Clean Loops - EHX 1440 & 720

[meb]

I have been using the Boss RC-500, RC3 and RC5 and am reasonably
decent at laying down good clean loops with them. I recently picked up
an EHX 1440 to try. I had a 720 and liked it but had similar issues that
I have with the 1440. The front end of all the loops are all smeared.
The loop end seems fine.
I never seem to get a good crisp opening chord. There is a noticeable
'burp' as the loop restarts. I understand the Boss
products have some internal quantizing built in. Do 720 and 1440 users
experience this and live with it?....the smear could barely be noticeable if
one was playing live. Or can someone give me a hint to clean up my
footwork or timing issue? I do not understand why the Boss and EHX would
be so different at 'start loop'.

sudy4, Jakestone...help!

Thanks
R

[geewhiz]

I own neither EHX model but I was recently researching some looper options and it seems that some other people have experienced similar issues with getting seamless loops with them.

Sorry I can't offer any insight, but maybe EHX's looping algorithms aren't quite up to snuff?

[JakeStone]

Hey Meb -
I've been using the 1440 for a few weeks. Everything is working great.
Although, at first, I may have experienced what you are mentioning.
But I must have adjusted a bit to make sure to hit the button at proper time to make clean loops..
In fact, after reading your post tonight.. I just tested a few loops and each one is clean start/stop etc.

[Rudy4]

Originally Posted by meb

I have been using the Boss RC-500, RC3 and RC5 and am reasonably
decent at laying down good clean loops with them. I recently picked up
an EHX 1440 to try. I had a 720 and liked it but had similar issues that
I have with the 1440. The front end of all the loops are all smeared.
The loop end seems fine.
I never seem to get a good crisp opening chord. There is a noticeable
'burp' as the loop restarts. I understand the Boss
products have some internal quantizing built in. Do 720 and 1440 users
experience this and live with it?....the smear could barely be noticeable if
one was playing live. Or can someone give me a hint to clean up my
footwork or timing issue? I do not understand why the Boss and EHX would
be so different at 'start loop'.

sudy4, Jakestone...help!

Thanks
R

Tap your looper record button at the TOP of the one count:

[meb]

Thanks for the responses. I tried it again....not much luck.
It seems most everybody else adapts to it fine. I guess it's just me.
Too bad, this thing has a perfect footprint and feature set for what I need
and want.

[Stratcat77]

I read somewhere that the EHX loopers start recording when you release the button (vs when you hit it). Could that be it?

[Rudy4]

Originally Posted by Stratcat77

I read somewhere that the EHX loopers start recording when you release the button (vs when you hit it). Could that be it?

I believe that may be correct. There's a subtle difference in buttons that are set up to start on depressing vs. on release, but if you simply tap the button there won't be a discernible difference in the loop timing. The difference in button operation has something to do with getting rid of that odd "2 second audible audio" that RC loopers have when clearing a live loop that complicates live performance use.

At one time I had researched this and knew how to easily explain the difference, but I'd have to go back and dig up the technical explanation again.

The bottom line for the OP is to keep working with the EHX looper and figure out the timing problem. I'd guess this has to do with "lazy foot" syndrome.

Once you get the feel for the EHX buttons it will be natural to create loops with good timing. Do be aware that EHX was the first to introduce a looper and they have a solid understanding of the hardware intricacies.

Many of the RC loopers as well as other brands do have built-in quantization, but you have to enable it and it creates other problems when looping, so not everyone wants or needs it.

[Groberts]

I have been gigging EHX stereo 720's for years. They all require a rather precise and timely (quick) tap/release exactly on the downbeat of wherever you want to the loop to play or stop.

I also have a 1440. I need to send it in for repair. I notice loops that I have saved sometimes playback at Slooooooow warble speed the next day. The loop should be saved intact and be perfectly playable unless I delete it. So I am indeed having an issue with the 1440. Never had that problem with the Stereo 720. (And yes I have powered down and done a reset)

[Rudy4]

Originally Posted by Groberts

I have been gigging EHX stereo 720's for years. They all require a rather precise and timely (quick) tap/release exactly on the downbeat of wherever you want to the loop to play or stop.

I also have a 1440. I need to send it in for repair. I notice loops that I have saved sometimes playback at Slooooooow warble speed the next day. The loop should be saved intact and be perfectly playable unless I delete it. So I am indeed having an issue with the 1440. Never had that problem with the Stereo 720. (And yes I have powered down and done a reset)

I believe your "precise tap" is correct and will most likely solve the OP's problem.

I previously owned the 720 and have had the 1440 since it was first introduced. I have had no problems with the 1440, but there's always the possibility of a defective unit out there. I'd think EHX would take care of it.

If you happened to purchase through Sweetwater then they have an additional year's warranty that comes with purchase. (That saved me a bunch when my Zoom R24 recorder failed after 18 months.)

[Groberts]

Originally Posted by Rudy4

I believe your "precise tap" is correct and will most likely solve the OP's problem.

I previously owned the 720 and have had the 1440 since it was first introduced. I have had no problems with the 1440, but there's always the possibility of a defective unit out there. I'd think EHX would take care of it.

If you happened to purchase through Sweetwater then they have an additional year's warranty that comes with purchase. (That saved me a bunch when my Zoom R24 recorder failed after 18 months.)

Rudy4, Yep. I bought mine from Sweetwater too. I am sure EHX and Sweetwater will take care of it. The unit sounds great. Fidelity is spot on!

[meb]

Thanks to everyone's comments and suggestions. The 'starts at release'
helped some; but I think I am just going to stick with my Boss loopers.