The Boss RC-202 is the compact version of the legendary Japanese innovator's popular RC-505 loop station, and it can keep up with its larger counterpart in almost every respect. Equipped with two channels and a selection of multi-effects for input and output signals, the RC-202 delivers all the key features that a creative, modern loop performer could ask for. And thanks to its intuitive overdub-and-undo recording functions, even the smallest mistakes can be corrected unnoticed, even in the middle of a track. By combining and blending different song sections, musicians working with the RC-202 are able to do far more than just simply loop simple audio segments, using it instead to create, perform, and record complete songs and arrangements.
Equipped to handle a wide range of audio signals, the Boss RC-202 comes with three inputs in total. A stereo jack and a mono XLR input are located on the rear panel, while an additional AUX input in jack format can be found on the front of the unit. The RC-202 also features a metronome with tempo detection, making it even easier to record well-synced loops. For live use, the metronome can be routed to the headphone output, while the stereo output continues to deliver clean audio signals. Although the RC-202 only offers two-track recording, multiple takes can be stored in different banks, effectively quantised, and recalled whenever needed. This makes it possible to record and perform complete song arrangements, despite the limited number of tracks.
The Boss RC-202 Loop Station is an ideal companion for creative live performances, whether for beatboxing, vocals, synthesizers, or any other kind of instrument. With its intuitive overdub recording functionality, putting together a full loop performance from a unique combination of instruments and inputs has never been easier. As the compact cousin of the classic RC-505, this is a device well-suited to anyone who's new to looping; but its full set of features means it's also something of a must-have for pros who are happy working with two loop channels. For added creative flexibility, the metronome sound can be selected from one of the many different drum soundbanks, meaning a loop performance can be anchored by a steady drum groove, while still leaving both channels free for creative, melodic elements.
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.
Performers can really unleash unique creativity with the Boss RC-202 Loop Station: It's equipped with both input and master effects so audio signals can be processed and modified independently during and after recording. For incoming signals, there's the full palette of audio effects such as pitch shift, lo-fi, ring modulation, and delay; these can all be applied directly to the active loop channels. And the fun doesn't stop there: For altering their pre-existing recorded material, DJs can get creative with the RC-202's integrated beat repeater, slicer, and filter, as well as an additional delay. Dedicated dials on the left and right of the device allow the intensity and character of each effect to be fine-tuned effortlessly and effectively.