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Title: vocal looper - any advice/recommendations?
Post by: Hilary on September 28, 2013, 04:39:52 AM
Hi guys - I'd like to do a song live where I want to loop the vocal (probably acapella as I'm hopeless at strumming a proper rhythm) and do a running commentary over the loop. It may shock some of you to know I'm not very good with technology ;) so I need something that's idiot-proof. Also I use in-house sound systems and there is absolutely no time for messing about.

Have you got any recommendations?

Thanks x
Title: Re: vocal looper - any advice/recommendations?
Post by: Hook on September 28, 2013, 05:31:15 AM
As far as I know Haylie there aren't any specific vocal loopers but I like the Boss ones (surprise)
(https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ189OgAgth8aF5sRhfJ8DrHKEnXUiErYX2xTspDnf98OFw100VbOwcq8sBdUQgXQwWriUzbGrb&usqp=CAY)

The RC-3 is the most basic, press pedal to record, press again and it plays the loop. You will need a mic with a quarter inch plug (or an adapter) I use the old double pedal version the RC20 but they've discontinued that one & replaced it with the rc30
(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcSY81DnrIvXGecULY7qsRe5ihMUyO_jWq3pF8K9FfB7yYXKtXVtbzRhH1HJ3LF-NY_pJqewlfSF&usqp=CAY)

This one is the cheapest one, the Ditto looper from TC electronics
(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcQZYevQy8_7VuBkPXlUwWXU7jpJRkLi5F_OpeVF_gzXrZUvyA6XWN_e_Q2CwfXK7BvmlO9ErkWn&usqp=CAY)
It will probably do what you need but I've never used one.
They of course make bigger and better ones but it doesn't seem like you need to many features. None of them are entirely idiot proof, timing is really important but with a little practice it's pretty easy.

Just a thought but if you had it all set up before hand couldn't you use the BR80?

Regardless, I love using my looper live, with the double pedal ones (my old one at least) you can layer up to 11 loops, great for adding percussion, lead lines & vocal harmonies. It really can add depth to a soloists performance!
Good luck!
Title: Re: vocal looper - any advice/recommendations?
Post by: Blooby on September 28, 2013, 05:44:22 AM
Don't know how you are recording, but you could pop on a drum pattern, sing to that, and then cut and paste after losing the percussion/metronome.

The Boss vocalizer (harmonies and such) has a built-in looper, but it isn't cheap.  I ditched mine after owning it for a while because of some limitations.  Great bit of gear, though, for what it is.

I looked into the RC-30 pedal (mentioned above), but there are some questionable reviews about some glitchiness.  Some have stuck with the RC-20, which is the one that preceded it.  The Ditto may not be packed with bells and whistles, but the reviews have been favorable that I have seen.  Crazy how tiny the thing is.  The box it comes in is smaller that a Boss single pedal.

Luck.

Blooby

Title: Re: vocal looper - any advice/recommendations?
Post by: thetworegs on September 28, 2013, 05:49:25 AM
The Ditto's on my shopping list......oh no i've got Gas!! again....no i must wait....ssssss....GAS!!!
Title: Re: vocal looper - any advice/recommendations?
Post by: Hilary on September 28, 2013, 05:54:27 AM
Blooby - I don't want to record it, I want to perform it live.

I'm struggling to see how this is going to work for my, err specific requirements, at the moment - but I like the idea of the Ditto.

Thanks for the information guys :D
Title: Re: vocal looper - any advice/recommendations?
Post by: peterp on September 28, 2013, 08:13:51 AM
I've got the older Boss RC-20xl, works well and I found it for cheap in the used pedal bin since it is obsolete.
Biggest issue is getting the "foot" timing right, as well as setting the live and loop levels.
A little mixer really helps there.

KT Tunstall uses an Akai Headrush to make her songs
http://www.akaipro.com/e2headrush

I learned a lot on live looping from her lesson videos here.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dycuZbWWUI

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TH1euOP3zZ4
Title: Re: vocal looper - any advice/recommendations?
Post by: bruno on October 05, 2013, 01:23:51 AM
Hook is right, a looper is what you need - although they take some practice to get good at it. I've got the RC-30, which I'm ashamed to say is still in the box. Tried it a few times live (the RC-30 has an XLR for mikes including phantom power - if memory serves me correctly) and its good but it can be fiddly on stage. There are loads of options - remember Joe and Stir-it-up, that was a head-rush loop pedal. Doesn't look like Behringer or Joyo make one btw.
B
Title: Re: vocal looper - any advice/recommendations?
Post by: Hilary on October 05, 2013, 01:56:23 AM
Quote from: bruno on October 05, 2013, 01:23:51 AMThere are loads of options - remember Joe and Stir-it-up, that was a head-rush loop pedal. Doesn't look like Behringer or Joyo make one btw.
B

I really liked Joe's stuff - I'm struggling to visualise how it's going to work when I have to get on and off stage so quickly and won't know that the sound system is like beforehand. Also £250 seems a tad excessive for 1 gag, although I'd probably use it for others.
Title: Re: vocal looper - any advice/recommendations?
Post by: Oldrottenhead on October 05, 2013, 02:28:10 AM
i've had my eye on the ditto looper for a while


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZCok4OYVOk
Title: Re: vocal looper - any advice/recommendations?
Post by: Hilary on October 05, 2013, 02:56:32 AM
Yes James I like the look of it too but it says it's for guitarists and I want it for vocals. Presumably I'd link the mic up to it, instead of the guitar (that's as technical as I get I'm afraid) but I wonder what it'd sound like for vocals (£85 is much more do-able though).

Also it's only small - I'd have to link the mic up beforehand and other comedians would have to use the mic before me. I'm standing up, what are the chances of it turning over or me hitting that tiny button at the right moment (I only get 10 mins for the whole set and they are fiercely strict on times!)

If anyone has a Ditto and uses it for vocals, I'd love to know how they get on.



Title: Re: vocal looper - any advice/recommendations?
Post by: Oldrottenhead on October 05, 2013, 03:15:23 AM
yeah you are quite right haylie, the ditto looper doesn't look very good for vocals. this one does, http://www.tc-helicon.com/products/voicelive-touch/ however it comes in at around £259.

this one comes in at £169 http://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/Boss-VE-5-Vocal-Performer-Vocal-Processor-Red/JDQ?origin=product-ads&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_campaign=PLA+Boss&utm_content=dlNTl26u|dc_pcrid_34030307599_plid__kword__match__
Title: Re: vocal looper - any advice/recommendations?
Post by: Hilary on October 05, 2013, 03:27:49 AM
Quote from: oldrottenhead on October 05, 2013, 03:15:23 AMyeah you are quite right haylie, the ditto looper doesn't look very good for vocals. this one does, http://www.tc-helicon.com/products/voicelive-touch/ however it comes in at around £259.

this one comes in at £169 http://www.gear4music.com/PA-DJ-and-Lighting/Boss-VE-5-Vocal-Performer-Vocal-Processor-Red/JDQ?origin=product-ads&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=&utm_campaign=PLA+Boss&utm_content=dlNTl26u|dc_pcrid_34030307599_plid__kword__match__

I've already spotted the TC-helicon one, looks just the job (big buttons) all I need now is £259 - I'll have a look at the Boss one, thanks James :D
Title: Re: vocal looper - any advice/recommendations?
Post by: Oldrottenhead on October 05, 2013, 03:55:07 AM
the tc helion is certainly giving me gas.
Title: Re: vocal looper - any advice/recommendations?
Post by: bruno on October 05, 2013, 04:07:18 AM
http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/article/5205-the-best-loop-pedals-with-super-looper-performances.html (http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/article/5205-the-best-loop-pedals-with-super-looper-performances.html)
Title: Re: vocal looper - any advice/recommendations?
Post by: Blooby on October 06, 2013, 10:32:37 AM
I did a handful of open mic nights with the looper.  I had it out of the bag and the settings ready to go, and for those nights, I used batteries instead of the extra cord just to speed things up.

Good luck in your search.

Blooby
Title: Re: vocal looper - any advice/recommendations?
Post by: DannyB_KY on October 14, 2013, 07:21:25 PM
Wow! It's pricey........but wow!


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xXBsf6MRk8
Title: Re: vocal looper - any advice/recommendations?
Post by: Hilary on October 15, 2013, 12:48:38 AM
Quote from: DannyB_KY on October 14, 2013, 07:21:25 PMWow! It's pricey........but wow!


I know, I'm in love <3

There are other comedians out there doing it, but they aren't doing it quite like I would (now are they Bruno!)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBc6XhTYGYU
Title: Re: vocal looper - any advice/recommendations?
Post by: 64Guitars on October 30, 2014, 11:24:59 AM
DigiTech has just announced a new looper designed for vocalists.
Suggested retail price is $229.95 US  ( about £142 ? ).

http://digitech.com/en-US/news/harman-s-digitech-introduces-jamman-vocal-xt-stompbox-looper (http://digitech.com/en-US/news/harman-s-digitech-introduces-jamman-vocal-xt-stompbox-looper)

http://digitech.com/en-US/products/jamman-vocal-xt (http://digitech.com/en-US/products/jamman-vocal-xt)

(http://adn.harmanpro.com/product_attachments/product_attachments/1871_1411410169/JamMan-Vocal-XT-Top_lightbox.jpg)
Title: Re: vocal looper - any advice/recommendations?
Post by: SharksDontSleep on October 30, 2014, 02:09:16 PM
Quote from: Hilary on October 15, 2013, 12:48:38 AMThere are other comedians out there doing it, but they aren't doing it quite like I would (now are they Bruno!)

Hilzy ... Lovin' the Reggie stuff
Excellent  :D
Title: Re: vocal looper - any advice/recommendations?
Post by: Geir on October 31, 2014, 05:10:17 AM
With the right interface you've got some killer loop apps on the iPad


iGeir


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4z40-LtjdA


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYjh_PgiQHU
Title: Re: vocal looper - any advice/recommendations?
Post by: 64Guitars on January 21, 2015, 11:33:47 AM
TC Helicon has just announced the new Ditto Mic Looper which is designed for looping vocals and acoustic instruments (anything you can mic).

http://www.tc-helicon.com/products/ditto-mic-looper (http://www.tc-helicon.com/products/ditto-mic-looper)

Available February 2015

$149.99 US Estimated Price / £129 UK SSP / €149 EU SSP


(https://songcrafters.org/community/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=19549.0;attach=25060)


(https://songcrafters.org/community/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=19549.0;attach=25062)



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9hqnG8BeVk

Title: Re: vocal looper - any advice/recommendations?
Post by: Hilary on January 21, 2015, 11:37:47 AM
Quote from: 64Guitars on January 21, 2015, 11:33:47 AMTC Helicon has just announced the new Ditto Mic Looper which is designed for looping vocals and acoustic instruments (anything you can mic).

http://www.tc-helicon.com/products/ditto-mic-looper (http://www.tc-helicon.com/products/ditto-mic-looper)

Available February 2015

$149.99 US Estimated Price / £129 UK SSP / €149 EU SSP


(https://songcrafters.org/community/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=19549.0;attach=25060)


(https://songcrafters.org/community/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=19549.0;attach=25062)



that looks tempting 64 . . .