[Harp-L] Loop machines

[Richard Hunter]

Loopers start at about $100 for a device that allows you to layer up
multiple lines on a single track.  For more money, you can buy loopers that
allow you to run two or more simultaneous tracks of the same or different
lengths.  My Pigtronix Infinity looper lets me set the length of track two
to multiples of track one, so I can do a 1-measure beatboxed rhythm and
couple it with a 4-bar bass loop.  That kind of stuff is more
expensive--the Pigtronix runs about $400. I see that the Ditto now comes in
an X4 version for $159 that gives you two independent stereo tracks, which
is a pretty good deal for a looper with that much flexibility and dedicated
footswitches.

It's important to ask what you want to do with the thing.  If you plan to
use it to accompany you for solo performances onstage, you may want a
looper that lets you load pre-recorded backing tracks, which also implies
that it uses SD cards for additional onboard storage.  Digitech's JamMan
loopers are good for that, but you may find the ergonomics--in particular,
the way it stops loops--to be less than ideal.  Dedicated start/stop
footswitches are tops for ergonomics in my opinion.

I would absolutely recommend that any looper you buy include a USB
connection so you can save and load loops to and from your computer.  A
looper is a terrific tool for developing new sounds and riffs, and that's
even more useful when you can save the loops you create.

The current crop of loopers sound good and are less expensive than at any
time in my memory, so don't worry a lot about your choice,  Think about the
features you want--how many tracks, what kinds of controls, how much
storage, USB connection, etc.--and buy accordingly.

Regards, Richard Hunter

On Sat, Oct 22, 2016 at 11:01 PM, Gary Lehmann <gnarlyheman at xxxxx>
wrote:

> I like a bunch of loopers--the one I would suggest is the software looper
> called LoopyHD, if you have an iPhone or iPad.
> I still have my Echoplex Digital Pro, that's the best looper for live
> looping--but I use the Boomerang III
> http://www.boomerangmusic.com/E156.shtml , it's still in production.
> Available for around $500 . . .
> I still use my Digitech Jamman, but mostly for sample playback. The
> harmonizer I use has a looper, Brendan uses it for that, the VoiceLive
> Touch http://www.tc-helicon.com/en/products/voicelive-touch/ there is a
> newer version out.
>
> On Sat, Oct 22, 2016 at 6:14 PM, Mike Price <mikerockin at xxxxx>
> wrote:
>
> > I tried several different and ended up buying a used, Ditto for $50.
> > However, I recommend you try out several to see what you like.
> > p.s. I shopped at Guitar Center which allows for no fuss 30day returns
> > *** Mike
> >
> >
> > > On Oct 22, 2016, at 8:13 PM, Phyllis731--- via Harp-L <
> harp-l at xxxxx>
> > wrote:
> > >
> > > I also would like recommendations for looping pedals.  Have never used
> > > one.  Any thoughts and ideas would be appreciated.
> > >
> > > Blues Girl Phyllis
> > > Just to be is a blessing. Just  to live is holy. Heschel
> > >
> > >
> > > In a message dated 10/22/2016 7:11:27 P.M. Central Daylight Time,
> > > dfwhoot at xxxxx writes:
> > >
> > > Recommendations for  loop machines, pedals etc. Anyone use them , any
> > > samples .
> > > Thanks, Jerl  Welch
> > >
> >
> >
>



-- 
"The Lucky One" 21st century rock harmonica project at
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/richard-hunter-s-the-lucky-one/x/5259889#/
Author, "Jazz Harp" (Oak Publications, NYC)
Latest mp3s and harmonica blog at http://hunterharp.com
Vids at http://www.youtube.com/user/lightninrick
Twitter: @lightninrick­­­‪­‪­­­‪‪­­‪­‪­‪­­­­‪­­‪‪‪­‪‪­­­‪­‪­­­­‪‪­­‪­‪­­­­