general question about equipment

["Matthew Johnson" <matthjohnson@gmail.com>]

I am a guitar player, but I am looking to expand my capabilities with another loopstation, sound manipulation device or sampler.

 

1. I currently play with a Boss RC 20xl. I have no complaints. Its clearly a matter of personal preference, but what are your opinions about the best guitar delay unit along in the same category as the 20xl.  Adai just came out again with the headrush E2, anyone have any opinions on it?

 

2. I am looking for another loop/sampler unit that will allow me to create more precise loops, be able to isolate sounds within the loops and create beats/drum tracks with. Any suggestion will help? Im new to this and looking for a place to start with a good peice of equipment I could learn with? I guess it would have to be a hand operated unit.  

 

3. Im not opposed to going in the laptop direction. I use cubase to record, but this is where my knowledge of computer music creation software begins and ends. Ive seen some bands using laptops along with keys, samplers, etc. What are the laptops being used for live? It seems to me all you would need is a sampler and looper live.

 

4. Thank you in advance. I would appreciate any help and or opinions.
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Matt H. Johnson