Re: HOW MANY LOOPS DO YOU USE SIMLUTANEOUSLY?(andy)

[andy butler <akbutler@tiscali.co.uk>]

Rick Walker wrote:

> How many loops do us use simultaneously?
> And why?
> 

Interesting question with a number of sides to it.
here's my individual take it

1) multiple loops versus layering.
  A lot of people seem to feel the need to record different musical layers 
onto different loops.
Apart from the possibilities of post processing this also has the 
advantage that different musical layers can be muted, then restored as 
desired. Also it's possible to get an accurate mix.
(plus, some folks prefer unsynced layers)
With the EDP, there's only one loop heard at a time, so I solve those 
"problems" in the following way
a) An accurate mix is achieved simply by playing the layer at the right 
volume...just a matter of instrumental technique, ...and practice.
b) muting out layers isn't so simple, it's possible to keep a copy of the 
loop before the overdubs were made and return to it later...or use Undo. 
(the EDP is not so flexible for this sort of thing)
c)Additional unsynced loops can only be achieved by adding another looping 
device, I've been experimenting with putting the old JamMan in the rig.  

2) Timbral masking isn't a problem for harmony parts, or if the sounds 
don't coincide time-wise,
   so I probably get up to 6 layers fairly regularly, but like Rick I 
don't go for the big build up.
   ..and if using feedback to make a continuously evolving loop I'm likely 
to drop the feedback to 0% and just have 2 layers.

3) EDP specifics: I generally have MoreLoops = 2. ( which in English means 
that there are 2 loops available to play and build up layers, but only one 
can be heard at a time). Often I create a basic loop1, then copy it to 
loop2 for modification, returning to loop1 every so often to make a kind 
of "theme and variations" type effect. I also use 2 contrasting loops 
quite a lot, and switch between them, but I find that easier with composed 
pieces rather than improv. 


andy butler