BOSS RC-10R Rhythm Loop Station Owner’s Manual

June 13, 2024
Boss

BOSS RC-10R Rhythm Loop Station

Product Information

Component Description
Display Shows the number of the current phrase memory and various other

information.
[VALUE] knob| Select the parameter displayed on the display or edit the
value.
[MENU] button| Accesses various parameters.
[EXIT] button| Moves the cursor shown in the display and performs other
functions.
LOOP indicator| Indicates the status of recording, playback, or overdubbing.
The center of the indicator shows the division of the loop that’s
playing.
[LEVEL] (LOOP) knob| Adjusts the volume of the phrase loop.
[LEVEL] (RHYTHM) knob| Adjusts the volume of the rhythm.
RHYTHM indicator| Indicates the rhythm playback status. The center of the
indicator shows the division of the rhythm that’s playing.
[LOOP] switch| Switches between recording, playback, and overdubbing.
[RHYTHM] switch| Controls the rhythm playback and division switching.
INPUT (A/MONO, B) jacks| Connect your guitar, bass, or effect unit here. Use the A and B
jacks if connecting an effect unit that has stereo output. Use only
the A jack if using this unit in mono.
OUTPUT (A/MONO, B) jacks| Connect this jack to your amp or monitor speakers. Use only the
OUTPUT A jack if using this unit in mono. Even stereo input is
output in mono.

Product Usage Instructions

  1. To disengage the AUTO OFF function:
    Refer to page 5 of the owner’s manual.

  2. To save data before turning off the power:
    Ensure that you have saved the data you want to keep.

  3. To restore power:
    Turn the power on again.

  4. To save a phrase:
    Press the [MENU] button and [EXIT] button simultaneously.

  5. To adjust the volume of the phrase loop:
    Turn the [LEVEL] (LOOP) knob.

  6. To adjust the volume of the rhythm:
    Turn the [LEVEL] (RHYTHM) knob.

  7. To switch between recording, playback, and overdubbing:

  8. For an empty phrase: Recording -> Playback -> Overdubbing

  9. For a phrase that contains data: Playback -> Overdubbing

  10. To undo the recording or the last overdub:
    Hold down the [LOOP] switch for two seconds or longer.

  11. To redo the undone recording or overdub:
    Hold down the [LOOP] switch once again for two seconds or longer.

  12. To stop playback:
    Press the [LOOP] switch twice in succession.

  13. To clear the phrase while stopped:
    Hold down the [LOOP] switch for two seconds or longer.

  14. To play the rhythm while it is stopped:
    Press the [RHYTHM] switch.

  15. To turn SYNC on/off:
    Hold down the [RHYTHM] switch for two seconds or longer. Refer to page 10 of the owner’s manual for more details.

  16. To add a fill-in while the rhythm is playing:
    Press the [RHYTHM] switch.

  17. To switch the division (PTN 1/PTN 2) while the rhythm is playing:
    Hold down the [RHYTHM] switch for two seconds or longer.

  18. To stop rhythm playback:
    Press the [RHYTHM] switch twice in succession.

  19. To turn on/off the power: Ensure that everything is properly connected.

  20. Follow the power-on procedure mentioned in the owner’s manual to avoid malfunction or equipment failure.

  • 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. 5).

    • Unsaved data is lost when the power turns off. Before turning the power off,  save the data that you want to keep.
    • To restore power, turn the power on again.

Before using this unit, carefully read “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (the leaflet “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and the Owner’s Manual (p. 23)). After reading, keep the document(s) where it will be available for immediate reference.

Panel Descriptions

Top Panel

  1. Display
    Shows the number of the current phrase memory, and various other information.

  2. [VALUE] knob
    Selects the parameter that’s shown in the display, or edits the value.

  3. [MENU] button
    Accesses various parameters.
    MEMO
    By pressing the [MENU] button and [EXIT] button simultaneously, you can save the phrase (p. 17).

  4. [EXIT] button
    Used to move the cursor shown in the display, and also for other purposes.

  5. LOOP indicator
    The indicators around the edge light according to the status of recording, playback, or overdubbing.
    The center of the indicator shows the division (TRK 1, TRK 2) of the loop that’s playing.

  6. [LEVEL] (LOOP) knob
    Adjusts the volume of the phrase loop.

  7. [LEVEL] (RHYTHM) knob
    Adjusts the volume of the rhythm.

  8. RHYTHM indicator
    The indicators around the edge light according to the rhythm playback status.
    The center of the indicator shows the division (INTRO, PTN 1, PTN 2, ENDING) of the rhythm that’s playing.

  9. [LOOP] switch
    Switches between recording, playback, and overdubbing.
    For an empty phrase
    Recording -> Playback -> Overdubbing
    For a phrase that contains data
    Playback -> Overdubbing
    During playback or overdubbing
    Hold down the switch for two seconds or longer to Undo (cancel the recording or the last overdub).
    Hold down the switch once again for two seconds or longer to Redo (cancel the Undo).
    Press the switch twice in succession to stop.
    While stopped
    Hold down the switch for two seconds or longer to clear the phrase.

  10. [RHYTHM] switch
    While the rhythm is stopped
    Press the switch to play the rhythm.
    Hold down the switch for two seconds or longer to turn SYNC on/off (p. 10).
    While the rhythm is playing
    Press the switch to add a fill-in.
    Hold down the switch for two seconds or longer to switch the division (PTN 1/PTN 2).
    Press the switch twice in succession to stop playback.

Rear Panel (Connecting Your Equipment)

  • A INPUT (A/MONO, B) jacks
    Connect your guitar, bass, or effect unit here.
    Use the A and B jacks if connecting an effect unit that has stereo output. Use only the A jack if using this unit in mono.

  • B OUTPUT (A/MONO, B) jacks
    Connect this jack to your amp or monitor speakers.
    Use only the OUTPUT A jack if using this unit in mono. Even sound that is input in stereo is output in mono.

    • Turning On/Off the Power
      Once everything is properly connected, be sure to follow the procedure below to turn on their power. If you turn on equipment in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction or equipment failure.
      The DC IN jack also operates as the power switch. The power turns on when you insert a plug into the DC IN jack. The power turns off when you remove the plug.

    • When powering up
      Power-up equipment such as your guitar amp last.

    • When powering down
      Power down equipment such as your guitar amp first.
      Caution when turning off the power

    • Never turn off the power in the following states (don’t remove the plug from the DC IN jack). You risk losing all of the saved data.

    • While the LOOP indicator is rotating (during recording,  playback, or overdubbing)

    • While the display indicates “LOADING…” or “EXECUTING…” (while switching, saving, deleting, or loading phrase memory)

    • Before turning the unit on/off, always be sure to turn the volume down. Even with the volume turned down, you might hear some sound when switching the unit on/off. However, this is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.
      AUTO OFF Settings
      If you don’t need the power to turn off automatically, set “AUTO OFF” to “OFF.”

    1. From the Menu screen 0 “SYSTEM” 0 select “AUTO OFF” and press the [VALUE] knob to confirm.
    2. Turn the [VALUE] knob to change the value.
    3. Press the [EXIT] button several times to return to the top screen.
  • C CTL 1, 2/EXP jacks
    You can connect a footswitch (sold separately: FS-5U, FS-6, FS-7) and use it to control various functions.

    • For details, refer to “Parameter Guide (English)” (PDF).
    • Use only the specified expression pedal. By connecting any other expression pedals, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to the unit.
  • D DC IN jack
    Connect the included AC adaptor to this jack.

    • Use only the included AC adaptor. Using any other adaptor may result in malfunctions or electric shock.
  • To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn off all the units before making any connections.

Side Panel (Connecting Your Equipment)

  • E MIDI jacks
    Connect an external MIDI device here. You can synchronize an external MIDI device with this unit.
    To make this connection, use a TRS/MIDI connecting cable (sold separately: BMIDI-5-35).
    NOTE
    Do not connect an audio device here. Doing so will cause malfunctions.

  • F USB port
    Connect your computer using a commercially available USB cable that supports USB 2.0.
    You can use your computer to read or write the RC-10R’s phrases and synchronize an external USB MIDI device with the RC-10R.

    • For details, refer to “Parameter Guide (English)” (PDF).
    • Do not use a micro USB cable that is designed only for charging a device. Charge-only cables cannot transmit data.

How the RC-10R Is Organized

“Recording” and “Overdubbing”
In this manual, “recording” refers to the first recording that you make on an empty track, and “overdubbing” refers to the second and subsequent recordings that you layer onto the first recording.

  • Phrase Memory
    A combination of a track with a rhythm pattern is called a “phrase memory.” You can store up to 99 different phrase memories.

  • Rhythm
    The rhythm consists of four divisions: INTRO, PTN 1, PTN 2, and ENDING. Additionally, the PTN 1 and the PTN 2 each have their own fill-in.

  • Looper
    The looper consists of two divisions: TRK 1 and TRK 2. You can use this to record and playback the sound of your guitar or bass.

  • SYSTEM
    This contains overall settings for the entire RC-10R. & For details, refer to “Parameter Guide (English)” (PDF).

Basic Operation

Workflow
The RC-10R lets you use “rhythm playback,” “loop recording,” and “rhythm playback + loop recording.”

  • INTRO
    A short intro suitable for the pattern will play.

  • PTN 1
    This is the basic rhythm pattern.

  • PTN 2
    This rhythm pattern is more flamboyant than the PTN 1.

  • Fill in
    You can insert a fill-in at any time while PTN 1 or PTN 2 are playing. The fill-in is also inserted when you switch between PTN 1 and PTN 2.
    The PTN 1 and the PTN 2 each play a different fill-in.

  • ENDING
    After a fill-in, the ending plays, and then the rhythm stops.

  • Looper (TRK 1, TRK 2)
    Use this to record and playback the sound of your guitar or bass.
    When you switch between PTN 1 and PTN 2 in the Rhythm section, these tracks also switch automatically for the Looper section.

Synchronizing the looper and rhythm (p. 15)
You can specify whether the looper and rhythm operate simultaneously (SYNC ON) or separately (SYNC OFF).
To turn SYNC on/off, hold down the [RHYTHM] switch for two seconds or longer while the looper and rhythm are stopped. When SYNC is on, the RHYTHM indicator changes color.

  • SYNC OFF: red and green
  • SYNC ON: red and light blue

Basic Rhythm Operation
Selecting a Rhythm Pattern
The RC-10R contains more than 280 different rhythm patterns.

  1. Press the [VALUE] knob to move the cursor to the genre. If the screen is different than shown above, press the  [EXIT] button several times to access the top screen.
  2. Turn the [VALUE] knob to select the genre.
  3. Press the [VALUE] knob to move the cursor to the rhythm pattern.
  4. Turn the [VALUE] knob to select the rhythm pattern. MEMO
    • For details on the internal rhythm patterns, refer to the “Parameter Guide” (PDF). To obtain the PDF manual, refer to p. 21.
    • You can’t change the time signature of the rhythm patterns. Select a rhythm pattern of the time signature that you want to play.

Playing the Rhythm

  1. Press the [RHYTHM] switch.
    The rhythm plays.
    The RHYTHM indicator rotates at the timing of the rhythm.

Switching Between PTN 1 and PTN 2

  1. While the rhythm is playing, hold the [RHYTHM] switch for two seconds.
    A fill-in is inserted, and then the division that plays is switched.

Stopping the Rhythm

  1. While the rhythm is playing, press the [RHYTHM] switch twice in succession.
    A fill-in is inserted, the ending plays, and then the rhythm stops.
  • You can also start the rhythm without playing the intro
  • You can also stop the rhythm without playing the ending.
    • For details, refer to “Parameter Guide (English)” (PDF).

Inserting a Fill-In

  1. While PTN 1 or PTN 2 are playing, press the [RHYTHM] switch once.
    A fill-in appropriate to the rhythm pattern is inserted.
    MEMO

    • A fill-in is also inserted when you switch between PTN 1 and PTN 2.

Adjusting the Rhythm Volume

  1. Turn the [LEVEL] (RHYTHM) knob.

Adjusting the Tempo

  1. Press the [VALUE] knob to move the cursor to the tempo.
  2. Turn the [VALUE] knob to adjust the tempo.

Basic Looper Operation

Selecting a Phrase Memory

  1. Press the [VALUE] knob to move the cursor to the phrase number.
  2. Turn the [VALUE] knob to select a phrase memory (1–99).

Record

Select a phrase memory that does not contain recorded data, and press the [LOOP] switch to start recording.
Track status and LOOP indicator color

  • Green: When stopped, data exists; otherwise, playing
  • Red: Recording
  • Orange: Overdubbing
  • Light blue: When using Undo or Redo

Overdub
By pressing the [LOOP] switch during loop playback, you can record another layer (overdub) onto the currently playing phrase.

  • If you press the [LOOP] switch during overdubbing, you’ll switch to loop playback.
  • You can perform Undo and Redo operations.
    • “Cancelling an Overdub (Undo/Redo/Track Clear)” (p. 15)

Loop Playback

During overdubbing, or if a phrase memory containing recorded data is selected, you can press the [LOOP] switch to start loop playback.

  • If you press the [LOOP] switch during loop playback, you’ll switch to overdubbing.
  • During phrase playback, if you move the cursor to the phrase number and turn the [VALUE] knob, the phrase memory number blinks, allowing you to select the next phrase (memory shift).
  • You can also perform memory shift operations using an external footswitch connected to the CTL 1, 2 jacks.
    • For details, refer to “Parameter Guide (English)” (PDF).

Stopping

To stop, press the [LOOP] switch twice in succession.

Cancelling an Overdub (Undo/Redo/Track Clear)

  • You can Undo/Redo by holding down the [LOOP] switch for two seconds or longer during phrase playback or overdubbing.
  • You can clear the phrase by holding down the [LOOP] switch for two seconds or longer while the phrase is stopped

Using Rhythm and Looper Together

For even more variety in your performance, you can use the rhythm together with the looper.

Using the Looper to Record a Backing with Rhythm

  1. Make sure that the rhythm and the looper are stopped.

  2. Hold down the [RHYTHM] switch for two seconds or longer.
    SYNC turns on, so that the rhythm and looper will operate simultaneously.
    When SYNC is on, the RHYTHM indicator changes color.

    • SYNC OFF: red and green
    • SYNC ON: red and light blue
  3. Press the [RHYTHM] switch.
    After the intro plays, the rhythm PTN 1 plays. At the same time, the looper’s TRK 1 starts being recorded.

  4. Press the [LOOP] switch.
    The length of the TRK 1 is determined, and the looper switches to the playback state.
    You can perform freely while playing back the backing track that you created using the rhythm and looper.
    You can also press the [LOOP] switch again and overdub.

    • The length of the track is automatically adjusted (loop quantized) according to the tempo and the time signature of the rhythm.
    • The rhythm is not recorded on the looper.
    • Even during loop recording, overdubbing, or playback, you can freely insert a rhythm fill-in by pressing the [RHYTHM] switch.

Recording a TRK 2
Just as you can switch the rhythm between the PTN 1 and the PTN 2, you can also switch between the looper’s TRK 1 and TRK 2 during recording or playback. This lets you create a backing track that contains different chord progressions appropriate for the song’s playback parts.

  1. During TRK 1 recording, overdubbing, or playback, hold down the [RHYTHM] switch for two seconds or longer.
    The rhythm switches to playing the PTN 2, and at the same time the looper switches to recording the TRK 2.
    In the same way as when recording the TRK 1, you can also switch the TRK 2 between playback and overdubbing.
    MEMO

    • The rhythm part that is playing and the looper track that is recording, playing, or overdubbing are shown in the center of each indicator.
    • “5 LOOP indicator” (p. 2)
    • “8 RHYTHM indicator” (p. 3)

Stopping Playback

  1. Press the [RHYTHM] switch twice in succession.
    Playback continues to the end of the measure, the ending plays, and then playback stops.

Phrase Memories (Write/Delete)
Saving a phrase

  • If you record or overdub, or make rhythm settings, and then select another phrase memory or turn off the power, your phrase settings will be lost.
  • If you want to keep your phrase, you must write it into memory.
  1. . While stopped, hold down the [MENU] button and press the [EXIT] button.
    The MENU screen appears.

  2. . Turn the [VALUE] knob to select “WRITE,” then press the [VALUE] knob to confirm.

  3. Turn the [VALUE] knob to select the write-destination phrase memory. If you decide to cancel, press the [EXIT] button. MEMO

    • The maximum recording time is a total of approximately six hours for all phrases (including an unsaved phrase).  If there’s not enough memory to save the phrase, the display indicates “MEMORY FULL!” In this case, delete unneeded phrases (p. 18) and then try the operation again.
  4. Press the [VALUE] knob.
    The phrase is saved.

NOTE

  • Never turn off the power while “EXECUTING…” is shown. Doing so might cause all saved data to be lost.
  • When repairing the unit, we take great care to save the contents of memory, but it might not be possible to recover the contents of memory in cases such as when the memory section has malfunctioned.
  • Roland accepts no responsibility, financial or otherwise, for recovering any contents lost from this unit’s memory.

Deleting a phrase
Here’s how to delete a phrase.

  1. While stopped, hold down the [MENU] button and press the [EXIT] button.
    The MENU screen appears.

  2. Turn the [VALUE] knob to select “CLEAR,” and then press the [VALUE] knob to confirm.

  3. Turn the [VALUE] knob to select the phrase memory that you want to delete, and then press the [VALUE] knob to confirm. If you decide to cancel, press the [EXIT] button.

  4.  Turn the [VALUE] knob to select “YES,” and then press the [VALUE] knob.
    The phrase is deleted.

NOTE

  •  Never turn off the power while “EXECUTING…” is shown. Doing so might cause all saved data to be lost.

Appendix

Returning to the Factory Settings
(Factory Reset)
Restoring the RC-10R’s settings to their original factory default settings is referred to as “Factory Reset.”
Factory reset lets you return the system settings to their factory-set state or initialize all phrase memories. When you initialize the phrase memories, the phrases are deleted.

  1. Press the [MENU] button.
    The MENU screen appears.

  2. Turn the [VALUE] knob to select “FACTORY RESET,” and then press the [VALUE] knob to confirm.
    You see a screen where you can specify the range of the factory reset.

  3. Specify the range of the factory reset.

  4. Press the [VALUE] knob to confirm the range of the factory reset.
    If you decide to cancel, press the [EXIT] button.

  5. Turn the [VALUE] knob to select “YES,” and then press the [VALUE] knob.
    The factory reset is executed.
    NOTE

    • Never turn off the power while “EXECUTING…” is shown. Doing so might cause all saved data to be lost.

Attaching the Rubber Feet

  • You can attach the rubber feet (included) if necessary.
  • Attach them in the locations shown in the illustration.
  • Using the unit without rubber feet may damage the floor.
    • When turning the unit over, be careful so as to protect the buttons and knobs from damage.
      Also, handle the unit carefully; do not drop it.

To Obtain the Parameter Guide

  1. Access the following URL. http://www.boss.info/manuals/
  2.  Choose “RC-10R” as the product name.

Main Specifications

BOSS RC-10R: RHYTHM, LOOP STATION

  •  0 dBu = 0.775 Vrms
  • This document explains the specifications of the product at the time that the document was issued. For the latest information, refer to the Roland website.

USING THE UNIT SAFELY/IMPORTANT NOTES

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. 5).

  • 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.

CAUTION
Keep small items out of the reach of children
To prevent accidental ingestion of the parts listed below, always keep them out of the reach of small children.

  • Included Parts Rubber feet (p. 21)

Placement

  • 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 we will do our utmost to preserve the data stored in your unit when we carry 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 a 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.
  • Use only the specified expression pedal. 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. We assume no responsibility whatsoever with regard to any infringements of third-party copyrights arising through your use of this product.

  • The copyright of the 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 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.

  • The SD logo and SDHC logo are trademarks of SD-3C, LLC.

  • This product contains the eParts integrated software platform of eSOL Co., Ltd. eParts is a trademark of eSOL Co., Ltd. in Japan.

  • This product includes third-party open-source software. Copyright (c) 2009-2017 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 (c) 2016, Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Copyright 2016-2017 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

  • Roland, BOSS 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.

  • In this manual, company names and product names of the respective owners are used because it is the most practical way of describing the sounds that are emulated using DSP technology.

References

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