BOSS RC-3: Using Foot Switches

A quick tutorial on connecting foot switches to the RC-3 looper and demonstration of what they will do.

[@kreedur]

if only all tutorials were like this.

[@waiguolaoshi7231]

Hope Boss/Roland rewards you young man cause we bought an RC-3 & FS-6 just cause you make it easy - Cheers from OzTralia

[@iknowright6090]

They have done. Its Austin from Boss(ton). Boss obviously saw this video and now he demonstrates products officially for them.

[@leswhite3524]

@@iknowright6090 Hell, I'd do that with any music gear if they gave it to me!!

[@JulieBuckleyMusic]

Thank you so much for this! So straight forward and clear to the point. I tried to use the RC-3 to harmonise vocals live which was very difficult to do! Just went away and ordered myself the FS-5U to help me stop with the one tap! This will definitely save me from stressing and enhance my performances!

[@dustinvaldeztv]

You are really good at explaining this stuff man. Thank you.

[@theHAL9000]

The gold standard for how-to videos. Had questions regarding foot pedal with the RC-3; thanks for covering the subject so informatively.

[@KingGhidorah_]

Fantastic video, bro! I bought an RC3 and FS-U5 a couple of years ago and life decided that I would never really use them. I've broken them out in the last few days, but completely forgot how to use the FS-U5. A Google search showed your video first, so I watched and I'm perfectly clear again! Thanks, man.

[@RJD0314]

Great video. Straight to the point with no mumbling around, no dissertations on your opinions on what "tone" is, etc...just the facts! Love it.

[@ParanoidGoblinoid]

Thanks for posting this. I just picked up a M-AUDIO SP-1 (electronic piano sustain pedal) for about half the price of the BOSS FS-5U. So far it works exactly like the FS-5U. Good to confirm that I'm not missing any features by using the SP-1. There's a switch on the back. In the other mode, it just stops & CLears the track, no matter what mode you're in or how you tap it.

[@leswhite3524]

That must be a feature of the RC-3 as opposed to the RC-2. I had the exact same pedal and stopping remotely always erased my recorded track...

[@kamranfallah]

i wish ever other utube videos were as simple and straight to the point .thank you

[@CuddlyPsycho1134]

This is the third video I watched on the topic. The others were essentially giving a sales pitch designed to sounds like a how-to video, but this was actually informative. So thank you! Now my stuff works!

[@johncbeer]

Clear, organized, easy to understand, and still relevant 8 years later.

[@jimincornwall1925]

Thanks, that was an excellent explanation on how the foot switch(es) work and which cables are required to connect everything up - the RC3 looper and the FS-6 foot switch are my Christmas gifts to myself, so thanks again.

[@iansullivan8609]

Thanks, great tutorial, and like a lot of the others commenting here, after seeing this I immediately bought an FS-6. One thing I think needs adding: what actually happens when you switch memories while playing. I couldn´t work it out, thought you had to tap the pedal on the RC3 to get the new memory to play back. What actually happens is the loop in the new memory is cued to play (it starts blinking) when the previous memory loop finishes and it kicks in automatically. Really cool!

[@neilbarker5003]

Call Boss and tell them they owe you some pay. You hit the details better than the talkers they have on staff. It took some time to get here but you saved me from getting more stuff than I need. I owe you too.

[@KipCount]

This couldn't be any more clear. Great job on this. I know this video has been up for more than 7 years, but it's still helping people, so thanks for that! Cheers!

[@joepalooka2145]

You the man! Thank you! I looked at a lot of videos trying to get a good explanation of how these foot switches work, and YOU are the only guy I could find who explains it all in way that an inexperience person can understand. Thanks, I owe you a beer!

[@dengibson6905]

Brilliant little vid clip, just ordered one today 17/11/2014 and seeing this video, the way you explain things, magic, you really do put things over in an easy way, much impressed.

[@2inthecorner]

Interesting that you need another footswitch to do what you would prefer the RC3 to do, stop with 1 tap!! Great video, well explained...

[@coalarage]

I wish all videos on YT would be simple and informative like this one great job!!

[@NextSegment]

Thank you so much! I’ve been looking to expand the functionality of my RC-3 because I want to add to straight short loops, using instrumental bridges/contrasts, vocals such as choruses, which can be harmonised etc. Your excellent demo shows that it’s possible to do that, so thank you again! I already have two FS-5U’s, so I only need to get the cable to be ready to rock. Much appreciated

[@Tristan_Heberlein]

very cool. thanks so much for posting this video. just bought an rc-3 and want to use it both as a looper and to trigger samples stored in the unit. rc-3 hasn't arrived yet...nice that i get to learn how to use it before it even shows up!! happy happy!

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Great Demo and tutorial.

[@halfindy]

Thx, man! After getting super-confused about which one I need, I’m gonna buy a simple FS-5U.

[@ArtDonna84]

Thank you for the easy to follow upload. Just came back from purchasing the FS-6 and decided to look up a YT demo and found yours, and I was up and running quickly.

[@pipmorgan3496]

Thank you. Clear instruction which has stood the test of time. Great.

[@kennynordieker5653]

You deserve a medal for doing all these videos.

[@TheVanders]

I'm kinda happy because I just found out I could use my sister's sustain pedal for her piano with this! seems to work just like the foot switch shown in the vid

[@ucmytank1933]

I was hoping it would start the loop, but what it does will make up for it in my case. Thank you it helped me.

[@equinoxpete]

Thanks for showing the functions of the footswitches. The only video that shows us this. Thanks again.

[@hillisdave]

Great video ive just bought the nux loop core and im ordering the FS6 and a trs to trs cable as I type. Very concise and uncomplicated explanation

[@blueatlantisguitar]

Thinking of getting a Boss RC,,, If I do, I'll get the switches and re-watch this well made tutorial..... thanks cdg2g

[@kennethgnielsen]

Nice and clear explanation - I wonder if the FS-7 pedal works the same way also...

[@ericphilippsen681]

Good video. My compliments. I might mention that the footswitch(es) do not START nor can they start any loop. You still have to press the RC-3 to get any loop started. But having a footswitch to STOP a loop is really a godsend. No more "double-taps" on the RC-3, which can be kind of a pain.

[@DrLumpyDMus]

THANKS! Speaking clearly, no earthquake jerky camera shots, no screamergrunge music at a bil!ion dB. Cover all the stuff quickly and without a lot of useless blab. THANKS!

[@hyc97001]

Thank you so much for this video! I was very disappointed that it was difficult to change the memory on an rc3 without using your hands. Your explanations helped me so much and clarified a lot! Thank you!

[@ghostlonerider]

Please, is it possible to change the function of the footswitches of FS6? For example: A up and B down on memory. Thanks!

[@mnmgreen]

Thank you. Your instructional video was very clear and concise. Probably saved me some time. I upgraded from a RC2 to the RC3, adding the FS6 as well. Very helpful!

[@HolidayRoadNY]

GREAT Video. Short, straight to the point...this an example of a GREAT tutorial. Well done!

[@paulhetheringtonvoice-over]

Excellent. Exactly what I wanted to know, clearly and concisely. Thank you very much.

[@CSSNatsu]

Thank you very much for your explanation! It was really usefull for my decision to acquire an external footswitch. Congratulations. It was clear, well explained and took away all my doubts!

[@cdg2g]

Thanks for the compliments. I do my best to make it easy!

[@gregmorse5997]

You explain things clearly and simply. Well done!

[@theguitardivision]

For once, a how-to video that doesn't start with an irritating clown screaming at the screen "HEY WHATS UP GUYS WELCOME TO MY KZbin CHANNEL" thanks for telling me everything I needed to know without the gaff. Props man

[@sixstringsandamike]

I was connected via weblink (rolandblog.ca/boss-loopstation-boss-has-gone-loopy/) to this video by the Roland blog itself. That's saying something when a private reviewer provides a service that Roland/Boss didn't. :-)

[@Voxman5]

Hi - excellent vid. I notice you're using 'unlatching' (or 'momentary') pedals. I have 2 latching pedals - will these work with the RC3 and if so will they give the same functionality?

[@cdg2g]

Getting it to work with just one FS-5U is tricky because you NEED something plugged into the other side of the splitter cable for it to work. For savy users good with soldering irons, you could rig up a cable by shorting two of the three leads on the end that would usually connect to that other pedal. This would make the RC think a second pedal is connected even if there isn't!

[@sjsphotog]

just get a cable that has both types on opposite ends. 1 TPS and 1 TP end.

[@memphisbasshunter]

very nice you are a very good teacher, thanks alot I learned something new for my pedal and Im excited to get another fs-5u and get it going thanks again

[@MitchRossMusician]

Good video. You explained things very well.

[@smootherlovesya6305]

If only BOSS could provide info like this.

[@SirJamez0]

STOP & CLEAR... Great video, just one note to help others with a problem I figured just a minute ago. Make sure the polarity switch is to the right. Otherwise it will stop and clear rather than just stop. I thought my fs5u was broken or sticking until I saw another video stating that switching the polarity leaves it always in or always off, which made me connect the dots.

[@owenbutcher6165]

Thanks for which polarity. Does left make it a latched switch? Would it channel switch an amp?

[@SirJamez0]

@@owenbutcher6165 No, one position the pedal is NO (Normally Open) and the other position is NC (Normally Closed). It is unlatched so it is only a momentary switch.

[@michael_caz_nyc]

Can you get the Drum Machine to Start/Stop using an FS-6? - I just purchased the new RC-5 and I can't figure it out? Nice tutorial by-the-way = very helpful & easily explained.

[@tbhv]

I was already really impressed when he explained the first one.. but then he said "you can slide them together in one chassis" and my brain went.. WHAAT IS HAPPPENNINNGG!!

[@lukelively2]

This guy has a gift for teaching

[@michaelkelly6583]

Thank you. That darn double tap drove me bonkers! This solves everything.

[@alanthorne3921]

It bothered me too.However I couldn’t believe my luck when I went to garage sale 5 mins down the road and there was a brand new in the box AB FS switch in the box amongst some tv cables.$5.Bargain

[@sjsphotog]

great vid thats for this. Getting my RC-3 soon. I already had a FS5U from my Boss GT-3 EFX pedal days.using It would seem the 2x FS-5U is a better layout option as then the start/stop switch on the leftmost FS5U would be closer/right next to the boss rc-3 loop pedal and you wouldnt have to reach all the way over to the far right to stop it , as would be the case if you had the FS6 setup. Weird they switched the functions around.

[@billyfreeze1893]

thank you, very well done .QUESTION : I have a Nux external pedal called - NMP 2 dual foot switch , it was for controlling a nux core looper , do you think it would work starting and stopping preset loops on the Rc3 with just one tap ?. I really have a problem with double tapping to stop loops in live situations , My humble opinion is that a performer should not be thinking about how many taps they must do to stop a loop -pleasing this box on the floor.

[@davecloherty]

Brilliant! Thanks very much for that, mate. You've eased a lot of stress

[@rollsroycey]

Great video! I got an rc3 recently and couldnt help thinking it needed either another pedal or a remote. Didnk know you could do this lol.

[@ThatMellon]

Thanks for that bro! Not only did you explain what it does you explained exactly what i'd need to get it working!

[@bahamut443]

HUGE Thank you for this simple and straightforward explanation!

[@440blues]

Very well explained and illustrated. Very helpful. Thanks a lot!

[@julial09]

thankyou so much for this! so glad there's a way to fix the double tapping thing on the rc-3, it really gets in the way

[@Voxman5]

Well blow me down - when I found my 2 Bespeco pedals I was delighted to see that they were both unlatching, & I have the right Y cable for them too - all from years ago when I had a Boss GT3. That saves me a few bob!

[@theflosh]

Great Video. I thought of buying a FS-5U for my gigs. And you really helped me with this decision. I won't use a second fs or the fs 6 because it's more than I need. Thx

[@trh3047]

Nice stright forward and simple...

[@brandonbritz2593]

super tutorial thanx so much just bought myself a loop station and a pedal

[@fr33rid3r33]

Best video yet on the functionality of the RC-3

[@belaville]

Finally a nice concise tutorial about the external footswitch options...thank you!

[@mengeleto11]

Great video! I can add some info... You can also use additional piano sustain pedal (I use Casio-something...) along with FS-5U, which is deleting phrases (same you do with holding down the RC-2 pedal). So with FS-5U you start/stop recording/play and with the expression pedal you delete recorded phrase. Personally for me this way is very useful. I am performing as a troubadour and use the looper, only to record phrases to play solo on them...

[@joninehritamusic]

Awesome video, dude! Thanks so much. I was just at the music shop and not one of the guys could answer my questions on how to properly connect my RC-3 and FS-6.

[@anthonyshaw8698]

Wow!!! Great video!!! A very clear and understandable tutorial!!! Good job!!! P.s. Hey, do a tutorial on the RC-30 if you have one. Just got one in the mail today. Also, I'm going to purchase that FS-6 pedal as well. Thanks..

[@smoage]

awesome that you can cycle back through samples! i didn't realize the fs-5 pedals could connect! from what i've seen of the rc-2 you can't cycle backward through samples like that but i wonder if the 2 fs-5 controllers would work like the fs-6 on an rc-2 as well. hmm. thanks for the video!

[@cresshead]

excellent video...watched a ton of review/demo vids including from shops and boss...none cover this! thank you!

[@ElmanAuthement]

Does the footswitch change the presets in real time, example...jumping from verse preset to chorus preset? I just bought a NU-X Loop Core Deluxe pedal but had to return it because of defective switching. Got another in its place and the second one is doing something similar. I need to be able to switch presets in a live situation with missing a beat.

[@cgavin1]

RC 30 would seem to be the best buy then. Specially used. Thanks for the video! 👍

[@truthinesssss]

Great demo, very helpful. Thanks…

[@davidmacias6558]

Thank you so much this video helped a lot!! 🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@ptrgriffin75]

that was very helpful and you explain everything very clear. would love to see more videos/demos bcos all this stuff is expensive so it helps to know before.

[@JulesFox]

Excellent tutorial - nice work fella

[@octaviocarusoguitarra]

Very good video, thanks for your tips

[@FoxFunky]

Very nice video, super clear!!! Thanks for taking the time to demo that.

[@lulkasmiranda1247]

the best tutorial on youtube.. continue

[@SupaBlank]

thank you so much for this. straight to the point and helpful.

[@StephenMcKynnley]

Brilliant sharing. Good community spirit. Thanks very much. Nice job.

[@michaelschnell5874]

Man this was the best pedal tutorial ever. Great job and thank you!

[@amandas1270]

Yeaaaaaa! FINALLY found a vid' where someone shows how to actually set up a pedal... kudos to u! thanks

[@ProbableCauseBluesBand]

Awesome video! I just bought the RC3 and the FS6 and you made my life soooo much easier! Thanks!

[@Mike_DeF]

Good lord thank you! Was looking for a way to skip tracks hands free. Is this the only way to do so?

[@vezio1970]

Great video indeed! But what if I have a FS-6 but wanna use it as a single FS-5U (as you may have understood I don't have a stereo cable and don't wanna buy one...)? I mean: can I use a mono cable and insert it in one of the FS-6 single pedal jacks? I don't really need the footswitch to change memory banks, so... Reading the manual it seems viable. Any suggestion?

[@johncardinali]

I saw this and added it to my favs, very informative.!

[@irvininigo2461]

.

[@cdg2g]

I want to do more of these videos, and on other products, but haven't had the time. Working on it....stay tuned!

[@wrathgar11]

Wonderfully descriptive, thank you very much.

[@seanesean6767]

There are two types of the boss fs-5u pedal, latching and in unlatching. What is the difference, and which one are you using in this video?

[@WorldsOkayistGuitarPlayer]

Best tutorial on KZbin

[@fnjcvanderburg]

Thanks for the video, this helped me a lot. One question: is the cable you're using for the FS-6 just a regular guitar cable, or slightly different?

[@cdg2g]

It's different. Watch the whole video - the difference between the regular guitar cable used early in the video and the TRS cable used at the end is explained pretty clearly.

[@TheSoulsandRevive]

Very informative and straight to the point. Cheers!

[@fer-fh8nu]

is it possible to change memory while in playback mode without gap? and can it (footswitch) also do undo feature?

[@l07smitty]

Great explanation, thank you! I just bought an FS-5U hoping to change memory without bending over but looks like I need another. -which is fine cause it'll be the same total price (2 x FS-5U's) vs an FS-6 and you dont need a battery for the FS-5U's.

[@PaulBriden]

Very very helpful many thanks !!!!

[@user-sb3wh3dd4v]

Good job! Concise and clear. THANK YOU!

[@Bubu2012100]

Great video!!!, thank you. I wonder how one should do with the RC-3 to record a phrase and continue to play it back without having to stop at all, so that one can play over it without overdubbing. Also, could this simple operation be done away of the pedal using a long cable connecting one or two footswitches (FS-5Ux2 or a FS-6) to the STOP/MEMORY SHIFT jack (i.e. I am thinking about setting the pedal in a rack tray with some other pedals connected to an audio switcher). I appreciate your answer

[@jamesdecastro6199]

U mentioned about the dual switch fs-6... When i do my recordings i can change the memory on the loop by this pedal up and down? Can i record my rhythm guitar. Then played it in the gig while im doing my solos like having another extra guitar player on the background.. I can do that on this dual switch and move to a different memory. Or Should I record one song all the guitar parts in 1 memory per song? or Several guitars parts in different memories in 1 song? I hope i didnt confuse you.