Boss RC-20 Owner's Manual
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Boss RC-20 Owner's Manual

Loop station phrase recorder
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Before using this unit, carefully read the sections
entitled: "USING THE UNIT SAFELY" and "IMPORTANT
NOTES" (p. 29–31; p. 32–33).
These sections provide important information concerning
the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to
feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every
feature provided by your new unit, Owner's manual
should be read in its entirety. The manual should be
saved and kept on hand as a convenient reference.
* The "Mini Guide" on the back of the RC-20 provides a simple explanation
of use. You can use it as a reminder of operational procedures.
Main Uses
Here are some ways in which the RC-20 can be used. You can use your own creativity to come up
with other ways to enjoy using the RC-20.
"Sound On Sound" performance
New "sound on sound" possibilities let you combine performances not only
of guitar, but also vocals, percussion, and drum pads....................................................
Create loop phrases
You can record phrases from a sampling CD or MD, and overdub guitar or vocals. ......
Switch loops while you perform live
Multiple R&B or techno phrase loops can be stored, and selected successively
while you perform (Phrase Shift). ...................................................................................
As a phrase trainer
Play your guitar while playing back phrases recorded from a CD or MD ..................
Practice at a different tempo without changing the pitch...............................................
Erase the guitar solo or vocal when recording, to create "minus-one" data for
practicing (Center Cancel) .................................................................................................
As a backing device
Phrase trainer with a pedal that lets you start/stop or select phrases
(One-shot Playback)..............................................................................................................
Special effects during a live performance
Reverse-playback of a recorded phrase.............................................................................
p. 10
p. 12
p. 20
p. 16
p. 19
p. 18
p. 16
p. 21

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Summary of Contents for Boss RC-20

  • Page 1 You can use it as a reminder of operational procedures. Main Uses Here are some ways in which the RC-20 can be used. You can use your own creativity to come up with other ways to enjoy using the RC-20.

  • Page 2: Main Features

    Main features Simple and reliable loop play The new “loop quantize” function automatically adjusts the timing of the loop end. This makes it easy for anyone to create looped phrases of an accurate length. Up to 5 minutes 30 seconds of extended phrase recording Up to ten different loop phrases and one one-shot phrase can be saved for a total of 5 minutes and 30 seconds of recording.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Recording a guitar or vocal performance to create a phrase loop ... 10 Recording a phrase from CD/MD to create a phrase loop ... 12 Playing/overdubbing along with a saved phrase... 16 Using the RC-20 for practicing—Phrase Trainer... 18 Creating minus-one data ... 18 Practicing at a different tempo... 19 Playing back in various ways ...

  • Page 4: Panel Descriptions

    Panel Descriptions Front Panel LEVEL Knob This knob adjusts the play volume of the phrase. * This knob does not adjust the input level from the INST/MIC/AUX IN jacks or the volume of the guide tone. GUIDE Knob This knob adjusts the volume of the guide tone that sounds according to the tempo while a phrase is being recorded or played.
  • Page 5 the number of times that is equivalent to the numerator of the desired time signature (p. 25). WRITE Button • This button is used to save a recorded phrase into internal memory (p. 23). • You can use the WRITE button and EXIT button to delete the contents of the selected phrase track (p.

  • Page 6: Rear Panel

    Panel Descriptions Rear Panel fig.3-3 INST Jack A guitar or other instrument can be connected to this jack. MIC Jack Accepts connection of a microphone. Used when you wish to record a vocal or instrumental performance via a microphone. AUX IN Jack Connect to the headphones jack of a CD or PHRASE SHIFT Jack If you wish to use a pedal to switch the...

  • Page 7: Installing Batteries

    Installing batteries Insert the included batteries as shown in the diagram, being careful to observe the correct polarity. fig.11-1 NOTE • Be sure to observe the correct + (positive) and – (negative) orientation of the batteries. • When the batteries run down, the POWER indicator will become dim. When this occurs, please replace them with new batteries.

  • Page 8: Making Connections

    Making connections fig.4-1 Electric guitar Microphone Headphones Jack CD/MD player * To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn down the volume, and turn off the power on all devices before making any connections. * If there are batteries in the unit while an AC adaptor is being used, normal operation will continue should the line voltage be interrupted (power blackout or power cord disconnection).

  • Page 9: Turning The Power On/Off

    Turning the power on/off Once the connections have been completed, turn on power to your various devices in the order specified. By turning on devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices. When turning the power on: Turn on the power of the amp or mixer last.

  • Page 10: Recording A Guitar Or Vocal Performance To Create A Phrase Loop

    Recording a guitar or vocal performance to create a phrase loop On the RC-20, the process of recording an additional performance while a recorded performance plays back is called overdubbing. The performance from an instrument or microphone connected to the INST jack or MIC jack can be recorded to create a phrase loop.
  • Page 11 1. Turn the PHRASE SELECT knob to select an empty phrase track 1–10 (PHRASE USED indicator extinguished). If there is no empty phrase track, or if the MEMORY FULL indicator is lit, no further phrases can be recorded. You will need to erase unnecessary phrases (p. 23). 2.

  • Page 12: Recording A Phrase From Cd/Md To Create A Phrase Loop

    Recording a phrase from CD/MD to create a phrase loop You can create a phrase loop by recording a performance from a CD or MD connected to the AUX IN jack. For example, you can record phrases from a sampling CD and overdub guitar or vocal onto it, or even record an entire song from an audio CD and use it for practicing.
  • Page 13 1. Turn the PHRASE SELECT knob to select an empty phrase track 1–10 (PHRASE USED indicator extinguished). No further phrases can be recorded if there is no empty phrase track, or if the MEMORY FULL indicator is lit. In this case, you will have to erase unnecessary phrases (p.
  • Page 14 Recording a phrase from CD/MD to create a phrase loop 6. Press the left pedal to begin recording. If the AUTO START button is on, recording will begin the moment the CD/MD begins to play. If the AUTO START button is off, recording will begin the moment you press the left pedal.
  • Page 15 Memo ...

  • Page 16: Playing/Overdubbing Along With A Saved Phrase

    Playing/overdubbing along with a saved phrase fig.7-1 ( 8 ) ( 4 ) ( 4 ) , 7 5, 6 1. Select a phrase track 2. Select the recording method 3. Adjust the recording level 4. (Adjust the tempo) 5. Start playback 6.
  • Page 17 1. Turn the PHRASE SELECT knob to select the phrase track in which the desired phrase is saved. 2. Press the MODE button to get the INST & MIC indicator to light. 3. Turn the MIC knob or INST knob to adjust the recording level. 4.

  • Page 18: Using The Rc-20 For Practicing-Phrase Trainer

    Using the RC-20 for practicing—Phrase Trainer When recording a song from CD or MD, you can erase vocals or guitar solos that locate at the center of the sound field. This function makes it easy to create “minus- one” data for practicing.

  • Page 19: Practicing At A Different Tempo

    Using the RC-20 for practicing—Phrase Trainer Practicing at a different tempo To change the tempo while the phrase is playing, press the TAP TEMPO button several times at the desired interval. The tempo of the phrase will change temporarily. * For details on changing the tempo, refer to “Setting the tempo” (p. 24).

  • Page 20: Playing Back In Various Ways

    Playing back in various ways Using the pedal to switch phrases While a phrase is playing, you can press a pedal switch connected to the PHRASE SHIFT jack to switch to the phrase track of the following number. It is convenient to store the phrases in consecutive phrase tracks according to the order in which you intend to perform them.

  • Page 21: Play Back A Phrase Backward (Reverse Playback)

    Play back a phrase backward Playing a recorded phrase from the end toward the beginning is called “reverse playback.” The result is similar to playing a tape in reverse. By pressing the REVERSE button, lighting its indicator, you can use reverse playback.

  • Page 22: Saving Or Deleting A Phrase

    Saving or deleting a phrase About memory The memory of the RC-20 is divided into two areas: phrase tracks 1–11 and temporary memory. fig.10-1 Memory A phrase that you record or overdub is first stored in temporary memory. The phrase stored in temporary memory is temporary, and will be erased when the following operations occur.

  • Page 23: Saving A Phrase

    PHRASE SELECT knob to select another phrase track, the recorded phrase will be lost when you press the EXIT button, and you will switch to the selected phrase. Never turn off the RC-20’s power while the WRITE indicator or the NOTE EXIT indicator is lit.

  • Page 24: About The Tempo And Time Signature

    About the tempo and time signature The RC-20 allows you to set the tempo and time signature separately for each phrase. These settings also determine how the guide tone will play, and how loop quantization will occur. This means that if the tempo and time signature are correctly set before recording, it will be easy to create a correct loop phrase.

  • Page 25: Setting The Time Signature

    The timing at which you stop recording the phrase is very important in order to create an accurately looped phrase. When using devices other than the RC-20, it was necessary to become skilled at operating the pedal, through much practice.

  • Page 26: About The Guide Tone

    About the guide tone A guide tone will sound while you are playing or recording a phrase. fig.11-2 The volume of the guide tone can be adjusted with the GUIDE knob. If you do not wish to hear the guide tone, turn the GUIDE knob to the OFF position.

  • Page 27: Troubleshooting

    Troubleshooting Power does not turn on • Is an amp or speaker connected to the OUTPUT jack? If you are using batteries, the power will not turn on unless an amp or speaker is connected to the OUTPUT jack. Check the connections (p.

  • Page 28: Specifications

    1.2 kg / 2 lbs 7 oz (including batteries) Accessories Owner’s Manual Leaflet (“USING THE UNIT SAFELY,” “IMPORTANT NOTES,” and “Information”) Dry battery (AA type) x 6 Sound Library for RC-20 (Sample Phrase CD) Options AC Adaptor (PSA-series) Foot Switch (FS-5U)

  • Page 29: Using The Unit Safely

    Refer all servicing to your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page. instructions or warnings. The specific meaning of the symbol is determined by the design contained within the triangle.
  • Page 30 • Before using the unit in a foreign country, consult with your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page.
  • Page 31 • Batteries must never be recharged, heated, taken apart, or thrown into fire or water. 101b • The unit and the AC adaptor should be located so their location or position does not interfere with their proper ventilation. 102d • Always grasp only the plug or the body of the AC adaptor when plugging into, or unplugging from, an outlet or this unit.

  • Page 32: Important Notes

    IMPORTANT NOTES 291a In addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on page 29–31, please read and observe the following: Power Supply: Use of Batteries • Do not use this unit on the same power circuit with any device that will generate line noise (such as an electric motor or variable lighting system).
  • Page 33 About the included CD 981b • Use of the Sample Phrase CD “Sound Library for RC-20” supplied with this product for any purpose other than private, personal enjoyment without the permission of the copyright holder is prohibited by law. Additionally, this data must not be copied, nor used in a secondary copyrighted work without the permission of the copyright holder.

  • Page 34: Index

    Index ... 11, 13, 18 AUTO START ... 13, 18 CENTER CANCEL ... 22 clear ... 23 delete erase ... 23 phrase track temporary memory FLAT AMP SIMULATE ... 13 Flat Amp Simulator ... 26 guide tone ... 11, 25 Loop Quantize minimum length of recording time ...

  • Page 35: Federal Communications Commission

    This product complies with the requirements of European Directive 89/336/EEC. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
  • Page 36 G601729402...

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