Re: I need a better sounding sampler than a Boomerang!

[Tim Nelson <tcn62@ici.net>]

At 10:36 AM 9/30/00 -0400, you wrote:
>Are these other devices(Jamman, Echoplex) that much better (than the
Boomerang)?
>Can you hear the difference in quality with these other devices?

It all depends on what you want to do with it. Check the specs in the Tools
of the Trade section of the LD site, and you can compare the respective
sampling rates. You'll find that the Boomerang is one of the lowest in
terms of sampling rate (hence your complaints with the sound quality), yet
is quite flexible and has a nice long loop time. (The upgraded version is
even more flexible.) On the other end of the spectrum, the Akai Headrush
has an excellent sampling rate and sounds great, but is severely limited in
loop time and functionality. Yes, you CAN hear a difference in sound
quality between many of these units, but again, depending on what you want
to do with your looper(s) the other features may be the deciding factor.
They've all got pros and cons; the EDP arguably blows away most of the
competition in terms of depth and features, but it can be hard to get one;
reports of service and reliability issues are probably grossly inflated,
but they're there nonetheless. Lexicon bailed on the Jamman long ago, so
you'll be hunting for an overpriced used one. The Line6 DL4 is loved or
hated, depending on who you ask. Check out the Tools of the Trade section,
and compare the user reviews and overall features (sampling rate, overdub
capability, loop time, upgradeability, user interface differences,
rackmount v.s. floor, MIDI features or the lack thereof, cost/value, et
cetera) and you'll get a better feel for which one is most appropriate for
your needs. Also, the list archive is LOADED with user reactions; search
around the time each new box or upgrade came out and you'll find tons of
answers to your questions.

Tim