![]() You can also play on top of the first loop and play that back, etc etc etc. You play something, and it plays it back until you tell it to stop. The first type is basically what the Helix looper is. Where it doesn't I have a Digitech looper.Īs far as I can tell there are two distinct types of loopers, with variations of each type. Have no real dog in this fight though as my looper requirements are minimal and the Helix suffices. I have seen the pattern repeated over and over, both in the hardware and software world, where something that starts as an additional add-on, eventually gets incorporated into the hardware, OS, application, or whatever. I think, by default, most modeler manufacturers will eventually be delivering a level of looping functionality significantly beyond what is currently available on the Helix. Some other modelers out there are incorporating more powerful loopers in their modelers - from low to high price points. I hear you about Line 6's core strengths and I definitely don't want them to stray from them but there is no reason they can't beef up their looping functionality in future hardware efforts. But that would be a diversion from their core strength - DSP modeling. Does Line 6 want to start competing in that arena again? Who knows. Now, if Line 6 decides to build a separate product line of new standalone loopers, that’s a different topic. The Line 6 JM4 Looper has been discontinued for some years now. None of these things utilize DSP modeling and I hope Line 6 doesn’t stray into wasting resources by trying to integrate these advanced features into their modeling devices. Sophisticated loopers have long term storage, tempo capabilities, multiple simultaneous loops, etc. I think it will remain that way because a looping feature is not really playing to Line 6’s strength, which is DSP modeling. It simply requires too much tap dancing, imho, to be a useful looper in a live situation. The looper feature in Line 6 modellers is very useful for two main purposes: providing short (max 2 minutes) background for practicing lead solos, and providing an ability to tweak tones in a hands-free manner using a recorded part. If you want to use a professional grade looper for live play you should purchase a standalone device that is designed for that purpose. I don’t think the looper in a Line 6 amp/FX modeler will ever really rival a standalone looper pedal for live play.
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