Thinking of buying a E-H 2880 Super Looper and

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July 8, 2009 at 5:12 am #78550

ambienttales
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:poke: :rawk: :thumb:

Hi,

Sorry (I am a smiley addict)
I am (seriously) considering purchasing (new) a E-H 2880 Super Looper and the 2880 footswitch (debate on that though)
I have looked in depth at I think most if not all of the delay/loopers and loopers alone
The Boss series I found very sterile sounding, Line 6’s JM4 has too many features that I do not need and would be paying for (the amp models, effects etc) the Line 6 M13 (is that the model?) with al of the effects and looper is cool but pricey and agin has a multitude of options that I do not require
Checked in to the Digitech Model and something about it just did not click, more of a gut feeling thing, I did find interesting the Akai Headrush E2 (sound quality seemed incredible but it was a combo delay (very unique set up but who has five amps to maximize the 4 heads out of delay and one for looper (I a sure quite a few people have 5 amps but I have two and not planning to get another)

So I keep coming back to the Electro=Harmonix 2880 unit, I read the manual multip;e times, watched many demos (both from the E-H site and others on You Tube, Yes it is expensive and add in the foot controller it is vey expensive ) but I can live with it as it seems to perform well, sound quality is very good , not terribly hard to understand the directions and ** I do have a bad back so I can not do repetitive bending , I am wondering (though the foot controller does not require bending over (I avoid floor mounted effects as they kill my back, (my pedal board is on a table)can you use (well) the 2880
without the 2880 foot controller or a midi switcher (that I read about in some posts on this forum)

When you think that the 2880 is > $400.00 the fooswitch is not the main cost or deal breaker.

any input would be very much appreciated.

I use various electrics (and have a A/E ) guitars, a Atomic reactor 18 watt tube slave amp that I use either a Line 6 Podxt(with model packs) or a Vox Tonelab (desktop model) in it and have the universal adapter to use a Roger Linn Adrennalin III (was a II but I purchased the two chip update kit with new face plate and it is like night and day compared to version II)
I have a Seymour Duncan Shape Shifter, a Boss SL-20 Slicer, A E-H Stereo Memory Man with Hazari
a Korg Pad Kontrol, a M-Audio Radium 49 midi controller and record (mostly) in to Apple’s Garage Band , though have lite versions of Abelton(both M-Audio and Korg versions) Reason Adapted for Korg and Tracktion (Mackie) version I (that they gave away for free when version II came out, its not bad but I really like Apple’s Garageband (its much deeper than most people think and a great learning tool for DAW’s (I would love to get Apple’s Logic (or Express) but that would require a new computer purchase (which is the only thing that could make me decide to not purchase any more gear)
Apple typically does a price reduction in the fall (after school purchases are over that clears their inventory out) and bring out updated and lately less expensive desk tops and most recently laptops
(I have always used desk tops and desire a huge Hard drive, yu can get a 1TB now with a Imac for $90.00 more on their entry level 24″ screen model. Pricey too, I can do witha 20″ screen 9of which they sell one and by the time you add some ram and increase the HD you are at the 24″ screeen model price! well I am getting off track on computers here

I would love to hear from folks who use or have used the E-H 2880 looper (with and without the 2880 foot controller or other options for a foot controller,

One last ? with Summer NAMM around the corner any idea about a new 2880 looper or a modification
to the current model? or price increases? You folks are in the know at E-H I am a newbie posting but follow E-H products and Harmony Central and read catalogs and guitar magazines (most favorite is Premier Guitar , I have read t since the days when it was called Musicians Hotline(its free online to read and down load to your desk top (PC/Mac.

Thanks and soory for the long tread

Peace

ambienttales

:poke: :rawk: :clap: 😆

July 8, 2009 at 7:38 am #99016

ghost
Member

The foot switch is NOT necessary at all if you have table top. UNLESS you need to begin recording, while you are playing – and need your hands free. Then the foot switch becomes very handy.

I play with a pedal board that sometimes sits table top as well (sometimes I just sit on the floor with it). When I have it as a table top I actually use the foot controller down on the floor. I got mine used w/ the foot controller for $325 total. So had I not had the experience of using it, I would have likely never gotten it. BUT that said – it really does come in handy for triggering the record functions, and switching tracks, record on/off while you play.

There are many limitations to the 2880 you might now expect. I would read pros and cons in various threads. I personally love mine! Best sound quality multi-looper your gonna find (of it’s size and function).

July 8, 2009 at 7:50 am #99017

ghost
Member

I’m guessing by your moniker that you play somewhat Ambient styled music? If that’s the case – you might not need the foot controller. When I’m doing my drone based stuff I hardly use it.

Anyhow – if you would (!?), do me a favor when you get it.. and test it out with the Slicer Midi tempo in sync’d to the 2880!? I’m really curious about this, especially with more tonal (droney) guitar stuff.

July 8, 2009 at 4:01 pm #99031

ambienttales
Participant

ghost,

Thanks for your replies, I very much appreciate them, (if/when I get a 2880 looper I can do the Boss Slicer midi that you mentioned . I am good with midi keyboard use but will figure out the sync (hopefully) glad that you like your looper and also appreciate the info on the foot pedal (use or not use)

I am wondering about (the specific) limitations you mentioned about the 2880 (am I missing something major ??) that another looper would do better? I think I read through most of the threads on the *Help/Technical Questions (do you mean look at other threads in other areas of the forum or other non E-H forums 9I have been to LoopersDelight.com which is interesting but also mixes my decision making up. I have the funds saved to buy a 2880 as well as the footpedal (if desired) but don’t want to buy something that “maybe I should have purchased that other unit

I ?think the 2880 came out in 2005, ? same with the Digitech Memory Man , line 6’s is newer but pay for a lot of things I do not need. The Akai is nice but more delay and limited loop time and overdub time

**Guess asking what is the main limitation or plural that I should look closer at or missed ? **
(Main Question )* and appreciate your input and knowledge, I am moving from multi effects to individual effects (but will keep the multi effect units as they sound awesome through the Atomic reactor and I can run stereo (like) using a Vox Pathfinder 15 watt solid state (non reverb unit) that will drive a 4×12(its in the Vox papers that came withit) perhaps down the road may get a cab and the Character 21 by E-H ! (I have looked at Tech 21 TradeMark Series Power amps (interesting)
and powerful and used in tandem with their Pedals (California etc) they sound pretty good, but not what I need now. Will keep my eyes peeled for a nice cab but thats money I don’t have so I am focusing on my immediate need (*its a want rather than a need) that GAS!

Yes I do play ambient / drone like music a lot(electric guitar(most) tied with and midi keyboard) and a Yamaha electronic keyboard(rarely) also alternative& spoken word but am more in the experimental & ambient/drone music
creation wise (or try to at least) got hooked on Brian Eno/Harold Budd especially Music for Airports as well as Constance Demby, Tim Story , Dueter,Cluster, and many artists both piano, keyboard and others just plain out there . Drone guitar is really relaxing for me to play and a looper will really help (IMO) I heard most of these artists on Hearts of Space (a radio program
thats also on the net http://www.hos.com (or .net or .org) its subscription online with *free Sundays
I no longer live in range of radio broadcast pick up I have a large collection of cassette tapes
(including programn#1 ) The original co-host passed away but the original host is still there

I looked over my gear and felt that what I have am fortunate to have but that a “actual”looper” rather than a unit with a looper may be (IMO) the missing link in my creative process (I am not a pro and play and record at home)

P :rawk: :poke: :clap:

Peace

ambienttales

July 8, 2009 at 6:16 pm #99039

julian
Moderator

If the price is a deal breaker you can always get a used one.

Personally the thing that’s had the 2880 on my WANT list for the last few years is the interface. Looks like a mixer. I like that because I’m a visual person.

July 8, 2009 at 7:14 pm #99043

ambienttales
Participant

Julian,

Thanks for your post and input, indeed the layout is very good (without LCD screens and toggle here and there and it (to me) does what it says it will do, and that is being a looper with 4 mono tracks that can bounce or be 2 stereo tracks (may not be saying that right) the videos are great,

* I am wondering what ghost meant in his post on July 8 238am (last paragraph or beginning of regarding the limitations*

I feel its a fine looper and has a lot of features and after pondering , the foot pedal may be a good thing to have (though I saw a thread on noise in a 2880 looper foot controller , ? I will read it again as it must be noise that people hear not clicks in the tracks (I hope) and doubt

I have been researching looper’s for over a year and while expensive I agree with ghost for the price and size there is not anything out there (now) comparable

Summer NAMM :poke: begins soon, has anyone heard of any “looper’s coming down the pipe (not a mixed unit

with a delay/looper etc but a actual looper like the 2880..

Thanks again Julian

ambienttales

:wave: :rawk: :poke:

July 8, 2009 at 7:47 pm #99048

julian
Moderator

Not EH, but you might prefer the Boomerang 3 looper. It looks pretty good to me. It doesn’t look as cool, but it looks super versatile.

Someone posted a rumor in the ideas forum here that EH has another looper in the works. They didn’t cite their source though, so it could be completely unfounded.

July 9, 2009 at 12:45 am #99081

ambienttales
Participant

Julian,

Hi,

Thanks for replying

I have looked at the site for the Boomerang 3 (I read Adrian Belew ? spelling of his last name (shame on me) likes the Boomerang looper’s)

and also uses Johnson J-station modelers and Johnson Amplifiers (though he said Johnson has been out of

business for some time he buys them when ever he finds them, I recall the modeling device, a black unit with orange lettering if I am correct and they were almost giving them away (either when they were going out of business or the store was clearing inventory, maybe I should have grabbed one, I have seen them online for not very much $ but I do not need a multi effect unit (though I have never seen a Johnson amp ? solid state or tube? or modeling amp ??, I will take a look at the Boomerang 3, last I read it was a ? beta and owners of the #3 could send theirs in for updates, perhaps at NAMM :rawk: it will be ready or close for selling purposes. I think the company is in Texas, and they make a Chorus effect unit that is for sale now
if I am correct. I have not heard any rumour about E-H and a strictly looper but I would be perhaps the last to know, seems the Character 21 and the two envelope filters will be at Summer NAMM.

Take care

ambienttales

:poke: :rawk:

July 9, 2009 at 3:22 am #99091

ghost
Member

The 2880 is VERY hands on. If you are a person who can handle LCD screens and menus upon menus of scrolling and such – then the Boss looper (RC-50) might be a good choice. I honestly don’t love the sound of it, but it does have all of the options the 2880 lacks. Assignable outputs, different loop lengths, more inputs/outputs, etc…

The 2880 is hands down the best SOUNDING tho – that and the interface make it fast and intuitive for live composing or performance, and in the end those are the things that are most important to me. Also I like weird limitations in gear! It makes you do things you wouldn’t normally do, or work out ways to get around them.

July 9, 2009 at 7:42 am #99098

freshchops
Member

I can’t add much more than “ghost” has already pointed out…. but seriously, in your position, I wouldn’t consider anything other current loopers out there. I did all my homework and comparisons. I couldn’t be happier with the 2880. It is arranged very much like a multi-track recorder, like the old Tascam 4-track PortaStudios…. and this is a good thing.

Layout and features are subject to your taste and needs, so you’ll have to compare those. What it comes down to is quality and tone. The 2880 sounds really great. I tried to sample all loopers before buying and without a doubt, the 2880 kills all others in tone quality. It’s really so much more than that, but the most of my opinions are personal taste so I’ll spare. The only feature that I can imagine missed is an “undo” option, but is workable.

The only possible better option I can imagine would be running Ableton Live on a laptop, and that’s not going to come cheaper.

Personally, I get the most out of the 2880 for the instant ability to dub melodies. It not only helps songs progress quicker, but allows for accompanying melodies to come about that might not have otherwise happened with the convenience of looping concepts over each other. So for me it’s about a 99% creative tool and about a 1% sample looper…. Although it’s got a completely intuitive live layout.

As far as the foot controller, I would really recommend it, and wouldn’t let the extra cost discourage you. Start with the 2880, see what you think, you can always buy one later. I think you’d want one though. If you’re looping not so much on the fly, you can set to record quantized which gives you a 4-count before recording the initial loop…… then accompanying loops can come in later, although you can complete a loop having the 2880 automatically jump to recording on track 2. I throw the looper up on a sturdy musical stand (ya’ know for sheet music)… it can be right in your face – spare your back.

I’d add. I haven’t compared to an Akai headrush, so can’t a/b. I would replace the 2880 first if I lost all of my gear…. FIRST! I’m actually planning to get another one once I get ahead on some other things. I can easily say that I feel I got about 10x better playing when I started playing through the looper because of it’s aid in creativity…. and like ghost said, it’s VERY intuitively laid out. Everything is right where you’d want. there’s no ignorant compromises and layers of controls buried in a teeny LCD screen. The 2880 has a very sexy blend of vintage analog feel with modern quality… just PERFECT. EHX has it’s handful of iconic pedals and boxes, and to me, this one belongs up there with Memory Man, Big Muff and Holy Grail ……

Oh, and if you’re shopping around, you can do the Musicians Friend thing considering they usually always have a coupon discount going on. They have one now…. you can google search Musicians Friend Coupon or here’s a link their current ($65 off more than $350, almost pays for a footswitch):

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/mine?CJAID=10522044&CJPID=1348619

July 11, 2009 at 4:17 am #99208

ambienttales
Participant

:thumb:

ghost and freshchops

Thanks for your posts and multitude of information on the 2880 looper as well as the foot switch

and thanks freshchops for the link to MF and the discount info , I have compared and read just about

everything I can find and I keep coming back to the EH 2880 and I do think the foot switch is needed

as it will help keep my hands on the guitar rather then on the looper unit. As far as the Akai

HeadrushE2 it has interesting features but to me its more delay based with a nice looper function

maybe as a down the road delay unit, who knows, I think though that in my mind the EH 2880 Super

Looper and foot switch is the way to go. it will clear my gear funds just about down to (not much

$ left after) but you need good equipment to sound good and making good sounding loops ) or better

than “good” sounding loops is my desire, I will sleep on it (and talk to someone as well) but I have not bought any gear since last summer (the E-H SMMWH and fall 08 Boss Slicer (but got laid up with major left knee surgery (was supposed to be a arthroscopic procedure with one meniscus repair and clean up some arthritis but both meniscus were torn, a chondroplasty(? spelling) to shave down rough edges and two ‘micro-fracture procedures were done as well (the Dr basically (due to severe loss of any absorbing material in the knee ) used a surgical awl and poked 10-12 holes on each side of the left knee cap area and the bleeding creates a “super clot” that becomes fibrous tissue. little to say that two days on crutch’s turned to 8 weeks of bed rest in a ankle to thigh brace and leg elevated and ice and physical therapy 3x a week as a outpatient(riding in the back seat of the car with no seat belts side ways across the back seat (crazy times) than back home in bed or in a wheelchair with leg extensions to elevate the leg, crutch’s were vary hard as I have endured 3 spine surgeries. Then due to continued, relentless pain I received 3 injections of Supartz (a artificial lubricant) in to my left knee and that has helped (they were done a week apart in April and May in 09 and my knee is finally settled down (injured by hyper-extension (ouch) in June of 08) * if a Dr. ever recommends a Micro-fracture procedure on your knee *RUN*(if you can or just don’t go back. get a second opinion, its a very controversial procedure and while I am not a pro athlete in any way or form it has ruined many athletes careers after having one (Greg Odem from Ohio State and NBA, Former Cleveland Browns Tight end (recent trade to Tampa Bay and several other high profile mostly basketball players

But getting back on track, interesting that freshchops mentioned a Tascam 4 Track Porta Studio
I have a Tascam (cassette) Porta Studio 2) and that has a very nice configuration (still have it)

I am sold on the 2880 Looper! Will let you know when I make a purchase!

Thanks again (to everyone who posted)

Peace

ambienttales

:poke: :rawk: :clap:

July 11, 2009 at 8:17 am #99213

ghost
Member

Listen to the sound on your Boss Slicer Looper, THEN the sound of your SMMw/H Looper. A/B test them – I’d be shocked if you weren’t blown away by the difference.

The 2880, sounds IMO a little better than the SMMw/H. It sound AMAZING!

July 11, 2009 at 5:58 pm #99227

ambienttales
Participant

:thumb:

ghost,

That is a excellent idea to a/b the two units (Boss Slicer SL-20 (which is my only Boss Effect
unit)

and the E-H SMMWH (which is my only E-H unit *as of now) no other gear that I have )other than Apple’s

Loop making software) has a looper function (Seymour Duncan Shape Shifter (I won that online on his

web site) and the majority is ( got caught upin the modeling craze though with a Atomic Reactor the

units really excell) a Line 6 Podxt , Vox Tonelab, Roger Linn Adrennalin II (now a version III after

buying the chip kit update well worth $99.00 + shipping) and a Korg Pandora PX3 (my first “modeling”

unit, still have it and its a nice practice tool) a small Korg Toneworks (bought on closeout then they lowered the price again and I got more $ off , its not bad but I truly think a “looper”

without other effects with it will be a great creative tool and the 2880 does sound very good on the many videos I watched. I do think Boss products (some more than others sound sterile )

The Slicer is a really weird piece of gear (perhaps a EQ on line would help it) but combining it

really is when it comes alive (to me) Danolectro’s (don’t laugh) Fish and Chips EQ is really inexpensive and highly rated, though I should look at others, I read a EQ comparison (some where)
and The Dano came out a editors pick (sounds like a Guitar Player Magazine Term) I subscribe to premier Guitar and Vintage Guitar-though letting VG run out, it has not changed its format and I swear they have been re-running old articles as new) maybe I am crazy but I think its true

I have been lucky winning stuff on line a Schecter Tempest Custom (special edition 1 of 7 from Spin Magazine’s 20th anniversary contest (it has a custom paint job including Spin 20 it plays fine as I always thought Schecters were shredder guitars , with dual HB and coil tap its a great player
I won a trumpet&case;(sold it on e-bay), and most recently a full HP PC computer system (HP tower, 22″ Viewsonic Monitor and a HP 4in 4 Iwi-fi capable printer, very lucky on that one , our son has it
as he wanted to get a PC for college (and we have three Mac’s) I would love to win a Imac!
I won other stuff (box’s of GHS strings, I have lost count but I will soon be changing my e-mail as spam has become a nightmare (I get > 400 e-mails (on a light day!) drives me bats , tried every filter I could and setting, I will not enter any more contests (though my goal (though delusional) was to win a car (I did enter win Dale Jr.s 2010 Camaro SS that would be incredible! but highly unlikely

I will try your recommendation out , but I may have bought the 2880 as well !

Thanks for your reply, you have been very, very helpful! (to a E-H newbie forum member)

P.S (I post music , though nothing new for some time on http://www.macjams.com under dwwave
(its a free site but to search for me I do believe you have to sign up (free) up to you

some people say some of my guitar work sounds like The Durutti (? spelling) Column (who I had no idea was its
Vinnie Reilly) I checked out the band /Vinnie Reilly on You Tube and I do not hear/see it

though several people say he is their biggest influence (John Friscainte (RHCP), and the guy from
The Coctaeu (? spelling) Twins (now with … something Indiana (I think its a shade of Purple )
I will check that out..
later

ambienttales

:poke: :rawk: 😆 :clap:

ambienttales
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