Re: Multi-tracks loopers questions

[Sylvain Poitras <sylvain.trombone@gmail.com>]

Hi,
The repeater would be a fine choice, but you don't have multiple loops
with it.  Only multiple tracks of the same loops (although you can
have varying lengths using multiply, the overall loop length will be a
multiple of your shortest loop).  So you can't really have two loops
of different lengths going at once.

But you can keep your DD-20 and place it in the effects send of the
repeater.  I've had this configuration for a while and it's quite
powerful.  It allows you to use the DD-20 either pre-loop on the
signal coming into the repeater, or post loop to grab a part of the
loop playing on the repeater.  Loads of fun (and it gives two
independent loops going at once).  You can also re-sample the loop
playing on the dd-20 into the repeater for further manipulations (and
then back to dd-20 and so on, lots of options).  This way, you can
keep your dd-20 techniques and expand them with all that's available
with the repeater.

And by the way, I have an extra repeater I've been meaning to sell to
help pay for a band at my forthcoming wedding...  I'm looking for
$500-650 range, let me know if you're interested.

Sylvain



On Sat, Jul 10, 2010 at 4:21 AM, David Steinberg <david@oscillateur.com> 
wrote:
> 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>
>
> "Simulating the true styles and making carefully.
>  Many colours a lot, selected freely by you !"
>
>