Multi-tracks loopers questions

[David Steinberg <david@oscillateur.com>]

Hi,

Warning, this is a quite long email... :).

I've been using a Boss DD20 for a few years now and I really like it -  
it's intuitive, surprisingly full of possibilities and nice to use.

It's not really multi-tracks though (you can have 2 delays running at  
the same time but that's it), and there's no MIDI sync or internal  
storage. I'd really like a looper with these additional features.

In fact, I'd like somethig with :
- several independant tracks
- a multiply function
- MIDI sync
- storage of loops

By the way, I'm using the DD20 to loop several electronic noisemakers  
(small keyboards, effects, gameboys, toys, drum machines, etc.) so a  
tabletop unit is usually better for me.

I've looked at the specs all the current hardware loopers I could find  
and here's the result so far :

- EHX 2880
Pros : 4 tracks, MIDI sync (though it seems to be a bit basic), very  
simple loop storage (still better than nothing)
Cons : no multiply, all the loops must have the same length

- Boomerang 3 :
Pros : 3 or 4 tracks, small, multiply ? (not really sure about that,  
the manual is extremely unclear)
Cons : no storage, no MIDI sync (but hardware MIDI in/out...)

- Boss RC50
Pros : 4 loops, MIDI sync when used as a master, internal storage,  
multiply
Cons : no MIDI sync as a slave, no feedback control, annoying click  
track, big, etc.

- Electrix Repeater
Pros : basically has the features I want
Cons : rare and expensive second-hand, not supported anymore, uses old  
compact flash cards

- Electrix Repeater Mk2
Pros : perfect for me
Cons : does not exist

- Looperlative LP1
Pros : multi-tracks, MIDI, lots of features
Cons : a bit expensive and overkill for me, interface not really  
suited to the way I use a looper

So far, unfortunately, nothing completely fits the bill for me.

I really like the form factor of the 2880 and would get one right now  
if it could have tracks of different lengths. The Rang 3 seemed really  
nice even though it has no loop storage, but I was disappointed to  
read that it has no MIDI sync. And the modes that would interest me  
(with all the loops played at the same time) is still not available  
from what I've understood. The RC50 seems to be very frustrating to  
use, from what I've read. The LP1 is very powerful but it does not fit  
in my budget and I don't really like the form factor.

Did I miss anything obvious ?

I know that people will suggest a laptop running Mobius or  
Sooperlooper. I'd rather avoid using a computer but if I can get  
something that's not too expensive, that's easy to setup and that can  
act as a more or less dedicated looping device I could consider it.

In fact, I though about using one of the new tablet PCs, the ones  
without a keyboard and that basically look like a bigger iPad. A big  
touch screen is not as good as a bunch of buttons and knobs but it's  
definitely better than a mouse :).

The thing is, would I get a good enough audio latency ? And I would  
still need a MIDI interface for sync... Did anyone try using a looper  
software on one of these devices ?

Anyway, if I missed or misundestood anything, please tell me :).

Thanks,
</daviD>

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