Which Loop Pedal Is Right For You?

Looping pedals have come a long way in the last few years, incorporating multiple loop tracks and generous on-board memory and presets. But which one is right for you? MusiciansBuy is here to help! These are some of the basics to consider when looking at a new looper.

Does Size Really Matter?

Since pedalboards have been all the rage lately, more companies are producing pedalboard-friendly sized pedals. These include the TC Electronics Ditto, the BOSS RC-1, and Digitech Jamman ExpressXT. All of these include from 5 to 12 minutes of internal loop memory, and allow you to record, overdub, and play one loop. You can overdub as many times as memory allows. Once you’re done you just clear out your loop and you’re ready to go again. Unfortunately there is no way to save the loop internally, which is why I refer to these as the “hit it and quit it” pedals. These pedals work great for on-the-fly loops in a live setting, as well as basic at home practicing.

How Much Memory Do I Need?

For the more serious looping individual, having the ability to save and recall loops is a must. For this, the BOSS RC-3, RC-30, and Digitech JammanStereo are great options. All 3 of these feature 99 patches that can be pulled up with ease to get to your favorite loop. Whether you do something really cool that you just want to save, or you want to load in backing tracks to take to your gig, you’ll want one of these models. The questions is, how much memory do you need?

Both BOSS units feature 3 Hours of true stereo recording with their internal memory. Although there is no way to upgrade the memory, 3 hours of loop time is a lot. Now, if you do a lot of overdubs, you have to take into account that does use extra memory. Let’s say you have a 30 second loop, and you do 3 overdub parts on top of the original loop. You’re using 2 minutes of memory for that 30 second loop. Even still, 3 hours of internal memory works for most.

This is where the Digitech shines. While it only offers 35 minutes of internal memory, you can expand the memory by using an SDHC card. Using the largest 32GB card will give you over 16 hours of memory. That’s a lot of loops!

As an added bonus in these models (RC-30/Jamman), there is an XLR input for microphone connectivity. This really opens up the possibilities for vocal sounds effects and harmonies to enhance your music.

What Are Independent Tracks All About?

Most of the pedals we’ve discussed so far (with the exception of the RC-30)  allow you record and overdub one loop. For the advanced looping artist, multiple track loopers give you the ability to start and stop multiple loops independently of one another. Depending on how intricate your loops become, we offer models that feature between 2 to 4 tracks that you can control independently.

BOSS offers the RC-30 with 2 separate tracks, while the RC-300 gives you 3 tracks. The real upgrade to the RC-300 is the layout of the pedal. You have a Record/Play and Stop button for each track. This lets you move in and out of all 3 tracks easily. And the onboard effects and Expression pedal add another layer to the funcionality of this impressive looper.

Another favorite here at MusiciansBuy is the Electro-Harmonix 45000 pedal. This new looper offers 125 minutes and up to 100 patches on an 4 GB SD card. But more impressingly, it’s a 4 track looper with complete control from the optional footpedal. You can also adjust the loop speed up to 2 octaves, a very unique feature. This pedal has been used by musicians, songwriters, and beatboxers alike. This is the ultimate looper that can take your performance to the next level!

Here at MusiciansBuy we’re dedicated to your satisfaction. We have a great support team that are very familiar, and helpful with all of these products. Give us a call at 877-778-7845 and let one of our team members help you find the right looper for you!!

Happy Looping!!

Steve Bolanda