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Blackrash
Bronze Member
USA
72 Posts |
 Posted - 10/12/2009 : 21:16:43
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So....
I need a looper for laying down chords, progressions, etc...
RC-2
RC20XL
Jam man
!!!!!ANY OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS!!!!!
I will probably not be using this for live gigs, I want a solid piece that doesn't break, don't really need too many effects(I would rather put my own in unless this is a problem), I would like a knob to help set loop timing though, I prefer the cleanest sound or true bypass if possible (FET switching with a buffer is fine, which is how most Boss pedals are made I believe), and smallest size is a factor for sure! I want to be able to daydream stuff up on the fly and then record what I like later basically...
As far as sound, I am also wondering where you would put this pedal in effects order? I assume the end, but I am thinking of building a true bypass box for this and my tuner, or is it not needed?
I guess my real problem is that I don't really know what the RC20xl adds besides more of the same and an extra pedal for live acts... If that is it then an RC-2 is what I need correct? I am thinking jamman is just too too much un-necessary. Also if any other quality pedals, please recommend!!! I just heard these are the best...
Thanks everyone!!! 
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DeFrag
Moderator
USA
3409 Posts |
Posted - 10/12/2009 : 22:25:14
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The RC-20XL has that 2nd stomp switch so you won't need the extra FS-5 like you would with the RC-2.
Stick it at the end of your chain. |
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sp-1
Platinum Member
Germany
1454 Posts |
Posted - 10/12/2009 : 22:54:00
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I chose the JamMan because of it's unlimited recording space (flash card) and the USB connection. As far as I know the RC-20xl has only 16 minutes of recording space, believe me if you want to use it to record ideas, 16 minutes ain't enough.  |
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Ollie
Gold Member
United Kingdom
729 Posts |
Posted - 10/12/2009 : 23:23:08
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I've been asking myself the same question, generally RC20XL or Jamman
Swaying towards the jamman for the tempo control (dunno if rc-20 has this) and the flash card is a BIG bonus
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Laurie
Double Platinum Member
Canada
4854 Posts |
Posted - 10/12/2009 : 23:42:17
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I have all three... RC-2, RC20XL, and Jam man.
The RC20XL sits at the end of my chain ONLY because I am too slack to learn the Digitech interface. When that mythological rainy day comes along, I have every expectation that the RC-20XL will get relegated to the cupboard. |
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Erik dP
Silver Member
Sweden
150 Posts |
Posted - 10/13/2009 : 10:43:57
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I have the RC-2. It does have several drumbeats that sound good. RC-20 apparently just have a few clicktracks. Jamman seems better to me than RC-20.
I mostly use my RC-2 as metronome with just the drums, and use the aux input as a mixer - input from distortion pedal + input from clean source. I use the looping function as a notepad for ideas. You can do most things without the need of that extra pedal. It's small!!!
The line 6 seems fun with effects built in. Apparently, one button controls what the other pedals should do, like scrolling through a matrix. I think you can scroll through three or four modes: Loop, effects, something else (if I rememder it correctly. A bit more advanced than what I need. Mono though like the others (correct?).
DD-20 have a simple loop function in stereo. So does DD-7.
EH, I think (not sure), have one with trimming functions of the start and end.
RC-50 would be the most advanced for live use.
I would start off with the RC-2 if it was only layer on layer you want to do with loop saving functionality. Or maybe DD-20 (or the digitech version that seems more fun) if you don't care about drums, and want that extra delay/modulation/"line out"/stereo - all in one package.
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zerksies
Double Platinum Member
USA
3406 Posts |
Posted - 10/13/2009 : 14:05:08
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| I am liking the js-8 |
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DeFrag
Moderator
USA
3409 Posts |
Posted - 10/13/2009 : 15:40:35
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Come to think of it, I did try the JamMan once.. for about 10 min. Certainly not long enough to be fair but it was good nonetheless. I particularly liked the Compact Flash feature.
Generally speaking, I try to stay away from DigiTech but their HardWire series, Whammy, & rack gear seems good. |
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djsully3
Copper Member
USA
30 Posts |
Posted - 10/13/2009 : 16:35:50
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The new releases of the JamMan come with a 1 GB card now, which is awesome. I personally find it a little difficult to time my loops sometimes though. However, you can record whole songs with the XLR input and guitar/mic volume controls, so sometimes I use it more as a recorder than a looper.
I also have an RC-2, which I love. The drum tracks on it are actually pretty good, and I rarely have problems getting the loops to line up on beat. I think it has something built into it to help with the stomp timing.
Just depends on what functionality you're looking for! |
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Witloofboer
Gold Member
Belgium
513 Posts |
Posted - 10/13/2009 : 21:31:02
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I have an RC-2. I use it for the things you would use it. It's probably the most useful pedal I've ever bought. The 16 min are long enough for me, I've never ran out of free space.
Another manufacturer:http://www.boomerangmusic.com/. John Scofield uses one of these loopers. |
Edited by - Witloofboer on 10/13/2009 21:32:50 |
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Blackrash
Bronze Member
USA
72 Posts |
Posted - 10/13/2009 : 23:17:04
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quote:
Originally posted by djsully3
The new releases of the JamMan come with a 1 GB card now, which is awesome. I personally find it a little difficult to time my loops sometimes though. However, you can record whole songs with the XLR input and guitar/mic volume controls, so sometimes I use it more as a recorder than a looper.
I also have an RC-2, which I love. The drum tracks on it are actually pretty good, and I rarely have problems getting the loops to line up on beat. I think it has something built into it to help with the stomp timing.
Just depends on what functionality you're looking for!
So I am leaning towards the jam man, but how difficult exactly is it to time the loops? I was hoping for a knob that could help me dial them in perfect as to not have to do many many loop recordings due to a slight pedal misstep
thanks |
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Blackrash
Bronze Member
USA
72 Posts |
Posted - 10/13/2009 : 23:23:04
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quote:
Originally posted by DeFrag
Come to think of it, I did try the JamMan once.. for about 10 min. Certainly not long enough to be fair but it was good nonetheless. I particularly liked the Compact Flash feature.
Generally speaking, I try to stay away from DigiTech but their HardWire series, Whammy, & rack gear seems good.
This is my feelings too on digitech...
I generally find there pedals cheap/plastic like, and a little weak on sound quality... My bass player uses some digitech multieffect pedals and ONLY because we are broke, as it really is a piece 'o' crapola in my opinion! From all the research that I found, this seams to be the best product they offer though, and they seem to stay in fierce competition with any looper put out... I can't get one to sample, but did it seem rather unreliable or "plastic-like" at all in person? I really like the reliability and solid shell boss puts out..
Thanks |
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starr36
Platinum Member
Canada
1172 Posts |
Posted - 10/13/2009 : 23:52:56
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the line6 and digitech products have memory cards and USB ports which allow you to backup and move your work to the PC.
the boss RC-2 and RC20 do not have a means to "export" unless you have recording equipment.
the 16 minutes of recording time in the BOSS offerings are sufficient to write songs and experiment, but do not provide a means to easily 'export' your ideas to your computer.
To that end, the Boss RC are great for practicing, getting ideas down, and maybe some live looping; but the USB equipped devices (line6 and digitech) allow easy transfer to recordings |
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sp-1
Platinum Member
Germany
1454 Posts |
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Blackrash
Bronze Member
USA
72 Posts |
Posted - 10/14/2009 : 22:05:45
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Yeah... I figured it was a pedal timing like the 40sec. in the DD-7. I am just lazy and was hoping to go back and cut out something I didn't like while keeping what I like on the fly (say on parts of a single 16min session), but I can throw it on the computer and cut it up and get the timing of what I like perfect since it has a USB. Then I can put it back when I clean it up for a clean saved portable sample I believe...
This is correct is it not? Does anyone know of computer software compatibility problems with this unit?
Thanks |
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noisemaker
Copper Member
Canada
47 Posts |
Posted - 10/14/2009 : 22:30:28
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i have an rc-2 and its a compact pedal |
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Topic |
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Boss RC-2 vs. RC20XL, vs. Jamman vs. all others
