The Boss RSD-10 digital effects unit incorporates a sampling function as well as a delay function in a single body. Used in the Sampler mode, 2 octaves and more of scale can be produced as well as a duration of up to 2 seconds for the sampled sound. With an innovative circuit to control pitch with audio signals in a different manner to both MIDI and CV/GATE, the Boss RSD-10 will transform any synthesiser into a sampling keyboard just as you would connect an effects unit.
Depending on the synthesiser it is used with, a wide range of effects such as dynamics, pitch bending, modulation, portamento, attack and decay times, can be controlled. What’s even more attractive is that the Boss RSD-10 is not restricted for use with synthesisers alone but can be used with a drum pad (optional BP-I) rhythm machine and pedal switch. In the Digital Delay mode, a 2ms delay to an ultra-long delay of up to 2000ms can be obtained. To top things off, the Boss RSD-10’s 12-bit digital system in tandem with the noise reduction system ensures sound that’s clear and free of noise.
Controls
- RANGE/MODE: To select between the delay and sampler modes. In the delay mode, you can choose 1 of the 5 delay time ranges while the sampler mode lets you select from auto recording, manual recording, gate- or trigger-generated sampling effects.
- FINE/PITCH: When the unit is in the delay mode this will enable you to fine-adjust the amount of delay time. When the Boss RSD-10 is used as a sampler, this control will adjust the playback sound pitch.
- PLAYBACK TRIM: Operative only when the unit is in the sampler mode, this allows you to vary the tail-end or the latter part of the playback sound to cut off any unnecessary portion of the sound.
- FEEDBACK/OVERDUB: For selecting the number of repeats desired when the unit is in the delay mode and for adjusting the level of overdubbing when the Boss RSD-10 is in the sampler mode.
- EFFECT LEVEL: For controlling the proportion or ratio of the direct sound to the effect (delay or sampled) sound.
With the Boss RSD-10, you are free to utilise any sound that’s available to aid you in creating new sounds. The Boss RSD-10 frees you from any restrictions – you can produce a human voice from a synthesiser, sample the shriek of a tire and create truly special effects by over-dubbing. No matter what sound you create, it is essential to produce that sampled sound with a high S/N ratio. You can make sure your sampled sound preserves a high S/N ratio by setting the LEVEL switch to a point just before the input overload indicator lights up.
If you’re trying to pick up a sound with a microphone, a preamplifier is needed (Boss RPQ-10 etc.), but a cassette deck in the Recording Standby mode will also serve to pre-amplify the signal. If the same sound is to be used repeatedly, it is advisable to put the sound on tape. In addition, other effects such as sound-on-sound may be initiated by setting ultra-long delay times of up to 2000ms.
