LP1 and other ramblings

[kkissinger@kevinkissinger.com]

(from the Looperlative vs. Repeater thread...)

Quoting Zoe Keating <cello@zoekeating.com>:
>
> ... right now i am focusing on a very precise,
> specific kind of looping that is entirely midi sequenced and the songs
> already composed. to do this i need a combination of computer and
> hardware looper.
This, too is my focus -- to compose music in the looping medium.  I am  
using Cubase SX3 to control VST plugins with automation and external  
devices with MIDI.  Like Zoe's setup, mine consists of a laptop and  
hardware perephirals. My current setup allows use of many concurrent  
loops in a surround-sound setup.  The limitation is that my looping  
software is limited to ten-second loops.   I investigated Mobius  
however Cubase SX3 only "sees" two pins from Mobius (even though  
Mobius can play to multiple ports).  I didn't want to be limited to  
two channels.  (I design everything for surround sound and then fold  
down to stereo when needed.).

The LP1 was of interest to me because of its stereo loops that can be  
assigned to three stereo output busses.   I recently acquired an LP1  
from a distinguished member of this list :) and the MIDI  
implementation looks promising.  If the MIDI response is precise, then  
the LP1 will fill a gap that I have in my setup.

I am not yet sure if I will use the LP1 in Santa Cruz, though -- I'm  
hesitant to introduce new equipment into my setup with a performance  
only two months away.
>
> i want the $1000 to spend on another
> experimental cello pickup system!
>
Hope this is a successful addition to your equipment.  I understand  
about "spending $1000 to try out something".

In the past when everything was analog one could pretty much figure it  
functionality by looking at the control knobs and the in input/output  
jacks.

With digital stuff, one can't really tell what something does by  
looking at it.  And a new feature often has terminology that isn't  
obvious until one actually works with the equipment.

For someone that likes to learn, modern technology provides ample  
opportunities.

>
> ok...back to work with me.
>

Speaking of work...

The speed at which I work has increased the last couple of days due to  
a "breakthrough" for me.  (I would imagine that many folks have  
already discovered this but I'm still on the learning curve with the  
looping medium).

When I compose, I use an editor to write the notes (actually a piano  
roll style editor) that I later print out in standard notation.  I  
found that at the start of loops, progress was quick but noticed that  
once into a loop things slowed down because I'd have to restart up to  
two minutes prior to the current passage in order to build up all the  
loops.

I finally got smart and now run an audio "cue track" that allows me to  
capture the built-up loops and play them in sync with the currently  
edited passage.  The track just a quicky stereo mix however good  
enough for the purpose. Thus, I can work on a passage without having  
to "rewind" everytime I change a note or two.

-- Kevin