Re: reducing "time to setup"--

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

On 06/12/2013 00:03, Amy X Neuburg wrote:

> The most basic answer is: without any sort of "cheating" there is no way 
> to minimize the ramp-up,

while I disagree with the above.......

> So my best advice is to think carefully about each individual layer to 
> make sure it is in itself musical.

.....that's  spot on.
( worth applying to non-looped music too! )

Plus learn to go directly into overdub without waiting for the layers to "go 
round",
that makes a big difference.



Apart from that there's any number of techniques, but the main one for
a more regular type structure is this:-


 Depending on the capability of your looper, the early layers can be much 
shorter in length
    than the "final loop"
    for example:-
           i) record a one bar rhythm (percussion)
           ii) record a 2 bar bass line, simple enough to underpin a more 
complex harmony
           iii) then you can add a chordal part 16bars, 32 bars ...whatever

        If the looping device is so designed it lets you do all that on
        just one loop, using something called "Multiply" or "Re-Sample".
        Otherwise it's necessary add loops to get that.


Also  just take time to check out some of the guys on this list and note 
how *they* do it.
    Usually this means some kind of interaction with technology...the loop 
device gets to be an instrument.


> You can also cheat,

It's just my own aesthetic here, but if you're going to pre-record 
significant bits
why not just pre record all of it?

> In putting out my songs on CD I occasionally shorten the lead-in time

To edit a loop performance for repeated listening is not uncommon.

> My way too many cents.

not at all...appreciated

Andy