Description
Design and Build Quality
I was immediately struck by the SHEERAN LOOPER + Dual Track Pedal’s robust construction. The die-cast aluminum pedals not only feel solid but exude a reassuring durability. As someone who tends to stomp a little too enthusiastically during live performances, I appreciated the rugged nature of the product. The sleek black finish with the 1.8” color screen and RGB LED loop status ring is a nice touch, offering both form and function. It’s compact enough to fit snugly on my pedalboard without dominating the space, which is a must for musicians juggling multiple effects.
Although the overall build is impressive, the battery compartment could have been more intuitive. While the pedal runs on 4 AA batteries for over six hours, accessing the compartment felt slightly clunky. Still, the fact that batteries are included is a thoughtful bonus.
Performance and Features
The dual-track looper functionality is where this pedal truly shines. Designed with insights from Ed Sheeran’s touring workflow, it offers four looping modes: single, multi, sync, and song. Each mode caters to different performance styles, and I found myself gravitating toward the multi-track mode during live jams. The 32-bit audio quality is crystal clear, capturing every nuance of my guitar and vocals with astonishing accuracy.
One standout feature is the unlimited layering capability. I went wild stacking loops, and the pedal didn’t even flinch. With 128 loops storage and over three hours of internal audio capacity, I never felt constrained. Transferring loops via drag-and-drop using the USB interface was refreshingly hassle-free—no need for additional software. However, I did notice that the USB-B port seemed slightly outdated compared to newer USB-C standards.
The pedal doubles as a 2-in/2-out USB audio interface, which was a game-changer for me. I recorded directly into my DAW, and setting up live streams was a breeze. This versatility makes it ideal for not just live performances but also studio sessions and digital content creation.
Ease of Use
Looping pedals can be intimidating, especially for beginners, but this one is surprisingly intuitive. The full-color display and LED status rings provide real-time information, which is crucial during complex performances. The dual pedals are perfectly spaced, making it easy to switch modes or stop loops without fumbling.
That said, I did find the initial setup to require a bit of a learning curve. Navigating between some of the advanced features, like syncing loops across tracks, took a bit of trial and error. A more comprehensive user manual or companion app could have smoothed this process.
Positives
Here are some of the key benefits I noticed while using this looper pedal:
- Exceptional audio quality with 32-bit clarity.
- Multi-functional design: acts as a looper, interface, and performance tool.
- Durable construction that can handle live gigs and heavy usage.
- Massive loop storage with easy USB transfer for flexibility.
Areas of Concern
No product is perfect, and there are some areas for improvement with this pedal:
- USB-B connectivity feels outdated compared to modern USB-C ports.
- Learning curve for advanced features might deter beginners.
- Battery compartment design could be more user-friendly.
Peer Products
When comparing the SHEERAN LOOPER + Dual Track Pedal to competitors, I couldn’t help but think of the Boss RC-500 and Electro-Harmonix 95000 Performance Looper. While the RC-500 offers similar dual-track looping, it lacks the sleek RGB LED rings and drag-and-drop USB functionality that this model excels at. The Electro-Harmonix looper, on the other hand, boasts more tracks but comes at the expense of portability and ease of use.
This pedal strikes a perfect balance between professional-grade features and user-friendly design, making it a standout choice for musicians who value both performance and convenience.
Bang for the Buck
From my perspective, the price-to-quality ratio is excellent. You’re essentially getting a professional-grade looper, an audio interface, and a performance tool all in one compact device. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, the features and build quality justify the investment. For gigging musicians, home studio enthusiasts, or buskers, this pedal offers incredible value for its price range.
If you’re someone who values versatility, durability, and high-quality audio, this looper pedal is a fantastic addition to your setup.