I have all 3: Beatbuddy, Aeros, and Midi Maestro. I hated them at first, until I made a discovery. The Aeros comes with one “song” preloaded, in only one time signature, 4/4 time. I was trying to loop songs in different time signatures, and was having constant sync problems. I would record loops in time with what I was hearing, but when played backs the loops would be out of sync, often a measure late or early, sometimes even worse! You have to pre-load “songs” into the Aeros in each time signature you will be using. A lot of blues type music is actually in 6/8 time, although it is often counted out as 4/4 time.,and that was the problem. Once I pre-loaded “songs” into the Aeros in all the time signatures I use, everything works perfectly!. I am using OnSong on my IPad to control the setup on the Beatbuddy, and as long as a “song” is loaded into the Aeros in the right time signature, everything else syncs up. It doesn’t matter what beat you are using, or what tempo, as long as the right time signature is there then the Aeros will respond to tempo and beat automatically. I select whatever song I want to do on my IPad, and immediately the Beatbuddy, Midi Maestro, and Aeros are set up and ready to go. I can literally end one song from my set list, and with a single tap on my IPad, start the next song. I have suggested to Singular Sound that they pre-load the Aeros with every time signature the Beatbuddy is capable of, which would save customers literally days of frustration, and also publish a manual so people can See how to get all of this gear set up properly!
Hi Mate, That was great info I have one question. I use BB in church and want to buy Aeros to do some guitar parts. As you know we do set list for BB, I inquired about set list with singular sound they said that function is not available at this stage. Hence I was thinking if I record my loops into aeros and then transfer them into my MacBook and erase the SD card and when I am doing my set list for BB I import again loops that are required for my setlist on BB to Aeros. Will that work as I want to pre record the loops like intro outro etc and play them live when needed while I am doing live worship with BB. Please help and advise.
I have all 3 as well and im having a hell of a time here. Just got the Aeros so now I can get rid of the Boss rc30... but... When I hook it all up- i get problems. I use a pedalboard basically and what I wanna do is use this as a songwriting tool for ideas etc . I do have a Zoom R24 which is for recordings songs so I dont have to spend thousands in the studio. I thought I could hook it all up at the end of the pedal chain basically, but the beatbuddy apparently can't go into the Aeros since the BB is already a loop itself. Confused yet? I had the maestro then BB then Aeros after the pedalboard and I figured I could basically have the drums recorded as well so when I play back I can just start a new track without the BB and add on to it.. Ugh!!!!. And it appears NO ONE even singular sound has a diagram showing this set up. Not even youtube videos. All I can find is keyboards and dumb shit
Best Aeros review and walkthrough I've seen, period. Excellent detail, very clearly presented. Really appreciate the timeline on the left so we can skip forward if we want. Thanks so much for the care and high quality production. And nice dry sense of humor as well. Cheers and happy looping!
This combo is amazing. I finally dropped the cash for them both on the used market, and I couldn't be happier. Lots of firmware updates since this video too.
I'm not interested in any of those two products but I find the quality of your reviews exceptionally good. Thanks for your work, I've learned a lot from you.
I'm just realizing that I learned about LoopOp from this video that informed my purchase of these devices. Then, I learned about hardware synths and sequencers and went into that rabbit hole thanks to this incredible teacher!
Wow I found your channel looking for an Aeros review and am blown away by your video indexing and how easy it is to jump around important sections. All vloggers could take a page from your book - subscribed.
Your reviews are the most comprehensive and in-depth I've found. Im a solo guitar player, vocalist and live looper. I replaced my Alesis SR16 with the BeatBuddy just before Covid, and have played it out a number of times. I've been extremely happy with how well this works during live performances. I have it midi synced to a Pigtronix Infinity Looper, which works well, but is limited to two tracks, and it's various modes are not all that intuitive. I've been considering swapping the infinity out for the Boss RC-600 but that 'Song Part' integration with BB and Aeros is a pretty cool feature. And when you add in the simplicity and intuitiveness of the Aeros, I think I'm sold on the Aeros looper.
I really wish the SP404 could overdub like a looper. It's nearly impossible to make continuous drones and long drawn out pads unless you import them into an audio editor and then throw them back in. But I love the SP404mk pads and other bells and whistles. I think until then, a looper will work better for me for looping live ambient.
BeatBuddy is a terrific tool. It was the first KickStarter I ever backed and I have been extremely happy with it. You need to set your songs up using the editor beforehand, but that would be the case with literally any drum machine. As a live tool, it simply can't be beat. The single-footswitch design is just brilliant and you can expand on it if necessary. The sound quality is much, much better than what I expected. The headphone jack makes it a great jam tool. Really not a whole lot to complain about with it. Hopefully firmware updates pushes the Aeros where it needs to be! I love the concept and am very tempted to snag one to pair with my BB.
LOL! 10:18 to 10:24 :"...I would need substantially lower lighting and maybe candles or and edison bulb for a proper ambient jam,," Thanks for the excellent and detailed demo with so much helpful info. Thanks for showing all the parts, and for showing how it works with BeatBuddy. Cheers!
The Ditto X4 also hooks up and syncs with both of them perfectly, providing an extra 3x3 mode lol. This is what I currently use with a ZOOM G3xN to complete my one man band sound.
Just ordered the loopstation , can't wait . Wish the headrush looperboard worked out but mine just glitched way to much. Could not count on it for live performances.
I think this is a fantastic combo for someone who plays bass/guitar and don't want to use a computer: basically you get a foot controlled daw in your pedalboard. Too bad the looper's so expensive, but i really dig the beat buddy and I'm probably getting one.
Can you slave the MIDI clock of the AEROS to other drum-machines / hardware / software? If yes, how well does it perform? Does it stretch the audio to fit tempo changes without changing pitch?
I've been using the Aeros / Beatbuddy combo for a couple of years now. I play guitar and sing solo. They are tricky to set-up and sync for sure. The best I found was to connect them via midi. You want to use the BB as the master and the Aeros as the slave, and yet the BB needs to be AFTER the Aeros in the signal chain so you don't record the drums as part of your loop. It's confusing, and to make matters worse, you must delete your previous loops or add a new song when changing drum patterns, / songs or the Aeros retains the previous song's tempo. Also, for the life of me, I cannot figure out song "parts" in 6x6 mode. It's some sort of 2 step process, and that doesn't work live for me. That said, I love both devices. I have other drum machines, and they all suck compared to the BB. It just sounds great. Get an external foot switch though for performing / looping. It allows single tap pausing / stopping, and that's absolutely critical for stopping things on beat. Looper is awesome in 2x2 mode - song parts are easy - but you are limited to 2 - more than enough for most pop / rock / blues music. I like to record verse and chorus as open chord instrumental intro. Then, I return to the verse, capo up a few frets, and play open chord inversions over the loop - it sounds beautiful - and I sing as I play the inversions. Switch parts for chorus, then back to the verse or I'll play a lead melody for a few bars, then go back to the verse. For outros, I'll remove the capo, and go back to playing open chords, and then stop the looper, then the drums while I keep playing guitar and singing unacompanied. These devices allow a solo perfomer to build complex arrangements on the fly, and then to deconstruct them piece by peice to gracefully exit a song. Obviously, this sort of set-up is not for beginners! It took me years of practice with more basic loopers to get the whole loop timing thing down. Aeros will quantize your loop, and you don't have to nail the start and stop cues after laying down a loop, but your timing still needs to be very good or your loop will sound wierd / stretched and won't groove right. Each device is it's own instrument, and integrating them and arranging songs takes a LOT of time / work. It's totally worth it if you are a solo artist like me. Obviously both devices are basically useless in a band setting, unless you need a drummer. BB is great as a standalone drum machine for anyone who hates metronomes (Me!) but wants to develop good timing - (everyone should - playing in time is fundamental to being a good muscian)
Hi thanks for this. How is the sound from keys being generated..via a vst in a daw? I'd like to loop sounds generated in ableton...but hear them to so what is best...headphones from looper? Or some other mysterious audio routing?
How does this compare to other loopers? I'm not interested in needing to switch between layers/tracks like in 6x6 mode. I want just one button per stereo track so everything is immediate with minimum distraction. I'm looking to supplement a live jamming setup to cover switching songs. Any alternatives?
Hi Thanks for your informative demo review - is it possible to store whole arrangements, either with the beat buddy or the Aeros, so it can play a whole song back without having to change the parts manually, as I would like to use this setup as backing for live duo gigs. Many thanks
I have both a Roland VS-2000 CD and VS-2480.CD Is there anyway to record or connect the BeatBuddy with either of these recorders? The Rowland 2000 does show the midi is recording but can't get any playback audio.
GREAT review of two extraordinarily ‘deep’ pedals!! I can’t believe how much you covered on those pedals in such a short time!!! Very good review and enjoyed the jamming you threw out there! I could listen to a lot of your playing.. very cool!!
Very nice reviews! I noticed you have a review on the Boss RC-500 as well. Have you had any luck using the RC-500 as a midi master to the BeatBuddy as a midi slave? I would like to see the RC-500 control the tempo of the BB so that you can record a loop on the RC-500, then start the BB in-sync with the loop. If so, would you consider posting a video on that process, explaining any special components necessary to get them to work together?
Another quick bit about Beat Buddy, seeing as how it does not have a sequencer or anyway to trigger/program onboard, I have been having loads of fun connecting it downstream from my UNO Drum via MIDI. You can mute the UNO Drum (or any drum machine for that matter) and use the UNO simply as a drum sequencer or combine the two for some fun. I used to use my BB as a brain with my DIY MIDI drum set with a trigger-to-MIDI converter. The velocity layers make it really playable. Some expensive Roland kits don’t even have multi sampled velocity layers. Lastly....the pedal is basically a sample player. On the user site, you can find pianos and some basic instruments mapped out over the keyboard, AGAIN, with velocity. There’s no ADSR, so you’re best to try instruments with a short decay.
Thanks! No I've not. I've tried a bunch of loopers in multifx pedals, owned the RC-50 and sold it because I didn't like it... I believe they later fixed some issues in the firmware. Messed around with the 505 (which is great) and a bunch of iPad loopers
the boomerang is awesome and rock solid (And made in Texas!), but I'm a little slow so I want the display plus the extra tracks. And the Boomerang is not cheap either, but it is a time tested workhorse. I took the plunge and just sold mine this is just to sexy for me not to try it lol.
Good review, thank you, I like it but it is a bit pricey. Any chance you can get hold of a Noodlebox Sequencer for review, it's not out yet but looks a bit more accessible price-wise?!
They're really two very difference things - looper and sequencer. Re Noodlebox - I haven't really thought about it, not sure what makes it special but I may be wrong of course.
Curious if midi sync can be achieved with the Beatbuddy, Aeros and a multi effects such as headrush gigboard so that the time based guitar effects automatically allign with the bpm of the Beatbuddy?
Hey there, yes this is possible! The BeatBudy can send MIDI clock to other MIDI-capable devices. Just make sure you have the BeatBuddy MIDI adapter cable when connecting to another device and that they are connected properly. Check out our video of how to setup the BeatBuddy as the MIDI master (sending MIDI clock) here: th-cam.com/users/shortsXDmzaUuCkdA
I recently purchased a BeatBuddy and considering purchasing the Aeros to accompany it. However, I read a review that stated when loading a saved loop, the 2 don't always sync up correctly. Have you experienced this scenario? Thank you for your time and expertise. Great video.
Thanks very much! I've not noticed this problem, but I've only spent around a week with it. I'm sure they'll fix any issues, they've released two firmware updates since I made this video...
Just FYI, I own the whole kit (beat buddy, Aeros and the MIDI Maestro). I currently would not recommend the Maestro, as the company has released it without a functioning firmware....its a paper weight. The Aeros still has a ways to go as well, particularly external MIDI control.
Casey Sweten Any luck getting the Aeros to play well with midi clocks other than the Beat Buddy? I have not had good luck with Ableton as a master (Aeros kept time to the beat but didn’t seem to recognize the start of measures). Tonight, I was having pretty good results with my Beat Buddy, but not with my Digtakt.
It's a shame that the app isn't available to configure the MIDI Maestro yet. I've been searching for a MIDI foot pedal with customizable text screens above each foot switch that I can use to switch presets, start/stop playback, record enable, etc. between multiple synths/drum machines/grooveboxes and the MIDI Maestro is the right size, shape, and price for what I'm seeking. I nearly pulled the trigger on Nektar's Pacer foot controller until I realized the icons and text are not reconfigurable since they are simply illuminating fixed labels/icons. Other pedals with a screen-per-foot-switch interface like the Mastermind GT series from RJM Music are way more than I'm wanting to spend as well as a little too large to fit comfortably in the allotted space. I don't own a Beat Buddy or Aeros so I'm just waiting on the app to be available so I can see if it's something that is going to work for my needs. I sent Singular Sound a message yesterday so hopefully I'll have some sort of idea of when the app is going to be released soon. Have you heard anything regarding app availability for the Maestro or do you have any product suggestions that have a screen-per-foot-switch layout?
Still seems better than most loopers on the market. The Boomerang seemed like the king for a long time but thats hardly modern and not super user friendly imo. I have the Ditto X4 and I am really happy with it but I use it for guitar.
Yes, even triggering single parts: that's what the bb and the midi maestro do. But you can do it with everything that sends midi cc as long as you know the correct ones
If you record a song with a specific drum patch and you save the loop on the Aeros, will it save the drum beat as well or do you have to remember what drum patch you used and do it manually when you go back to the loop?
It won't: it's just a simple midi connection that sends midi CC (start/stop/next part, etc.) from the bb to the aeros: the looper is not aware of what the bb is playing, it just listens to its commands. If selecting the right song on the bb bothers you, you can still record the drums on one of the tracks. That's why I think the beat buddy is quite redundant if you have the aeros: you got 6 tracks and hours of time: you can pre-record all the drums you want from any source you like. Them save them to songs, then use 5 tracks and overdubs that I think it's more than enough for 99,9% of the people.
Hey there, you can save the MSB, LSB, and PC commands of a BeatBuddy song to your Aeros song, so that when you open the song again on your Aeros, it will automatically open the BeatBuddy song without needing to find it manually. We are posting a video on how to do this very soon!
Thanks! I think a response to that is at the very least a whole video if not a book... but the abridged version would be, whatever gets you creative works!
@@loopop Ha - word to that. For the last couple years I've been stuck in a vortex of buying gear, trying to get prepared, getting lost in the technical routing, losing inspiration. I actually have an Aeros on order... But meanwhile I have a new set-up taking shape that's: Keystep pro > Digitakt > Peak (haven't yet tried working with this in Logic Pro - but that's been my DAW in the past...). Been getting more into sampling and synths, but I'm coming from an indie-rock/folk background playing guitars/bass/singing. Anywho - been trying to reinvent my style and workflow while also getting back to writing/recording songs. Well, that's the start of my confessional book... My current chapter is titled: "I stopped myself from buying an SP-404SX by buying an SP-202 instead." Lol. Cheers.
How does the Aeros Looper compare to the Boss RC505 and The EHX95000? Also, is it really made to go with the BeatBuddy or is it possible to drive/slave it to other MIDI devices? Thank you.
Hey there, the Aeros was designed to work seamlessly with the BeatBuddy but it's totally capable of syncing with other MIDI devices as well. Just make sure you are routing the cables and the MIDI settings in the Aeros properly.
Can you program the beat buddy to switch parts without pressing the pedal? Let's say 4 measures of part 1, then 3 of part 2, then back to 1 and repeat automatically?
Not that I'm aware (maybe if the company reads these comments they can respond), but, there's nothing to my knowledge stopping you from creating one long MIDI file/song with everything in it (I would just connect the songs in my DAW and bring them into BeatBuddy)
Hey there, the Aeros' Auto Quantize feature works by using an algorithm to define the tempo of the recording you just made based on the start and stop point of your recording. Basically, you have to record your first recording "in time," but it doesn't have to be perfect. The algorithm will round to whatever whole number tempo it is closest to.
Probably not - I'll only review an interface if I feel there's something we can learn from it - the 4k is nice, but not something that would make me personally buy it, and other than that there's not much I can say other than to read the specs... did I miss anything?
Thanks, as always, for the great review. Can I ask what version of the firmware your Aeros unit has? (Maybe you have a special beta-software review unit?). My unit has software version 2.13.2 and the Updates page says “ALL UP TO DATE”. However, my new song menu page does not have the “Sync Tracks Length” and “Sync Tracks Start” options that your menu shows at 9:53 in the video. I was a first-batch purchaser of the Aeros, and I have been a long-time Beat Buddy user. Happy to share my opinion if anyone has questions.
Singular Sound... Isn't that the company owned by that guy on whom the movie War Dogs was based on? Not that I'm complaining if the product itself is good.
I preordered the Aeros and got it back when it was a work in progress. Maybe it has fixed all of the bugs and added all of the thing it initially advertised but it definitely left a bad taste in my mouth.
Does it sync out as a master? So that a drum machine or a real drummer with headphones can be the slave. Really unclear. I know the key step is here but it’s quantized and slaved from the buddy so could just be a thru. Will clock out if you use it like a normal master looper with the start and stop stomps as the bars? For some reason this is incredibly rare on loopers.
Beat Buddy is a pretty brilliant at what it does but I'd count the 15 dollar, totally custom MIDI dongle as a solid "con". Hopefully they'll replace that with 1/8" MIDI on their next iteration.
Since MOOD was reviewed and such as it is Blooper was just released, and since looping is in the spot light again... Perhaps the bloop needs a lil loopop inspection? Besides, there is a USB port with some magic slated on these coming soon.
I love your reviews even when I don't like a product. Keep them coming! This ain't for me at $600.... I mean, seriously, I could get a MC707 for not much more on the used market.
Although I have several bones to pick w/Roland/Boss’s unit, but the U I of the RC-505 loop station is still the best, the most intuitive of all the loopers out there. The 505 is obvious that it’s not a foot stomper, but, neither is the Aeros. With the menu diving involved in the Aeros, I don’t see how one could use it to its full advantage on the floor. . . unless crouching down during your song to menu dive seems convenient. The ui of the 505 is brilliant, The 16 bit recording is sometimes wonky when changing the speed of playback, the plastic body is just a bit delicate for the road, while at the same time the lighted buttons can take hard slaps and repeated hard hits. Sorry, Aeros, not convinced. Yet.
9:15 how would that work with beats? I mean is it possible to have synced beats without being constricted to loop length?? because u talk about polyrythms but this would only be possible if there is SOME quantization going on...
I turned all quantization off in the free form mode, so it won't sync to a beat, but you could have different length loops and still sync bar or loop starts if you like (I cover these briefly in the video and they're explained in the manual)
@@loopop awesome!! Although I wouldn't say u cover them as a whole. Just the unsynced portion, which is a shame because if what u say works well than this is actually an intirely new feature on hardware that should be highlighted WAY more
You left out the most important part. In real songs, a verse doesn't last a couple seconds. It can be 16 bars long, for example. When performing a song live with guitar, I can record the guitar verse on the looper. But, then I need to sing the chorus and record it as the next section of the song, instead of listening to the whole verse over and over again, waiting for it to end so I can finally start recording the chorus. You are experimenting with very short sounds. If the instrument is designed for songs, how do you make a recording without listening to it again? So, can I continue recording the chorus without stopping and re-listening to the whole verse again? I want to include listening to the recorded verse later, in my own time, according to the intent of the arrangement, not forced, as the looper will tell me. What do you say? It's a very obvious need, isn't it?
These "toys" are extremely complicated.. They should make a version that is simply or by choice i can switch between easy and not so easy set up all in a same machine..
Actually, Aeros in 2x2 and Beatbuddy midi synced is about as easy as it gets. 6x6 can get a bit chaotic keeping track of everything, but that's the price of extreme versatility.
Beat buddy is as bad as it’s name. So square and sterile. It was back in the box and returned faster than any piece of kit I’ve ever tried. The midi link stuff is cool though.
I have all 3: Beatbuddy, Aeros, and Midi Maestro. I hated them at first, until I made a discovery. The Aeros comes with one “song” preloaded, in only one time signature, 4/4 time. I was trying to loop songs in different time signatures, and was having constant sync problems. I would record loops in time with what I was hearing, but when played backs the loops would be out of sync, often a measure late or early, sometimes even worse! You have to pre-load “songs” into the Aeros in each time signature you will be using. A lot of blues type music is actually in 6/8 time, although it is often counted out as 4/4 time.,and that was the problem. Once I pre-loaded “songs” into the Aeros in all the time signatures I use, everything works perfectly!. I am using OnSong on my IPad to control the setup on the Beatbuddy, and as long as a “song” is loaded into the Aeros in the right time signature, everything else syncs up. It doesn’t matter what beat you are using, or what tempo, as long as the right time signature is there then the Aeros will respond to tempo and beat automatically. I select whatever song I want to do on my IPad, and immediately the Beatbuddy, Midi Maestro, and Aeros are set up and ready to go. I can literally end one song from my set list, and with a single tap on my IPad, start the next song. I have suggested to Singular Sound that they pre-load the Aeros with every time signature the Beatbuddy is capable of, which would save customers literally days of frustration, and also publish a manual so people can See how to get all of this gear set up properly!
Hi Mate,
That was great info I have one question. I use BB in church and want to buy Aeros to do some guitar parts. As you know we do set list for BB, I inquired about set list with singular sound they said that function is not available at this stage. Hence I was thinking if I record my loops into aeros and then transfer them into my MacBook and erase the SD card and when I am doing my set list for BB I import again loops that are required for my setlist on BB to Aeros.
Will that work as I want to pre record the loops like intro outro etc and play them live when needed while I am doing live worship with BB.
Please help and advise.
I have all 3 as well and im having a hell of a time here. Just got the Aeros so now I can get rid of the Boss rc30... but... When I hook it all up- i get problems. I use a pedalboard basically and what I wanna do is use this as a songwriting tool for ideas etc . I do have a Zoom R24 which is for recordings songs so I dont have to spend thousands in the studio.
I thought I could hook it all up at the end of the pedal chain basically, but the beatbuddy apparently can't go into the Aeros since the BB is already a loop itself. Confused yet?
I had the maestro then BB then Aeros after the pedalboard and I figured I could basically have the drums recorded as well so when I play back I can just start a new track without the BB and add on to it..
Ugh!!!!.
And it appears NO ONE even singular sound has a diagram showing this set up. Not even youtube videos. All I can find is keyboards and dumb shit
doesn't the Aeros get the time sig. from BB withou having to preload a song with matching time signature?
@@rlabarbe I tried the beat buddy before the aeros.. but I forgot the beat buddy itself is a loop.. ugh
Thanks for this great heads up... my aeros gets delivered later this month! You've probably saved me a load of frustration by the sound of it! 😉
Best Aeros review and walkthrough I've seen, period. Excellent detail, very clearly presented. Really appreciate the timeline on the left so we can skip forward if we want. Thanks so much for the care and high quality production. And nice dry sense of humor as well. Cheers and happy looping!
This combo is amazing. I finally dropped the cash for them both on the used market, and I couldn't be happier. Lots of firmware updates since this video too.
I'm not interested in any of those two products but I find the quality of your reviews exceptionally good.
Thanks for your work, I've learned a lot from you.
I'm locked up like everyone and I got tired of watching The Masters golf replays. I wouldn't buy either myself.
I'm just realizing that I learned about LoopOp from this video that informed my purchase of these devices. Then, I learned about hardware synths and sequencers and went into that rabbit hole thanks to this incredible teacher!
Thanks for the great review!
Outstanding review of both of these products. Thanks
Wow I found your channel looking for an Aeros review and am blown away by your video indexing and how easy it is to jump around important sections. All vloggers could take a page from your book - subscribed.
Your reviews are the most comprehensive and in-depth I've found. Im a solo guitar player, vocalist and live looper. I replaced my Alesis SR16 with the BeatBuddy just before Covid, and have played it out a number of times. I've been extremely happy with how well this works during live performances. I have it midi synced to a Pigtronix Infinity Looper, which works well, but is limited to two tracks, and it's various modes are not all that intuitive. I've been considering swapping the infinity out for the Boss RC-600 but that 'Song Part' integration with BB and Aeros is a pretty cool feature. And when you add in the simplicity and intuitiveness of the Aeros, I think I'm sold on the Aeros looper.
This was exactly what I needed for my duet band back in the day. Oh well!
I really wish the SP404 could overdub like a looper. It's nearly impossible to make continuous drones and long drawn out pads unless you import them into an audio editor and then throw them back in. But I love the SP404mk pads and other bells and whistles. I think until then, a looper will work better for me for looping live ambient.
EXCELLENT Video presentation Man. Excellent! 👍🏻❤️
great video !! thanks loopop! stay safe!!
Thanks!
Thank you loopop💓🙏💓
BeatBuddy is a terrific tool. It was the first KickStarter I ever backed and I have been extremely happy with it. You need to set your songs up using the editor beforehand, but that would be the case with literally any drum machine. As a live tool, it simply can't be beat. The single-footswitch design is just brilliant and you can expand on it if necessary. The sound quality is much, much better than what I expected. The headphone jack makes it a great jam tool. Really not a whole lot to complain about with it.
Hopefully firmware updates pushes the Aeros where it needs to be! I love the concept and am very tempted to snag one to pair with my BB.
That looks like a set up perfect for on-the-fly gigs
Didn’t see a guitar, wasn’t sure about watching. Glad I did. I actually got most of what you were explaining! Thanks for posting
This was helpful. Thx!
Man .. I'm like a kid in a candy store when watching your channel. 😀. Thanks for everything you do Sir ..
Damn. that ContinuumMini is so nice. :D
Great vid!
LOL! 10:18 to 10:24 :"...I would need substantially lower lighting and maybe candles or and edison bulb for a proper ambient jam,," Thanks for the excellent and detailed demo with so much helpful info. Thanks for showing all the parts, and for showing how it works with BeatBuddy. Cheers!
Very helpful thanks much
The Ditto X4 also hooks up and syncs with both of them perfectly, providing an extra 3x3 mode lol. This is what I currently use with a ZOOM G3xN to complete my one man band sound.
Just ordered the loopstation , can't wait . Wish the headrush looperboard worked out but mine just glitched way to much. Could not count on it for live performances.
Very good review as always. For the aeros you could have specified that the loops can have multiple lengths despite the quatization. it's a big plus.
Thanks! It's what I do in the intro and outro jams, and I also explain it when I go over the song settings
Can you create seamless sound on sound loops by recording a blank loop then recording in overdub mode?
I think this is a fantastic combo for someone who plays bass/guitar and don't want to use a computer: basically you get a foot controlled daw in your pedalboard. Too bad the looper's so expensive, but i really dig the beat buddy and I'm probably getting one.
Can you slave the MIDI clock of the AEROS to other drum-machines / hardware / software? If yes, how well does it perform? Does it stretch the audio to fit tempo changes without changing pitch?
I've been using the Aeros / Beatbuddy combo for a couple of years now. I play guitar and sing solo. They are tricky to set-up and sync for sure. The best I found was to connect them via midi. You want to use the BB as the master and the Aeros as the slave, and yet the BB needs to be AFTER the Aeros in the signal chain so you don't record the drums as part of your loop. It's confusing, and to make matters worse, you must delete your previous loops or add a new song when changing drum patterns, / songs or the Aeros retains the previous song's tempo. Also, for the life of me, I cannot figure out song "parts" in 6x6 mode. It's some sort of 2 step process, and that doesn't work live for me.
That said, I love both devices. I have other drum machines, and they all suck compared to the BB. It just sounds great. Get an external foot switch though for performing / looping. It allows single tap pausing / stopping, and that's absolutely critical for stopping things on beat. Looper is awesome in 2x2 mode - song parts are easy - but you are limited to 2 - more than enough for most pop / rock / blues music. I like to record verse and chorus as open chord instrumental intro. Then, I return to the verse, capo up a few frets, and play open chord inversions over the loop - it sounds beautiful - and I sing as I play the inversions. Switch parts for chorus, then back to the verse or I'll play a lead melody for a few bars, then go back to the verse. For outros, I'll remove the capo, and go back to playing open chords, and then stop the looper, then the drums while I keep playing guitar and singing unacompanied. These devices allow a solo perfomer to build complex arrangements on the fly, and then to deconstruct them piece by peice to gracefully exit a song.
Obviously, this sort of set-up is not for beginners! It took me years of practice with more basic loopers to get the whole loop timing thing down. Aeros will quantize your loop, and you don't have to nail the start and stop cues after laying down a loop, but your timing still needs to be very good or your loop will sound wierd / stretched and won't groove right. Each device is it's own instrument, and integrating them and arranging songs takes a LOT of time / work. It's totally worth it if you are a solo artist like me. Obviously both devices are basically useless in a band setting, unless you need a drummer. BB is great as a standalone drum machine for anyone who hates metronomes (Me!) but wants to develop good timing - (everyone should - playing in time is fundamental to being a good muscian)
Hi thanks for this. How is the sound from keys being generated..via a vst in a daw? I'd like to loop sounds generated in ableton...but hear them to so what is best...headphones from looper? Or some other mysterious audio routing?
How does this compare to other loopers? I'm not interested in needing to switch between layers/tracks like in 6x6 mode. I want just one button per stereo track so everything is immediate with minimum distraction. I'm looking to supplement a live jamming setup to cover switching songs. Any alternatives?
Hi Thanks for your informative demo review - is it possible to store whole arrangements, either with the beat buddy or the Aeros, so it can play a whole song back without having to change the parts manually, as I would like to use this setup as backing for live duo gigs. Many thanks
I have both a Roland VS-2000 CD and VS-2480.CD Is there anyway to record or connect the BeatBuddy with either of these recorders? The Rowland 2000 does show the midi is recording but can't get any playback audio.
GREAT review of two extraordinarily ‘deep’ pedals!! I can’t believe how much you covered on those pedals in such a short time!!! Very good review and enjoyed the jamming you threw out there! I could listen to a lot of your playing.. very cool!!
Very nice reviews! I noticed you have a review on the Boss RC-500 as well. Have you had any luck using the RC-500 as a midi master to the BeatBuddy as a midi slave? I would like to see the RC-500 control the tempo of the BB so that you can record a loop on the RC-500, then start the BB in-sync with the loop. If so, would you consider posting a video on that process, explaining any special components necessary to get them to work together?
Thanks! I've not tried that
Another quick bit about Beat Buddy, seeing as how it does not have a sequencer or anyway to trigger/program onboard, I have been having loads of fun connecting it downstream from my UNO Drum via MIDI. You can mute the UNO Drum (or any drum machine for that matter) and use the UNO simply as a drum sequencer or combine the two for some fun. I used to use my BB as a brain with my DIY MIDI drum set with a trigger-to-MIDI converter. The velocity layers make it really playable. Some expensive Roland kits don’t even have multi sampled velocity layers. Lastly....the pedal is basically a sample player. On the user site, you can find pianos and some basic instruments mapped out over the keyboard, AGAIN, with velocity. There’s no ADSR, so you’re best to try instruments with a short decay.
How would this compare with the TC Helicon Voicelive touch 2?
Came here for the Aeros.... Ended up being interested in the ConinuuuMini. Man that thing is cool sounding.
only 4 grand lol
Thanks for sharing. Could the Aeros Looper "mix down" all its tracks into the SD card as a wave file?
No, but all the tracks are saved as WAV files on the SD card making a mixdown in a DAW pretty quick and easy to import and sync.
Quality and thorough review as usual. However, what other loopers have you used? Have you tried a boomerang III?
Thanks! No I've not. I've tried a bunch of loopers in multifx pedals, owned the RC-50 and sold it because I didn't like it... I believe they later fixed some issues in the firmware. Messed around with the 505 (which is great) and a bunch of iPad loopers
the boomerang is awesome and rock solid (And made in Texas!), but I'm a little slow so I want the display plus the extra tracks. And the Boomerang is not cheap either, but it is a time tested workhorse. I took the plunge and just sold mine this is just to sexy for me not to try it lol.
Great overview. Anyway of hooking up headphones?
It has a stereo out so it should work... I've not tried
Hey there, the BeatBuddy comes with a headphones jack, so yes!
Sheesh dude! You need a vacation... Good content
You should talk! But thanks for the comment and for not unsubscribing :)
@@loopop haha at least you knew I was joking
Just subbed to your channel... thanks for the fun post.
I love that ability to switch between parts. I have the Headrest Looperboard, and Its hard for me to get into it
Can you provide me a link to get the continuu mini
Very cool
What is the easiest way to get Beatbuddy to play the parts in the structure of the popular song that the parts were programmed for?
Question , as a guitarist, vocalist what would be best for me? The Electro Harmonix 95000 or this?
Can you sync 2 aeros loppers?
Good review, thank you, I like it but it is a bit pricey. Any chance you can get hold of a Noodlebox Sequencer for review, it's not out yet but looks a bit more accessible price-wise?!
They're really two very difference things - looper and sequencer. Re Noodlebox - I haven't really thought about it, not sure what makes it special but I may be wrong of course.
hmmmmm...I do not know if I could find a place fr those..I would have to get my hands on those and see how they work in person...
I have been doing a lot of research on Beatbuddy. I saw the sobriety button, immediately purchased
Curious if midi sync can be achieved with the Beatbuddy, Aeros and a multi effects such as headrush gigboard so that the time based guitar effects automatically allign with the bpm of the Beatbuddy?
Beat Buddy is sending midi clock to the aeros, and that will be passed to the aeros midi-out
Hey there, yes this is possible! The BeatBudy can send MIDI clock to other MIDI-capable devices. Just make sure you have the BeatBuddy MIDI adapter cable when connecting to another device and that they are connected properly. Check out our video of how to setup the BeatBuddy as the MIDI master (sending MIDI clock) here: th-cam.com/users/shortsXDmzaUuCkdA
I recently purchased a BeatBuddy and considering purchasing the Aeros to accompany it. However, I read a review that stated when loading a saved loop, the 2 don't always sync up correctly. Have you experienced this scenario? Thank you for your time and expertise. Great video.
Thanks very much! I've not noticed this problem, but I've only spent around a week with it. I'm sure they'll fix any issues, they've released two firmware updates since I made this video...
Just FYI, I own the whole kit (beat buddy, Aeros and the MIDI Maestro). I currently would not recommend the Maestro, as the company has released it without a functioning firmware....its a paper weight. The Aeros still has a ways to go as well, particularly external MIDI control.
Casey Sweten Any luck getting the Aeros to play well with midi clocks other than the Beat Buddy? I have not had good luck with Ableton as a master (Aeros kept time to the beat but didn’t seem to recognize the start of measures). Tonight, I was having pretty good results with my Beat Buddy, but not with my Digtakt.
Casey Sweten Too bad about Maestro. Any idea if folks are having luck controlling Aeros with FCB1010?
It's a shame that the app isn't available to configure the MIDI Maestro yet. I've been searching for a MIDI foot pedal with customizable text screens above each foot switch that I can use to switch presets, start/stop playback, record enable, etc. between multiple synths/drum machines/grooveboxes and the MIDI Maestro is the right size, shape, and price for what I'm seeking. I nearly pulled the trigger on Nektar's Pacer foot controller until I realized the icons and text are not reconfigurable since they are simply illuminating fixed labels/icons. Other pedals with a screen-per-foot-switch interface like the Mastermind GT series from RJM Music are way more than I'm wanting to spend as well as a little too large to fit comfortably in the allotted space. I don't own a Beat Buddy or Aeros so I'm just waiting on the app to be available so I can see if it's something that is going to work for my needs. I sent Singular Sound a message yesterday so hopefully I'll have some sort of idea of when the app is going to be released soon. Have you heard anything regarding app availability for the Maestro or do you have any product suggestions that have a screen-per-foot-switch layout?
Still seems better than most loopers on the market. The Boomerang seemed like the king for a long time but thats hardly modern and not super user friendly imo. I have the Ditto X4 and I am really happy with it but I use it for guitar.
@@disruptityourself Pigtronix infinity looper is also a great option, particularly for its flawless midi sync
Hello why the looper won't record the beatbuddy? Thanls
Is every parametre midi cc compatible? Like start stop rec overdub etc? And thanks for the review!
Yes, even triggering single parts: that's what the bb and the midi maestro do. But you can do it with everything that sends midi cc as long as you know the correct ones
If you record a song with a specific drum patch and you save the loop on the Aeros, will it save the drum beat as well or do you have to remember what drum patch you used and do it manually when you go back to the loop?
It won't: it's just a simple midi connection that sends midi CC (start/stop/next part, etc.) from the bb to the aeros: the looper is not aware of what the bb is playing, it just listens to its commands. If selecting the right song on the bb bothers you, you can still record the drums on one of the tracks. That's why I think the beat buddy is quite redundant if you have the aeros: you got 6 tracks and hours of time: you can pre-record all the drums you want from any source you like. Them save them to songs, then use 5 tracks and overdubs that I think it's more than enough for 99,9% of the people.
@@paolomoretti9291 Gotcha thanks!
Hey there, you can save the MSB, LSB, and PC commands of a BeatBuddy song to your Aeros song, so that when you open the song again on your Aeros, it will automatically open the BeatBuddy song without needing to find it manually. We are posting a video on how to do this very soon!
Excellent overview, much appreciated! Your thoughts on using this as an "idea/songwriting station" vs working directly in a DAW?
Thanks! I think a response to that is at the very least a whole video if not a book... but the abridged version would be, whatever gets you creative works!
@@loopop Ha - word to that. For the last couple years I've been stuck in a vortex of buying gear, trying to get prepared, getting lost in the technical routing, losing inspiration. I actually have an Aeros on order... But meanwhile I have a new set-up taking shape that's: Keystep pro > Digitakt > Peak (haven't yet tried working with this in Logic Pro - but that's been my DAW in the past...). Been getting more into sampling and synths, but I'm coming from an indie-rock/folk background playing guitars/bass/singing. Anywho - been trying to reinvent my style and workflow while also getting back to writing/recording songs.
Well, that's the start of my confessional book... My current chapter is titled: "I stopped myself from buying an SP-404SX by buying an SP-202 instead." Lol. Cheers.
How does the Aeros Looper compare to the Boss RC505 and The EHX95000? Also, is it really made to go with the BeatBuddy or is it possible to drive/slave it to other MIDI devices? Thank you.
Theoretically it should slave to any device - MIDI is MIDI, but, I have not tested it.
Hey there, the Aeros was designed to work seamlessly with the BeatBuddy but it's totally capable of syncing with other MIDI devices as well. Just make sure you are routing the cables and the MIDI settings in the Aeros properly.
Can you program the beat buddy to switch parts without pressing the pedal? Let's say 4 measures of part 1, then 3 of part 2, then back to 1 and repeat automatically?
Not that I'm aware (maybe if the company reads these comments they can respond), but, there's nothing to my knowledge stopping you from creating one long MIDI file/song with everything in it (I would just connect the songs in my DAW and bring them into BeatBuddy)
@@loopop I see, thank you
I think you can if you edit the midi files on a DAW and then load the song back into the pedal via USB.
Does this actually auto quantize if your timing is off ?
Hey there, the Aeros' Auto Quantize feature works by using an algorithm to define the tempo of the recording you just made based on the start and stop point of your recording. Basically, you have to record your first recording "in time," but it doesn't have to be perfect. The algorithm will round to whatever whole number tempo it is closest to.
loopop, will we see a review of Solid State Logic SSL 2 and SSL 2+ AI's from you?
Probably not - I'll only review an interface if I feel there's something we can learn from it - the 4k is nice, but not something that would make me personally buy it, and other than that there's not much I can say other than to read the specs... did I miss anything?
Anton Hoggett no you haven’t, just wanted to hear your thoughts on the idea in your style.
can you sync aeros to other things like an mpc?
should work, I haven't tried it
Thanks, as always, for the great review. Can I ask what version of the firmware your Aeros unit has? (Maybe you have a special beta-software review unit?). My unit has software version 2.13.2 and the Updates page says “ALL UP TO DATE”. However, my new song menu page does not have the “Sync Tracks Length” and “Sync Tracks Start” options that your menu shows at 9:53 in the video.
I was a first-batch purchaser of the Aeros, and I have been a long-time Beat Buddy user. Happy to share my opinion if anyone has questions.
Brian Danella thanks! I’m using the public beta 2.15 that’s available on the Aeros forum
Singular Sound... Isn't that the company owned by that guy on whom the movie War Dogs was based on? Not that I'm complaining if the product itself is good.
watch the 2 minute "Our Story" video on their website, it's worth a look!
I preordered the Aeros and got it back when it was a work in progress. Maybe it has fixed all of the bugs and added all of the thing it initially advertised but it definitely left a bad taste in my mouth.
Same. Had to return it because of all the bugs.
Does it sync out as a master? So that a drum machine or a real drummer with headphones can be the slave. Really unclear. I know the key step is here but it’s quantized and slaved from the buddy so could just be a thru. Will clock out if you use it like a normal master looper with the start and stop stomps as the bars? For some reason this is incredibly rare on loopers.
Beat Buddy is a pretty brilliant at what it does but I'd count the 15 dollar, totally custom MIDI dongle as a solid "con". Hopefully they'll replace that with 1/8" MIDI on their next iteration.
Since MOOD was reviewed and such as it is Blooper was just released, and since looping is in the spot light again... Perhaps the bloop needs a lil loopop inspection? Besides, there is a USB port with some magic slated on these coming soon.
Indeed I believe Blooper is inspection worthy... hope to get to it in the coming weeks
Surprised you have notdone a pro 3 video yet.
I love your reviews even when I don't like a product. Keep them coming!
This ain't for me at $600.... I mean, seriously, I could get a MC707 for not much more on the used market.
When I heard the price I was like ....eh?
Try $1300 in Australia!!!!
Where the synth sound from?
It's the Continuumini at the bottom of the frame
Although I have several bones to pick w/Roland/Boss’s unit, but the U I of the RC-505 loop station is still the best, the most intuitive of all the loopers out there. The 505 is obvious that it’s not a foot stomper, but, neither is the Aeros. With the menu diving involved in the Aeros, I don’t see how one could use it to its full advantage on the floor. . . unless crouching down during your song to menu dive seems convenient.
The ui of the 505 is brilliant, The 16 bit recording is sometimes wonky when changing the speed of playback, the plastic body is just a bit delicate for the road, while at the same time the lighted buttons can take hard slaps and repeated hard hits. Sorry, Aeros, not convinced. Yet.
It's missing solo for Aeros..
I guess it’s better than an iPad for some reason I have a cheap stereo looper for simple stuff otherwise IPad
9:15 how would that work with beats? I mean is it possible to have synced beats without being constricted to loop length?? because u talk about polyrythms but this would only be possible if there is SOME quantization going on...
I turned all quantization off in the free form mode, so it won't sync to a beat, but you could have different length loops and still sync bar or loop starts if you like (I cover these briefly in the video and they're explained in the manual)
@@loopop awesome!! Although I wouldn't say u cover them as a whole. Just the unsynced portion, which is a shame because if what u say works well than this is actually an intirely new feature on hardware that should be highlighted WAY more
You left out the most important part. In real songs, a verse doesn't last a couple seconds. It can be 16 bars long, for example. When performing a song live with guitar, I can record the guitar verse on the looper. But, then I need to sing the chorus and record it as the next section of the song, instead of listening to the whole verse over and over again, waiting for it to end so I can finally start recording the chorus. You are experimenting with very short sounds. If the instrument is designed for songs, how do you make a recording without listening to it again? So, can I continue recording the chorus without stopping and re-listening to the whole verse again? I want to include listening to the recorded verse later, in my own time, according to the intent of the arrangement, not forced, as the looper will tell me. What do you say? It's a very obvious need, isn't it?
Can Aeros Looper Record in odd meter (instead of a 4/4 bar like in 5/4 6/4 or 7/4 etc.)?
Hi Daniel, yes it can!! You can record any time signature on the Aeros. Feel free to visit our channel to find out more. th-cam.com/users/MyBeatBuddy
Seriously considered the Aeros for months but ended up getting the Boss Rc505 instead. Very happy with it.
Yes!!! New review!!!
And I'm 1st again!!!
Isn't this better for guitar?
I thought it might be better to do this demo using an acoustic guitar.
It's not better for a guitar, but it will of course work just as well with one. You don't want my guitar playing on loop though, trust me.
@@loopop Such world class modesty...ha, ha but therein lies the challenge!! :)
I actually plan to practice again! But for now unless I find a guitar with an arpeggiator it’s better to keep it off the channel ;)
beat buddy doesnt sync midi tho so , ?? misleading?
En français svp
Oh wow, the sobriety thing is high-larious.
These "toys" are extremely complicated.. They should make a version that is simply or by choice i can switch between easy and not so easy set up all in a same machine..
Actually, Aeros in 2x2 and Beatbuddy midi synced is about as easy as it gets. 6x6 can get a bit chaotic keeping track of everything, but that's the price of extreme versatility.
@@donspiegel4275 it took me 18 months to learn to think in "Boomerang" lol, this looks much simpler, especially with the midi controller.
Beat buddy is as bad as it’s name. So square and sterile. It was back in the box and returned faster than any piece of kit I’ve ever tried. The midi link stuff is cool though.
I've seen some terrible reviews of this :S
Love your reviews but these products look rather useless.
Thanks... and, yeah some things aren’t for everyone