BOSS RC-30 Loop Station Utility Scripts

This repository contains Python scripts to help manage .wav files for the BOSS RC-30 Loop Station. These scripts simplify renaming, organizing, and preparing .wav files for loading into the RC-30, ensuring compatibility with its requirements.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Scripts Overview
3. Instructions for File Preparation
4. Connecting the RC-30 to Your Computer
5. Disclaimer

LLM Code Generation Notice

Portions of this codebase were generated or refined using large language models (LLMs) including models such as Gemini, ChatGPT, Claude, DeepSeek, Qwen, Dolphin-Llama, and more, integrated API Plugins Such as Cline, Continue, Roo Code, and more, and Service Providers such as OpenRouter, Ollama, HuggingFace, Cursor, and GitHub Copilot and more. Final code was reviewed and adapted by the project maintainer. Use at your own risk.

Limitation of Liability Statement

For a complete Limitation of Liability Statement, please visit my website.

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Introduction

The BOSS RC-30 Loop Station supports playback of .wav files in a specific format and folder structure. These utility scripts are designed to:

• Rename .wav files to the required format (e.g., 001_1.wav through 099_1.wav).
• Organize renamed files into properly structured folders (001_1, 002_1, etc.).
• Clear the RC-30’s ROLAND folder in preparation for a new batch of tracks.

Compatible File Requirements:

• Format: .wav
• Bit Rate: 16-bit linear, stereo
• Sampling Frequency: 44.1 kHz
• Maximum File Size: 1.7 GB (combined total of all files)
• Maximum Total Time: Approximately 3 hours
• Minimum Time: 1.5 seconds

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Scripts Overview

1. rename_wav_files.py

• Purpose: Renames .wav files to the format 001_1.wav through 099_1.wav.
• Key Features:
  • Skips files already named in the correct format.
  • Stops renaming once 099_1.wav is reached.
  • Appends the track number to the end of the original filenames to preserve them.

2. gen_dir_mv_wav_files.py

• Purpose: Organizes renamed .wav files into folders corresponding to their names (e.g., 001_1).
• Key Features:
  • Creates folders such as 001_1, 002_1, etc.
  • Moves each .wav file to its respective folder.

3. clean_wav_files.py

• Purpose: Clears all .wav files from the RC-30’s ROLAND folder while leaving the folder structure intact.
• Key Features:
  • Removes .wav files from subfolders within the ROLAND directory.
  • Ensures a clean slate for the next batch of tracks.

4. convert_audio_CODEC.py

• Purpose: Converts .wav and .mp3 files to the required format for the BOSS RC-30 Loop Station.
• Key Features:
  • Converts files to .wav format.
  • Appends _converted to the original filename.

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Instructions for File Preparation

Step 1: Convert .wav Files to the Correct Format

Ensure all .wav files meet the RC-30’s requirements:

• Use audio editing software to convert files if needed (e.g., Audacity).
• Verify the following:
  • File format is .wav.
  • Bit rate is 16-bit linear, stereo.
  • Sampling frequency is 44.1 kHz.

Step 2: Rename .wav Files

Run the rename_wav_files.py script to rename files to the required format:

1. Place your .wav files in a directory.
2. Execute the script with the directory as input.
3. The script renames files to 001_1.wav through 099_1.wav and appends the track number to the original filenames.

Step 3: Generate Folders and Move Files

Run the gen_dir_mv_wav_files.py script:

1. Place the renamed .wav files in a directory.
2. Execute the script.
3. The script creates folders (001_1, 002_1, etc.) and moves each file to its corresponding folder.

Step 4: Clear the RC-30’s Folder

Before transferring new files, clear the RC-30’s ROLAND folder:

1. Connect the RC-30 to your computer (see instructions below).
2. Run the clean_wav_files.py script to remove existing .wav files while keeping the folder structure intact.

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Connecting the RC-30 to Your Computer

Steps to Connect

1. Power On:

   • Turn on the RC-30 by inserting a plug into the OUTPUT L jack.
   • Note: The RC-30 will not operate on USB bus power. Use an AC adaptor to ensure stability.

2. USB Connection:

   • Use a commercially available USB cable to connect the RC-30’s USB connector to your computer’s USB 2.0 port.
   • Ensure the RC-30 is stopped and all phrases are saved before connecting.

3. Access the RC-30’s Drive:

   • Windows: Open "BOSS_RC30" (or "Removable Disk") under My Computer (or This PC).
   • Mac: Open the "BOSS_RC-30" icon on your desktop.

4. Transfer Files:

   • Copy .wav files into their respective folders (001_1, 002_1, etc.) in the ROLAND/WAVE directory.
   • Do not overwrite existing .wav files in any folder.

5. Safely Disconnect:

   • Windows: Use the "Safely Remove Hardware" option in the system tray.
   • Mac: Right-click the USB drive icon and select "Eject."
   • Press the RC-30’s [RHYTHM ON/OFF] button to return to normal operation.
   • Disconnect the USB cable.

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Disclaimer

These scripts are provided as a convenience tool for managing .wav files compatible with the BOSS RC-30 Loop Station. Proper use is essential to avoid data loss. Always back up your data before transferring

Audio Conversion Script

Overview

This Python script is designed to convert .wav and .mp3 files into a format compatible with devices like the BOSS RC-30 Loop Station. It ensures that audio files meet the following specifications:

• Format: WAV
• Bit Rate: 16-bit linear, stereo
• Sampling Frequency: 44.1 kHz
• File Size: Maximum of 1.7 GB
• Total Duration: Approximately 3 hours (total across all files)
• Minimum Duration: 1.5 seconds

Features

• File Compatibility: Supports .wav and .mp3 input formats.
• Audio Processing: Converts files to the required specifications, including frame rate, channel count, and bit depth.
• Output Management: Saves converted files in a designated output directory, appending _converted to the original file name.

Alternative: Using VLC Media Player for Conversion

If you prefer not to use Python or need a graphical user interface, VLC Media Player can also be used to convert audio files to the required format. VLC is free, widely available, and capable of handling the necessary adjustments.

Usage Instructions

Prerequisites

1. Python 3: Ensure Python 3 is installed on your system.

2. Setup Virtual Environment:
   It is recommended to use a virtual environment to manage dependencies for this project.

   • Create the virtual environment:
     Navigate to the root of the project directory in your terminal and run:

     python -m venv venv

   • Activate the virtual environment:

     • On Windows:

       venv\Scripts\activate

     • On macOS and Linux:

       source venv/bin/activate

     After activation, your terminal prompt should be prefixed with (venv).

3. Install Dependencies:
   Once the virtual environment is activated, install the required Python packages using the requirements.txt file.

   pip install -r requirements.txt

How to Clear BOSS RC-30

Before proceeding, copy entire "ROLAND" folder on RC-30 to backup drive. Only delete folders as follows. Never delete folders without performing a recovery. Do not place more than one WAV file in any folder. If a folder already contains a WAV file, do not overwrite it. Write WAV files into empty folders only. Filenames can contain the following characters: A-Z (uppercase letters), 0-9 (numerals), _ (underscore)

1. In the BOSS RC-30 drive, delete the "ROLAND" folder

WARNING-backup "ROLAND" to another drive to prevent data loss

2. Copy entire "ROLAND" folder (empty phrases) in pwd to the BOSS RC-30 drive.

-All tracks are now clear

Folder Structure (Drive letter may differ)

E:/
└──BOSS_RC_30/
   └── ROLAND/

How to Load Phrases into BOSS RC-30

1. Same as step 1 above

2. Copy .wav files from computer drive into the respective folder on BOSS RC-30 drive, e.g., copy 001_1.wav and 001_2.wav files into /001_1/ and /001_2/ folders, repspectively, and so on, that is, up to 099_1.wav and 099_2.wav into /099_1/ and /099_2/, repspectively.

Folder Structure (Drive letter may differ)

E:/
└──BOSS_RC_30/
   └── ROLAND/
       └── WAVE/
           ├── 001_1/
           │   └── 001_1.WAV
           ├── 001_2/
           │   └── 001_2.WAV
           ├── 002_1/
           │   └── 002_1.WAV
           ├── 002_2/
           │   └── 002_2.WAV
           └── ...
           ├── 099_1/
           │   └── 099_1.WAV
           └── 099_2/
               └── 099_2.WAV

All files must be .wav data format, 16-bit linear, stereo bitrate, and 44.1kHz sampling frequency. Use script convert_audio_CODEC.py to convert into playable format.

Option A. Copy each phrase individually.

Folder Structure (Drive letter may differ)

E:/
└──BOSS_RC_30/
   └── ROLAND/
       └── WAVE/
           ├── 001_1/
           │   └── 001_1.WAV
           ├── 001_2/
           │   └── 001_2.WAV
		   └── ...

Option B. Compile all phrases into the "ROLAND" folder before hand and copy entire "ROLAND" folder.

Folder Structure

E:/
└──BOSS_RC_30/
   └── ROLAND/