TC Electronic Ditto Looper Pedal Review

by | Jun 27, 2013 | Best Guitar Picks, Effects Pedals, & Accessories

PROS: Small, simple, easy-to-use, inexpensive.
CONS: None.
PRICE: $129

TC-Electronic-Ditto-LooperLooping, or playing along with a pre-record or delayed signal in real-time, isn’t really new. In the past, it required specialized hardware, limited software, and was difficult to use. TC Electronic has now solved all the problems of loopers past in a tiny FX unit.

While not much bigger than a credit card, it still has standard 1/4” inputs and outputs and a USB connection is located on the side for software updates. The footswitch controls the recording and playback, and a single knob controls the playback/loop level. Power is provided by a standard 9v power jack.

With the limited controls, it’s not limited in its abilities. The looper has 5 minutes of record time, which is more than enough for most applications, and while in looping mode, the signal that goes through it stays as an analog signal, which maintains tone. The big thing is getting your playing in sync with pressing the footswitch record and playback modes; it’s awkward at first, but with a few tries it’s old hat. Sound quality is great; whatever sound you put in is what gets looped – simple as that.

So what are the applications for such a device? In a power trio, and want a rhythm guitar behind a solo? No problem. Practicing a part of song in a bedroom, very easy to do. There are artists out there who create complete soundscapes by layering overdub upon overdub. The only way to record or playback though is live, through the inputs, with no way to import any files from a computer or external memory. The plus side is the loop will be held in memory, even if it’s unplugged.

It’s basically a “my first looper.” It’s not overwhelming to figure out, and with its reasonable price, it’s an easy investment to add more of your playing to your music.

FEATURES

  • Case: Compact pedal
  • Controls: Single loop level knob
  • True Bypass: Yes
  • Audio Standard: Uncompressed 24-bit
  • Power: 9V external power supply, not included