Loop-de-Loop!

[bassmaverick86]

Hey All!

I did a bit of scrounging and even checked out this hip loop pedal review site but I'm still not getting the info I need.

For practice and eventually performances, I'd like to acquire a looping pedal. I'm usually not picky but it seems some products have some features, but not others. Or some are not advised for live gigs... radda radda radda


Here's what I need it to do:

-Play multiple tracks at the same time
-Volume control!
-Flow seamlessly when switching phrases/loops
-Have a healthy amount of loop recording (not a delay pedal with a simple loop function)
-Store loops for future use
-Virtually hands free
-Built in effects are nice, but not a deal breaker
-Patch through another effects pedal (say... a GR-55!)
-Not cost a small fortune (I feel like there are better priced and more effective options to the Boomerang III)
-Older models are acceptable suggestions if they can fit the bill!!

I figured I'd ask the experts! If I can only get close to this Christmas/Hanukkah list I would be helped tremendously.

Pedal deities... teach me your ways!

[willbassyeah]

http://looperpedalreviews.com/best-looper-pedals-2012/
this is the best webside to find out about looping, i recommend the boss rc300

[sunbeast]

The RC-300 is definitely the most promising Boss offering yet from the looks of it. Unfortunately it costs more than the Boomerang III (or just a little less than a Boomerang III + the Sidecar, depending how you look at it). I love my Boomerang III and finally just got ahold of a Sidecar for it, but if you need to save loops or have computer connectivity it is the wrong choice.

Depending on what you want from multiple tracks, your options may be somewhat limited to the more expensive offerings- most basic loopers if they even have multiple tracks will only play the tracks together and they must be synced in length (often the first track recorded sets the length for all the following tracks), while the more featured loopers like the BIII and RC-300 will allow you to switch from one to the other or record them in different lengths.

For a more basic and cheaper option than the big dogs, the Boss RC-30 seems like a great choice for a 2 track looper (I was with my father when someone demoed one for him as he has been looking to buy a looper).

[bassmaverick86]

Thanks for the responses, the site I was one was actually the one willbass mentioned, but in looking around TB I had heard TC Electronics makes a looper like device so I wanted to hear about the most recent offerings.

I assumed that the Boss RC300 was less expensive than the boomerang.. but I'm all about function rather than cost. In looking at some more reviews it seems that's the way to go...

Now about that GR-55... =)

Thanks guys!

[sunbeast]

The TC Looper that I am aware of is the Flashback or the Flashback x4- the loop function is definitely a secondary feature to the delay on those though.

The Boss RC-300 does look like a great package. Personally I was never happy with the sound of my Boss RC-20xl when I owned one, which is why I originally went the Boomerang route. With the Sidecar addition it is capable of most everything I could want from a looper functionally, and in a better form/approach than the Boss for my uses. It is undeniably pricey, but great at what it does, which is high quality seamless live looping- it is also designed and made in the USA by a guy who answers all his own emails/phone calls.

There is also the Pigtronix Infinity Looper, supposedly coming at the end of this month-it is only a two track looper, but looks pretty well designed (by the guy who came up with many of the best/classic Electro-Harmonix designs)...

[Sav'nBass]

Perhaps consider something like a Boss BR-600 with a footswitch..

[bassmaverick86]

Hadn't considered that... I don't even think I've heard of that setup before. Pretty slick. It seems like the RC300 would be the best starting point. I was hoping the TC product wasn't just another robust delay pedal, I find them very hip. Appreciate it fellas!

[AJ Brown]

The Pigtronix Infinity just came out today... order is in.