7 best loop pedals

Loop pedals, also known as loopers or loop stations, are essential tools for musicians, particularly guitarists and other instrumentalists. They fall under the category of musical effects and equipment designed to create live loops of audio. Here's what you need to know about loop pedals:

  1. Functionality: Loop pedals allow musicians to record short sections of music or sound and then play them back in a repeating loop. This recorded loop can serve as a background accompaniment for live performances, enabling a solo musician to sound like a full band or create layered compositions.

  2. Recording: To create a loop, the musician typically steps on a footswitch or presses a button to start recording. They play their instrument or sing into a microphone while the loop pedal records the audio. When they press the footswitch again, the loop ends, and it begins playing back in a continuous cycle.

  3. Overdubbing: Many loop pedals support overdubbing, allowing musicians to layer additional sounds on top of an existing loop. This feature is invaluable for building complex compositions or adding harmony to a live performance.

  4. Playback Controls: Loopers often have playback controls like play, stop, undo, and redo, giving the musician flexibility in manipulating the recorded loop.

  5. Loop Length: The length of loops that can be created varies among loop pedals. Some models allow for very short loops (a few seconds), while others can record longer sections of music (several minutes).

  6. Sound Quality: High-quality loop pedals maintain the integrity of the audio signal, ensuring that the looped sound is clear and undistorted.

  7. Integration with Other Gear: Loop pedals can be integrated into a musician's setup with other effects pedals and amplifiers. They can also sync with drum machines, MIDI devices, and other musical equipment for more complex performances.

  8. Live Performance: Loop pedals are commonly used in live performances, enabling artists to create intricate, layered soundscapes on the fly. They are popular among solo performers, but bands and ensembles also use them to enhance their sound.

  9. Popular Brands: Several reputable brands produce loop pedals, including BOSS, TC Electronic, Electro-Harmonix, and Digitech. These manufacturers offer a range of loop pedal models catering to different needs and budgets.

  10. Genres: Loop pedals are versatile and find use in various music genres, including rock, pop, folk, experimental, and electronic music.Musicians use them to create everything from simple rhythm loops to complex, evolving compositions.

In summary, loop pedals are essential tools for musicians seeking to expand their creative possibilities during live performances and music production. They enable the creation of loops, overdubbing, and real-time manipulation of audio, making them valuable additions to any musician's gear setup.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best loop pedals on the market
  

BOSS RC-3 Loop Station Pedal

Based on 857 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The RC-3 is powerfully equipped yet conveniently housed in a compact pedal. Enjoy up to three hours of stereo recording time, storage for 99 loops, a “real drums” rhythm guide, and USB 2. 0 compatibility All in a small BOSS stompbox.

  • Model# RC3

User questions & answers

Question: Why will it not let me play distortion over a clean tone loop? It always make the clean tone sound the same as my distortion
Answer: You're doing something wrong. Either you're using distortion from your amp, or you've placed your distortion pedal after the looper in your signal chain.
Question: Can i use a regular 9v power adapter or do i actually have to buy the boss psa adapter
Answer: Great question. Two things: 1) I don't use the boss psu on mine. No issues. Works great. 2) my friend did the same and it blew the pedal. It depends on the psu. My suggestion is get the boss to be safe. You can buy them used on eBay or Amazon for like $10-$20. Best to be safe.
Question: Does anyone use this unit for live acoustic performance? If so, how does it work in this setting
Answer: Yes Works well Just repeats a pattern that is put in or prerecord and use #d memory ( best to write these down You can download or create melodies
Question: My friend said he has a problem with it. When he plays a loop with distortion, and whenever he's playing a solo on distortion, the loop seems to fade. Why does this happen? Can this be avoided? I am really eager to purchase the Boss RC-3, but I don't want to run into a problem like this when I'm trying to solo over
Answer: I've had the same problem but its an easy fix. I have a volume pedal that connects befor this one. (you can use your guitar volume). When you record something it is set at a specific volume. When you play something louder the pedal fades the other just a tad bit. So if you play something on volume 5, record it and play over it with a volume 10, you will most likely only hear the volume 10 one. If you record volume 5 and then play with volume 1, you will barely hear the volume 1. Its just choosing how loud to play that affects which recordings you hear more. If the recordings are exactly the same volume there will be no problem. I just use my volume pedal to get the right level of volume while i'm playing. *One thing to keep in mind which is a mistake I make every now and then is that I will record at the highest volume then play it back trying to solo over it, and its the same volume making it hard to hear. You can change the volume of the recording to lower but that also affects anything you will record then too. To be honest, you just have to play with it, it is a problem you can easily figure out like I have, its just hard to explain.

Product features

BOSS RC-3 Loop Station Pedal

The RC-3 is powerfully equipped yet conveniently housed in a compact pedal. Enjoy up to three hours of stereo recording time, storage for 99 loops, a “real drums” rhythm guide, and USB 2.0 compatibility all in a small BOSS stompbox.

To keep your loops tight and in time, you can play along with one of the basic rhythm patterns in the RC-3’s onboard library as you record. Ten types of rhythm types are provided, including Rock, Pop, Funk, Shuffle, R&B, and Latin. A dedicated knob lets you adjust the volume of the rhythm, and you can set the tempo via tap tempo. You can also specify the time signature. When you save a phrase, the rhythm type and time signature will also be saved.

Marathon Looping

The RC-3 provides three hours of stereo recording capacity direct to internal memory. Now you can record long phrases without worrying about memory. 99 memory locations let you save as many phrases or ideas as you can create. Guitarists who want to incorporate external stereo effects devices will appreciate the true stereo I/O on the RC-3.

Auto Record

The Auto Recording feature starts recording the moment you begin playing your guitar, or as soon as you start a connected audio player. Count-In mode gives you one-bar of rhythm before recording starts. You can Undo/Redo as you go. The sky’s the limit with three hours of recording time!

USB Connectivity

You can connect the RC-3 to your computer via a standard USB cable, and back up your RC-3 recordings to your computer for safekeeping. You can also load WAV files from your computer directly into the RC-3. The RC-3 accepts 16-bit/44.1kHz WAV files of up to 1.7GB in size.

AUX Input

In addition to recording your guitar or bass performances and turning them into playable loops, you can also record other external stereo audio sources via the RC-3’s AUX IN. Sound from a digital-audio player connected to the AUX input, for example, can easily be recorded and made into a loop.

BOSS RC-1 Loop Station

BOSS

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The BOSS RC-1 is our simplest and most user-friendly loop station ever, and it’s a ton of fun! Since the RC-20 loop station was first released in 2001, BOSS has LED the way by continually releasing new looping products. Though they've been used and enjoyed by various looping artists and performers, BOSS still pursued an easier and more affordable solution. The RC-1 is a straightforward Looper that is easy to operate. Experience the fun of looping when you record, playback, Overdub, and undo or redo loops using this compact BOSS stompbox. And of course, the RC-1 retains the BOSS quality and performance that musicians around the world have come to expect and rely on.

  • Straightforward and easy to operateNewly designed loop indicator displays the current loop mode (Rec/Overdub/Play)Runs on a single 9-volt alkaline battery (approximately 4.5 hours of battery life)Can be used with an optional AC adaptor (PSA series: sold separately)12 minutes of stereo recording timeStereo inputs and outputsFlexible external footswitch optionsRecorded phrase is retained in memory even after the RC-1 is turned offNominal Input Level: -20 dBuInput Impedance: 1 MohmNominal Output Le

User questions & answers

Question: does it works with vocals? It seems most people use it with guitar, but I am wondering if it is possible to use it with voice and use other effects
Answer: Its possible but its designed for guitar and I wasnt happy using it for voice. I'm sure guitar effects would be fine.I use the ditto voice for vocals and the RC1 for guitar great combo.
Question: Can i use a 9V power adapter with this
Answer: Yes. Negative pin, 9V will work.
Question: Does this product come with a warranty if I buy through amazon
Answer: All new Boss products have a 5 year warranty regardless of who you buy them from.
Question: Does it have storage/memory
Answer: This looping station has only the memory to keep the very last look that you were using. It will keep the loop stored even without power until you are ready to use it again. I use this primarily for soloing over chord progressions, for with it works very well.

Product features

BOSS RC-1 Loop Station Pedal

The BOSS RC-1 is our simplest and most user-friendly Loop Station ever, and it’s a ton of fun! Since the RC-20 Loop Station was first released in 2001, BOSS has led the way by continually releasing new looping products. Though they’ve been used and enjoyed by various looping artists and performers, BOSS still pursued an easier and more affordable solution. The RC-1 is a straightforward looper that is easy to operate. Experience the fun of looping when you record, playback, overdub, and undo or redo loops using this compact BOSS stompbox. And of course, the RC-1 retains the BOSS quality and performance that musicians around the world have come to expect and rely on.

Is the RC-1 the right choice for you?

It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a concert touring professional. The RC-1 is a great choice for any guitarist, bassist or keyboardist concerned with usability and simplicity while having lots of fun!

You can incorporate the RC-1 into your existing pedalboard or effects system. It’s also a great way to learn, practice or improve your playing by quickly and easily creating your own backing track to jam along with. You can also loop stereo instruments like synthesizers and have a ball playing along.

Why would I want an external footswitch?

Apparently, some other products are based on the belief that mono recording and playback is good enough for you. We here at BOSS believe that it’s not too much for you to expect a stereo looper. With stereo inputs and outputs, you can record and playback your creations in stereo, the way music was intended to be played, performed, and enjoyed.

The optional FS-7 makes footswitching even simpler and easier! And, its compact size won’t take up much space on your pedal board. Pressing the “A” switch will stop the Rec/Overdub/Play mode. Hold down the “A” switch for two seconds or longer to erase the phrase. By pressing the “B” switch, you can easily undo or redo your phrase.

Is that new loop indicator just eye candy?

Well, yes and no. Sure, it’s cool to look at, but the new indicator on the RC-1 is also very innovative and useful. You can clearly and easily see the current status of the Rec/Overdub/Play modes. You can also switch the indicator to an alternate mode, which visually tracks your loop. During overdubbing and playback, the speed at which the indicator rotates directly corresponds to the length of the loop.

Everyone always wants to be “in the loop,” but with other loopers, you may not have enough recording time to capture every phrase that you want for your masterpiece. With its 12 minutes of stereo recording time, the RC-1 has the most stereo recording time in its class.

Boss RC-1 Loop Station Bundle with Power Supply, Instrument Cable, Patch Cable, Picks, and Austin Bazaar Polishing Cloth

Based on 641 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Adding value to your purchase, Austin Bazaar bundles your instrument with necessary accessories. Everything you need to start playing immediately comes in one box. Save yourself the hassle and save some money while you're at it. Picks are included so you can start playing right out of the box. A power supply is included so you can plug in and play right away. An instrument cable is included so you have an extra. A patch cable is included so you can chain your pedals together. An Austin Bazaar polishing cloth is included so you can keep your new instrument in mint condition.



The BOSS RC-1 is our simplest and most user-friendly Loop Station ever, and it's a ton of fun! Since the RC-20 Loop Station was first released in 2001, BOSS has led the way by continually releasing new looping products. Though they've been used and enjoyed by various looping artists and performers, BOSS still pursued an easier and more affordable solution. The RC-1 is a straightforward looper that is easy to operate. Experience the fun of looping when you record, playback, overdub, and undo or redo loops using this compact BOSS stompbox. And of course, the RC-1 retains the BOSS quality and performance that musicians around the world have come to expect and rely on.



On the top panel, there is a new and innovative loop indicator, which consists of a 24-segment LED laid out in a circular pattern. You can quickly and easily determine the current status of the Rec/Overdub/Play modes. With a maximum 12 minutes of stereo recording time, the RC-1 is capable of capturing any extended performance that you can create or imagine! The stereo in/out jacks can be used with stereo effects and amplifiers. Additionally, they allow you to connect stereo instruments, such as synthesizers. Other convenient features include battery and AC power, as well as flexible external footswitching capabilities. The RC-1 is an especially great partner to start enjoying looping!



You'll never be "ou

  • Create your own backing track to play along with--great for learning or practicing
  • The sharp-looking loop indicator displays the current loop mode (Rec/Overdub/Play)
  • 12 minutes of stereo recording time--the most in its class!
  • Recorded phrase is stored in memory even after the RC-1 is turned off
  • Stereo inputs and outputs for the highest quality sound

User questions & answers

Question: Does this bundle come with the power adapter
Answer: No. You have to buy it extra.
Question: Does it come with a manual
Answer: Yes
Question: Can you record a chord progression, save it, and then play it back later during a live song so you can solo over it
Answer: Yes. If you practice with it you can do it on the fly while playing it live. I have the RC 1so if you plan to do that with more than one song you need to be able to do that since you can only save one loop at a time. The RC 3 you can have multiples pre recorded.
Question: Does this pedal have an undo/redo feature as well
Answer: Yes.

FLAMMA FC01 Mini Guitar Pedal Drum Machine & Phrase Loop Pedal Effects Pedal With 20 Minutes Recording 16 Drum Grooves Tap Tempo Playback Level Control

Based on 14 reviews Check latest price
  • Individual looper and drum machine modules can work simultaneously.
  • 8 drum groove styles with 2 variations of each (16 drum grooves in total)
  • Maximum recording time: 20 mintues.
  • Playback level for looper and drum machine can be controlled seperately
  • Tap tempo control for groove tempo.One-year Guarentee.

User questions & answers

Question: is there an instruction manual? The included instructions aren't very thorough
Answer: Yes, the manual can be download from our official website. The URL can be found on the Quick Guide.
Question: Does it come with cables
Answer: No cables and no power supply. Just the pedal.

Product features

FEATURES

  • Individual looper and drum machine modules can work simultaneously.

  • 8 drum groove styles with 2 variations of each (16 drum grooves in total).

  • 20 minutes looper capacity to record your ideal sound creation.

  • Playback level for looper and drum machine can be controlled separately.

  • Tap tempo control for groove tempo.

Drum Machine Mode

In DRUM mode, FC01 will only make use of the drum machine.

Select DRUM by MODE SWITCH, choose the drum groove you wish to play by RYHTM STYLE SELECTOR. Set the tempo of the drum machine by pressing the TAP TEMPO button in time.

Looper Mode

In LOOPER mode, FC01 will let you use the pedal as a standalone looper. Select LOOPER using the MODE SWITCH to enter LOOPER mode. The LOOPER has 4 basic states when creating loops, RECORD, PLAY, DUB and STOP.

Drum + Looper Mode

In Loop & Drum mode, FC01 will let you use the LOOPER and the DRUM machine simultaneously.

In this mode, FC01 will synchronize the recording to the drum machine. After recording a loop the drum machine can be changed using the RHYTHM STYLE control.

TOP PANEL

  1. FOOTSWITCH: Press one, press twice quickly, press and hold, three different moves to access different control.
  2. TAP TEMPO: Press several times to adjust the tempo of the drum machine.
  3. LOOPER LEVEL: Adjusts the master volume of the looper playback.
  4. RHYTHM STYLE SELECTOR: Select which rhythm you wish to use.
  5. DRUM LEVEL: Adjusts the master volume of the drum machine.
  6. MODE SWITCH: Selects the operational mode of FC01.

Rhythm List

SONICAKE Sonic Dub Looper Sstorable Loop Station Recording Looping Guitar Bass Effects Pedal

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price
  • Easy-to-Use One Button Looper with Loop Volume Control
  • 3 Loop Banks, Each Bank has 12 Minutes Looping Time
  • 24-bit/44.1kHz Record and Playback Quality with Unlimited Overdubs and Undo/Redo
  • Type-C USB Port for Importing/Exporting Loop Phrases
  • Working with 9V Center Negative Regular Pedal Power Supply(not included)

Product features

High Quality Looper

Sonic Dub is a looper pedal with 3 loop banks. Each bank features a 12 minute maximum looping time and supports infinite overdub phrases. The 24-bit 44.1kHz record and playback quality gives you lossless sound.

Easy-To-Use

One level knob to control the output volume. One bank toggle to select from 3 different banks. One footswitch controls all looper operations.

Perfect Design

Sonic Dub also comes with a heavy duty metal footswitch and status LED; zinc-alloy die cast casing to withstand wear and tear. Road-ready.

LEKATO Electric Guitar Looper Effect Pedal Loop Pedal Unlimited Overdubs 5 Minutes Looping Time Loop station with USB Cable

Based on 299 reviews Check latest price
  • 👍 SOLID CONSTRUCTION : The loop station is ultra simple design and super mini size, made of aluminum alloy, very convenient and durable. Let you out to show there is no burden. Enjoy your own fun and colorful life.
  • 👍 UNCOMPRESSED AUDIE : The loops produced are in 24-bit uncompressed high-quality audio, with the Analog-Dry-Through design, that your precious dry sound always passes through in all its pure analog glory.
  • 👍 USB FOR UPLOAD AND DOWNLOAD :Easily Import/Export the music to and from PC, with USB for uploading or downloading wav loop files, connecting external pedal.
  • 👍 SIMPLICITY OF USE : Highly intuitive looper pedal provides only the essential looping features, single-knob operation sets loop playback volume.It is very convenient to use.
  • 👍 LONG MEMORY AND UNLIMITED REDO : 5 minutes of clear looping with unlimited overdubbing. Record, Undo/Redo, Stop and Erase are all accessed via different foot commands.

User questions & answers

Question: i just bought this awesomeness, but there is a pause between loops! maybe i can update? how can i update the Lekato looper
Answer: you have to strike your first note right when you step on the pedal. I created a rather complex loop which keeps perfect time, but striking the note and stepping on the pedal at the same time created a click sound. Don't know if that always happens...just started experimenting with this pedal.
Question: Does this unit produce an added low hum for anyone else? My amplifier is normally very quite when turned on, but adding this in line creates a low hum
Answer: I havent noticed any hum... it could potentially be due to having multiple pedals in your pedal chain?
Question: Do you have to buy a power supply in order for it to work
Answer: Yes, it needs a power supply to function.
Question: Are the input and output stereo or mono
Answer: Both input and output are Mono.

Product features

UNCOMPRESSED AUDIE

  • 48K/24bit sampling rate, lossless, uncompressed, professional tone quality.
  • 5 minute loop time and an unlimited amount over overdubs.
  • Come with internal memory, can use USB for upload and download.
  • Ultra-simple single-knob operation sets loop playback volume.

SOLID CONSTRUCTION

  • LEKATO Looper have a smaller design size, convenient and durable. Its ultra simple design and super mini size.
  • Made of aluminum alloy, very convenient and durable. Suitable for indoor exercises or out side gigs.

SIMPLICITY OF USE

  • When the pedal is plugged in and connected pressing the foots witch once to begins recording the loop.
  • You press once to record, press once again to play the loop.
  • Press once to add another layer of sounds, can do this as many time.
  • Press twice to stop, or press and hold to clear the loop.

BOSS Guitar Looper Effects Pedal (RC-5)

BOSS

Based on 38 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Step up to the RC-5 and prime your pedalboard with maximum looping range. Capture sound with premium 32-bit quality, navigate parameters and monitor loop status with the backlit LCD, and tap into expanded operation via the control jack and TRS MIDI I/O. And with over 50 rhythms, 13 hours of stereo recording, 99 phrase memories, and more, the compact RC-5 puts a deep well of musical power at your feet.

  • Right now, somewhere in the world, a live musician is breaking the rules with a loop pedal. From headliners at Glastonbury to the hot-tip local songwriter at the open-mic night, the sheer possibilities of looping have attracted musical mavericks from every genre, each one of them twisting the concept to fit their own vision. The buzz around looping has never been louder.
  • The RC-5 is the latest edition to the renowned BOSS Loop Station family.
  • Filled with next-generation BOSS technologies, including class-leading 32-bit AD/DA and 32-bit floating-point processing, onboard rhythms, phrase memories for storing loops, backlit displays, and much more.
  • Single-track with 13 hours of stereo recording, plus advanced external control support via footswitches, an expression pedal, or MIDI.
  • Loaded with 57 inspiring rhythms—each with A/B variations—to accompany loop adventures. Drum kits can be changed to suit the musical style, with 7 kits available.
  • LCD with multi-color backlight for viewing loop status and editing parameters
  • Reverse function for infusing loops with interesting textures

User questions & answers

Question: Can you import your own wav files with the USB
Answer: Yes, using software available on the Boss website.

Product features

Advanced compact looper with class-leading sound quality, 99 phrase memories, 57 rhythms, and MIDI control support.

Step up to the RC-5 and prime your pedalboard with maximum looping range. Capture sound with premium 32-bit quality, navigate parameters and monitor loop status with the backlit LCD, and tap into expanded operation via the control jack and TRS MIDI I/O. And with over 50 rhythms, 13 hours of stereo recording, 99 phrase memories, and more, the compact RC-5 puts a deep well of musical power at your feet.

Super Sound Quality

Featuring the best in class 32-bit AD/DA and 32-bit floating-point processing, the RC-5 captures your personal sound with full fidelity and keeps loops crystal clear, even with multiple overdubs. And with 13 hours of stereo recording time, there’s plenty of space for extended creative journeys.

Window to Your World

The RC-5 features the most advanced interface available in any compact looper pedal. The LCD lets you keep an eye on loop status as you perform, with a backlight that changes color to indicate recording, overdub, and playback states. And coupled with the multi-function parameter knob, it’s quick and easy to navigate rhythms, kits, system settings, and more in the heat of the moment.

Deep Control

The RC-5’s versatile pedal switch controls all looping functions—record, overdub, play, stop, and undo/redo. But deeper control is also supported if you need it. Connect up to two external footswitches for direct control of many assignable functions, or an expression pedal for continuous adjustments. Players with advanced systems will love the TRS MIDI I/O, which saves space and enables remote operation from MIDI switchers and foot controllers, plus MIDI sync with drum machines and DAWs.

Move and Groove, Forward and Back

With 57 preset rhythms and seven different drum kits, the RC-5 is ready to elevate loop and practice sessions with inspiring grooves for any style. For each rhythm, A/B variations can be selected from the panel or controlled via MIDI while performing. The RC-5’s looper engine also includes a cool reverse function that’s great for infusing your music with fresh sonic colors.

Capture, Practice, and Perform

The RC-5 provides 99 phrase memories, letting you store loops as fast as you create them. In addition to audio, a phrase memory includes the selected rhythm and kit, so it’s ready to go when you call it up. Loop audio can be backed up to a computer via USB. And with WAV import via BOSS Tone Studio, the RC-5 becomes a pedalboard playback hub for lesson material, jam tracks, or backing music for your next gig.

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