t
Niche product
Let me start by saying, I’ve bought this item twice and I still can’t find a place for it in my set up. As a stand-alone unit it works ok but lacks solid midi integration when connected to my Elektrons.The sound is excellent, the effects less. I’ll keep this one on the off chance I may need it.
4
1
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G
Capable, versatile, sounds great but the user interface may not be for everyone
It is built beautifully, it is incredibly versatile and it sounds great but unfortunately after about two weeks I just didn't feel compelled to use it anymore.
**** see thoughts after 3 months below ****
**** initial review ****
For me the main issue is the sequencer. While the screen is good (as far as screens go), I don't like tapping in sequences as I have to manually adjust the velocities afterwards to add dynamism. The step sequencing screen is very fiddly and I find editing to be a pain, especially as the sequencing lanes are so small and the different shades of grey are hard to see.
While it can be sequenced externally, this is not why I bought it. It also has a looper function but I have other devices for that too. I bought this as a portable groovebox (with a powerbank) and because of the interface, I don't find it inspiring.
Another issue for me was that it momentarily paused when saving.
*** update after three months ***
I decided to try this as an alternative to my Akai Z8 sampler and my Pigtronix Infinity looper pedal.
My thoughts on it when sequenced externally - - - - - - -
Loading samples is easy enough and and I have had good results sequencing with Cirklon. I still find editing samples a bit fiddly but everyone else seems to think editing is easy so maybe it is just me.
However, even following a brief test, I decided immediately that is much quicker to use than the older Akai so I sold the Z8.
My thoughts on it as a looper - - - - - - - -
I tried this just before the window to return it expired and this is where is shines for me.
When playing my modular, I send copy of my master signal to this and I can easily grab a loop and then cross-fade to this loop before changing what is going on in my modular. The sound quality is much better than the Pigtronix pedal and the loop customisation is easier.
I now have 16 loop slots so it's very easy to fade back to an earlier part of my set. As soon as I figured out this feature, I put my Pigtronix looper up for sale.
Final thoughts - - - - - -
I still don't think it is great as a standalone groovebox, mainly due to the touch-screen. If the 8 tiny pads were velocity sensitive and could be repurposed for adding beats or notes, it could be a winner.
Even though I bought it as a groovebox (and almost returned it), its other strengths are why I kept it. I have got some decent grooves going with it but it doesn't inspire me as a standalone device. Considering how versatile this is and how easily it can do different things, it really should be worth considering.
**** see thoughts after 3 months below ****
**** initial review ****
For me the main issue is the sequencer. While the screen is good (as far as screens go), I don't like tapping in sequences as I have to manually adjust the velocities afterwards to add dynamism. The step sequencing screen is very fiddly and I find editing to be a pain, especially as the sequencing lanes are so small and the different shades of grey are hard to see.
While it can be sequenced externally, this is not why I bought it. It also has a looper function but I have other devices for that too. I bought this as a portable groovebox (with a powerbank) and because of the interface, I don't find it inspiring.
Another issue for me was that it momentarily paused when saving.
*** update after three months ***
I decided to try this as an alternative to my Akai Z8 sampler and my Pigtronix Infinity looper pedal.
My thoughts on it when sequenced externally - - - - - - -
Loading samples is easy enough and and I have had good results sequencing with Cirklon. I still find editing samples a bit fiddly but everyone else seems to think editing is easy so maybe it is just me.
However, even following a brief test, I decided immediately that is much quicker to use than the older Akai so I sold the Z8.
My thoughts on it as a looper - - - - - - - -
I tried this just before the window to return it expired and this is where is shines for me.
When playing my modular, I send copy of my master signal to this and I can easily grab a loop and then cross-fade to this loop before changing what is going on in my modular. The sound quality is much better than the Pigtronix pedal and the loop customisation is easier.
I now have 16 loop slots so it's very easy to fade back to an earlier part of my set. As soon as I figured out this feature, I put my Pigtronix looper up for sale.
Final thoughts - - - - - -
I still don't think it is great as a standalone groovebox, mainly due to the touch-screen. If the 8 tiny pads were velocity sensitive and could be repurposed for adding beats or notes, it could be a winner.
Even though I bought it as a groovebox (and almost returned it), its other strengths are why I kept it. I have got some decent grooves going with it but it doesn't inspire me as a standalone device. Considering how versatile this is and how easily it can do different things, it really should be worth considering.
4
3
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E
Small sampler, huge list of functionality
Love the compact form factor and build quality, yes It's a tank! New firmware introduces LFOs. Which is great. Very versatile piece of gear.
The only thing to keep in mind are your cables. The blackbox and bluebox ins and outs are very close to eachother, so you need cables with thin ends.
The only thing to keep in mind are your cables. The blackbox and bluebox ins and outs are very close to eachother, so you need cables with thin ends.
0
0
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B
Brilliantly easy to use and learn
It is so much fun, just watch loopop’s video. Super support with with fixes and new features through firmware updates. It just received granular synthesis! Build like a tank. Been carrying it everywhere powered by a usb power bank.
A few idiosyncrasies to consider though before you purchase it:
- output is as stated 5v, so you need to handle that through either an external mixer or by reducing the sample volume internally
- it is difficult to get good loops because there is no easy way to fade in&out/hit transients
- it is prone to noise if you route something out of it and back in, especially if you use the same power supply *power bank, power strip etc*
A few idiosyncrasies to consider though before you purchase it:
- output is as stated 5v, so you need to handle that through either an external mixer or by reducing the sample volume internally
- it is difficult to get good loops because there is no easy way to fade in&out/hit transients
- it is prone to noise if you route something out of it and back in, especially if you use the same power supply *power bank, power strip etc*
0
0
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