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Worlds First Drum Machine in Pedal Form!

From the email,

"It’s been an amazing experience and we’re now leaving China to head back to Miami, where we’re working full time on the final steps to release the BeatBuddy Manager software and the BeatBuddy Community Forum by the time you receive your BeatBuddy."
 
My issue with it (I hate to be negative because it is really cool, I agree) is that the prime thing that intrigues me is that the footswitch doesn't come with it. That kind of bothers me since it's showcased in the video. 249 is not a bad price either, but 349 after preorders is pretty dang expensive for what it is. But I do like the pedal other than that.
 
My issue with it (I hate to be negative because it is really cool, I agree) is that the prime thing that intrigues me is that the footswitch doesn't come with it. That kind of bothers me since it's showcased in the video. 249 is not a bad price either, but 349 after preorders is pretty dang expensive for what it is. But I do like the pedal other than that.

I guess that's your opinion, and that's fine. Have you looked at non-pedal drum machines? Ones which sound good? Ones which are easy to operate? I'd say $350 is pretty fair. $350 might be a lot for something you personally might have very little use for, but for "what it is" it's definitely fair.

As for the footswitch.... um.... welcome to pedals. Pretty much every loop pedal I know requires an additional pedal for extra features. I see it as a positive - not everybody needs those functions, so this way you're not forced into buying the extra hardware (i.e., if it was all in one pedal/came with the extension) and you don't need to cart around more than you'll use for the gig.

Sorry if that sounds overly defensive, I just don't really think you have assessed it with regard to norms in the field.
 
I guess that's your opinion, and that's fine. Have you looked at non-pedal drum machines? Ones which sound good? Ones which are easy to operate? I'd say $350 is pretty fair. $350 might be a lot for something you personally might have very little use for, but for "what it is" it's definitely fair.

As for the footswitch.... um.... welcome to pedals. Pretty much every loop pedal I know requires an additional pedal for extra features. I see it as a positive - not everybody needs those functions, so this way you're not forced into buying the extra hardware (i.e., if it was all in one pedal/came with the extension) and you don't need to cart around more than you'll use for the gig.
For real...I'm really leaning towards the Boomerang looper, and the Side Car for it is 300 bucks! 30 is nothin compared to others
 
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"The Glass Is Half Empty" is a GOOD THING!

The perpetuation of the myth that it is a negative thing to say must be stopped. I have never seen it as a negative thing, quite the opposite.


*************

Q?

- Will the Mac software be rolled out at the same time as the Windows version?
- Is the software included in the price of the BB?
(Sorry if this has already been asked)
 
I'm not trying to trample on the concept of this pedal. I think it is cool and just somewhat over priced. And I've never really played around with drum machines or shopped them I'll admit. I typically (if I am going to use drums for something) either record the drum part myself or do it with a program such as FLS or Guitar Pro or something comparable. Admittedly, I would have little use for this pedal beyond just goofing off. But to a solo performer or someone who wants to write things on their own and such I can see it beying of a ton of use. It's all about what people want and what they feel is worth their cash. My BC Rich Bich Exotic Classic guitar was 600 bucks on sale and I had always wanted one and it was 200 bucks off. It was well worth it for me, my friend thought I was an idiot. To each their own.
 
I'm not trying to trample on the concept of this pedal. I think it is cool and just somewhat over priced.

Fair enough, as you're clear on it's just not worth it to you. But for argument sake, if you search for drum machines on MF this is what comes up http://www.musiciansfriend.com/drum-machines . 13 machines who's prices average out to $576 (yeah, I had a calculator nearby and did the math :)). Given the functionality of the beat buddy, and all it can do.... me thinks it's nowhere near overpriced.

Also... starting to get to know the boomerang a bit. I get why the midi sync is needed. Spoke also to a friend who's had a couple of loopers without sync, and said in a band situation it was pretty much impossible to get anything good happening.
 
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Does the Boomerang have tap-tempo? ie force the Beat Buddy to follow the looper? Possible?
Not natively, and probably not through new software. Its "bro-sync" feature (where you can sync two 'rangs WITHOUT an external clock) simply records the master loop (3) simultaneously in order to get a match (it doesn't generate MIDI clock).

I don't really see why this would be required, though - presumably you'll have the pedals near each other, what difference does it make if you're tapping on the BB or the 'rang?

If you were wanting to make your loops before bringing in the drums, I believe the BB has a "mute" mode, where the drums don't make sound but it still flashes/blinks/sends clock as though it were playing a groove. Even if it doesn't, you could just program your "intro" section on the beat buddy to be silent (or click, or some sparse drums which let you know where you are).
 
Hi all I make up my mind to purchase a infinity looper in addition to the BB . Stupid question: is it sure that the nidi sync between both units work? Has David or anyone else tested the BB with the infinity? I dont t want to end up with a looper i cant sync to the BB.
 
I guess that's your opinion, and that's fine. Have you looked at non-pedal drum machines? Ones which sound good? Ones which are easy to operate? I'd say $350 is pretty fair. $350 might be a lot for something you personally might have very little use for, but for "what it is" it's definitely fair.

As for the footswitch.... um.... welcome to pedals. Pretty much every loop pedal I know requires an additional pedal for extra features. I see it as a positive - not everybody needs those functions, so this way you're not forced into buying the extra hardware (i.e., if it was all in one pedal/came with the extension) and you don't need to cart around more than you'll use for the gig.

Sorry if that sounds overly defensive, I just don't really think you have assessed it with regard to norms in the field.

I will add, as someone else pointed out, that the pre-order footswitch price was $29 and the retail price will be $49. Those are reasonable market prices. For example, the Infinity Looper footswitch, which is very similar in nature, is also $49. Either price is small compared to Beat Buddy's overall price, so I don't see what the issue is.

As far as the Beat Buddy's main price...$349 is an awful lot, but that's why I grabbed mine at the $179 price and am now in my 9th month of waiting. Just saying! :D

Q?

- Will the Mac software be rolled out at the same time as the Windows version?
- Is the software included in the price of the BB?
(Sorry if this has already been asked)

At one point David estimated that the Mac version would be rolled out about a month after the PC version. I'm not sure if the delays changed that or not (for better or worse).

The software is a free download. It's only a Beat Buddy management software; it doesn't allow you to create beats, it allows you to convert beats to be Beat Buddy-ready files. The beats themselves must be created externally.

Hi all I make up my mind to purchase a infinity looper in addition to the BB . Stupid question: is it sure that the nidi sync between both units work? Has David or anyone else tested the BB with the infinity? I dont t want to end up with a looper i cant sync to the BB.

David said they tested the Beat Buddy with the Infinity and it worked great. He also said they had a demo for it but it never showed up.
 
Hi all I make up my mind to purchase a infinity looper in addition to the BB . Stupid question: is it sure that the nidi sync between both units work? Has David or anyone else tested the BB with the infinity? I dont t want to end up with a looper i cant sync to the BB.
Funny, I've decided to go all-out and get a boomerang + sidecar ;) For me, it came down to this: Saving/importing loops is basically no different from playing backings on an iPod, and the 'Rang has sooooo many more features (double as many loop channels [4] plus all sorts of other sweet extras). It also has more hardware buttons (=quicker access to functions) plus the sidecar has another FIVE (not two).

I'm sure you'll have a ball with the Infinity, though. Looks like a solid box, and I was so close to placing an order, but I think at this stage I'm pretty happy I waited!

Can't wait to get it (+ BeatBuddy) and start jamming with my singer. I've got so many tunes in mind which would just work a treat!
 
With the beat buddy supposedly en route to our doorsteps, is there any reason we haven't been given access to the software? I'd really like to get familiar with it before the beat buddy arrives, so I can diver right in.

The only official word is that they're working on it.
 
The last e-mail was sent on August 28th. The details are a little vague, but it basically breaks down like this:
---3 days China to the logistics company
---US: pass through customs and arrive at US warehouse (less than a week), then shipped individually
---non-US: sorted at the logistics company (3 days) and then shipped individually
---Tracking numbers sent when shipped

So I guess non-US ones should be shipping out any day, and hopefully US ones late this week or early next?
 
The last e-mail was sent on August 28th. The details are a little vague, but it basically breaks down like this:
---3 days China to the logistics company
---US: pass through customs and arrive at US warehouse (less than a week), then shipped individually
---non-US: sorted at the logistics company (3 days) and then shipped individually
---Tracking numbers sent when shipped

So I guess non-US ones should be shipping out any day, and hopefully US ones late this week or early next?
Not sure if that was in response to my post, but I was more meaning how far through orders are currently being shipped? e.g., June orders, July orders, August the 6th at 3:46pm orders....

That's useful info anyway, though :) I'm glad they decided to ship non-US straight from China - it always seems silly that stuff I buy from China comes to me from the US (to Australia... pretty serious backtracking!)