Curtis from Canada recently shared his portable setup showing his BOSS RC-505 MKII powered by a USB-C power bank using a Birdcord PD 9V power cable. This setup allows him to use his looper without a mains outlet, making it ideal for outdoor performances and practice sessions on the go.
Quick Facts: BOSS RC-505 MKII Mobile Setup
| Device | BOSS RC-505 MKII |
| Supply voltage | 9 V DC |
| Current draw | 1.0 A |
| Power consumption | 9 W |
| Connector | 5.5 x 2.1 mm |
| Polarity | Center negative |
| Power source | USB-C power bank* |
| Compatible power converter | Birdcord PD 9V |
| Status | Tested and verified |
*Note: Use a USB-C power bank with USB Power Delivery (PD) and/or Quick Charge 4/4+ support. The power rating should be higher than the power consumption.
What You Need
✅ Birdcord PD 9V – A compact USB-C power cable that requests 9 V output from a compatible USB-C power bank and delivers it to the BOSS RC-505 MKII. View product
✅ USB-C Power Bank – A power bank that supports USB Power Delivery (PD) and/or Quick Charge 4/4+. A minimum rating of 18 W and 10,000 mAh is recommended. Recommended: INIU 65 W 20,000 mAh USB-C PD Power Bank
✅ USB-C cable – To connect the power bank to the Birdcord PD 9V (usually included with the power bank). View product
How It Works
The BOSS RC-505 MKII requires a stable 9 V DC power supply. Since USB-C power banks don’t automatically provide the correct voltage, a Birdcord PD 9V is needed to communicate with the power bank and request the right output voltage. The power bank then provides 9V DC, allowing the BOSS RC-505 MKII to run directly from a portable battery.
Simply connect the Birdcord PD 9V to a USB-C PD power bank and plug the DC connector into the RC-505 MKII. The setup works exactly like using the original power adapter, but gives you the freedom to perform anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How long can it run on a USB-C power bank?
With a standard 20,000 mAh (74 Wh) power bank, the BOSS RC-505 MKII will run for over 6.5 hours of continuous use.
I already have a power bank. Will it work?
Yes, as long as it supports 9 V output. You can easily check this by looking at the technical specifications printed in small letters on your power bank. If you see an output listing like 9V=2A, 9V=3A (or anything similar), it is compatible and will work perfectly. If it only lists 5V, it is not compatible.
Will this setup introduce any ground loop noise or hum?
No, quite the opposite! Since your BOSS RC-505 MKII is completely disconnected from the mains grid and runs on isolated battery power, you actually eliminate ground loop hum entirely. It is one of the quietest ways to power your rig.
Can I still use 48 V phantom power for my microphones?
Yes, the BOSS RC-505 MKII will still provide 48 V phantom power to your condenser microphones.
