BOSS RC-600 LOOP STATION Owner's Manual

Using the Unit Safely

WARNING: Concerning the Auto Off function: The power to this unit will be turned off automatically after a predetermined amount of time has passed since it was last used for playing music, or its buttons or controls were operated (AUTO OFF function). If you do not want the power to be turned off automatically, disengage the AUTO OFF function (p. 19).

WARNING: Use only the supplied AC adaptor and the correct voltage: Be sure to use only the AC adaptor supplied with the unit. Also, make sure the line voltage at the installation matches the input voltage specified on the AC adaptor's body. Other AC adaptors may use a different polarity, or be designed for a different voltage, so their use could result in damage, malfunction, or electric shock.

Use only the supplied power cord: Use only the attached power cord. Also, the supplied power cord must not be used with any other device.

CAUTION: Handle the ground terminal carefully: If you remove the screw from the ground terminal, be sure to replace it; don't leave it lying around where it could accidentally be swallowed by small children. When refastening the screw, make sure it is firmly fastened, so it won't come loose.

Precautions concerning use of phantom power supply: Always turn the phantom power off when connecting any device other than condenser microphones that require phantom power. You risk causing damage if you mistakenly supply phantom power to dynamic microphones, audio playback devices, or other devices that don't require such power. Be sure to check the specifications of any microphone you intend to use by referring to the manual that came with it. (This instrument's phantom power: 48 V DC, 10 mA Max)

Important Notes

Power Supply

• Place the AC adaptor so the side with the indicator faces upwards. The indicator will light when you plug the AC adaptor into an AC outlet.
• Depending on the material and temperature of the surface on which you place the unit, its rubber feet may discolor or mar the surface.

Repairs and Data

• Before sending the unit away for repairs, be sure to make a backup of the data stored within it; or you may prefer to write down the needed information. Although Roland will do its utmost to preserve the data stored in your unit when carrying out repairs, in some cases, such as when the memory section is physically damaged, restoration of the stored content may be impossible. Roland assumes no liability concerning the restoration of any stored content that has been lost.

Additional Precautions

• Any data stored within the unit can be lost as the result of equipment failure, incorrect operation, etc. To protect yourself against the irretrievable loss of data, try to make a habit of creating regular backups of the data you've stored in the unit.
• Roland assumes no liability concerning the restoration of any stored content that has been lost.
• Never strike or apply strong pressure to the display.
• When disposing of the packing carton or cushioning material in which this unit was packed, you must observe the waste disposal regulations that apply to your locality.
• Use only the specified expression pedal (FV-500H, FV-500L, EV-30, and Roland EV-5; sold separately). By connecting any other expression pedals, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to the unit.
• Do not use connection cables that contain a built-in resistor.

Intellectual Property Right

• It is forbidden by law to make an audio recording, video recording, copy or revision of a third party's copyrighted work (musical work, video work, broadcast, live performance, or other work), whether in whole or in part, and distribute, sell, lease, perform or broadcast it without the permission of the copyright owner.
• Do not use this product for purposes that could infringe on a copyright held by a third party. Roland assumes no responsibility whatsoever with regard to any infringements of third-party copyrights arising through your use of this product.
• The copyright of content in this product (the sound waveform data, style data, accompaniment patterns, phrase data, audio loops and image data) is reserved by Roland Corporation.
• Purchasers of this product are permitted to utilize said content (except song data such as Demo Songs) for the creating, performing, recording and distributing original musical works.
• Purchasers of this product are NOT permitted to extract said content in original or modified form, for the purpose of distributing recorded medium of said content or making them available on a computer network.
• This product contains eParts integrated software platform of eSOL Co., Ltd. eParts is a trademark of eSOL Co., Ltd. in Japan.
• This Product uses the Source Code of T-Kernel under T-License 2.0 granted by the T-Engine Forum (www.tron.org).
• This product includes third party open source software. Copyright © 2009-2019 ARM Limited. All rights reserved. Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License"); You may obtain a copy of the License at http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0
• Copyright © 2016, Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. Copyright 2016-2019 NXP. All rights reserved. Licensed under the BSD-3-Clause; You may obtain a copy of the License at https://opensource.org/licenses/BSD-3-Clause
• Copyright © 2020 Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved. Licensed under the MIT license https://opensource.org/licenses/mit-license.php
• Roland, BOSS, and LOOP STATION are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Roland Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
• Company names and product names appearing in this document are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective owners.

How the RC-600 Is Organized

The RC-600 organizes its functions into the following categories:

• Track: Tracks are used for recording and playing back audio from a microphone or a musical instrument. You can combine tracks 1-6 when using this unit.
• Memory: The settings for tracks 1-6 together with the input FX/track FX and rhythm are collectively called a "memory." You can store up to 99 memories with this unit.
• Input FX, Track FX: Effects applied to the input audio are called "input FX," and effects applied to the tracks are called "track FX." You can register 16 input/track FX (4 banks x 4 types) to the buttons and use them.
• System Settings: Settings common to the RC-600 overall, such as display contrast, USB, and MIDI settings, are called "system settings."
• Rhythm: In addition to playing back tracks 1-6, you can also play rhythms with this unit. You can record while listening to a rhythm at the tempo you specify.

"Recording" versus “Overdubbing": In this manual, "recording" refers to the act of recording to an empty track for the first time. "Overdubbing" refers to subsequent recordings made on top of an existing recording.

Getting Ready

Top Panel

Description of the top panel controls:

• [OUTPUT LEVEL] knob: Adjusts the volume of the RC-600.
• Display: Shows various information of the RC-600.
• [1]-[4] knobs: Used to set parameter values shown on the screen. To change a value in larger steps, turn a knob while pressing it. For some parameters, you must press the knob to edit the value.
• [MENU] button: Accesses overall system settings and USB/MIDI settings.
• [LOOP] button: Press to edit a memory, configuring settings for tracks, loop playback/recording, input/track FX, rhythm, and memory name.
• [RHYTHM] button: Toggles the rhythm on/off or sets it to standby.
• [TAP TEMPO] button: Sets the tempo by tapping. Long-press returns to the previous tempo.
• [EXIT] button: Returns to the previous screen.
• [ENTER] button: Confirms an operation. Pressing it while the play screen is shown switches to the MIXER screen. Pressing [EXIT] and [ENTER] simultaneously saves or erases memory data.
• PAGE [K] [J] buttons: Move the cursor and switch between pages. On the play screen, they switch between variations of the play screen.
• LOCK function: Pressing PAGE [K] [J] simultaneously locks the [1]-[4] knobs to prevent inadvertent changes. Pressing them again unlocks the knobs.
• Loop indicators: Indicate the track's status and loop position.

Rear Panel (Connecting Your Equipment)

To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume and turn off all units before making any connections.

Connectors:

• MIC IN 1, 2 connectors (XLR): For microphones. Phantom power can be enabled for condenser mics.
• INST IN 1, 2 jacks (L/MONO, R) (1/4-inch): For guitars, basses, effect units, keyboards, and other instruments.
• MAIN OUTPUT jacks (L/MONO, R) (1/4-inch): Connect to amps, monitor speakers, or mixers.
• SUB OUTPUT 1, 2 jacks (L/MONO, R) (1/4-inch): Can be set as parallel output jacks (mono output x 6) that individually output sounds from each track.
• PHONES jack (Stereo 1/4-inch): For headphones. Can be configured to output only specific audio.
• CTL 1, 2/EXP 1 jack and CTL 3, 4/EXP 2 jack (1/4-inch TRS): For expression pedals or footswitches (sold separately) to control various functions. Use only specified pedals.
• USB port (USB B type): Connect to a computer for data backup/recovery, using BOSS TONE STUDIO, or importing rhythm patterns.
• MIDI OUT, MIDI IN connectors: For connecting external MIDI devices.
• DC IN jack: For connecting the AC adaptor.
• Ground terminal: Connect to an external earth or ground if necessary.
• [POWER] switch: Turns the unit on/off.

Turning the Power On/Off

Power On Order: Unit → Connected Devices → Amplifier.

Power Off Order: Amplifier → Connected Devices → Unit.

Note: You might hear a sound when switching the unit on/off, which is normal.

Phantom Power Settings

To enable phantom power for condenser microphones:

1. Press the [MENU] button.
2. Press the [1] (INPUT) knob.
3. Press the [1] (SETUP) knob.
4. Turn the [1] (MIC1)/[2] (MIC2) knobs to set PHANTOM to "ON."
5. Press the [EXIT] button to return to the play screen.

Note: Always turn phantom power off when connecting devices other than condenser microphones.

Connecting Footswitches

Connect footswitches (FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7) and set their mode/polarity switches as illustrated.

Switching Between Play Screens

The "play screen" appears after powering on. Pressing the PAGE [K] or [J] buttons switches between variations of the play screen.

• (1) MEMORY NUMBER: Displays the current memory number.
• (2) TRACK STATUS: Shows track status with icons (Recording/Playing/Overdubbing, Stopped, No Phrase, Current Track).
• (3) LOOP TRACKS: Displays track status and progress during playback.
• (4) LOOP STATUS: Indicates the status of the tracks.
• (5) LOOP LEVEL: Shows the volume of each track via level meters.
• (6) INPUT FX: Indicates the input FX status (On/Off).
• (7) TRACK FX: Indicates the track FX status (On/Off).

You can change which play screen is shown on startup.

Adjusting the Input/Output Level

Press the [ENTER] button from the play screen to access the MIXER screen. Use PAGE [K]/[J] buttons to switch pages and [1]-[4] knobs to adjust levels.

• Adjust levels so the peak indicator on the level meter matches the scale.
• Press [1]-[4] knobs to mute input sounds.
• Use MASTER OUT to adjust MAIN OUTPUT, SUB OUTPUT 1, and SUB OUTPUT 2 levels. The [OUTPUT LEVEL] knob also adjusts these levels by default.
• Stereo link settings can affect which jacks/connectors are shown.

Pedal Mode

In Pedal mode, you can assign functions to the nine switches as a set for efficient operation (e.g., record, playback, overdubbing). Pedal mode features three separate modes that can be switched. Settings for modes 1-3 can be saved in memory.

Examples of settings:

• (1) Basic factory default settings for tracks 1-3 and 4-6.
• (2) Settings for quickly selecting a desired track (Track 1-6).

Pedal mode settings are made via "CTL FUNC" on the MENU screen.

Creating a Loop Phrase

Recording on a Single Track

Steps to record and overdub on track 1:

1. Connect your guitar or mic.
2. Adjust the input/output level (p. 8).
3. Use the [OUTPUT LEVEL] knob to adjust the overall volume.
4. On the play screen, turn the [1] (MEMORY) knob to select a memory.
5. Press the [TRACK SELECT] switch to select tracks 1-3 (Lit white) or 4-6 (Lit red).

Recording

1. Press the [REC/PLAY] 1 switch to start recording (indicator is red).
2. Play your guitar or vocalize to input audio.

Playback

1. Press the [REC/PLAY] 1 switch (indicator is green). The recorded phrase plays as a loop.

Overdubbing

1. Press the [REC/PLAY] 1 switch to start overdubbing (indicator is yellow).
2. Overdub-record your performance onto the playing loop. Repeat as necessary.

Stopping

1. Press the [STOP] 1 switch (indicator is white). Save the phrase in a memory if desired (p. 13).

Undo/Redo

Press the [UNDO/REDO] switch during playback or overdubbing to Undo. Press again to Redo.

• Indicator Lit green: Undo available.
• Indicator Lit red: Redo available.
• Indicator Unlit: Undo/redo not available.

Recording on Multiple Tracks

Use multiple tracks to create a single loop phrase by recording in ascending order (track 1 → track 2 → ... → track 6).

• Track 1-3: Press [TRACK SELECT] to light it white. Record, playback, and overdub as described for single tracks.
• Track 4-6: Press [TRACK SELECT] to light it red. Record, playback, and overdub tracks 4, 5, and 6 in ascending order.

Stopping

Press the [ALL START/STOP] button to stop all tracks. Save the recorded phrase if desired (p. 13).

Undo/Redo

The [UNDO/REDO] switch functions as described for single tracks.

Record While Listening to the Rhythm Sound

The RC-600 can play a rhythm while you record. You can record while sounding a rhythm at a specified tempo.

Sounding a Rhythm

Press the [RHYTHM] button to toggle the rhythm on/off or set it to standby.

Setting the Tempo of Rhythm

1. Press the [TAP TEMPO] button.
2. Use the [4] knob to set the tempo (40.0-300.0). Press and turn the knob for decimal points.

Tap Tempo

Set the tempo by pressing the [TAP TEMPO] button several times in time with the desired tempo. Long-pressing the button until it blinks red returns the tempo to the default.

• The specified tempo can be saved in memory.
• You can specify the rhythm's volume, variation, and playback method.

Using the Input FX

Apply input FX to the input sound:

1. Press the [LOOP] button.
2. Use PAGE [J] to switch pages, then press the [1] (INPUT FX) knob.
3. Use [1]-[4] knobs to switch effects (FX A-D) on/off.
4. Use PAGE [J] and the [BANK] knob to select the bank.

Using the Track FX

To apply track FX to a recorded track, follow the same procedure as for Input FX after pressing the [2] (TRACK FX) knob in step 2.

• Effects can be saved as settings in memory.
• You can switch effect types and adjust their sound.

Saving a Memory

Saving a Memory (WRITE)

To keep recorded or edited data, save it to a memory. If you select a different memory or turn off the power without saving, data is lost.

1. Press [EXIT] and [ENTER] simultaneously. The WRITE screen appears.
2. Press the [1] or [2] (WRITE) knob.
3. Use [1]-[4] knobs to select the memory number to save to.
4. Press [ENTER]. The memory is saved. Do not turn off power during "EXECUTING...".

Erasing Data from a Memory (CLEAR)

Clear a memory to an empty state.

1. Press [EXIT] and [ENTER] simultaneously. The WRITE screen appears.
2. Press the [3] or [4] (CLEAR) knob.
3. Use [1]-[4] knobs to select the memory number to clear.
4. Press [ENTER]. The memory will be cleared. Do not turn off power during "EXECUTING...".

MEMO: You can assign a name to the memory via the "Parameter Guide" (PDF).

Editing a Memory

Editing the Settings of a Memory

Edit settings for each memory. Refer to the "Parameter Guide" (PDF) for details.

1. Press the [LOOP] button. The LOOP screen appears.
2. Use PAGE [K]/[J] buttons to switch to the desired item page (TRACK, REC, PLAY, INPUT FX, TRACK FX, RHYTHM, NAME).
3. Press [1]-[4] knobs to select the parameter to edit.
4. Use PAGE [K]/[J] buttons to switch to the parameter page.
5. Turn [1]-[4] knobs to edit values.
6. Press [EXIT] multiple times to return to the play screen.
7. Save edited settings using the Write operation (p. 13).

Parameter Table:

Editing the Track Settings

Configure volume, playback method, and other settings for tracks 1–6. Refer to "Parameter Guide" (PDF) for details.

1. Press the [LOOP] button.
2. Turn the [1] (TRACK) knob to select a track, then press the [1] (TRACK) knob. The TRACK screen appears.
3. Use [K]/[J] buttons to switch to the parameter page.
4. Turn [1]-[4] knobs to edit values.
5. Press [EXIT] multiple times to return to the play screen.
6. Save settings using the Write operation (p. 13).

Track Settings Parameters:

Editing the Rhythm Settings

Configure rhythm pattern, variation, kit, beat, tempo, etc. Refer to "Parameter Guide" (PDF) for details.

1. Press the [LOOP] button.
2. Use PAGE [J] to switch pages, then press the [3] (RHYTHM) knob. The RHYTHM screen appears.
3. Use [K]/[J] buttons to switch parameters.
4. Turn [1]-[4] knobs to edit values.
5. Press [EXIT] multiple times to return to the play screen.
6. Save settings using the Write operation (p. 13).

Rhythm Parameters:

Changing How the Rhythm Starts and Stops

Adjust how the rhythm starts and stops based on your recording method.

1. From the RHYTHM screen, navigate to the "START TRIG" page.
2. Turn the [2] (START TRIG) knob to set the playback method.
3. Turn the [3] (STOP TRIG) knob to set the stop method.
4. Press [EXIT] multiple times to return to the play screen.
5. Save settings using the Write operation (p. 13).

Rhythm Start/Stop Parameters:

Editing the Input FX/Track FX Settings

Edit the input FX and track FX settings for a selected memory. Refer to "Parameter Guide" (PDF) for details.

1. Select the memory to edit.
2. Press the [LOOP] button.
3. Use PAGE [J] to switch pages, then press [1] (INPUT FX) or [2] (TRACK FX) knob. The respective screen appears.
4. Select the effect bank using PAGE [J] and the [BANK] knob.
5. Press [1]-[4] knobs to select the effect to edit.
6. Use [K]/[J] buttons to switch to the parameter page. Available parameters depend on the effect type.
7. Turn [1]-[4] knobs to edit values.
8. Press [EXIT] multiple times to return to the play screen.
9. Save settings using the Write operation (p. 13).

System Settings (MENU)

Configure system-wide settings. Refer to "Parameter Guide" (PDF) for details.

1. Press the [MENU] button. The MENU screen appears.
2. Use [K]/[J] buttons to switch to the desired item page (INPUT, OUTPUT, MIXER, CTL FUNC, ASSIGN, USB, MIDI, SETUP, FACTORY RESET).
3. Press [1]-[4] knobs to select the item to edit.
4. If a sub-screen appears, repeat steps 2 and 3.
5. Use [K]/[J] buttons to switch to the parameter page.
6. Turn [1]-[4] knobs to change the value.
7. Press [EXIT] multiple times to return to the play screen.

System Settings Categories:

Connecting to a Computer via USB

Connect the RC-600 via USB to your computer to:

• Back up RC-600 data.
• Restore backup data to the RC-600.
• Use BOSS TONE STUDIO to import/back up loop phrases (audio files).
• Use the rhythm converter to import original rhythm patterns.

Access boss.info/support/ to download BOSS TONE STUDIO or the rhythm converter.

Connecting to your computer

Use a commercially available USB cable (USB 2.0 Hi-Speed recommended) to connect the RC-600's USB port to your computer's USB port.

Note: Compatibility may vary by computer model. Refer to the BOSS website for supported operating systems.

Backing Up or Recovering Data

1. Press the [MENU] button.
2. Navigate to "USB" and press the [2] (USB) knob.
3. Turn the [1] (STORAGE) knob to set "PREPARING...".
4. Connect the RC-600 to your computer via USB. The "CONNECTING..." message appears. (USB connection requires the unit to be stopped and all data saved.)
5. Open the BOSS RC-600 drive (on Windows: "My Computer" or "Computer"; on macOS: the "BOSS RC-600" icon on the desktop).
6. Backup: Copy the entire "ROLAND" folder from the RC-600 drive to your computer.
7. Recover: Delete the "ROLAND" folder on the RC-600 drive, then copy the backed-up "ROLAND" folder from your computer to the RC-600 drive. (Back up current data first, as recovery overwrites existing memory.)
8. Note: Do not delete folders in the RC-600 drive unless executing recovery.
9. Eject the BOSS RC-600 drive (Windows: via system tray icon; macOS: drag icon to trash/eject icon).

Controlling Devices via MIDI

Connection

Connect external MIDI devices using MIDI IN and MIDI OUT connectors.

• MIDI IN: Receives messages from another MIDI device.
• MIDI OUT: Transmits messages from this device.

MIDI Settings

MIDI requires matching channels between devices. Refer to "Parameter Guide" (PDF) for details.

Controlling an External MIDI Device from the RC-600

• Tempo Data & Start/Stop: The RC-600 transmits MIDI Clock for tempo and MIDI Start/Stop messages. Set external devices to match the RC-600's tempo and start/stop signals. Set RC-600's SYNC CLOCK to "AUTO".
• Program Change Messages: When a memory is selected on the RC-600, a corresponding Program Change message (1-99) is transmitted to the external device. Ensure "PC OUT" is ON.
• Control Change Messages: Switches, buttons, knobs, and expression pedals/footswitches transmit Control Change messages. These can be assigned as "ASSIGN" targets to control parameters on the RC-600 or external devices.

Controlling the RC-600 from an External MIDI Device

• Tempo Data & Start/Stop: The RC-600 synchronizes to external MIDI Clock. It receives MIDI Start/Stop messages. Set RC-600's SYNC CLOCK to "AUTO".
• Switching Memories: Memories can be switched via Program Change messages from external MIDI devices (1-99).
• Receiving Control Change Messages: External MIDI devices can control RC-600 functions via Control Change messages. Set "ASSIGN" SOURCE to "MIDI CC#" and TARGET to the desired parameter.

Connecting Two RC-600 Units

Synchronize two RC-600 units using a MIDI cable. The transmitting unit controls the receiving unit for recording, playback, and tempo synchronization.

Appendix

Troubleshooting

Error Message List

Restoring the Factory Default Settings (Factory Reset)

Restore all settings to factory values, or specify items to reset. Backup necessary data first, as settings will be lost.

1. Press the [MENU] button.
2. Navigate to "FACTORY RESET" and press the [4] (FACTORY RESET) knob.
3. Use [1]-[4] knobs to select the setting to restore: MEMORY (01-99), SYSTEM, or MEMORY+SYSTEM.
4. Press [ENTER]. The factory reset executes. Do not turn off power during "EXECUTING...".

Main Specifications

* 0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms. This document explains specifications at the time of issue. For the latest information, refer to the Roland website.