RE: Devices vs. Computer for live looping

[David Kirkdorffer <DKirkdorffer@exapps.com>]

My hypothesis on the Devices vs. Computer's for Looping -- it mostly 
depends
on where you start evolving to looping from and incrementally adding 
looping
capabilities to your set-up.


1) Device Approach

Example: Many looping-folk have been playing instruments / performing music
for a while.  So, they have equipment already (amp's, speakers, effects,
etc...).  

And they're incrementally adding and removing elements from set-ups all the
time.

So, adding looping capabilities via a "device" approach (with stomp-boxes
and rack-mount effects) is *just like what they're mostly doing already*.
Except instead of adding a fuzz or a multi-efects unit, we're adding
something dedicated to looping capabilities.

It's a pattern these people know and follow already.

Adding a computer to these set-ups is not obvious.


2) Computer Approach

Example: Recently, looping folk are increasingly coming to the process from
a "home-recording" or a "sequencer/controler" background that is enabled
from developments using computers and hard-disc capabilities.  

These people are buying "plug-ins" and incrementally extending capabilities
via software updates.

So, buying a piece of software dedicated to looping to run on their 
existing
platform fits their purchase patterns and follows their usage patterns.

Adding a stomp-box to these set-ups is not likely.


Rarely do people throw-out all their equipment and build a new set-up from
scratch.  


I feel I'm dramatically stating the obvious.

dk