Re: Multi-tracks loopers questions

[Matthias Grob <matilists@gmail.com>]

Hi David!
nice to read this report!
and give me hope that there is still space to come up with the Echoplex 
follow up I am working on.
I would not ask you to wait for it, because I do not know when we finish 
it and it will take months still
and it probably will do little more than the old EDP in the first version, 
but a software upgrade will do all you want :-)
... and some stuff you did not think of yet...

as for the virtual EDPs: computer latency can be corrected for most parts, 
where the loop runs predictably
but whenever you do an immediate change like pressing Reverse, the 
reaction is late and the latency correction creates a new problem
so there is still a big advantage in hardware machines.

back to work
Matthias

On 10 Jul 2010, at 06:21, David Steinberg 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 !"
>