Boss RV-200

A Modern BOSS Reverb, Heir to a Long "RV" Tradition

For decades, BOSS has been a benchmark when it comes to delivering musical and reliable reverb atmospheres on stage and in the studio. The RV-200 condenses this DNA into the robust and streamlined format of the 200 series: immediate usability, versatile algorithms, and enough memories to cover a full set without relying on a computer. The idea is simple: keep the pleasure of "by-ear" adjustment while offering processing depth and performance tools worthy of much more complex setups.

Who Is the RV-200 For, and In Which Styles Does It Make a Difference?

The BOSS RV-200 is aimed both at guitarists seeking a clean and clear basic reverb (blues, pop, rock, funk, country) and musicians who build true soundscapes (ambient, post-rock, shoegaze, indie, film music). In stereo, it becomes an excellent spatial engine for modern rigs (two amps, audio interface, stereo loop), while in mono it remains easy to integrate on any pedalboard. Thanks to the memories, it is perfectly suited for live situations (quick sound changes) and studio use (preset recalls, session-to-session consistency).

Controls, Memories, and Performance Options

The RV-200 favors quick editing: reverb type selection, Time and Pre-Delay settings to place the space in the mix, effect level via E. Level, and Low/High equalization to shape the reverb without muddying the lows or harshening the highs. The Param knob provides access to extended functions unique to each algorithm, and the Density control (6 steps) allows you to go from an airy sound to a dense "pad"-like wash.

Designed for the stage, it offers Report (spillover) to preserve reverb tails when switching memories or turning off, as well as expressive tools Hold, Warp, and Twist assignable via control pedal. The stereo connectivity includes wet/dry and dry mute options, and the RV-200 accepts advanced external control (footswitch, expression pedal, and MIDI TRS) to operate multiple 200 series pedals within the same rig. Finally, the panel lock prevents accidental changes-a real plus when the pedalboard moves and the stage is dark.

Sound Character

The RV-200 stands out with a clean, wide, and very defined reverb, with a sense of depth that remains clear even on complex chords or fingerpicking parts. The classic modes (Room/Hall/Plate/Spring) add dimension without masking the attack, while the more creative algorithms (Shimmer, Reverse, Gate, +Delay, Modulate, Slowverb, Lo-Fi) open the door to cinematic textures, breathing tails, and "dreamy" atmospheres perfect for intros, interludes, and song endings. The response is dynamic and reactive to playing: lowering the guitar volume or softening the attack makes the reverb more discreet and musical. This approach is found among tone- and nuance-oriented guitarists, and the RV-200 has notably been spotted in setups of artists like Nick Johnston.

Technical specifications

Effects	Reverb	Type	sector
Technology	Digital	Use	electric guitar
Format	Pedal	Color	Grey
EQ	2 channels

Sampling rate	96 kHz	Weight	610 g
AD/DA conversion	32 bits	Required power supply	9V DC (center negative)
Processing	32-bit floating point	Current consumption	260 mA
Memory	127 + Manual	Estimated battery life (continuous use)	about 4 hours with alkaline batteries (varies depending on actual conditions)
Bypass	Buffered Bypass	AC adapter	PSA-S series
Inputs	INPUT (A/MONO, B) 6.35mm Jack	Control pedal	FS-5U
Outputs	OUTPUT (A/MONO, B) 6.35mm Jack	Dual control pedal	FS-6 / FS-7
CTL 1, 2/EXP	6.35mm TRS Jack	Expression pedal	FV-500H / FV-500L / EV-30 / Roland EV-5
MIDI	IN, OUT (stereo mini-jack)	TRS/MIDI connection cables	BMIDI series
Power supply	DC IN jack	Instrument cables	BIC series
USB	USB 2.0 micro B (program updates only)	Pedalboard connection cables	BCK series
Dimensions	101 x 138 x 63 mm	Pedalboard	BCB series