So here are the things I know...
15sek. max, overdubs without stops, bouncing loops to pads interrupts the playback...

I wonder:

Is there a auto-rec function? so that the recording begins with an incoming signal, like on the sampling process? *Auto start... now I see..

Can I play a pattern and the captured loop (not bounced) at the same time? Do they sync each other?

Metronome for loop recording?

Is there a way to set a bpm for the loop before recording it?

If I bounce a loop to a pad, how can I make sure that the next loop is in sync?

Undo/Redo?

Is there a auto-rec function? so that the recording begins with an incoming signal, like on the sampling process?
Yes, but most of the time it doesn't work very well (cuts about 0.3 seconds of the start of the loop - which is a shame 'cause the auto start on the RC-2 works really well).

Can I play a pattern and the captured loop (not bounced) at the same time? Do they sync each other?
Yes, it did stay in synch when I tried that but I think they would eventually drift a bit with time and you must be very precise when starting the loop (at least for me it seems alot easier to use a footswitch for this).

Metronome for loop recording?
Yes, that's the way I've been recording loops from scratch.

Is there a way to set a bpm for the loop before recording it?
Yes, but it might come out with a different number when you save to pad (like 90 becomes 45 or 180 and stuff like that).

If I bounce a loop to a pad, how can I make sure that the next loop is in sync?
Use the metronome (obviously not suitable when performing live).

Undo/Redo?
Nope, but you could save each overdub to a pad or resample while looping.

thanx for the reply man... Too bad it cuts the loops unclean...
I was hoping that the 555 could replace a loop station (gonna use it with turntables) but damn.. even the rc-2 got undo-redo, which makes it a 2 track... this whole bouncing loop process is a pain... I could have lived with undo/redo but damn...

Now that I watched those shitty dj kentaro video again (he's dope though) I noticed that he always punches in the bounced loops, which make me think that they wouldn't loop in sync with each other.

So fuck...
Guess I need to jump on that Ableton Live train once and for all...

the KP3 makes a pretty good looper.. maybe it would suit your needs? there is no undo and such, but you get four loop slots.

Yeah, the KP3 seems to work better than the SP-555 for that, people still complain about loops drifting but that always happens if you let loops playing for too much time without re-triggering.

Digitech just released the Stereo JamMan, I don't think it saves while looping but other than that it seems like a great looper (SDHC slot and USB).

If you need more stuff then Ableton is the way to go though, it's alot more powerful than any of the hardware stuff on the market.

computers have the advantage in looping.. the problem is most looping hardware is aimed at guitarists etc, who actually dont need things to be much in sync, since its more loose.

loops should be fine now in the kp3 as long as you're runnin the latest OS, also avoid using 'auto' bpm because it will constantly be changing a little bit.. set it manually and leave it, or midi sync it (to something that puts out a solid clock)

Yeah I've seen the new digitech... but shit... when I'm getting busy on the tables I need real footpedals not those tiny switches... looks a bit bulky too... only improvement is the stereo out... and the loop and down shit is cool... but not was i was looking for... midi


I really might end up gettin a small session loopstation (new rc-2 like jamman but with sdhc) for beatcut-practise and small arrangements...

Has the KP3 autorec?
Does the loop bpm goes to midi out?
Are all 4 slots 100% in sync... I guess endless overdubs per slot?
max length. of loop?


Pedal option?

Has the KP3 autorec?
AFAIK: no.
Does the loop bpm goes to midi out?
Yes? *I think*.
Are all 4 slots 100% in sync... I guess endless overdubs per slot?
Acording to cartesia they do stay in sync. Kinda, I think you have to resample stuff to make room for new loops.
max length. of loop?
13.2 seconds or something like that (SOS review).
Pedal option?
MIDI?

im pretty sure "loop capture" was a conscious choice of words.

the 555 is relatively small so im sure they ran into engineering problems when making the "loop capture" work and also use a separate sound card of sorts

the loops dont drift for me on either the 555 or kp3 but then again theres problem something im not doing that other people are.

no auto rec on the kp3, its meant to be a hands on type deal, and they pretty much maxed out the types of shift-functions they could do.

if all you want is a looper, get a looper. specialized products will always be a step ahead of gear thats made to do multiple things

100% right

I don't want it for 'producing' primary... To get an idea of my plans you might watch this (last track KILLS it): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-nLkCoJ6bag


So which is my pedal...? 50,xl,jamman,software bla bla bla... i decided to go with the jamman. Gonna get it tomorrow and I'm already excited about it. (def post a video when my first composition is done) If the chain goes like turntable->miniKP->looper->404 I could capture the loops with my 404 (sampling auto start)...
I really got an eye on that KP3 maybe it's really that cool and it syncs the 404 to audiosignal from the looper?