BOSS RC-505mkII is a next-gen tabletop looper for Singers and Beatboxers

 

The BOSS RC-505 was launched way back in 2013, is a multitrack looper aimed at beatboxers, singers and other vocal performers. Now the company is teasing a new version of this tabletop, hand-operated device, which is set to be released in the fourth quarter of 2021.

 

The new RC-505mk11 offers five simultaneous ‘phrase tracks’ with dedicated controls and independent volume faders. These are now more durable, with longer throw for more precise adjustment. There are Input and Track FX sections, each with four simultaneous effects and four quick-access banks, as well. Both FX sections have customisable buttons for each track.

 

With 49 Input FX types and 53 Track FX types – including several new ones – the potential for vocal manipulation looks set to be large.

 

In addition, the RC-505mkII offers 99 memories, each containing five phrase tracks, custom effects and playback settings, control assignments, and more. Loops can be synced to more than 200 built-in rhythm patterns and 16 drum kits. Another addition is the Mark Back button, for greater undo/redo flexibility when performing.

 

On the connectivity front, you get two XLR mic inputs with phantom power, two stereo line input pairs, and three stereo line output pairs. There are two external control jacks, each of which can support up to two footswitches or an expression pedal. MIDI control is also an option.

 

The USB port, meanwhile, can be used for data backup, phrase import/export with BOSS Tone Studio, and pattern import with the RC Rhythm Converter.

 

To build anticipation before release, the RC-505mkII will be showcased in a special SBX KIckback Battle, taking place on Swissbeatbox. Competitors will use prototypes of the new model, and audiences will be able to see it in action.

 

The RC-505mkII cost $600. Find out more and stay in the – ahem – loop on the BOSS website.

 

Synth-Werk SW 1630 Bode Frequency Shifter

 

 

Synth-Werk has introduced the SW 1630 Bode Frequency Shifter, a third-party clone of the rare Moog 1630 module.

 

A frequency shifter is an audio signal modifier which shifts the entire frequency spectrum of the applied signal by a given amount. It delivers completely different effects than speeding up/slowing down audio or digital pitch-shifting, because frequency shifting changes the ratios between the frequency components of the audio. This can create effects ranging from subtle chorusing to complex, clangorous tones.

 

The Model SW 1630 Bode Frequency Shifter allows the amount of shift to be controlled over a span of -5000 Hz to +5000 Hz, utilizing voltage and/or manual control.

 

Synth-Werk makes a line of full-size Moog module clones, using the original designs and hand-assembly. The modules are built by hand-stuffing and hand-soldering components to circuit boards, using traditional wiring methods. The faceplates are etched, as the original Moog modules.

 

Their modules follow the Moog format (5U industry standard), but use modern Synthesizers.com connections, so they can be easily integrated with “Dotcom-compatible’ systems. The modules can also be modified to work with Moog power supplies.

 

The SW 1630 Bode Frequency Shifter is available for 1.950,00 Euro. A rack-mount version, the SW 735 Bode Frequency Shifter, is available for 2.250,00 Euro.

 

More than 90 Free classic Roland effects until the end of 2021 with the Zenology FX plugin via Roland Cloud


Roland today introduced Zenology FX plugin, a new member of the Roland Cloud software family that brings more than 90 of the company’s effects to your DAW.

 

The collection includes the famous Juno chorus and much-loved tape echo, and are lifted from products such as the CE-1 stompbox and JD-800 synth, delays, modulation effects, distortions and more, along with more unexpected offerings such as the DJFX looper and lo-fi effects from the SP-404.

 

It’s very much a greatest hits package, and we are promised a simple control set for ease of use.

 

What they have said about them:

 

“Roland has delivered memorable, genre-defining sounds for nearly fifty years, and a big part of that sonic footprint is its unique approach to effects processing. The legendary swirling JUNO chorus, feedback-drenched tape echo, and other sounds that have left their mark on countless tracks over the decades–can now be added to any keyboard sound or instrument track to make music come alive.

While many of the processors in ZENOLOGY FX have vintage inspiration from legendary products like the JUNO chorus, CE-1 stompbox and JD-800 synthesizer, use of them today through ZENOLOGY FX is thoroughly modern with a contemporary interface and simple controls for free- flowing creativity.”

The Zenology FX plugin can be tried for free via Roland Cloud by anyone with a Roland account – this ‘test drive’ period runs until 31 December 2021. After that it’ll be included in all Roland Cloud membership levels starting from the Core tier, which costs $2.99 a month. Find out more on the Roland Cloud website.