Performing with Multiple Looped Sections

["Rainer Straschill" <moinsound@googlemail.com>]

> What I'd like to do is have loops that represent the verse, loops that 
>represent the chorus,
> loops that represent the bridge - and be able to switch back and forth 
>between the sections
> in real time, with the ability to add/subtract sounds to each section.

Steven,

in today's world of looping toys, the former only device which did
this - the EDP - has a few other devices at its side which can do
that. A first check would be to look into Per's comparison chart
http://www.looproom.com/looperchart.php and find those with more than
one in the "max number of loops" column.

As Travis mentioned, a problem with the approach you're after might be
that the first time you visit each section of the song, you have to
build it in realtime, which may or may not be possible using the
approach you're using (I understand you want to use a more song-based
approach, not subtle transitions in a kind of ambient soundscape, so I
will explain focusing on that). There are some "shortcuts" to make
that possible.
One is to reuse some parts in different sections, and, say, use some
kind of post-loop processing to change them. For that, you'd need a
looper which offers multiple tracks ("multiple loops in parallel" in
Per's chart), as well as multiple outputs (which you already
mentioned). So with that, you could e.g. have a bass line for the
verse on one track, and then use a combination of (perhaps
pattern-sequencer-controlled) pitch shifter and transient designer to
change it for the chorus.

Another one is to start recording the next part (e.g. the chorus)
while the last part (e.g. verse) still plays. So you could already
record the guitar part for the chorus (and the guitar only goes to the
looper and is not sent to the FOH - requires you use and amp modeler
'tho') while the loop for the verse is still playing and you sing on
top (and not record the singing in the loop).

The third one is to use arrangements that do not focus on the
multi-instrumentalist/multi-part/overdub aspect of looping - without
explaining too much of it, I urge you check that fabulous live
recording of Andre LaFosse which I just rediscovered and which has
been on heavy rotation with me ever since -
http://www.altruistmusic.com/nyc3.html
(* This last recommendation also goes to everyone else here *)

Device-wise, I know that with Mobius (software) you can do everything
to that regard you're looking for which can be done. Ableton Live is
really good if you never ever want to a) overdub/fadeout a loop, b)
start a loop without defining the tempo/meter first - but then, you
can use Mobius for these specific cases. The EDP offers only a limited
aspect of what you might need (no parallel loops, no multi outs
consequently). The Repeater might be better for you to that specific
regard if you can find one - plus, it has good per-track pitch
shifting. Then there's the Looperlative, which I believe can do what
you ask for, but you better ask Bob or Rick or Bill (does it have
pitch shift functionality, btw?).

Just in case you wonder, for the "big stuff", I use Mobius running in
Live (but only use Live as a computerized mixing console/VST host).

                    Rainer