Hi everyone,

I am thinking about getting a looper and wanted to get some thoughts and advice from the brains trust here.

I am new to this, but I am very familiar with digital delays and fx in general.

I guess my needs go something like this:

I need inputs for Stick (ACTV2) and two vocal channels
Must be easy to use, immediate and responsive, feels like an instrument
Want to use this in a live performance and busking ethic
Don’t need hour-long loops, but at least enough to handle verse chorus and middle8
I would like to be able to recall previous loops after power off/on
Must be a pedal or box, I don’t want to do this on the PC
Simple is good! If that’s possible. I guess I mean well-designed for the musician
Still thinking about budget: is it better to go cheap and learn, or jump in premium to start with?
I am usually going into a combo amp, alternatively an interface to the DAW

Thanks for sharing any experiences or thoughts, keen to hear any ideas.

Cheers all,
Andy

I used to use the Boss RC-300 looper before moving to PC based phrase sampling and looping. It looks like they have something more robust in the way of the RC-600, though, and other models on the other end of the spectrum. I never had any issues with the RC-300, and Boss equipment is made well.

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/RC300--boss-rc-300-loop-station-3-track-looper-pedal

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/RC600--boss-rc-600-loop-station-looper-pedal

~T

What software do you use?

I've used an Echoplex Digital Pro for ages and still haven't found anything that will do all of the same functions. Especially in software. The closest I came was Mobius. Incredible piece of freeware but the author stopped updating it years ago and the last release is still 32-bit. So I run a full computer setup except that I run aux send/return to my EDP for looping.

I have a Boomerang 3. Its fully stereo, 3 channel and built like a tank. It will also quantize to a midi clock, something not a lot of loopers do. It's also dead simple to use. They are a little pricey but if you can get a deal on one they are amazing.

With the specs you are asking, likely the tabletop Boss RC505.
I could also do what you are asking with my L6 Helix if I get mic to 1/4" adaptors. Run the Stick into two inputs into Return Jacks 1&2 and the Mics into Return 3&4 - or use one in the single mic input.

Actually the Headrush Looperboard has the inputs you are looking for.

the two vocal channels is a game changer - most loopers doesn't have 2 mic inputs-so you may consider getting a mixer if the 2 mics are a must

Thanks everyone - very helpful.

Boss obviously dominates in the area of loopers because of price-to-features.

But I really like the look of the Boomerang 3.

In the mean time I think I should try something small and inexpensive, just to see how looping feels to work with in performance. Then go from there.