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Best Looper Pedal In 2021 – Top 10 Rated Reviews
When it comes to the “wow” factor, few elements of a live concert are as impressive as an expertly used looper pedal. A single musician can create a whole symphony of sound simply by layering loop upon loop as they perform live.
In consequence, anyone looking to take their live performance to the next level should consider adding a looper pedal to their pedalboard. In this article we take a look at 10 of the best looper pedals for guitars and determine which one is perfect for you.
Photo by Abel
Top 10 Best Looper Pedal In 2021 Reviews
But First, How Do Looper Pedals Work?
In case you’re new to looper pedals, let’s take a minute to explain how they work. In simple terms, a looper pedal records the sound from your guitar or other instrument and then plays it back in short segments, or “loops.” This gives you the ability to accompany yourself and build songs from scratch as you layer loop on top of loop.
Many musicians use a looper pedal to create a one-man-band show. By using creative performance techniques and other guitar pedals you can emulate the sounds of different instruments and build a song from the ground up.
The Classical
To start off we will look at several of the standard-featured looper pedals available for guitar. But keep in mind there are other options too! In a minute we will look at a few minimalist pedals, perfect for those that want something small and uncomplicated, as well as large loop stations with all the features you could possibly need.
1 DigiTech JMSXT JamMan Stereo Sampler
The first looper pedal on this list comes from one of the pioneers of live looping, DigiTech. It features 200 memory slots onboard for you to save your loops to and you can manage those loops from your computer with JamManager XT, a free software download. You can record for up to 35 minutes using the built-in memory, but if you insert an SD card into the expansion slot you can record for up to 16 hours. Lastly, it features 10 pre-loaded drum loops recorded by Pat Mastelotto of the bands King Crimson and Mr. Mister.
- 200 memory slots for loops Up to 16 hours of recording time if you use an SD card in the expansion slot Manage your loops with JamManager XT on your computer Includes power supply
2 BOSS RC-3 Loop Station Pedal
This looper pedal comes from another classic manufacturer, BOSS. It features 99 memory slots with an impressive 3 hours of recording time using the built-in memory. It comes with 10 rhythm patterns for you to play along to and it can also be connected to your computer via USB to manage your loops.
3 NUX Loop Core Guitar Effect Pedal
This looper pedal stands out for two impressive reasons. The first is that the built-in memory can record up to 6 hours of sound, double or more than that of any of the other competing pedals. The second is that it features 40 rhythm patterns for you to play along to unlike the standard offering of only 10.
4 Electro-Harmonix 720 Stereo Looper Pedal
This looper pedal is notable because it features a dedicated stomp pedal to “stop” unlike many of the other pedals reviewed. Rather than having to use only one stomp pedal for all functions, the addition of another stomp pedal to “stop” gives you greater control in your live performance.
- Only 12 minutes of recording time available Only 10 memory slots for loops More expensive than comparable products
5 DigiTech Stereo Looper Delay Pedal
This pedal is the higher end version of the earlier-reviewed JMSXT by DigiTech. It features several additional stomp pedals (Loop Up, Loop Down, Stop/Clear, etc) which allow you much greater control in your live performance. It also features an XLR input for a microphone so you’re not limited to only looping your guitar.
- Additional stomp pedals allow greater control Mic input 200 memory slots for loops SD card expansion slot holds up to 16 hours of loops JamManager XT for your computer Power supply included
- Only 35 minutes of built-in storage Significantly more expensive than the DigiTech JMSXT
Slim And Streamlined
These two pedals are stripped-down versions of the standard looper pedals reviewed earlier. Why would I want a pedal like this, you ask? Well these pedals are perfect for someone that wants something simple and uncomplicated when they are trying out looping for the first time. After all, they only come with one button and one knob!
These looper pedals are also sought after because of their compact size: their slim design takes up a fraction of the size a typical looper pedal takes up on a pedalboard.
6 DigiTech JMEXTV JamMan Express XT
This looper pedal is the compact offering from pedal manufacturer DigiTech. Instead of the complexity of their other pedals it comes with just two parameters: one for recording (or stopping/erasing) your loops and one for adjusting the volume of your loops. It doesn’t get more simple than that!
- Simple and uncomplicated to use Compact size takes up less room on your pedalboard
- Only 10 minutes of recording time No power supply included Not significantly cheaper than larger models with more features
7 TC Electronic Guitar Ditto Looper Effects Pedal
This pedal is also a great streamlined option. It has just one button to record (or stop/erase) your loops and one knob to adjust the volume of your loops. Consequently, learning how to use this pedal is a breeze!
- Simple and uncomplicated to use Compact size takes up less room on your pedalboard 3 year warranty
- Only 5 minutes of recording time No power supply included and it cannot run on battery power Not significantly cheaper than larger models with more features
Two-Channel Loopers
These loopers are more complex in that they offer you the ability to record and manipulate two separate channels of loops. A good example of the usefulness of this feature is when you want to record separate loops for your verse and chorus. A two-channel looper gives you the ability to do this, unlike the simpler one-channel looper.
8 VOX VLL1 Guitar Looper Multi Effect Pedal
This pedal from Vox comes with many standout features. The first is the inclusion of 12 different effects to choose from, ranging from distortion, to chorus, to an old-school radio emulator. This is one of only two pedals on this list that offer built-in effects! Additionally, it offers a microphone input so you can loop your voice (or really any other instrument you want to!).
9 Pigtronix SPL Infinity Looper
This looper claims to be the “world’s most musical looping pedal” and it’s easy to see why. With so many well-thought out features it really stands out from the crowd! One such feature is the “SYNC MULTI” mode which allows you to record loops of different lengths between channels 1 and 2. This looper also offers MIDI connectivity so you can sync it with your favorite music production softwareor sequencer.
- 2 independent loop channels Record loops of different lengths between channel 1 and channel 2 Sync with MIDI 2 hours of recorded time with stock memory card
Full Loop Station
These are the most complex loopers available and offer more features than any of the other varieties. Read on to see what you can do with a full loop station!
10 BOSS RC-300 Loop Station
This is the full loop station made by BOSS, one of the most complex and comprehensive loopers available on the market. With three separate loop channels and a built-in expression pedal, this looper is by far the most elaborate of any on this list. It offers 16 built-in effects, making it in an all-in-one performance tool. It also includes a microphone input so you can loop other instruments besides just guitar.
If you are looking for the ultimate looping tool, then this station is the one for you!
- 3 loop channels Built-in expression pedal 16 built-in effects Mic input 3 hours of recording time and 99 memory slots
Best Looper Pedal Buying Guide
As you can see, there are many different types of looper pedals available to buy and it may not be apparent what would best serve your needs. Don’t worry though! Let’s figure that out right now in a few simple steps.
If you are brand-new to looping or want something that is simple and uncomplicated to use, you may want to consider one of the loopers listed in the “SLIM AND STREAMLINED” section. These loopers are paired down to the bare necessities and only require a little bit of learning to start using. Keep in mind though that they aren’t really any cheaper than the other, more advanced loopers included on this list. Therefore, you aren’t really saving any money by buying a looper pedal with less features.
If you are looking for something well-rounded that will cover most of the normal functions of a looper pedal, one of the loopers listed in “CLASSIC” are your best bet. These loopers represent the best value for your money, offering you a solid set of standard features without breaking the bank.
If you are a looping expert and/or need advanced features, you should look at one of the pedals in the “FULL LOOP STATION” section or the “TWO-CHANNEL LOOPERS” section. These pedals represent the most advanced and cutting-edge features available for looping and will open up a dizzying array of possibilities as you revolutionize your live performance.
Lastly, if you are a vocalist or non-guitarist wanting to loop, please look at one of the loop pedals with microphone inputs. These are the Digitech Stereo Looper Delay Pedal, the VOX VLL1 Guitar Looper Multi Effect Pedal, and the BOSS RC-300 Loop Station.
Conclusion
When it comes to value for your money, it seems that the NUX Loop Core Guitar Effect Pedal is the best looper pedal for guitar. With an incredible 6 hours of built-in recording time and 40 different rhythm patterns to accompany your live performance, this pedal offers far more than similar products. These features combined with a competitive price make this looper pedal an offer that is hard to beat.
Top 10 Looper Pedals for Guitars
We’re now going to have a look at the ten best looper pedals on the market. There is one for every level of guitarist. After you’ve read the list, then consider the buyer’s guide that follows it so that you can choose the best looper pedal for your needs:
If you’re looking for a different effect such as Delay, you may wish to look at our top 11 delay pedals.
The Best Looper Pedals for Guitars in 2021
1. Boss RC-30 Phrase Looper Pedal
The Boss RC-30 Looper Pedal is a product design and made in Japan. It is a looper with twin pedals and it is multitrack. There are two synchronized tracks along with volume faders and select buttons. And you can customize the loops and make them a tad bit more special with built-in effects.
The best thing about this looper pedal is that it has a very generous memory. You can record up to 3 hours of stereo which should be ample for those who use it quite frequently. Also there are 99 onboard memory phrases where you can store the loops. The weight is quite manageable as well with the looper weighing only 4 pounds.
2. TC Electronic Guitar Ditto Looper Effects Pedal
If you are a guitarist looking for a looper that understands you, the Ditto is exactly what you need. It is designed while keeping in mind the needs of a guitarist. You get only 5 minutes of loops but unlimited number of undos and retakes. The overdubs are unlimited too so there is a lot of possibility.
It does require power at least 9 Volts with 100 mA current. It also features analog dry through and true by pass. This allows your signal to stay intact and sound as pure as it came out. Most guitarist want total control of their tunes and this is ideal for them. It is definitely high quality and is a result of manufacturer’s constant efforts to involve guitarists in the process to understand their needs. The Ditto works out great for bass as well.
3. Digitech JMSXT Jamman Solo XT
The Digitech Solo XT Stereo Looper has solved all the capacity and memory issues for a looper pedal. With this product the stereo recording time is already quite generous but the great things is that you can even further extend itl. The built-in stereo recording time is 35 minutes with loops in 200 internal memories.
However, there is an optional SDHC card option that increase the CD quality loops by another 200 memories. So basically, you can get a whopping 16 hours of stereo recording time. There is an aux input for connecting CD or MP3 players to play music. The overall build is metal and quite rugged so you can be sure about durability. Everything happens on the fly as it is very easy to record rhythm loops and then solo over them. Using the JamSync you can connect multiple loopers to make a multilooping system.
4. Boss RC-3 Loop Station Pedal
This is yet another great product from Boss who know what is best for guitarists. It is a compact-sized pedal weighing just a mere 1.4 pounds. But do not think it is small in any way in terms of performance. You can store up to 99 loops and record 3 hours of stereo.
There is a USB 2.0 port as well to make things easier for you. This way you can connect it to your computer and import or export WAV audios. This requires 9 V power supply. There is a rhythm guide with real drums to take your recording game to the next level.
5. Digitech JMEXTV JamMan Looper Pedal
A lot of us like things simple and this JamMAn Express XT Stereo Looper is very minimalistic. You have many features that are present in most pedals from Digitech. This includes JamSync as well which allows you to connect several loopers to create a whole system. The true by pass gives you the control and keeps the signals intact. It is very easy to use especially with the LEDs.
There are three LEDs for record, play and dub. You can virtually do unlimited dubs and as for stereo time you can record stereo for 10 minutes. This is the first looper to feature the Silent Clear technology. It automatically clears the loop when you press for it and does not play it via the amp.
6. Pigtronix SPL Infinity Looper Pedal
There is a lot you can achieve with the Pigtronix SPL Infinity Looper. There are 2 stereo loops with sync with loop two having multipliers x1, x2, x3, x4, and x6. It is simple but incredibly powerful features that give you the power to make loops as you like.
It sounds amazing because of its discreet analog limiter stages, analog pass through and 24-bit rate. If you are a person obsessed with high definition sound then this is perfect for you. And if all of this was not enough, this pedal provides an aux output to play the loops on stage monitors. Using the USB port you can transfer the loops at the same rate to your computer. No matter what style you play, it achieves clarity and high quality and makes your loops sound professional.
7. Zoom G1on Guitar Effects Loop Pedal
Quality pedals do not necessarily have to be expensive and that is what the Zoom G1on proves. You have 75 effects options to add to the loops. There are 14 amp models for you to use. You can utilize up to 5 effects at one time which gives you virtually hundreds of combinations to try. In terms of memory, you have 100 memory locations.
The features onboard include tuner and a rhythm machine. It requires 4 AA batteries that are included in the pedal along with a guide to help you get started. You can connect your headphones or amplifiers with the output jack. You can do so much with effects including flanging, phasing, chorus and distortion. It is super light too weighing a little over 13 ounces. You cannot undo a loop which is probably the only thing lacking in this otherwise great looper.
8. Electro-Harmonix 720 Stereo Looper Pedal
This is yet another pedal that makes looping a breeze. Everything can be done with just a touch of a button. You can stop, undo, redo, and half the speed with just a touch. You can record two instruments simultaneously so you and your bandmate or friend can play together to create loops. The recording time is not that much but still decent enough compared with low end pedals.
You have 10 minutes of stereo recording. This one is super light as well weighing only 1.6 pounds. The price makes it a bit more towards high end but you have an adapter included. It can use 9V battery too but that is not included. It is a sophisticated looper that would definitely appeal to anyone looking for multitasking and having complete control.
9. Line 6 JM4 Looper Pedal
Line 6 JM4 Looper is very professional in every which way and is great for jamming. It is used in studios by professional recording artists but you can always use it at home too. The 24 minutes recording time is enough to record loops on the go. There is a plethora of tunes waiting for you to explore with over 150 song presets, and over 250 artists presets. There more than 36 tone banks that are user created.
The sounds evolve so quickly when you use this loop as the jam tracks can be looped into something totally unique. With this you do not have to spend a lot of time tuning your guitar, you can just keep playing. You can add a variety of moods to your tunes and let your creativity flow free.
10. Vox VLL1 Lil Looper Multi-Effect Pedal
Many loopers do not have power supply included but thanks heaven this one does. You can record 90 seconds on two loops and have multiple effects to play with. As for undo and redo, there is no end to that. There is a feature called Loop Quantize that allows you to make phrases of specific length and synchronize two loops to a certain tempo.
It is a dual pedal looper that lets you record, dub and playback between the two independent loops. It is small and very manageable and portable. There is an option to connect a microphone through the mic input.
Useful Item Guide
There are certain details that you should know about before deciding which one to get for yourself. Here is a comprehensive buyer’s guide to help you make sense of it all:
Memory
This is probably the first thing you would want to check out when looking for a looper pedal. The built-in memory varies greatly between pedals and almost all of them have some at least. In some models the memory is extendable with the help of an SD card. This is important as memory is necessary for recording stereo loops in CD quality. Some have minutes of internal stereo recording memory and some even have hours of recording time. It boils down to your needs whether you need something with a lot of memory. If you use it all too often and record a high number of loops then go for the one with a considerable size of internal memory and possibly an SD card option.
Stereo or Mono output
Mono output is fine for jamming purposes but if you want to record your loops in stereo, a stereo output is necessary. Most pedals now come with stereo output options like a chorus pedal that lets you divide the sound into stereo output.
Number of Pedals
The number of pedals or switches in the looper is a very important measure especially if you plan to use it in a professional setting or live on stage. Pedals and switches are essentially used to utilize different features of the looper. Many pedals only have a single pedal which is fine in most scenarios but when you are live on stage it would be very difficult to move different dials to stop or play some loops. So with more pedals it becomes easier to switch between loops and make use of the many features. It is very useful for a multilayered loop.
Luckily enough, even on a single pedal looper pedal you have the option to add additional pedals. This way you get the same capabilities as you would with a looper with built in multiple pedals. It is quite easy to do that but keep in mind you will have to spend some more money on the additional switches/pedals. In case you believe you will need multiple pedals then it makes sense to get the one with multiple pedals rather than buying single one and purchasing more later.
Multiple Loops
Many looper pedals would only allow you to play a single loop at a time. This is quite normal and works out fine when you are practicing solos. However, for playing a song you will need to play more than one loop at a time and for this, you will need a looper that has the ability to do that. This way you can play multiple pre-recorded loops simultaneously and create complex tunes and songs. If you are a professional looking to make records then this is absolutely necessary for you to really utilize the loops for music creation.
Reverse Looping
You can play the recorded loops backward as well. It is a very interesting feature that perhaps is not really widely used but can give you the chance to play around with loops and create something amazing.
It can add different textures to your music and most modern pedals have this feature but it is not that popular yet. It is something you could try finding in the pedal especially if you like to experiment with your instruments.
Types of Inputs
The most common input type in pedals is a quarter inch input which is basically the standard cable input from guitars. However, there are other options available in many pedals. You can plug in XLR or even a microphone to add different sequences to the loops. In addition to that other rather common inputs include aux jacks for including music from MP3 players or devices. Some pedals can be connected with your computer through a USB port to transfer the loops directly. All of this is great for any sort of use and give you a lot of control and convenience at the same time. And these inputs are available in cheap pedals as well.
True Bypass
Some pedals have true bypass feature that basically lets the tone going in to be just like tone going out. In some pedals even when they are off, the signal can be affected and the tone is not really the same. Pedals that are in true by pass mode would not affect the tone. These are considered more reliable and retain the quality of the tone.
Pricing
As for brands, the higher end brands are quite pricey. The quality and features does not have much to do with brands as now you can get a decent quality pedal from a lesser known brand at a particularly low price. It is more of personal choice which brand you prefer. Read Also: 10 Best Noise Gate Pedals of this Year.
1. Which looper is the best?
Looper pedals as you know are not all the same and therefore it is hard to pick one. Nevertheless, deciding which one is truly the best depends more on your own needs and preferences than the pedal itself. Of course, its quality and functionality matter a lot but that can only be decided once you evaluate your own needs and what you aim to achieve with it. Remember, loopers have many features besides the few basic ones that virtually all of them have.
Value For Money
If the criterion for you is value for money, it would not be that difficult to find one. Most of these pedals especially those that are rather simplistic, are cheap and offer good value. The TC Electronic Guitar Ditto Looper is a great product that is high quality and reasonably priced.
What it offers is what you can also find in high end pedals but this cost much lesser. You have qualities like true by pass and analog dry through. Also you can do unlimited undo/redos making it very useful for all styles.
Our Top Pick
Our top pick is Boss RC-30 phrase Looper Pedal for a number of reasons. First off, it is from a brand that understands loopers through and through. This product is very professional and can give you a lot of control.
The best thing is that it has very large memory of 3 hours which is usually not available with many loopers. There is a lot of room for you to experiment and utilize the built in effects.
Highest Quality
In terms of quality, Digitech JMSXT Jammam Solo XT Looper Sampler Pedal takes the cake. It is truly high quality and costs much lesser than most high end brands. It is super strong and therefore very long lasting. The features present are diverse and give you complete control.
The memory available is generous enough for frequent looping. In fact, it can be extended to a whopping 16 hours of stereo recording with an SD card. And if all of this was not enough to convince you to hit the buy button for this one, consider the fact that it comes with power supply. Last we checked many pedals do not come with the pedal.
2. What does a looper pedal do?
A looper pedal is a device used to record samples from an instrument which can be played over and over again or even dubbed. The guitarists used the switches or pedals to control the looper with their foot. The idea was to make it an easy process for them to record tones in loops and use effects to produce music.
Here is what you can basically do with the pedal:
Record Solos: You can play chords on your guitar and record these samples. This allows you to practice solo techniques. It is a great way to improve your skills by yourself.
Create Music: Of course, the loopers are most widely used for composing songs. You can create amazing sounding tracks and write the lyrics to it.
Learn: You want to learn how your favorite guitarist played a lick? The looper can help you do that with the auxiliary input. You can plug in your phone or mp3 device to play a song. You can slow down without effecting the pitch and get to the bottom of how the lick was done.
Experiment: One of the most popular recent recording artists to use loopers for his songs is Ed Sheeran. He has managed to combine his superb vocals with some great loops that make him sort of a band in his own right. You can do the same and experiment with the tones and loops to create something unique.
3. What is analog dry through?
It is a feature on looper pedals that splits the signal into two. One side is sent to be the effects side where it is converted into digital signal whereas the other side remains intact i.e. the output is the same as input and it remains dry. The purpose behind this feature is to retain the purity of the dry sound signal.
4. Which is better, multiple pedals/switches or single pedal/switch?
Each one of these has its own set of benefits. It depends on your application as to which one is most suitable for which type of looper and would get the best results. For instance, in a live setup having a single pedal can be cumbersome as you will have to manually change switches. For this scenario the best looper would be a multi pedal or multi switch one that will let you utilize the features rather quickly and easily. For this reason, for professional on stage use a multiple pedal looper is the best option and is widely used.
For home use and personal practice, both can work out well and give you a lot of control and convenience. However, single pedal loopers tend to be smaller and lighter so it is easier to handle them and carry them around. They are cheap too so you can even purchase several and make connections to have a multiple pedal looper system.
There is no clear winner as it entirely depends on your situation. A lot of guitarists prefer multi pedal loops as these are quite professional (click for our guide here). You can easily find some high quality multiple switches or pedals. Another thing that you can consider is that some loopers can be extended to have multiple secondary pedals. If you are unsure about which one you would need you can get one that has this capability.
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