Software/hardware for looping.

[6stringbassist]

It looks like my brand new DL4 is faulty, so I'm taking it back and changing it.

I was thinking though, of getting software and an interface that I can use instead of a dedicated looper, which might be more versatile. I want to use my laptop for recording anyway.

Any recomendations would be welcome.

I've heard of people using Ableton live for this sort of application, and someone I know has used Logic, I already have Garageband.

Is this any good ?.

http://www.dv247.com/invt/24170/

[Steve Lawson]

Hi Kevin,

I've not really experimented much with laptop looping, just because to get anywhere close to usable levels of latency with the kind of looping that I do would require such an insanely fast and pimped-out laptop, that it'd cost more than my Looperlative

I'm a real stickler for latency - it's less of a problem if you're just using the laptop for looping but if you're processing as well, it can be a major problem. That plus the number of times I've seen laptop-based performers' gear crash mid-show. (clearly your DL4 experience shows that can happen with hardware looping as well!)

sorry to hear about the DL4 problems. I've got back to using one again, but they do have all kinds of reliability issues!

Steve
www.stevelawson.net
www.stevelawson.net/ldw - new album here.

[6stringbassist]

Hi Steve

Thanks for your reply.

I've sent the DL4 back and ordered a Line 6 M13, so I have effects and it has a looper.

I'm seriously thinking of getting a looperlative though, I'd like the ability to be able to record a loop and have it play, then drop it out then fade it back in later, so the music would have more of a structure.

[kcolyar]

Is it the DL4 that had issues or Line 6 in general?? I am about to purchase a DL4 with in the next week or two. Now I am nervous. Steve, thanks for getting back to us so quickly I am really loving your album BTW.

[6stringbassist]

It's the DL4, I looked (after I'd bought it !),on the Line 6 forum, it's pretty amazing the number of people on there complaining about reliability problems with it.

[thrash_jazz]

I've had my DL4 for five years and have had minor issues with it as well. Specifically, the "record" switch crapped out after about a year. Got it fixed and it works relatively well since.

If you're leery about the DL4, I'd recommend checking out the Electro-Harmonix Memory Man with Hazarai. There aren't as many delay options (and they sound different), but you can use any of them while looping - which was a frustrating weak point for the DL4. The E-H is a bit cheaper, too.