Boss Audio Systems RC-300 User Manual
Owner’s Manual
* This device contains demo data (Phrase Memory 90–99).
Once you delete these, they cannot be recovered. Please back them up as described in “Backing up to your computer” (p. 37).
* With the factory settings, the RC-300’s power will automatically be switched o 10 hours after you stop playing or operating the unit.
If you want to have the power remain on all the time, change the “Auto O” setting to “OFF” as described on “Auto O Settings” (p. 33).
The settings you were editing will be lost when the power is turned o. If you want to keep your settings, you must save your settings
before turning the power o.
Main Features
Welcome to the Loop Station!
The RC-300 is a pedal-type recorder that lets you record audio phrases from your guitar or vocal etc., and play them back by operating the pedal.
You can create a wide variety of performances by layering sound while you record and carry out play back in real time.
• You can save a maximum of approximately 3 hours of stereo sound (*total for all phrase memory) and up to 99 phrase memories.
• Three-track recording allows a wide range of performance possibilities.
• You can input audio in stereo.
• In addition to guitar (INST) input, a MIC input and AUX IN jacks are also provided. You can connect a microphone and loop-record your voice, or
record sound from your digital audio player.
• You can easily connect the RC-300 to your computer using a single USB cable. Once connected, you gain a digital audio connection with your
computer and the ability to export/import loop phrases (WAV les) (p. 36).
• You can apply an eect that is synchronized with the tempo of tracks while you play it back. You can use the EXP (expression) pedal to control
eects (p. 28).
• Two RC-300 units can be synchronized after connecting them together using a MIDI cable (p. 39).
Contents
Main Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Panel Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Top Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Rear Panel Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Turning On the Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Overview of the RC-300 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Basic Editing Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Basic Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Selecting a Phrase Memory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Overdubbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Stop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Loop Playback . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Cancelling a Recording/Overdubbing (Undo/Redo/Track Clear) .12
Example of Actual Loop Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Recording on a Single Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Recording on Multiple Tracks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Saving a Phrase Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Saving a Phrase Memory (Write) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Copying a Track from Another Phrase Memory (Track Copy) . . . . .14
Exchanging Phrase Memories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Deleting a Phrase Memory (Initialize) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Settings for Each Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Overview of the Playback Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Loop Playback Settings (Play Mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Aligning the Beginning of Loop Playback (Loop Sync) . . . . .16
Synchronizing the Tempo ( Tempo Sync) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Specifying the Number of Measures in a Track (Measure) . .16
Playing Only a Single Track (Single Track Play) . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Settings for Each Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Specifying How the Track Will Play (Play Mode) . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Playing a Track Backward (Reverse) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Specifying the Number of Measures in a Track (Measure) . .17
Specifying How the Track Will Stop (Stop Mode) . . . . . . . . . . .17
Adjusting the playback level of the Tracks (Play Level) . . . . .17
Adjusting the recording level of the Tracks (Recording
Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Adjusting the Positioning of the Track’s Sound (Pan) . . . . . . .18
Aligning the Beginning of Loop Playback (Loop Sync) . . . . .18
Synchronizing the Tempo ( Tempo Sync) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Assigning a Track’s Output Jacks (Output Select) . . . . . . . . . .19
Phrase Memory Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Naming Phrase Memories (Memory Names) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Adjusting the Phrase Memory Volume (Memory Level) . . . .20
Setting the Output Jacks for the Sounds Being Input
(Input Output Select) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
Synchronizing the Tempo of Two RC-300 Units (MIDI Sync) 21
Setting the Overdubbing Method (Overdubbing Mode) . . .21
Switching Between Stereo and Mono (Recording Mode) . .21
Specifying a Phrase Memory’s Tempo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
Adjusting the Time Used to Fade Out (Fade-Out Time) . . . . .21
Simultaneously Starting Recording When Sounds are
Input (Auto Recording) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Playing Only a Single Track (Single Track Play) . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Specifying how the Track will Switch (Track Change Mode) 22
Adjusting the Reverb Depth (Reverb Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Assigning the Function of Pedals and External Controllers
(Assign) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Enabling Assignments 1–8 (Assign Switch) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Specifying the Assignment Target (Assign Target) . . . . . . . . .23
Specifying the Target Range (Target Range) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Specifying the Controller (Assign Source) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
Specifying the Type of Operation (Source Mode) . . . . . . . . . .24
Connecting to External Pedals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
About Rhythm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Sounding a Rhythm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Rhythm Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Selecting the Rhythm Sound (Rhythm Pattern) . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Selecting the Beat (Time Signature) for the Rhythm
Sound (Beat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
Playing a Count-In When Recording (Recording Count-In) .26
Playing a Count-In for Playback (Playback Count-In) . . . . . . .26
Stopping the Rhythm When the First Recording Ends
(Rhythm Stop) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Adjusting the Volume of the Rhythm Sound (Rhythm
Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Setting the Output Jacks for the Rhythm Sound
(Rhythm Output Select) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
Using LOOP FX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Turning LOOP FX On/O . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
LOOP FX Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Specifying What LOOP FX Will Apply To (LOOP FX Target) . .28
Selecting the LOOP FX Category and Type (LOOP FX
Category, LOOP FX Type) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” (p. 44) and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (p. 45). 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.
2
Contents
System Settings (Settings for the Entire RC-300) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Adjusting the Display’s Brightness (LCD Contrast) . . . . . . . . .32
Specifying the Operation of the [LOOP FX] Pedal . . . . . . . . . .32
Limiting the Phrase Memories That can be Switched
(Phrase Memory Extent) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Setting the Knob/Slider Functions (Knob Mode) . . . . . . . . . . .32
Adjusting the Auto Recording Sensitivity (Trigger Level) . . .33
Changing the Switching Order of Recording g
Overdubbing g Playback (REC Pedal Action) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Using the Same Output Jacks for All Phrase Memories
(Input/Track 1, 2, 3/Rhythm Output) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Adjusting the Output Level of the SUB OUTPUT Jacks
(SUB OUTPUT Level) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
Auto O Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
MIDI-Related Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
MIDI Receive Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
MIDI Omni Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
MIDI Transmit Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Synchronizing the Tempo of Two RC-300 Units (MIDI Sync) .34
MIDI Program Change Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
USB-Related Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Adjusting the USB Audio Input Volume (USB In Level) . . . . .35
Adjusting the USB Audio Output Volume (USB Out Level) . .35
Setting the Output Jacks for the USB Audio (USB Output
Select) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Setting the USB Mode (USB Mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Adjusting the Expression Pedal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41
Error Message List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
USING THE UNIT SAFELY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
IMPORTANT NOTES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Overview Basic Operation Saving Track
Phrase Memory
Connecting to Your Computer via USB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Installing the USB driver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Setting the USB Mode (USB Mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Connecting the RC-300 to a Computer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
USB Function Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Using USB to Exchange Files with Your Computer (USB Mass
Storage) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Connecting an External MIDI Device or Another RC-300 Unit . . . . . . 38
About MIDI Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
MIDI settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Controlling an External MIDI Device from the RC-300 . . . . . .38
Controlling the RC-300 from an External MIDI Device . . . . . .39
Connecting Two RC-300 Units . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Restoring the Factory Settings (Factory Reset) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
Rhythm LOOP FX System Settings USB MIDI Appendix
3
Panel Descriptions
Top Panel
1 2 3 4 5 6
87
Name Explanation Page
MASTER
1
MASTER [LEVEL] knob
TRACK
TRACK [1]–[3] sliders Adjust the volume of the tracks.
2
STATUS indicators Lights when there is data in a track. p. 10
TRACK [EDIT] buttons Used to make settings for each track. p. 17
RHYTHM
RHYTHM [LEVEL] knob This adjusts the volume level of the rhythm sound.
RHYTHM [ON/OFF] button This button turns the rhythm sound on/o.
3
[TAP TEMPO] button Press this button at the desired timing to set the tempo of the rhythm (phrase memory tempo: p. 21).
RHYTHM [EDIT] button Press this button to make rhythm settings.
Adjusts the volume of the entire RC-300 (MAIN OUTPUT jacks).
* The MASTER [LEVEL] knob does not aect the SUB OUTPUT jacks or USB audio.
p. 17
p. 25
4
Panel Descriptions
INIT MEMORY
Name Explanation Page
MEMORY
This indicates the current phrase memory number, or various other information.
The following information is shown in the Play screen, which is the RC-300’s main screen.
Phrase memory number
Phrase memory name
Basic Operation Saving Track
Display
4
[MEMORY EDIT] button Press this button to make phrase memory settings. p. 20
[SYSTEM] button Press this button to edit the system settings. p. 32
] /[ ] buttons
[
[MEMORY/VALUE] knob
[WRITE] button Press this to save the phrase memory. p. 14
[EXIT] button
INPUT LEVEL
[AUX] knob
[INST] knob
5
[MIC] knob
PEAK indicator
LOOP FX
[LOOP FX] button Use this button to edit the LOOP FX settings.
LOOP FX indicators The indicator for the category of the currently selected LOOP FX will light.
Level meters for each track
Use these buttons to select the parameter shown in the display. p. 9
In the Play screen, use this knob to select the desired phrase memory.
In edit screens, use this knob to edit the value.
Press this button to exit an edit screen and return to the Play screen. You can also press this button to cancel an
operation.
Adjusts the input level from the INPUT (AUX, INST, MIC) jacks.
Adjust each [INPUT LEVEL] knob so that the PEAK indicator lights only occasionally, when the level of the input is at its
highest.
Turns LOOP FX on/o.
p. 10
p. 10
p. 9
p. 9
Phrase Memory
p. 6
Rhythm LOOP FX System Settings USB MIDI AppendixOverview
6
MEMO
[LOOP FX] pedal
[EXP 1] pedal
(Expression 1 pedal)
ALL START/STOP
7
[ALL START/STOP] pedal Plays/stops all tracks simultaneously.
TRACK 1–3 pedals
REC (red) indicators Lights during recording.
PLAY (green) indicators
[REC/DUB/PLAY] pedals
8
[STOP] pedals
If you hold down the [LOOP FX] pedal for two seconds or longer, you will then be able to use the TRACK 1 pedal
to select a phrase memory, and use the TRACK 3 pedal to select the LOOP FX type. For details, refer to “Using the
pedals to select phrase memories or LOOP FX (Pedal Function mode)” (p. 10).
[LOOP FX] on/o is not the only function that can be assigned to the [LOOP FX] pedal (p. 23).
Controls the LOOP FX according to the depth to which you depress the pedal.
You can assign the operation of the [EXP 1] pedal independently for each phrase memory. For details, refer to
“Assigning the Function of Pedals and External Controllers (Assign)” (p. 23).
Lights during playback.
During overdubbing, both the REC (red) indicator and the PLAY (green) indicator will light.
Switches the unit between
recording/overdubbing/playback
Undo/Redo
Stop Stops the track currently being recording/overdubbing/playback. p. 11
Tap tempo
Track clear To clear the track, hold down the [STOP] pedal for at least two seconds. p. 12
If the track is empty: recording g overdubbing g playback
If the track contains data: playback g overdubbing
During playback or overdubbing, hold down the [REC/DUB/PLAY] pedal for two
or more seconds to undo (cancel the recording or the most recent overdubbing).
To carry out a redo, once again depress the pedal for two or more seconds (the
sound that was eliminated will be restored).
Press the [STOP] pedal repeatedly to set the phrase memory tempo to the timing
at which you pressed it.
p. 28
p. 11
p. 10
p. 10
p. 12
p. 21
5
Panel Descriptions
Rear Panel Connections
Adjusting the input level
Adjust each [INPUT LEVEL] knob so that the PEAK indicator lights
only occasionally, when the level of the input is at its highest.
INPUT MIC jack
Connect your microphone here.
[PHANTOM]
switch setting
If you’re using
a condenser
microphone, choose
the “ON” setting. If
you’re using a dynamic
microphone, choose
the “OFF” setting.
* Ordinarily, this is set
to “OFF.”
INPUT INST jacks
Connect your guitar, bass,
or eects unit to these
jacks.
Use the INPUT L jack
and INPUT R jack when
connecting a stereooutput eects unit. Use
only the INPUT L jack if
you’re using a monaural
source.
INPUT AUX jack
Use a stereo mini-plug cable to
connect your audio player here.
DC IN jack
Connect the included AC
adaptor here.
* Use only the included
AC adaptor. Using any
other adaptor may
cause overheating and
malfunction.
PHONES jack
Connect
a set of
headphones
(sold
separately)
here.
[POWER] switch
This turns the power on/o (p. 7).
To prevent the
inadvertent
disruption of
power to your
unit (should the
plug be pulled out
accidentally), and
to avoid applying
undue stress to
the DC IN jack,
anchor the power
cord using the
cord hook, as
shown in the
illustration.
Security slot
)
(
http://www.
kensington.com/
6
MAIN OUTPUT jacks
Connect these jacks to your amp or monitor
speakers.
If your system is monaural, use only the OUTPUT
L jack. Sound that was input in stereo will also be
output monaurally.
SUB OUTPUT jacks
Connect these jacks to your mixer or other equipment. The sound of a specic track, the audio
input, or sound from a computer connected via
USB can be output from the SUB OUTPUT jacks
independently of the MAIN OUTPUT jacks (p. 33).
CTL 1, 2/EXP 2 jack
CTL 3, 4/EXP 3 jack
You can connect EXP pedals
(EV-5, etc. ; sold separately) or
foot switches (FS-5U, FS-6; sold
separately) here, and use them
to control a variety of parameters
(p. 24).
MIDI
connectors
For connecting
MIDI device (p. 38).
You can also
connect an
additional
RC-300 unit for
synchronized
playback.
from your computer through the RC-300 via USB
audio (p. 36).
About USB cap
If you want to connect a USB cable, detach the
USB cap that covers the USB connector. Leave the
USB cap in place when you’re not using the USB
connector.
USB connector
You can use a
commercially available
USB cable to connect
the RC-300 to your
computer, and use the
computer to read/write
RC-300 tracks (WAV les).
You can play sounds
Panel Descriptions
Turning On the Power
Once the connections have been completed, turn on power to your various devices in the order specied. By turning on devices in the wrong order,
you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices.
When powering up Turn on the power to your amp last.
When powering down Turn o the power to your amp rst.
1. Turn the [POWER] switch ON.
* This unit is equipped with a protection circuit. A brief interval (a few seconds) after power up is required before the unit will operate normally.
Also, for a short period of time, phantom power won’t be switched on for the INPUT MIC connector.
* Before switching the power on/o, always be sure to turn the volume down. Even with the volume turned down, you might hear some sound
when switching the power on/o. However, this is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.
Caution when turning o the power
While the RC-300 is in the following states, you must never turn o the power. Doing so may cause all the saved data to be lost.
• While recording/overdubbing/playing back
• While undoing/redoing
• While switching between phrase memories
• While the following messages are displayed
“Now working..”, “Now writing...”, “Now copying..”, “Exchanging..”, “Initializing...”
Basic Operation Saving Track
Phrase Memory
Rhythm LOOP FX System Settings USB MIDI AppendixOverview
Caution when connecting
* To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn down the volume, and turn o the power on all devices before
making any connections.
* Before connecting or disconnecting any connection cables, be sure all the volume controls in your system are set to minimum.
* When connection cables with resistors are used, the volume level of equipment connected to the inputs (AUX/INST/MIC jacks) may be low. If this
happens, use connection cables that do not contain resistors.
Caution when using a microphone
* Howling could be produced depending on the location of microphones relative to speakers. This can be remedied by:
• Changing the orientation of the microphone(s).
• Relocating microphone(s) at a greater distance from speakers.
• Lowering volume levels.
* If the amp and microphone are close together, the sound played back from the amp may be picked up by the microphone. If you record or overdub
in such a state, the amp playback picked up by the microphone will also be recorded. You should separate the amp and microphone so that the
playback from the amp is not picked up by the microphone.
* Always turn the phantom power o 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 specications 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)
* This instrument is equipped with balanced (XLR) type jacks. Wiring diagrams for these jacks are shown below. Make connections
after rst checking the wiring diagrams of other equipment you intend to connect.
7
Overview of the RC-300
How the RC-300 is organized
Phrase Memory 99
Phrase Memory 1
Track 1
Track 2
Track 3
Rhythm
System Settings
LOOP FX
What are tracks (p. 16) and phrase memories (p. 20)?
The RC-300 provides three “tracks” that are used to record and play back the sound of an instrument or microphone.
These three tracks combined form what is called a “phrase memory.” Up to 99 phrase memories can be stored.
What is a rhythm? (p. 25)
In addition to the three tracks, the RC-300 can also play a “rhythm.” You can record while listening to a rhythm at the tempo you
specify.
What is the LOOP FX? (p. 28)
You can apply an eect to the sound of each track. This eect is called a “LOOP FX.”
What are system settings? (p. 32)
Settings that apply to the entire RC-300, such as those for the contrast of the display and the auto o function, are called “system
settings.”
Saving your data (p. 14)
If you select a dierent phrase memory or turn o the power after recording or editing the settings, the recorded content or edited settings will
be lost. If you want to preserve a phrase memory, you must save it as described in “Saving a Phrase Memory (Write)” (p. 14).
However, system settings are saved as soon as you edit them.
8
Overview of the RC-300
Basic Editing Procedure
Editing the RC-300’s settings is a simple and consistent procedure. Before you continue, please take a moment to learn the basic editing procedures.
Reference
For details on each item, refer to the pages listed below.
Item Page
Settings for each track p. 16
Phrase memory settings p. 20
Rhythm settings p. 25
LOOP FX settings p. 28
System settings p. 32
1. Press the button for the type of item you want to edit.
Settings for each track Phrase memory settings
Basic Operation Saving Track
Phrase Memory
Rhythm settings System settings
LOOP FX settings
2. Use the [ ] /[ ] buttons to select the desired parameter. Then use the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to edit the
value of that parameter.
Select a parameter
Memory:Level
100
Edit the value
3. Press the [EXIT] button to return to the play screen.
Rhythm LOOP FX System Settings USB MIDI AppendixOverview
9
Basic Operation
INIT MEMORY
EMPTY
To perform recording, overdubbing, and playback, press the [REC/DUB/PLAY ] pedal as shown in the diagram.
Selecting a Phrase Memory
Use the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to select a phrase
memory (1–99).
Phrase memory number
If all tracks are empty, this indicates “EMPTY”
The STATUS indicators show whether each track contains data.
Indicator Explanation
Unlit
Lit
Empty track
Press the [REC/DUB/PLAY] pedal to start recording
Data exists
Press the [REC/DUB/PLAY] pedal to start playback
Phrase memory name
Recording
Record your guitar or bass performance, or the
sound from an audio player connected to the
AUX IN jack.
Pressing the [REC/DUB/PLAY] pedal switches the
unit to overdubbing.
• Auto recording (p. 22) lets you start recording the moment you begin
performing.
• You can also record along with rhythm sounds (p. 25).
• Pressing the [REC/DUB/PLAY] pedal will normally switch the RC-300’s
state in the order of
recording g overdubbing g playback.
However, if desired, you can change this order to
recording g playback g overdubbing (p. 33).
• When shipped from the factory, phrase memories 90–99 contain demo
data.
“Recording” versus “Overdubbing”
In this manual, we refer to the act of recording to an empty track for the rst time as “recording.” Any subsequent recordings that are made,
which are added on top of the existing recording, we refer to as “overdubbing.”
Using the pedals to select phrase memories or LOOP FX (Pedal Function mode)
Hold down the [LOOP FX] pedal for two seconds or longer to put the RC-300 in Pedal Function mode; now you can use the TRACK 1 pedals to
select phrase memories, and the TRACK 3 pedals to select the LOOP FX.
1
Hold for 2 seconds or longer
Blink
2
Select a phrase
memory
* If you select a dierent phrase memory, any unsaved content will be lost. For details on saving a phrase memory, refer to p. 14.
3
Press once again to return to normal
mode
In Pedal Function mode, you can also use the
TRACK 3 pedals to select the LOOP FX type
(p. 29).
* The current phrase memory number selected
by the TRACK 1 pedals will be cancelled.
NOTE
* The minimum recording time for a track is approximately 1.5 seconds. If you press the pedal within approximately 1.5 seconds after you start
recording, recording will continue until the track is at least approximately 1.5 seconds long.
* The maximum recording time is approximately 3 hours (total for all phrase memories). When the maximum recording time is exceeded, the
display will show “Memory Full!” to indicate that internal memory is full, and recording or overdubbing may end before you intended. If this
occurs, delete unneeded phrase memories (p. 15) and then try the operation again.
10
10
Basic Operation
Overview Saving Track
Overdubbing
Layer your performances while the track plays as a
loop.
Pressing the [REC/DUB/PLAY] pedal switches the unit
to playback.
• You can Undo and Redo (p. 12).
Press the [STOP] pedal
Loop Playback
Play back track as loops.
Pressing the [REC/DUB/PLAY] pedal switches the unit to
overdubbing.
Stop
Regardless of the timing, pressing the [STOP] pedal will stop
the track.
Phrase Memory
Rhythm LOOP FX System Settings USB MIDI AppendixBasic Operation
Available tracks for recording/overdubbing
Recording/overdubbing can be performed on only one track at a time.
For example, if all tracks in the phrase memory are empty, and you’re recording track 1, pressing the track 2 [REC/DUB/PLAY] pedal will switch
track 1 to playback, and recording will occur on track 2.
Track 3 pedalTrack 2 pedalTrack 1 pedal
Track 1
Track 2
Track 3
Recording
Playback
Recording
Playback
Recording
Starting all tracks simultaneously (All Start)
• Press the [ALL START/STOP] pedal when you want all tracks to start playing
simultaneously.
• Likewise, press the [ALL START/STOP] pedal when you want all tracks to stop
simultaneously.
• If all tracks are empty, nothing will happen when you press the [ALL START/STOP]
pedal.
11
11
Basic Operation
Cancelling a Recording/Overdubbing (Undo/Redo/Track Clear)
You can undo/redo by holding down the [REC/DUB/PLAY] pedal for two seconds or longer. You can clear the track by holding down the [STOP] pedal
for two seconds or longer.
Operation Explanation
If you hold down the [REC/DUB/PLAY] pedal for two seconds or longer during recording, overdubbing or playback, the recording or
the most recent overdub on each track will be cancelled.
“U1,” “U2,” or “U3” will be displayed at the lower left of the screen to indicate the track number for which the Undo has been carried
Undo
Redo
Track
clear
out. A Redo can be carried out with respect to a track for which this indication appears.
INIT MEMORY
U1
If you want to restore the cancelled sound, hold down the [REC/DUB/PLAY] pedal for at least two seconds while playback once
again.
* Redo is only available for overdubbing.
Holding down the [STOP] pedal for two seconds or longer will clear the track. (This Clear operation is temporary; the track saved in
the phrase memory will not be erased.)
If you want to restore the contents of a track that has been cleared, reselect the phrase memory. However, if a track has not been
saved, you won’t be able to restore its contents.
Example of Actual Loop Recording
How let’s try loop-recording the following simple 8-beat phrase of vocal percussion (using your voice to imitate the sounds of a drum set) via a
microphone.
Bass drum
“Dun!”
Preparations
1. Connect your microphone, and adjust the input level (p. 6).
2. Select an empty phrase memory (the lower left of the display will indicate “EMPTY”) (p. 10).
INIT MEMORY
EMPTY
Snare drum
“Pah!”
Hi-hat
“Chi!”
Record while listening to the rhythm sound
In addition to its three tracks, the RC-300 can sound a “rhythm.” By recording while you listen to a rhythm at the
tempo you’ve specied, you can record at an accurate tempo. For details, refer to “About Rhythm” (p. 25).
12
Basic Operation
Recording on a Single Track
With this method, you’ll overdub all of the sounds on track 1.
1
Press the track 1 [REC/DUB/PLAY] pedal
to start recording.
4
Overdub your vocal into the
microphone:
“Pah! Pah! Pah!”
5
Overdub your vocal into the
microphone:
“Chi! Chi! Chi!”
6
Press the track 1 [REC/DUB/PLAY] pedal
to switch to loop playback.
2
Record your vocal into the microphone:
“Dun! Dun! Dun! ...”
Recording
Overdubbing
Loop Playback
3
When two measures have ended,
press the track 1 [REC/DUB/PLAY]
pedal to loop the sound at that
point.
The sound will
automatically
start over at the
end of the second
measure.
Overview Saving Track
Phrase Memory
Recording on Multiple Tracks
With this method, you’ll record the bass drum sound on track 1, the snare drum sound on track 2, and the hi-hat sound on track 3. By recording these
sounds on three separate tracks, you can gain additional performance options, such as stopping just the hi-hat (track 3).
1
Press the track 1 [REC/DUB/PLAY] pedal
to start recording.
4
Record your vocal into
the microphone:
“Pah! Pah! Pah!”
6
Record your vocal into
the microphone:
“Chi! Chi! Chi!”
2
Record your vocal into the microphone:
“Dun! Dun! Dun! ...”
Track 1
Track 2
3
When two measures have ended, press the track 2
[REC/DUB/PLAY] pedal to loop the sound at that
point, and change the recording track to track 2.
5
Press the track 3
[REC/DUB/PLAY] pedal
to loop the sound at that
point, and change the
recording track to track 3.
Rhythm LOOP FX System Settings USB MIDI AppendixBasic Operation
Track 3
7
Press the track 3 [REC/DUB/PLAY] pedal to
loop the sound at that point.
13
Saving a Phrase Memory
Saving a Phrase Memory (Write)
If you select a dierent phrase memory or turn o the power after
recording or overdubbing, the data you recorded will be lost. If you
want to keep the data, you must save it.
1. While playback is stopped, press the [WRITE] button.
The Write screen appears.
Save-Destination Phrase Memory Number
Write to 12
INIT MEMORY
Save-Destination Phrase Memory Name
2. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to select the save-
destination phrase memory.
• This procedure is not required if the phrase memory number is
acceptable as is.
• Phrase memory numbers in which data has already been saved
are shown in parentheses, and cannot be overwritten.
Write to ( 13)
My Memory
Copying a Track from Another Phrase Memory (Track Copy)
You can then take a specic track from that phrase memory and
copy it to the current phrase memory.
This is a convenient method to use when you need a pattern with
the same backing, as it allows you to prepare tracks simply and
easily without having to start recording from scratch again.
1. To prevent loss of the content of the current work, press
the [WRITE] button twice to save the current phrase
memory.
Since you need to conrm the sound of the current source track,
you must select the copy-source phrase memory once in Track
Copy. Save the phrase memory so the content of the current
operation is not lost.
2. In the Play screen, select the phrase memory in which the
track you want to copy is recorded.
3. Press the [WRITE] button.
4. Press the [ ]/[ ] buttons until “Copy Track” appears in
the display.
Copy-Source Track
• The maximum recording time is a total of approximately 3 hours
for all phrase memories (including the track that has not been
saved). If the phrase memory cannot be saved because there is
insucient free memory, the display indicates “Memory Full!”
In this case, delete unneeded phrase memories (p. 15) and then
try the recording operation again.
3. Press the [WRITE] button; the phrase memory will be
saved.
• If you decide to cancel the save operation, press the [EXIT]
button.
• You can’t overwrite (i.e., save to) a phrase memory that already
contains data. If the display indicates “Not Empty!”, select an
empty phrase memory in which to save your data.
• You can assign a name to the phrase memory. For details, refer
to “Naming Phrase Memories (Memory Names)” (p. 20).
Copy Track1 to
Memory12 Track1
Copy-Destination Phrase memory
Copy-Destination Track
5. Use the [ ]/[ ] buttons to move the cursor, and turn
the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to enter the copy-source
track, copy-destination phrase memory and track.
Track numbers in which data has already been saved are shown in
parentheses, and cannot be overwritten.
Copy Track1 to
Memory13(Track2)
6. Press the [WRITE] button; the track will be copied.
If you decide to cancel the operation, press the [EXIT] button.
When copying is nished, the Play screen returns to the display.
NOTE
* Please be aware that the contents of memory can be irretrievably lost as a result of a malfunction or improper operation of the unit. You
should back up important data as described in “Backing up to your computer” (p. 37).
* All due care is taken during repairs to avoid the loss of data. However, in certain cases, such as when there is damage to the memory, it may
not be possible to restore the data.
* Unfortunately, it may be impossible to restore the contents of data that was stored in the unit’s memory once it has been lost. Roland
Corporation assumes no liability concerning such loss of data.
14
Saving a Phrase Memory
Exchanging Phrase Memories
You can exchange phrase memories with one another, rearranging
the phrase memories.
1. Select an exchange-source phrase memory.
2. Press the [WRITE] button.
3. Press the [ ]/[ ] buttons until “Exchange” appears in
the display.
Exchange-Destination Phrase Memory Number
Exchange 13
My Memory
Exchange-Destination Phrase Memory Name
4. Turn the [MEMORY/VALUE] knob to select the exchange-
destination phrase memory.
5. Press the [WRITE] button; the phrase memories will be
exchanged.
If you decide to cancel the operation, press the [EXIT] button.
Deleting a Phrase Memory (Initialize)
This operation erases a phrase memory and initializes its settings.
* This device contains demo data (Phrase Memory 90–99).
Once you delete these, they cannot be recovered. Please
back them up as described in “Backing up to your computer”
(p. 37).
1. Select the phrase memory that you want to delete.
2. Press the [WRITE] button.
3. Press the [ ]/[ ] buttons until “Initialize” appears in the
display.
Phrase Memory Number to be Deleted
Initialize 13
My Memory
Phrase Memory Name to be Deleted
4. Press the [WRITE] button; the phrase memory will be
deleted.
If you decide to cancel the operation, press the [EXIT] button.
Overview Basic Operation Track
Phrase Memory
Rhythm LOOP FX System Settings USB MIDI AppendixSaving
15
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