The Best Loop Station for Guitar: Buyers Guide

The best loop station is the one that fits your needs and style.

There are a lot of different features to consider when picking out the perfect device for you.

Depending on your experience level and playing style there are different types of pedals out there that will work better than others.

If you’re looking for something versatile then an all-in-one looper might work best for you, or maybe even two loops at once!

Other musicians may prefer more simplified devices with fewer options so they don’t get confused.

Loop stations (also knowns as looper pedals) are a great way to add loops and other effects to your guitar playing.

They’re an essential tool for musicians who want to sound like they have a backing band with them at all times.

Choosing the right loop station can be difficult, so we’ve put together this blog post of tips on how to pick out the best one for you!

What is a Loop Station?

A loop station is an electronic device that records a sound and lets you play it back over and over again. 

The idea behind them is to get the feel of playing with other musicians, but without the need for any additional players. 

These are great for guitarists because they allow you to create music on your own, or with friends! 

A loop station can be anything from a small box with buttons on it, to a laptop computer program. 

It’s typically used by performing artists during live shows as well as by studio musicians to record parts such as backing vocals or guitar solos. 

So what does “looper” exactly mean?

In the context of music, it means an electronic device that creates a recording of a perfomance.

Then that performance is played back in real-time.

The best looper pedals are the ones that serve their purpose, are easy to use, and ones you feel comfortable with.

We pick out our top choices for you and review the pros and cons of each.

Best Overall Looper Pedal

BOSS RC-1 Loop Station

This Boss RC-1 Loop Station is straightforward.

It’s easy to operate, and its new redesigned loop indicator displays what mode it’s currently in (Rec/Overdub/Play).

The Boss RC-1 runs on a single 9-Volt alkaline battery for approximately four-and-a-half hours of life.

If you’re looking for that professional power performance, but are running low on juice, this is also an amazingly affordable introduction to AC adaptability with no need for replacing or recharging batteries thanks to the optional PSA series adapter (sold separately).

12 minutes of stereo recording time lets you do some good work while your gear drinks up all that sweet AC energy!

This is a compact pedal for creating loops and experimenting with musical ideas.

It rivals larger loop stations, but has the foot-switchable mode that you need to create complete songs on the fly. Get ready for your best ideas ever while you’re out of town!

Designed for the working musician, BOSS RC-1 Loop Station takes looping to another level.

With stereo inputs and outputs, and flexible external footswitch options, the recorded phrase is retained in memory even after the RC-1 is turned off and the last recorded phrase stays in memory even after you turn the pedal off – perfect for building song ideas!

Of course, it’s a Boss product so there are plenty of quality features including an all -new sample rate reducer that provides high-quality loops at faster playback depending on your needs.

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BOSS (RC -300) Loop Station Guitar Pedal

The Boss Loop Station guitar pedal is like a 3D recording studio on your pedalboard. 

It’s perfect for everything from getting ideas down fast to polishing the finest details of an epic solo, and it’s easy enough to use that even first-time musicians can produce impressive recordings instantly. 

Record up to three different parts independently of one another, mix them together with ultra-low latency* as in multi track recording systems. 

You’re also free from clunky foot pedals while still enjoying hands-free control over every aspect of each loop point: Start/stop loops, individual volume levels and more, all without ever taking your feet off the guitar!

You can create lush, complex layers of sound with this loop station. 

Plug in and three tracks await. You can play each one separately or layer them for an incredible soundscape that’s anything you want it to be. 

With dedicated foot switches and controls, expression pedal control for real-time effects, and up to three hours of internal recording time per session, the BOSS Loop Station is as powerful as it is easy to use. 

Experiment on a looped recording until you find just the right tone, then play along while letting your imagination run wild. 

You’ll love experimenting with different backdrops or beefing up a solo track—just start playing and see what happens!

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Best Looper Pedal on Budget 

Rowin Loop Station 

The Rowin Loop Station is perfect for the musician always on the go! Or, if you’re feeling lazy and need to spice up your musical projects, this little device is a must-have. 

This sleek device takes 10 minutes of clear looping with unlimited overdubbing and allows you to undo/redo/delete to your heart’s content. 

Super precisely true bypass made it’ll never muddle up your sound with unwanted noise, bringing unmatched quality clarity that can’t be beat. 

The Rowin interface will also give you precise control over speeds – which makes it amazing for practicing and improvising solo guitar pieces or composing orchestral arrangements. 

And everyone loves that 1/2 speed mode!

Recording is fun but sometimes it’s not practical. 

With the Rowin Loop Station, you can use your imagination and create on a stage all of your own with digital production features to back you up! 

This product is high-quality which will provide durability and longevity for years to come. 

It comes without instructions so be sure to spend some time learning the ins and outs. 

One knob allows for adjustment of volume so that roaring sound effects are more realistic without blowing out anyone’s eardrums. 

The quality speaks volumes about these speakers – they have a sleek design with an equalizer display that takes creativity and harmonies to new levels by turning them into hip powerful music devices!

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Stax Mini Looper Guitar Pedal Loop Station

Need a drum loop or a perfect guitar riff? Stax has your back. 

Stax Mini Looper Guitar Pedal Loop Station is 10 mins of clear looping with unlimited overdubbing. 

It’s easy to wipe away unwanted parts and it never drenches out your soul. 

Press that foot switch, then tickle this dial to undo, redo or delete mistakes undone in seconds. 

There are even separate controls for each track making this pedal deck so you could use it on an airplane as a tray table.

Use this mini looping pedal to create complex layered riffs, one-finger wahs and outrageous octaves. 

Start out with a rhythm riff and then add some parts on top of it or use the looper as a scratch instrument for during solos. 

The Stax is powered by a 9V adapter (not included) which has more than enough power to make your sound loud and clear. 

It also features an input jack that will allow you to expand your device into stereo using two amps, effects pedals, speakers—whatever you feel like adding! 

Pre-recorded background loops are even available in memory card slots so there will never be any shortage of ideas when creating original music or backing tracks.

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Best Looper Pedal Under $100

TC Electronic Guitar Ditto Looper Effects Pedal

This looper is a compact analogue looper pedal for guitar and bass players that offers musicians 5 minutes of loop time, unlimited overdubs and undo-redo capabilities.

This product was designed by guitarist at TC Electronic with the intention to make looper pedals available to a whole new generation of musicians. 

The only control on this simple yet powerful item is a single level knob which will allow you to dial in the volume or tone of your loops. 

This model also has analog dry-through, true bypass as well as unlimited overdubs and unload/reloads capabilities that can go for up to five minutes per file recorded into it surpassing any other “looping” pedal out there!

It’s excellent at saving time and simplifying why loopers are so versatile. Simply plug in your instrument, set the level, and let it rip. 

The true bypass makes sure this pedal will never color your sound. 

When new loops are recorded they’re uncompressed 24-bit audio which means even more sounds than before! 

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Best Looper Pedals Under $300

Electro Harmonix Grand Canyon Multifunction Delay & Looper Pedal

Looking for an advanced delay and looper pedal that can do it all?

Check out the Electro Harmonix Grand Canyon!

This pedal is packed with 12 different delay and reverb effects, plus a fully featured looper that allows you to record and overdub your playing.

With up to three seconds of delay time, tap tempo, and nine tap divide settings, the Grand Canyon has everything you need to create complex delay patterns.

The stereo output ensures that your sound will be rich and full.

And with 13 presets, you can always have your favorite sounds on hand.

Plus, the programmable EXP pedal settings let you tailor the pedal to your specific playing style.

What’s great about this pedal is that you can also get 16 minutes of recording time allowing you to create your songs.

Whether you’re looking to create psychedelic echoes of powerful rhythms, the Electro Harmonix Grand Canyon has you covered.

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Best Looper Pedals Under $700

BOSS RC-505MKII Loop Station 

Looking for an inspiring tool for on-the-spot music creation?

Check out the RC-505mkII Loop Station from BOSS.

This next-generation looper packs tons of powerful and flexible features into a compact and easy-to-use tabletop unit.

Class-leading sound quality is a given, thanks to 32-bit AD/DA and 32-bit floating-point processing.

But the real star of the show is the five simultaneous stereo phrase tracks with dedicated controls and independent volume faders.

This allows you to create complex loops and phrases with ease.

The Input FX and Track FX sections each feature four simultaneous effects and four quick-access banks, giving you plenty of options for crafting your sound.

This updated version of the popular RC-505 packs even more inspiring tools for real-time music creation.

The RC-505mkII also comes loaded with a massive selection of onboard effects, including 49 Input FX types and 53 Track FX types.

And for even more flexibility, you can customize the FX and Track buttons for each phrase track.

So whether you’re playing live or at your house, you will benefit from the features.

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Best Looper Pedals for Ease of Use

Digitech JMSXT Jamman Solo XT Stereo Looper Phrase Sampler Pedal

The Digitech JMSXT Jamman Solo XT Stereo Looper Phrase Sampler Pedal is perfect for storing over 35 minutes of stereo, CD-quality loops.

You can even add up to 16 hours of memory with a 2GB micro SDHC card!

The JamSync technology creates a multi-track looper or loop with other musicians, and the USB connection allows you to store, share, and organize your loops.

Additionally, the USB connection makes it easy to store, share, and organize your loops.

The Aux Input also lets you use the Digitech JMSXT Jamman Solo XT as an audio playback device.

And thanks to Tiem stretching technology, you can change the tempo of your loops without affecting the audio quality.

The aux input also gives you the ability to connect external instruments or devices for looping purposes, while the time stretching feature ensures that your audio quality is not compromised in any way.

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Best Two Track Loop Station

BOSS RC-500 Advanced Two-Track Loop Station

When you’re really serious about your looping, the BOSS RC-500 is for you. 

Noted by Guitar Player as “a truly top- of -the-line guitar looper,” with features like stereo instrument inputs and 13 hours of cordless record time built in, the RC-500 is a pro at all levels. 

All 99 phrases can be stored onboard and sent to USB Memory or PC/Mac via USB MIDI out so they’ll never be forgotten. 

A 4.3″ color screen displays measure information for easy timing on stage or in the studio, while an expansive tempo adjustment dial controls everything from rock solid drum loops to wild sound effects fills all without worry that your signal will cut out during a live performance.

It also features 114 built-in drum patterns (57 variations) with 16 drum kits, along with an assignable reverb and expression ports for remote control. 

This is everything you need to get your ideas moving! 

It has a built in recording time of up to 299 hours at 24 bit/96 kHz resolution, which is enough for over three weeks on stand by mode.

You can choose between 4 AAA batteries or optional power supply (not included). 

To make creating easier there are foot switches and expression pedals that allow you full functionality without having to take your hands off the instrument. 

This allows you to create while never missing a beat.

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VSN Twin Looper Electric Guitar Effect Pedal Loop Station

VSN twin looper electric guitar effect pedal loop station makes our list next.

It has some cool features, including one type of play (mono), the stereo input and output, left and right channels volume individually adjustable, high-quality sound/no noise with 10 minutes of looping time, unlimited overdubs and undo/redo function.

We love how easy it is to use with a clear professional audio design delivered to your home or stage!

If you want to be heard or add a very subtle performance or jaw-dropping show this product can give you exactly what you’re looking for.

Switching up loops is a great way to get new inspiration or create the perfect song.

Slow down those hard-hitting guitar riffs, speed up and reverse that crazy solo for some wild effects, and make a spooky echo for when you’re feeling atmospheric!

A compact size makes VSN Twin Looper Electric Guitar Effect Pedal Loop Station perfect on any pedalboard.

You can use it without taking up too much space.

Featuring heavy-duty footswitch true bypass build quality at an unbeatable price, this pedal can take a beating while looking good doing it.

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Best Looper Pedals for Beginners 

LEKATO Guitar Looper Effect Pedal Loop 

Have you wanted to get creative with your guitar, but weren’t sure where to start? 

The Lekato Guitar Looper Effect Pedal Loop is the toy for you. 

With nine loops, and 40 minutes of recording time, you have ample room for experimentation. It operates at a high sample rate so that your music never sounds cheap or amateur; in fact it has professional tone quality! 

And if live performances beckon, continuous switching won’t make playing difficult because there’s no discordant interruption between phrases. 

Best of all, the visual time indicator makes this looper easy-to-use even if you’re juggling tons of timing changes on stage. 

The pedal is compact and functional, making it an easy addition to any practice setup. The sound quality isn’t compromised with noise reduction, which ensures true tones without distortion. 

Easy-to-read instructions are provided inside the packaging for those new to looping and getting started quickly will be a breeze!

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Best Looper Pedals for Multi-Effects 

Zoom G1X FOUR Guitar Multi-Effects Processor with Expression Pedal

If you’re looking for a fast and easy way to add dimension and polish to your playing, this might be what you’ve been searching for. 

The G1X FOUR allows musicians of all levels of genre explore their creativity while experiencing the benefits of more than 70 different traditional and boutique guitar effects like chorus, flange, reverb, delay, distortion or modulation. 

With 13 classic amp models including chrome classics such as Fender Bassman and Vox AC30, electric favorites like Randall CO2RTE or Matchless DC-30 1×12 Classic British Combo Amp plus internationally acclaimed brands such as Orange Tiny Terror combo amp.

Sometimes creating great music is as easy as a second hand on the clock and this makes that process even simpler with an intuitive interface and built-in drum loops, so you’re never lost in the beat. 

Add some reverb to your acoustic sound or slide in those effects pedals for a must-have guitar solo without ever breaking out of tempo. 

Keep time while laying down a solid groove with the onboard chromatic tuner, which supports standard, open, and drop tunings.

So no matter what type of project you have planned, move confidently through all 30 seconds of looping space or take up your instrument for emphasis!

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Frequently Asked Questions 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions in our buyers guide! 

What loop station does Ed Sheeran use?

Most may know this, but in case you don’t, Ed Sheeran is a singer-songwriter from the UK who has been touring for years.

He’s gained fame in recent years with songs like “Shape of You” and “Thinking Out Loud.”

As his popularity continues to grow, so does his demand for live performances which he’s able to do with the help of looping technology.

He’s been a famous musician for years and has relied on his custom Chewie 2 looper pedal. The looping device is capable of storing up to 100 loops!

The British singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran always makes sure he can create perfect music with the help of his company, Custom Audio Electronics (CEA).

This loop station, known as “Chewy,” was made in collaboration with his tech Trevor Dawkins.

The compact foot pedal boasts an internal Boss RC-20 Loop Station along with integration into its favorite plugin Mobius by Moog Music, Inc., which allows him access to all kinds of sound effects at any time during live performances or recording sessions that would otherwise take hours upon hours if done manually.

Are loop stations hard to learn?

Loop stations are not hard to learn.

If you follow the directions (if provided) and practice, you will be creating beautiful music in no time!

The controls on a loop station make it easier for any guitarist to create music because they are like any other instrument key.

Is there a difference between loop stations and loop pedals?

The station and loop pedal are the same product.

The “station” is to view it as just that, an area to create and work on your music.

What should I look for when buying a looper pedal?

There are some important things to consider before making a purchase.

First, how much recording time do you need?

Second, what type of input do you want: mono or stereo?

Third, is it necessary that the sound stays true even if you’re not playing anything on your guitar (for example: during pauses)?

Lastly, if there’s an option between two similar pedals with slightly different features; how do you know which one to get?

We suggest just trying some out as you may go through a few loop pedals and stations.

What are the benefits of using a looper pedal?

Looper pedals are a great tool for guitarists of all skill levels.

They allow you to record a phrase or section of music and play it back on repeat, allowing you to layer multiple parts or experiment with different textures.

Looper pedals can also be a valuable practice tool, helping you to learn and memorize complicated passages of music.

Additionally, looper pedals can add a new dimension to live performances, giving you the ability to create atmospheric soundscapes or build up intricate passages on the fly.

Whether you’re looking to add new sounds to your practice routine or take your live shows to the next level, a looper pedal is a great option.

If you’d like to see a looper pedal in action check this out from the loop station world championships (that’s right) from 2013!

Do loop pedals work with any type of instrument?

Loop pedals are often used by guitarists, but can be used with any type of instrument.

Because they allow for the creation of complex layers of sound, loop pedals can be an invaluable tool for solo performers.

While most loop pedals are designed to work with electric instruments, there are some models can be used with acoustic instruments as well.

In general, any looper pedal will work with any type of instrument, as long as the input and output levels are compatible.

However, not all loop pedals are created equal.

Some loop pedals are designed specifically for use with certain types of instruments, so it’s important to select the right pedal for your needs.

Have looper pedals put musicians out of work?

Looper pedals have been around for years, but they’ve only recently gained popularity in the music world.

Many believe that this has put musicians out of work, as it’s now easier than ever for solo artists to create their accompaniment.

However, looper pedals have also opened up new opportunities for musicianship.

They can be used to create complex sonic textures and layered soundscapes that would be difficult to achieve without them.

In addition, many loop artists are now using their skills to create fascinating live shows that combine elements of music, performance art, and storytelling.

As a result, looper pedals have had a profound impact on the music world, even if they haven’t always been welcomed by everyone.

Does a looper pedal go before or after a multi-effects pedal?

When it comes to setting up a pedalboard, there are a few different schools of thought.

Some guitarists prefer to keep things simple, with just a few pedals that each serve a specific purpose.

Others like to layer multiple effects, using a multi-effect pedal as the foundation and adding individual pedals for extra flavor.

And then some like to use a looper pedal to record and playback loops of guitar parts.

So which is the right way to go?

When it comes to deciding whether to place a looper pedal before or after a multi-effects pedal, it depends on what sound you’re going for.

If you’re using the looper primarily for recording and building up layers of sound, then it makes sense to place it before the multi-effects pedal.

This way, you can layer in different effects as you build up your loop.

On the other hand, if you’re using the looper mainly for live performance, then you might want to place it after the multi-effects pedal.

This way, you can add effects to your loop on the fly, giving your performance more flexibility.

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer – it’s all about finding the pedal placement that works best for your style.

When you practice playing guitar, how important is a looper pedal to getting better?

Looper pedals are an essential tool for any guitar player, providing an easy way to create and record layers of sound.

When practicing, looper pedals can be used to build up complex arrangements or to simply add a backing track to play along with.

By looping sections of guitar, you can also isolate specific parts of your playing and work on them until they are perfect.

In addition, looper pedals can be a great way to experiment with new ideas and sounds without having to worry about the rest of the band.

With so many uses, it’s no wonder that looper pedals have become an essential part of any guitarist’s toolkit.

However, while looper pedals can be helpful for some things, they are not necessary for practicing and improving your guitar skills.

There are a number of reasons why you might want to avoid using a looper pedal when you’re first starting.

First of all, looper pedals can be very expensive, and they’re not always easy to use.

Second, if you’re not careful, you can end up developing bad habits by relying on the looper pedal too much.

Finally, if you do use a looper pedal, it’s important to make sure that you’re still practicing the fundamentals of guitar playing, such as scales and chords.

So while a looper pedal can be a helpful tool for some guitarists, it’s not essential for practicing and getting better at the instrument.

Is it Ok to use a looper pedal at an open mic?

A looper pedal is a type of effects pedal that allows you to create loops of sound.

Loop pedals are often used by guitarists and other musicians to create layered soundscapes.

While loop pedals can be a great way to enhance your performance, some open mic nights may not allow their use.

Before using a looper pedal at an open mic, be sure to check the rules and guidelines.

Some open mics may have strict rules about what types of pedals can be used, and others may not allow any pedals at all.

Sounds silly but some places have guidelines.

If you’re not sure whether or not you can use a looper pedal, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and leave it at home.

How can I create a handmade loop station?

The circuit design of a looper is similar to that in digital audio recorders and players, but there’s one key difference.

Rather than using hard-wired components like the ones found on any standard desktop or laptop computer for hardware chores such as recording segments into loops (or ” bankers”) with different velocities per ban.

An electronic engineer would have their work cut out when designing this type of device because they must also program software that will allow users interactivity across all functions from tempo tap adjustments down through effects programming–it can be tough!

Are lesser expensive looper pedals any good?

When it comes to looper pedals, you generally get what you pay for.

Lesser expensive looper pedals can be a great option for beginner and intermediate guitarists who are still exploring their style and experimenting with different sounds.

While they may not have all the bells and whistles of more expensive models, they can still provide excellent quality loops that can add an extra dimension to your playing.

In addition, many less expensive looper pedals are very user-friendly, making them a great choice for those who are new to looping.

So if you’re looking to add a looper pedal to your arsenal, don’t feel like you need to spend a lot of money to get a good one – there are plenty of great options available at lower price points as we have reviewed above.

Best Looper Pedals Conclusion 

There are many different uses for a loop station, and while we’ve only scratched the surface in this blog post with our picks above, hopefully, gave you some clarity on what features may be most useful to your needs.

If not, let us know!

So, what is the best loop station for musicians?

Ultimately, it depends on your needs and preferences as a musician.

Whether it’s helping create new music or writing unique pieces of poetry that will captivate audiences near and far.

There is no better partner than an experienced musician like yourself who understands the intricacies of sound design and has access to all sorts of technology.

With the best looper pedals at your disposal, then you can become an unstoppable force creating music.

We would love to hear from you about how else we can help find the perfect loop station for your creative endeavors.

Please share any thoughts on the best looper pedals below that you have encountered.

Did you like them?

Were they easy to use?

How often do you use them?

Remember to always HAVE FUN!