loopop posts
Posts: 275
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MPC Live II vs One; Speaker test; MPC 2.8 tutorial and review
Hi!Akai sent over the MPC Live II for review - the main differences are that it has a built-in soundbar/speaker, CV/Gate outputs and more buttons, but as usual, there are a few more details - all of which are covered in the "vs" portion of my video.The real news of the past week, however, is the 2.8 firmware up...
Moog Subharmonicon review + 2 Patreon exclusive track downloads
Hi!They did it - Moog is mass producing the Subharmonicon, with quite a few new features. Since a lot is different, I starting by explaining everything from scratch on this one, and then add plenty of patch ideas and tips.As you may have seen in other videos on the channel, I'm quite a fan of the distinctive sound ...
Make Noise 0-CTRL: review, patch ideas and jam download
Hi!Make Noise just came out with 0-CTRL - an all-analog desktop sequencer/controller in the same form factor as the 0-Coast.I've reviewed quite a few digital sequencers, with plenty of features, power, menus and options - this one is different. It's back to the basics - with no quantization, no discernable way ...
1010 Music's Bitbox Micro vs MK2: a detailed review and comparison
Hi!1010music just released a new hardware version of Bitbox ($600) as well as the little "mini-me" Bitbox Micro ($400). Both use the same processor, but Micro is a slimmed down version of MK2 with only 8 pads (sample slots) instead of 16, and fewer inputs.That said, Micro has a few features that MK2 does not - ...
April 2020 Book Update: Flattening the curve...
Hi!I typically wait until the last day of the month to release a book update because I'm always adding things to it - but since I have a video coming out tomorrow (a review and comparison of the two new 1010Music BitBox modules) I didn't want to trigger your spam filter with two emails in a single day...This mo...
A little detuned jam - patreon only download
Hi there!Empress sent over their reverb and there went half a day of productivity.... I thought the least I could do was to have something to show for it.I know some of you ask, so here's a download of the video in case you're interested.By the way, if you joined this month - welcome and thanks! And if you stuc...
Studio lies and how to fix them
Hi!Over the past couple of years, I've been slowly collecting knowledge and tips about how a room impacts the sound of studio monitors - and this video includes every useful insight I've been able to gather.The first step is awareness and then come the proposed solutions. It turns out that while speaker manufac...
Arturia KeyStep Pro review + jam video download
Hi!I was very much looking forward to exploring Arturia's KeyStep Pro because of my fondness for their KeyStep: I've used it in multiple videos because it's small (doesn't take up much space in the frame...) and yet powerful - it's not just a MIDI controller, but also an arpeggiator and sequencer, a...
Review: Aeros Looper and BeatBuddy + jam download
Hi - I hope you're well!This week's video is a double feature - a review of Aeros and BeatBuddy by Singular Sound.I've been interested in Aeros Loop Studio ever since it was announced. The combination of multiple layers and multiple parts, along with visual feedback as to what's going on showed promise ...
March 2020 Book update! .... <NEW (MAR)
Dear WaveShapers!Aren't we all missing the days when CV could only mean Control Voltage. Or Résumé?I hope you and yours are doing well, staying safe and are as minimally impacted as possible. I'm doing well, staying home doing my (our?) Loopop thing thanks to you :)The main news in this month's book updat...
Launchpad PRO MK3 vs X, including detailed coverage of Pro's sequencer
Hi!I hope you're doing well in these crazy times. Since you're a Patron I'm going to assume you still want me to create content, so here goes!The other shoe has dropped... here's my review of Novation's Launchpad Pro MK3 - alongside a comparison to its medium-sized brother - the Launchpad X.The bigg...
Arturia Audiofuse vs. Studio vs. 8PRE: Buyer's guide and checklist for choosing an audio interface
Hi!If you've ever wondered which features to look for in an audio interface, I've put together a comprehensive a list as possible in this video, and will, as expected, be adding this and more to the March book update.I've been using AudioFuse from Arturia daily ever since I reviewed it over 2 years ago, and...
Polyend Tracker - review, tutorial and exclusive Patreon download
Hi!Polyend has formally announced their Tracker, and sent over a beta unit for review.While I had an Amiga and remember Tracker music very fondly, I've not used a Tracker since. So has Polyend's Tracker won me over? I have to admit that while initially, it seems odd to make music on what looks like a spreadshee...
Tasty distraction: GR-1 and granular synthesis explored
Hi there!You probably have your fill of current events from other sources - here's my attempt at distraction...Tasty Chips recently announced a beta version 2.2 of their firmware for GR-1 - their hardware granular synth, which is as good a time as any to take a deep-dive look at this interesting synth, and Granular...
14 Synth Tips with Animals and Synthesizers + exclusive video
Hi!If you're on Instagram and are interested in synths, there's a good chance you've seen the funny and excellent page called AnimalsAndSynthesizers. If you haven't - do check it out here.These are short soundtracks beautifully synced to videos of animals doing their thing.Some of these videos are simpl...
February 2020 Book update + new format for tracking updates
Happy Leap Day!In true Leap Day spirit, there's a new way of Leaping between updates in my book...A few months ago I added a new method to let you quickly jump between updates by searching for the "<NEW" string. A Patreon Supporter wrote to me with what I think is a reasonable request - in case someone miss...
Elektron Model Cycles Review, full tutorial
Hi there!Here's my in depth and full tutorial for Model:Cycles - Elektron's new entry into the relatively lower priced groovebox market.With this, Elektron take an even bigger step towards simplifying FM synthesis, with 6 different machines, each with 4 macro controllers based around FM sound design of kicks, s...
From Jam to Album: 13 tips and ideas learned making my album
Hi there!Here's the video I promised I'd make a couple of weeks ago: lessons learned putting together my album, which is basically a collection of jams "souped-up" to full tracks.I mentioned this in my previous message - the goal of the album was to show that some jams can and should be track-worthy, an...
Vector Sequencer Review + Exclusive Patreon Video Download
Hi!What makes a true modular sequencer? Most DAWs and sequencers live on a fixed grid. Whether it's beats, ppqns or a linear sequence of notes.One of the most alluring aspects of Eurorack (and modular in general), in my opinion, is its innovative sequencers, where potentially every aspect of a note - its length, pi...
MPC One Review + Patreon exclusive multisample download
Hi!The MPC One is the newest member of Akai's standalone MPC line (following MPC X, MPC Live and Force).Akai Force aside, all three MPCs run the exact same firmware - the only difference between the three is the hardware configuration (controls, ports, storage etc). So, really the only things that are "newswort...
Old jams renewed, new album released
Hi!Theoretically, I shouldn't be excited about this. And as Patrons, there's seemingly nothing new here for you either: I've offered downloads of these tracks in the past as companions to my videos.And yet there is something here that is an important statement, at least as far as I'm concerned, which wi...
January book update: MIDI 1.0 explained
Hi!The MIDI spec part of an instrument's manual used to be the most intimidating part of it for me - something I felt best ignored in order to maintain my sanity. CCs, MSB/LSB and NPRNs seemed complex and confusing, and hexadecimal numbers like AF BH and 7D weren't helping.However, over time, I discovered that ...
Faderfox EC4 review + got MIDI questions?
Hi,MIDI controllers with screens have been around for a while, but for some reason, a compact MIDI controller with a screen that lets you easily label what each knob does is rare to non-existent.Enter EC4 from Faderfox - a lovely little controller for unlocking CC/NPRN/MSB-LSB gems hidden in your synth/groovebox/effect...
Korg's new analog drive pedal: guitar and synth sound test
Hi!I know I said no content was likely from NAMM, but it seems like no one checked out how this pedal sounds, so this drove me to explore it!OD-S is based on Korg's Nutube technology (the same drive that's in NuBass). I built it in one of the workshops in their booth and ran a test drive on Microfreak in my hot...
At NAMM; Moog Sub 25 Review; Patreon Exclusive extended track download
Hi!I'm at NAMM for the next 3 days checking out what's new. My goal isn't to make any videos by the way, there are plenty of people doing on booth demos, but rather to spend time getting to know the people behind the gear. If there's anything you'd like me to check out please let me know! I will be ...
Korg Wavestate Review + outro video download
Hi there!Korg just announced Wavestate, a digital, sample-based synth, inspired by their Wavestation from the '90s.The big news here is completely independent sequencing lanes alongside a bigger and modern sample library. It's also much more usable. And the mod matrix options are pretty crazy too.I've attac...
Polygogo Review + Exclusive Sample Pack and Video
Hi!Here's a deep dive into Polygonal Synthesis and E-RM's Polygogo.This video also includes 11 patch ideas (most of which are relevant to other modules), some simple, and some new - most are in the book and those that aren't will be added in the next update of course!Also attached to this message are two Pa...
December 2019 Book update!
Hi there!Your support in the quest for the ultimate collection of electronic music ideas, tips and tricks takes quite a few extra steps this month with multiple, easily digestible, bite-sized updates.Quick navigation note: a search for the string “<NEW” will take you from update to update.Here's what's new ...
K-2 (and MS-20) tutorial and tips, plus jam video download
Hi!The MS-20 and its K-2 clone behave somewhat like they're from another planet. Screeching filters, hz per volt and s-trigs, and an "ESP" circuit that converts audio into CV.Even the envelopes behave quite differently from anything else... going up instead of down and shifting and offsetting to keep sustai...
Argon8 review + exclusive video downloads
Hi!Here's my review of Argon8, Modal Electronics' new 8 voice polyphonic synth. It's all digital and it has a wavetable synthesis core alongside a few interesting wavetable modifiers and modulators (all is explained in the video...).It's being released practically alongside Hydrasynth from ASM - and I m...
