New features in some loop effect pedals are loop quantizing, which is used to round your input and output to the closest beat in the tempo to aid in perfectly timed loops, multiple inputs and recorded rhythm loops to jam along with. The Boss RC-2, RC-50 and RC-20XL, the industry leaders in loop processing, boast up to 16 minutes of recording time. With the ability to save up to 11 different loops at any given time, as well as the power to change the tempo without having to sacrifice any fidelity, these pedals demonstrate almost limitless possibilities.
Any musician with the most basic of composition ability can see the advantages of being able to play back upward of 10 minutes of music when rehearsing, composing or just practicing. The next time you come up with an idea for a bass line, or perhaps a melody, simply record it into the loop station and listen to it play your music back to you. Once you have recorded that first idea you can begin to build on it, adding harmony, rhythm and perhaps ambiance.
At times it can be difficult to get together with other musicians who share in your passion and musical abilities. Even if you have overcome the difficult task of finding the right musicians to play with, you might run into schedule problems because of jobs or other demands on your time. For these evenings, it can arguably be just as satisfying sometimes to plug into a loop station and let all of your ideas interact with one another, which can lead to the further development of old ideas as well as the forming of new ideas and sounds.
For performance purposes, loop station effect pedals can also be convenient and effective tools. Maybe the guitar lead in your new song would sound bigger and richer if it was layered with two other guitar sounds. Perhaps you could harmonize the melody and add second and third guitar parts, all without recruiting or hiring additional musicians. The incorporation of a loop station in your effects chain could do all this without much trouble.
The Boss RC-50 is the mother of all looping stations. This master-looping device has up to 49 minutes in recording time and 99 loop patches, which can be grouped in up to three master loops. The pedal is equipped with a USB input for backing up audio files, as well as importing wav files. With seven foot switches to control your patches, as well as undo and redo possibilities, the Boss RC-50 is one impressive piece of equipment.