Loop Pedal or Something More Fancy for Loops?

  • Thread starter Thread starter gvdv
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gvdv

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Hi,
I was checking out loop pedals a couple of months ago, but have since become aware that 'fancier' pieces of equipment (such as some of the various guitar workstations available) also incorporate looping technology.

So, I'm wondering if it's worth getting one of these workstations (e.g. Digitech gnx 300), because of the 'extra' features over just a loop pedal, or if the bona fide loop pedals will be a better buy. I notice that some pedals are as expensive as some of the workstations.

Also, with the pedals, can one add different layers, like overdubbing, e.g. could I put a drum part down (via inputting a drum machine), and then add a guitar part?

Thanks
 
I own a Digitech JamMan. Also, as it happens, a DigiTech RP-7. I use both more live than recording, FWIT.

I think this is the same argument as the one for home audio components- an all-in-one unit will cost you less, but you are stuck with what you get- either compromises at the time of purchase, or if one part goes out, the whole shootin' match is suddenly junk.

My experience with something like a guitar workstation (the RP-7): I have not regretted purchasing the RP-7- I got a whole box o' effects in one package, and I was able to use it to see which I liked, which I didn't. About 80% of what is there is of no use to me, about 99% of the time. I have chosen 5 patches, modified some of them a bit, and stored them to user positions 1 thur 5. I put labels on the top of the unit, so I know which patch does what. Occasionally, I will use something else the RP-7 does when recording. The other day, I noticed the power supply got very hot- if it craps out, I won't replace it, unless I can find one cheap, as I have learned what effects I use as part of my sound, and have aquired, cheaply, those effects in separates. Still, the RP-7 was a great learning tool.

My experience with a more dedicated unit (the JamMan): Solid built unit. Dedicated loopers seem to be made for live, stage use, and built to survive there. Also to be fairly easy to use on-the-fly/under the stress of performance. Oh, and yes, you can overdub or layer- several times. The jam man uses memory cards- you can install a big one and have something like up to SIX HOURS of loops. And if that is not enough, get another big card, for a total of TWELVE HOURS of loops... All in all, I am pleased with that purchase, too.

Want a recommendation? If doing live shows, go with individual units, so that if one thing breaks, you are still in business. If doing home-studio work, the "workstation" should work for you. If going into a pro studio, and paying by the hour, KISS- bring your own pedals (including looper if you feel the need) and let the engineer worry about the rest of it- that is what you are paying him for- and I find the more a unit does, the more time you spend futzing with it. In the pro studio, time is (big) money.
 
stevieb said:
I own a Digitech JamMan. Also, as it happens, a DigiTech RP-7. I use both more live than recording, FWIT.

I think this is the same argument as the one for home audio components- an all-in-one unit will cost you less, but you are stuck with what you get- either compromises at the time of purchase, or if one part goes out, the whole shootin' match is suddenly junk.

My experience with something like a guitar workstation (the RP-7): I have not regretted purchasing the RP-7- I got a whole box o' effects in one package, and I was able to use it to see which I liked, which I didn't. About 80% of what is there is of no use to me, about 99% of the time. I have chosen 5 patches, modified some of them a bit, and stored them to user positions 1 thur 5. I put labels on the top of the unit, so I know which patch does what. Occasionally, I will use something else the RP-7 does when recording. The other day, I noticed the power supply got very hot- if it craps out, I won't replace it, unless I can find one cheap, as I have learned what effects I use as part of my sound, and have aquired, cheaply, those effects in separates. Still, the RP-7 was a great learning tool.

My experience with a more dedicated unit (the JamMan): Solid built unit. Dedicated loopers seem to be made for live, stage use, and built to survive there. Also to be fairly easy to use on-the-fly/under the stress of performance. Oh, and yes, you can overdub or layer- several times. The jam man uses memory cards- you can install a big one and have something like up to SIX HOURS of loops. And if that is not enough, get another big card, for a total of TWELVE HOURS of loops... All in all, I am pleased with that purchase, too.

Want a recommendation? If doing live shows, go with individual units, so that if one thing breaks, you are still in business. If doing home-studio work, the "workstation" should work for you. If going into a pro studio, and paying by the hour, KISS- bring your own pedals (including looper if you feel the need) and let the engineer worry about the rest of it- that is what you are paying him for- and I find the more a unit does, the more time you spend futzing with it. In the pro studio, time is (big) money.
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Hi Stevie,
Many thanks for taking the time to respond, and for sharing your experience.

I appreciate it.
 
I've been using the Boss RC-20 for several years now. Long story short, I find it to be useful for rehearsing, generating ideas, or just messing around, but for live use its limitations always make me a little nervous. (I talk a bit about these limitations here.)

I'm looking to upgrade, and will likely go with a software solution this time. Probably Ableton Live/Ambiloop/Mobius, using a FCB-1010 to control it.

The problem I have with standalone units is, the lack of one or two seemingly minor features can make the unit useless, or at least a real struggle to work with. And it can take awhile to figure out whether the problem is with the unit, or with you. By that I mean, there was a time I thought I just needed to rehearse with the RC-20 more, and that eventually I'd be laying loops down seamlessly live, all the time. It took me a while to finally realize that there are just tiny little quirks with the device (like its tempo calculation sometimes being the tiniest bit off) that, if I were to adjust to, could actually have more negative effects than positive (like guys I've read about who got so used to playing their keyboard with latency, they can't play on time anymore).

So I figure if I go with a software solution, it'll be easier and probably a great deal cheaper to switch if, down the road, I find certain features too limiting. Plus there just seems to be much more flexibility with software.

Anyway, I'd recommend the RC-20 if you just want something to hash out ideas with. If you want a serious standalone looper, you'll have to spend a lot more money.
 
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