Bastl Instruments Midilooper

I wanted something which freed me from using my DAW to just capture ideas, as well as grab automation for joystick CC data etc. This wonderful little box does all that and more. It also hooks into my DAW via usb as well as MIDI, and so gives me freedom to grab ideas and also then integrate them easily into the bigger picture afterwards.

The device itself is a wonderful thing to unwrap (I personally don't get the whole 'unboxing' video fad, so I shall skip the cardboard box it came in!! But it is very well built, and it has a great look. It's a piece of gear which (dare I say it) is exciting to hold and makes you want to use it....

Once I read the instructions, which is an essential thing to do, and set up the channels for MIDI receiving, it just did the job. I really like how it can let you switch between the three midi channels (and thus the connected midi instruments) live, so you can use it as an instrument selector when doodling.

So, in conclusion, it's a great midi looper! I've set up my studio with individual items of hardware gear for different tasks. This little box is centre stage on my desk.

I use software "loopers" too, and they are ok, but there is something special about the whole 'out of the box' hardware route which takes you away from a screen and into the room where you can make music. It really does make a difference to music making in my opinion.

There is a learning curve to using this, but it lets you invest your time into learning how to use the unit which then makes it more useful and part of your rig, as opposed to just another VST plugin which comes with loads of bells and whistles which you never really use.

I've no hesitation in recommending this unit. I'm even considering getting two units, to give me six loops at once. Why not eh?! :)