Stereo looping device for $400? (Echo Pro experimentations)

[Stuart Wyatt <loopersdelight@solostring.com>]

Hi all,

I've been experimenting today trying to rig up two echo pro's as a 
stereo looper, and the first results are quite impressive.

For the experiment, I rigged up two Echo Pro's, all running off the 
same midi channel, and connected the FCB1010 to the first, and ran a 
midi cable from that to the second with Midi Thru selected. I recorded 
a few stereo loops (using ping-pong delay on the DL4), and then let 
them run for a few minutes to listen for synchronisation problems.

The results? After 8 minutes of listening to a percussive loop of 4x4/4 
there is a very slight inconsistency in the synchronisation which gives 
the sound a quite interesting phased/reverb feel. This also gives the 
loop a very live and natural ambience. Very short one beat loops lose 
their synchronisation  very quickly though.

A lot of the synchronisation problems are caused by running the 2nd 
Echo Pro from the Midi Thru of the first, instead of routing the 
FCB1010 through a midi through box before the Echo Pros (I do not have 
a midi through box  at the moment). Also, then length of the cables I 
am using are huge... I ideally need short patch midi cables.

For my style of playing, this setup seems perfect, and I am completely 
over the moon! :)

So, if anyone else is looking for a cheap stereo live looping rig - 
check out dual Echo Pro's...at $199 a piece, you cant go wrong.

- Stu