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Re: software that emulates Echoplex DP
Really nice summary Jeff,
I'd just add a couple of things. One the PC I agree that Elottronix
and Angstrolooper are the best "first stops". I find Elottronix better
for the free-form, amorphous, floating in space kind of looping (if
that makes any sense). Angstrolooper I use a lot to make a repeating
loops of guitar chords, synced to a rhythm pattern that I solo over.
It's a better choice I think for syncing in straight 4/8/16/32 bar
increments. Switching between the 4/8/16/32 setting also makes some
nice glitch effects.
On 8/9/05, Jeff Larson <Jeffrey.Larson@sun.com> wrote:
> > I'm not set up yet with a computer, sound card etc. to
> > try these out, so I'm hoping to get some reviews of
> > how these programs work compared to the EDP for live
> > on the fly application from those who've used them
> > with live acoustic inputs.
>
> The first thing you should decide is whether you want to use a Mac, PC
> or Linux. If you have a preference, that will limit your choices as
> not all of these are available on all platforms.
>
> Next, decide if you prefer something that runs by itself or runs as a
> plugin inside another application. Standalone programs can be simpler
> to configure and use, plugins are much more flexible. Some loopers
> only run standalone, some only as plugins, some both.
>
> If you are specifically interested in something that works like an
> EDP, Mobius (PC) and SooperLooper (Mac/Linux) will come the closest as
> their designs were inspired by the EDP. But the EDP is a *very deep*
> device. If you have no prior experience with it and just want to do
> overdubs with feedback, you may find these loopers somewhat
> overwhelming. Plan to spend some time with the manuals.
>
> If you intend to use it on stage, then stability is an important
> concern. Some of the loopers on this list are commercial products,
> others are written by individuals in their spare time. I don't gig
> live so I can't offer good advice on this issue. Since the PSP 42
> is a commercial product I would expect it to be stable. Several
> people on this list use Augustus Loop live. The others may be
> fine depending on what you want to do with them, just never try
> anything live you haven't rehearsed in the studio.
>
> Here is my quick assessment of each looper. I have a personal
> interest in one of these (see if you can guess which one :-)
> but I am trying to be fair. Others will no doubt disagree,
> but here goes.
>
>
> Augustus Loop - Mac/AU plugin
>
> More of a "tape loop" emulator than an EDP-style looper, but it has
> some very nice features. Several people use it live, it appears to be
> quite stable. This will probably be the #1 recommended looper on the
>Mac.
>
> Musolomo - Mac/AU plugin
>
> I would call this more of a "phrase sampler" than a looper. Once a
> loop is captured you can do several interesting things with it,
> but there is no overdub or feedback that I could see.
>
> Lexicon PSP 42 - Mac & PC / plugin
>
> I would call this a delay-oriented effects unit that has some looping
> features. I don't have any experience with it but it looks like a
> phrase sampler, not sure if it supports overdub and feedback but I would
> be surprised if it didn't. For $150 it had better be stable.
>
> SooperLooper - Mac & Linux/Standalone but supports Jack
>
> This has a large set of features, though I've heard there may be some
> issues with the alignment of successive overdubs. It is not
> a VST or Audio Units plugin but it supports Jack which is similar
> to ReWire on the PC. Jack can be hard to configure, so I would consider
> this a standalone looper unless you're into tinkering.
>
>
> Elottronix - PC/VST plugin
>
> This has been around a long time and appears fairly stable. It
> is designed to emulate a tape looper so it doesn't have the most
> features, but what it does it does well. And it's real pretty.
> On the PC, I would start with this one and see if it does what
> you want.
>
> AngstroLooper - PC / VST plugin
>
> This doesn't seem to be mentioned much, but it looks like a nice
> simple looper with good basic feature set. The "touch" function
> looks unique and interesting. This would be my second stop
> on the PC.
>
> Loopy Llama - PC & Mac/VST plugin
>
> This one is relatively new, but I think the author uses it live. Its
> features are similar to a DL-4 or JamMan, and I found it easy to use.
> This would be my third stop on the PC.
>
> Mobius - PC / Standalone or VST plugin
>
> Mobius has the broadest coverage of EDP features, but as a result it
> has a fairly steep learning curve if you're not already familiar with
> the EDP. It is relatively young and has been known to crash, though
> basic overdubs with feedback should be ok. Check this out if you
> decide Elottronix, AngstroLooper, and Loopy Llama aren't powerful enough.
>
> AmbiLoop - PC / Standalone
>
> This has been around awhile, is stable and has some nice features, but
> the main issue for most people is that it cannot be run as a VST
> plugin. I have had issues with crossfades at the loop point that
> cause clicks, so you have to be careful. The builtin effects are
> convenient. The ability to run several loops in parallel is powerful,
> though may be difficult to control live.
>
> Coldcutter - PC / VST plugin
>
> This doesn't look like a looper to me. It takes a loop (not sure
> if it can record) chops it up and plays back the segments in random
> order according to a set of parameters. No overdub or feedback
> that I can see. Interesting but not what I would call a looper.
>
> Loopitch - PC / plugin
>
> I haven't tried this and there isn't much information on the web. The
> download page has some disturbing comments like "This is an early demo
> intended to generate feedback" and "if I can ever get the VST version
> happy with a few hosts!" so it does not appear to be under active
> development and may have stability problems.
>
> Divine Machine - PC / Standalone & VST plugin
>
> This looks more like a static loop manipulation and triggering tool.
> No overdub and feedback, I'm not even sure it can record. It is very
> powerful but not what I would call a real-time looper.
>
>
> Freewheeling - Linux/Standalone
>
> This looks interesting but it only runs on Linux. Unless you are also
> a computer geek (and I mean that in the nicest way) I don't
> recommend Linux for musicians. You will have far more options on
> the PC or Mac.
>
>
>
>
--
Art Simon
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