOSS five-year warranty.
- Twin Pedal multitrack looper with true stereo I/O
- Two synchronized stereo tracks with dedicated volume faders and track-select buttons
Last update on 2024-04-24 at 16:27 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose Boss RC-30?
Despite its sophisticated features, the BOSS RC3 Dual Track Looper is very simple to use and operate and as such, anyone seeking that added looping features for musical recordings and performances should be very interested in this device.
Boss RC-300 Review
So if you compare boss rc30 vs rc300, which one should you choose? If you are a professional artist, boss rc300 is for you!
This powerful mega looper comes with 3 synchronized stereo tracks, with each track having its own footswitch and knob.
This allows you to create, stack and manage multiple layers of loops while at the same time controlling each track independently.
It also has a specialized expression pedal which can be used for effects control.
It has a rhythm guide with a variety of rhythm types and a control knob for the rhythm volume. Tempo can be set incrementally or through tap tempo.
The unit comes with a series of backtracks which you can use immediately for accompaniment during any performance.
It also has 99 onboard memories and can record up to a maximum of three hours. It further has 16 onboard effects for looping.
The Auto Record feature kicks in once you or any connected input device starts playing. It gives you a bar of rhythm before commencing recording using the count-in mode.
The device has onboard effects (such as vocal effects, modulator, phaser, transpose, flanger, and much more) to help process your tracks and input signals.
Its onboard effects can be instantly activated by its dedicated LOOP FX footswitch. The Expression Pedal allows for hands-free control of the effects’ parameters.
- Three stereo tracks with dedicated footswitches and controls for each
- Dedicated fader per track
Last update on 2024-04-24 at 19:39 UTC - 4/ Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
Cons
Who Should Choose Boss RC-300?
Professional artists and performers seeking a multi-effect looping station to enhance their recordings and performance with automated effects and features.
Conclusion
With BOSS, you can never go wrong.
Choosing which of these FOUR products to buy will definitely depend on what you require them for and what you want them to do for you.
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Further Reading:
Thanks Sam. Will probably go with the RC 1 for my 14 year old son’s first looper. Jimi
Thank you for this review and comparision. Really appreciate it. Keep rocking 👍🏻