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Re: Naming a software looper




 > The things that are most unique about this looper (I think, I hope) are:
 >
 > - instant gratification, easy learning curve

That would probably be unique among software loopers with similar
features.  There are several easy to use loopers, but they don't have
all the features you list.

 > - Can be operated in hands-free mode; works with most footcontrollers
 > (but a multi-bank footcontroller is best; basic functions can be in
 > the first bank, advanced functions in others)
 > - CD-quality, stereo looping

Every software looper I've seen supports MIDI control and CD quality 
stereo.

 > - loop layers are independently mutable and re-mixable

It depends on what you mean by "layers".  A few loopers support
multiple "tracks" which you record and mutate independently, and if
the tracks are made to be of identical size you achieve an effect
similar to layers of overdubs.  The challenge here is to make it so you
can record into successive tracks as easily as you would just make
several overdub passes in a single track looper.

 > - built in digital multitrack recorder makes pristine recordings of your
 > live playing, your loops and aux inputs (like the people you're playing
 > with)

That's probably unique, though I know of one that has a relatively
crude way to capture an entire performance.  What typically happens is
that the looper is itself a VST plugin that runs within a host that
supports recording.

 > - peak limiting on the output. In later versions, different forms of
 > multiband compression will be supported

May be unique at the moment.

 > - with a touch of your toe (here I go into marketing-speak), you can
 > save all the loops into individual files for later processing with
 > Acid or the DAW of your choice.

Several of the more complex loopers will allow you to save loops to
files.  I know of one that let's you save all state with one 
touch-o-the-toe.

 > - PC (XP) and MAC (OS/X)

I can't think of any non-commercial cross-platform loopers.  The closest
thing would be the PSP-42 and PSP-84.

 > - support for VST plugins to modify the input to the looper and the
 > total mix output

Having the looper host plugins is a powerful concept, but I would
suggest you consider having the looper *be* a VST plugin
instead or in addition.  If you want to get into the VST hosting
game, then you're going to be competing with the likes of Bidule,
EnergyXT, and Live.  If ease of use is the primary goal, then being
a limited host is a good thing.  But if you want to be flexible,
being a VST is better.

 > - affordability - I anticipate 3 versions, one at $89 or so, one at
 > $199 and one at $299.

With all due respect, I think you're going to find that the market for
a software looper priced over $99 is rather small, especially if
you're targeting customers for whom "ease of use" is a primary concern.

Jeff