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The Looping Revolution: A Dive into the History and best of Loop Pedals

Writer's picture: Matt Matt

Updated: Jan 9

Head image for a blog post on looping in music

I find it magical when you see a musician building layers on layers of sound, right in front of your eyes, doing nothing but stamping on a small box. This magic box is called a loop pedal and they have changed the face of live performances as we know it.


The only thing was, I had no idea where the concept even came from. I know - as a Beatles fanatic - that they used the tape machines used for recording their classics by simply changing the direction of the tape but how did that turn into something portable that could be used at a moments notice?


I thought that I would do a little research and share it with you fine readers so we can all learn a little about what we like - Music!



Please help my new blog out, if you can, by leaving a comment or sharing to social media - Thanks!



Contents



What is the history of looping sounds in music?


Looping - the process of recording and playing back a sound in real-time, started being experimented with tape back in the 1950s. The early pioneers - people like Pierre Schaeffer and Karlheinz Stockhausen - used tape loops to create soundscapes the likes that - up until that point - had ever been heard.


In the 60s, Terry Riley's "Time Lag Accumulator" along with Robert Fripp and Brian Eno's "Frippertronics", brought looping to live audiences.


The first loop device that was sold to people wasn't a pedal but a tape delay system. The Echoplex, which came out in the 1950s kicked off the revolution to be able to have the digital loop pedals we have today.


history of looping in music and looping pedals
The history of looping in music and looping pedals

When did they transition into pedals?


In the late '80s and early '90s, the world started to see the transition from the big old tape machines into the foot pedal design that we know today - although, the tech still had a bit to go.


The first true loop pedal - which allowed for recording, overdubbing, and playback of loops -was the PDS 8000. DigiTech released this sometime in 1985.


This remarkable piece of technology was really the start of the popularity of the loop pedal and how it made its way into popular music with regularity.



How do loop pedals work?


A loop pedals function can be broken down into 5 easy steps. Although some now have different features that can add color and shape to the sound, these are the basics.


1. Record: Pressing the pedal once begins recording the audio input.


2. Overdub: Pressing the pedal again adds another audio segment over the first loop without erasing it. (1 and 2 can happen over and over on some of the more expensive pedals)


3. Playback: Another press stops recording, and the loop will play back automatically.


4. Undo/Redo: Most loop pedals now allow the removal of the last layer added.


5. Stop: A long press or double-tap stops the loop playback entirely.






What is the effect of a looping pedal?


Loop pedals enable musicians to create multi-layered soundscapes live, allowing for a richer, more complex performance. They can even mimic a full band by looping rhythmic backing tracks, solos, harmonies, and vocals. The audience hears a song that is built layer by layer with the same or different instruments.


This is something to be seen (and heard) and shows off the crazy talent of the performer. It really does show how a song can start with 1 instrument and be turned into a fully formed piece of music.





10 famous musicians that have used loop pedals in their music & the type of pedal they use.


  1. Ed Sheeran

    Uses a custom-built loop station, based on the Boss RC-30 Loop Station.

  2. Tash Sultana

    Favors the Boss RC-300 Loop Station for their one-person-band performances.

  3. KT Tunstall

    Made famous using the Akai Headrush in her live rendition of "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree."

  4. Reggie Watts

    Utilizes the Line 6 DL4 for creating his distinctive vocal loops.

  5. Keller Williams

    A prolific user of loop pedals, including the Boomerang III Phrase Sampler.

  6. Howie Day

    Utilized the Lexicon JamMan to ground breaking effect in his song "Collide."

  7. Jack Garratt

    Integrates a Boss RC-300 into his multi-instrumental live performances.



Top 10 list of loop pedals that you can purchase


  1. Boss RC-300 Loop Station

    This pedal actually has 3 foot leavers and is designed for advanced looping. I would say that it is for professionals or people really ready to go to the next level with their playing.


  2. Digitech JamMan Stereo

    A really great option for anyone that wants to "loop" around with their music but not break the bank. A solid choice.


  3. TC Electronic Ditto

    A real little guy - it has a single knob! A choice for anyone beginning their musical looping journey.


  4. Line 6 DL4

    The DL4 actually throws in another effect on top of the looping - it also comes with a delay. I have read that this is why it is also favoured by singers.


  5. Boomerang III Phrase Sampler

    The Boomerang is a top of the line looper, some call it a premium tool. It has a multi mode layering and a footswitch layout that makes it perfect for live performances.




In Summary - The History and Impact of Loop Pedals


  • Loop pedals changed live performances forever which helped solo artists create multi-layered soundscapes by themselves.

  • The technology started off as tape delays in a multimillion dollar studio to being able to be carried around by any artist in a backpack.

  • Looping effects really does encourage musicians to be creative, allowing them to become their own band in essence.

  • Many famous musicians use loop pedals to create their music with some artists like Ed Sheeran being widely known for using them.

  • There are now load and loads of loop pedals available at different price points and with different features.



 

About the Author

Matt A, Founder and Head Writer @ Music Thought House


Authors Portrait Image

I have had a lifelong passion for music. I picked up my first guitar when I was 10 and it's been there, most of the time haha, ever since. I have played and studied music ever since that time, always trying to learn more and get better. There is not one aspect of music that I am still not in awe of.

I have gathered a lot of information over time and now, with Music Thought House, I have decided to release it on the world.

I know that music can be daunting and seemingly complex and I am not a complicated person. The blog posts I write am to keep things simple and straightforward so everyone can get a better understanding of music.


 

Other Options If Looking For Looping Pedals


TC Helicon VoiceLive 3



Electro-Harmonix 720


Boss RC-5 Compact Loop Station


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