This article will discuss the available options for the RC-3 external foot switch control.
For best control options and functionality, we suggest and recommend using a BOSS FS-6 or FS-7 with the RC-3.
What you'll need:
- BOSS RC-3 Loop Pedal
- BOSS FS-6 A/B Dual Foot Switch
- 9V dry alkaline battery power for both RC and FS
- Alternate power supply option: PSA-Series power adapter
- Alternate Foot Switch options: Qty. 2 of BOSS FS-5U, one BOSS FS-7, or one BOSS FS-6
- 1 x 1/4" TRS stereo cable for example: BOSS BCC-3-TRA TRS cable
How to set up and connect:
For this example, we'll connect and use the FS-6 pedal connected to the RC-3.
- Confirm power is supplied (battery or PSA-series power adapter) to both the RC-3 and FS-6.
- Set the FS-6 A and B foot switch modes to "FS-5U" (momentary) and polarity switches in the same direction (see Diagram 1 below).
- Connect a 1/4" TRS stereo cable from FS-6: A+B jack to the RC-3: Stop/Memory Shift jack (see Diagram 2 below).
Note: For other FS settings and options, see Diagrams 1 and 3 below for FS-6 and other FS pedal 1/4" TRS cable connections. When using two FS-5Us, connect using an Insert Y- Cable : 1/4" TRS stereo male to 2 - 1/4" TS mono male ends.
Expected Functionality and Control:
- Press FS-6: A pedal = Memory Shift (UP)
When you press the foot switch, the next-numbered phrase memory will be selected. If you press the foot switch during playback, the newly selected phrase memory number will flash in the display, and the phrase memory will be changed when the currently playing phrase has ended.
- Long press hold FS-6: A pedal = Memory Shift (DOWN)
When you hold down the foot switch for at least two seconds, the previous-numbered phrase memory will be selected.
- Press FS-6: B pedal once = Stop
While recording, playing, overdubbing, press the pedal to stop.
- If the Memory is blank and no loop has been recorded:
Press FS-6: B pedal twice = Tap Tempo setting (two taps in rhythm for input tempo).
While stopped, you can press the foot switch several times to set the tempo.
- Long press hold FS-6: B pedal to Clear (CL) the loop phrase.
To clear the phrase, hold down the foot switch for at least two seconds.
Notes on Memory Shift Up/Down:
* If the current phrase has not been saved, that phrase will be lost when you perform the memory shift. For details on how to save a phrase, refer to p. 8 of RC-3 Owner's Manual.
• If you perform the memory shift operation near the end of the phrase, there may be cases in which the shift-destination phrase memory will not be selected.
• You can also perform memory shift operations by pressing the [UP / DOWN arrow] buttons on the RC-3 panel.
Diagram 1: FS-6 A and B set to FS-5U Mode and Polarity set to same direction.
Diagram 2: FS-6 connect from A+B jack via 1/4" TRS stereo cable to RC-3 Stop/Memory Shift jack.
Diagram 3: Alternate FS-5U / FS-7 pedal options.
