KVR Audio

Bennett · Post by **Bennett** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 3:07 pm

Linear sequencer user looking for advice on looping, specifically hosts or VST's which allow for manipulation of loops.

I've tried the Ableton Live 5 demo and it is impressive but more than I need, plus a bit expensive. Project 5 V2 is also nice so that is a consideration. FL Studio 5 is a contender, but I am not crazy about the UI. I looked at Concretefx's Dicer and MicroDicer as a VST to use within a linear sequencer as well.

Any advice from the loop-cognicenti?

EtiennedeV · Post by **EtiennedeV** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 3:22 pm

I would recommend Project 5, since it would only require a soft learning curve for a linear sequencer user. ACID loops are brilliantly supported... and then, the included Softsynths (especially Dimension)are a much appreciated bonus (+ Freeze).

Regarding FL Studio : It is really good, and though the UI might be a little confusing at first, it isn't that hard to get used to. Great choice for building loops from scratch. Unbeatable value for money. (no Freeze yet)

Best regards,

Etienne

Didier M · Post by **Didier M** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 5:53 pm

Why not use Sony Acid 5, it's rather good too for that purpose.

Bennett · Post by **Bennett** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 5:56 pm

Didier M wrote:Why not use Sony Acid 5, it's rather good too for that purpose.

How is Acid 5's stability?

Link-Devine-Machine · Post by **Link-Devine-Machine** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 6:09 pm

Devine Machine or Lucifer here:
http://www.devine-machine.com

Jaeson Merrill · Post by **Jaeson Merrill** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 6:13 pm

Bennett wrote:
Didier M wrote:Why not use Sony Acid 5, it's rather good too for that purpose.
How is Acid 5's stability?

hasnt been good since version 2.

shamann · Post by **shamann** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 6:20 pm

What would you like to do with audio loops?

You might want to try out Audiomulch. Not very expensive, but very deep as a loop-based sampler/host. It's a different approach, though, then something like Acid or FL, so it may not be your thing, but it is very stable and offers lots of options.

Bidule and energyXT also may be options. All three are modulars, and offer different approaches/uses, but looping is possible in each. Both Mulch and Bidule offer live looping of audio buffers, as well as looping of clips. EnergyXT tends to offer more straightforward sequencing capabilities and MIDI triggerring of clips/samples.

herodotus · Post by **herodotus** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 7:33 pm

Didier M wrote:Why not use Sony Acid 5, it's rather good too for that purpose.

You can try Acid for free: http://download.acidplanet.com/acidxpress.exe

It has somewhat limited functionality, but it is perfectly usable, and there is no time limitation on the demo period.

And if you need some Bass and Drum loops that are off the beaten track........(see below)

Bennett · Post by **Bennett** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 8:48 pm

Thanks for all the suggestions, I'll definitely check them out.

Another quick question, it seems like MicroDicer is a "limited" version of Dicer - any opinions on usability? It seems that if I purchased one or the other for the small difference in price that Dicer would be the better choice?

Didier M · Post by **Didier M** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 8:55 pm

As for stability, Acid 5 works better on my machine than FLStudio does. The latter often closes without any warning, don't know why

jens · Post by **jens** » Mon Sep 12, 2005 9:03 pm

I recommend energyXT!

- it's easy to bring recorded samples into the included sampler and there you can do all kinds of fantastic crazy stuf with it....

Bennett · Post by **Bennett** » Tue Sep 13, 2005 1:24 pm

Any opinions on Dicer v. Microdicer?

shamann · Post by **shamann** » Tue Sep 13, 2005 2:51 pm

I think Microdicer was designed to be simpler rather than limited. I think it came on the heels of user requests for a sample slicer that was designed for quick use, rather than the full works and multiple pages you get with Dicer.

I'm pretty sure there are demos for both, best to try to see which fills your needs. No sense getting the bigger package if you'll only use a few options or find it tedious to work with, just as there's no sense getting the cutdown version if you want all those filters and things.

whyterabbyt · Post by **whyterabbyt** » Tue Sep 13, 2005 3:03 pm

Have a look at Sonar Home Studio 4. Its the 'home studio' version, on a par with v4 of Sonar (with a few v5 features), 64 audio tracks, VST support, and Sonar's damn good Acid-style looping. $150 or less.

http://www.cakewalk.com/Products/HomeSt ... atures.asp

saturdaysaint · Post by **saturdaysaint** » Tue Sep 13, 2005 3:28 pm

Also, Sonar Home Studio XL supports both Acid and REX looping (via the RXP instrument).

Advice for a looping newbie!