The Sheeran Loopers Looper+ combines power and portability to offer the most versatile looping tool available in a small-footprint package. Whether you are just dipping your toes in the art of looping, or you're a seasoned looping professional, the Looper+ is a potent tool for any portable looping rig. In this article, we'll go over some of the most popular questions about the features and functionality of the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
- General Questions
- Looping Features
- What types of looping modes does the Looper+ feature?
- What are the minimum and maximum lengths of a loop track?
- How many overdub layers can I apply to a loop track?
- What is the maximum overdub time per loop?
- Does the Looper+ feature an undo/redo function?
- Does the Looper+ feature a built-in metronome and tempo controls?
- Can I configure two loops to function as distinct sections of a song?
- Can I record two loops of different lengths?
- Can I customize that Record/Dub/Play functions of the Play+Record footswitch?
- How does the Fade function work?
- How does the Speed function work?
- How does the Reverse function work?
- Do the Reverse and Speed functions affect all layers uniformly?
- Audio I/O and Recording
- What types of audio inputs and outputs does the Sheeran Looper+ have?
- Which audio output configurations does the Looper+ feature?
- Does the Looper+ support stereo instruments? (ex. a keyboard or drum machine)
- Can I use microphones that require Phantom Power (+48v) with the Sheeran Looper+?
- What is the bit-rate and sample-rate at which the Looper+ operates?
- Can I use the Looper+ to record directly to my Mac or PC?
- What audio is sent to my computer when recording via USB?
- MIDI Features and Footswitch Control
- Storage Features
- How do I save loops that I have recorded on the Looper+?
- How do I load loops that I have previously saved to the Looper+'s internal memory?
- How do I delete saved loops from the Looper+'s internal storage?
- Can I back up my saved loops to my computer?
- How much storage space is included in the Looper+'s internal memory?
- Can I load external audio to my Looper+'s internal memory to jam over?
- What do I do if my Looper+ displays a "Memory Full" warning?
- Utility Functions and Firmware Updates
- Warranty and Technical Support
General Questions
What is the Sheeran Looper+?
The Sheeran Looper+ is a powerful and portable 2-channel looping device that enables near-limitless looping potential in a compact, robust package.
The Looper+ empowers musicians of any background to generate fully fledged loop compositions in a variety of configurations, making it the perfect tool for both sketching and performing alike.
What are the Sheeran Looper+'s dimensions?
8.52” x 6.24” x 3.00” or 21.64 x 15.85 x 7.62 cm (width x depth x height).
How much does the Sheeran Looper+ weigh?
3.75 lbs or 1.7 kg.
How is the Sheeran Looper+ powered?
The Sheeran Looper+ is powered by 4 AA alkaline batteries or a 9V 500mA pin-negative power supply (sold separately).
Can I mount the Sheeran Looper+ to my pedalboard?
The Sheeran Looper+ features 4 large rubber feet for direct contact to the floor but does not feature mounting points for screws or other hard fasteners. Given this, it is recommended to use heavy-duty Velcro to fasten the Looper+ to a larger pedalboard.
Looping Features
What types of looping modes does the Looper+ feature?
The Looper+ features 4 unique looping modes, ranging from the simplicity of a single, overdubbed loop to fully-fledged songs. See the details of each mode below:
Single: This is the Looper+'s default looping mode. In this mode, you can record and overdub an unlimited number of layers on a single loop track.
Multi: In this mode, you can record and play back two looper tracks that are locked to the same length. If you stop recorded one layer before the inital track length is reached, the track will flash on the display until the original track length is reached.
Sync: In this mode, you can record and play back two looper tracks. After you record the first (primary) track, the second track must be the same length, or a multiple of or division of that length. For instance, if your first track is a two-bar rhythm track, the second track can be one bar, two bars, four bars, etc. If you stop recording the second layer before the inital track length is reached (or a multiple of or division of the initial track length), the track will flash on the display until the original track length is reached.
Song: In this mode, you can record and play back two independent loops. These can be of different lengths and cannot be played together. This is useful for creating two distinct sections of a song that can be played on after another, like a verse and a chorus.
What are the minimum and maximum lengths of a loop track?
The minimum length of a loop is ~1 second. The maximum loop length is 1.5 hours.
How many overdub layers can I apply to a loop track?
The Looper+ does not limit the number of overdub tracks that can be recorded over a loop in any mode.
What is the maximum overdub time per loop?
The maximum overdub time per loop is 30 minutes.
Does the Looper+ feature an undo/redo function?
Yes! To undo a recorded overdub, hold down the Play+Record Button while in Overdub Mode (orange ring). To redo an undone overdub, hold down the Play+Record Button while the track is in Playback Mode (green ring).
Does the Looper+ feature a built-in metronome and tempo controls?
No, the Looper+ does not feature a built-in metronome or tap-tempo controls. However, tempo can be controlled by an external MIDI device configurable in the Looper+'s MIDI menu. See the MIDI Control section below for further details.
Can I configure two loops to function as distinct sections of a song?
Yes! This can be achieved by enabling Song Mode as described above.
Can I record two loops of different lengths?
Yes, this can be configured by enabling Sync Mode. However, the length of the second loop must be an even subdivision of the first loop. For instance, if your first track is a two-bar rhythm track, the second track can be one bar, two bars, four bars, etc.
Can I customize that Record/Dub/Play functions of the Play+Record footswitch?
Yes! This can be configured in the Logic Menu. Use the encoder to set the recording behavior of the RECORD + PLAY pedal. Select R>D>P to Record, then Overdub, then Play; or select R>P>D to Record, then Play, then Overdub.
How does the Fade function work?
After recording a loop, you can use the encoder to access the Fade Menu to apply a Fade-in or Fade-out to the selected track. When a track is stopped, you can apply a Fade-in. When a track is playing you can apply a Fade-out.
How does the Speed function work?
The Speed function allows you to play a recorded track at 1/2 speed or full speed. Use the encoder to navigate to the Speed Menu, then select your desired speed subdivision.
How does the Reverse function work?
The reverse function allows you to enable reversed playback on a selected track. Use the encoder to navigate to the Reverse Menu, then select your desired playback direction.
Do the Reverse and Speed functions affect all layers uniformly?
When the Reverse or Speed effects are applied to a selected track, it affects all recorded layers of the track, but does not affect subsequent overdubs that have yet to be recorded. In this way, the Speed/Reverse settings can imbue a certain 'polarity' to different layers within a single track, depending on the mode enabled when they are recorded.
For instance, if you were to record a loop, then apply the Reverse effect to it, it will begin playing in reverse. However, this will not reverse the playback of any overdubbed layers recorded after Reverse has been enabled. This will result in the initial loop playing back in reverse, while the overdub layers play back normally. Consequently, if you then disable Reverse mode, the first loop will resume playing normally, while all overdubbed layers will begin playing in reverse.
The same can be said of Speed mode. In following the logic, you can actually achieve a double-time effect by recording your initial loop while 1/2 Speed mode is enabled in the speed menu. After recording the loop, you can toggle back to Full Speed, which will result in the recorded loop playing back at double-speed. However, if you record an overdub while in Full Speed mode, prior to returning to 1/2 speed mode, that overdub will play back at half speed when 1/2 speed is enabled again.
Audio I/O and Recording
What types of audio inputs and outputs does the Sheeran Looper+ have?
- (1) Combo XLR/TRS 1/4" (6.35 mm)
- (2) 1/4” (6.35 mm) TS instrument inputs
- (1) 1/4” (6.35 mm) TRS dual-pedal footswitch input
- (2) 1/4” (6.35 mm) balanced outputs
- (1) USB Type-B port (2 in/2 out)
Which audio output configurations does the Looper+ feature?
The Looper+ features 3 output configuration settings: Mono, Stereo, and Split. These options can be toggled between by using the encoder to navigate to the output menu.
Select Mono to sum both the loop audio output and dry audio input to a mono signal sent to the L (Mono) (left) and R (right) outputs. Select Stereo to send the loop audio output and dry audio input to both L (Mono) and R outputs as a stereo signal. Select Split to send the loop audio output to the L (Mono) output and the dry audio input to the R output.
Does the Looper+ support stereo instruments? (ex. a keyboard or drum machine)
Yes! To accomplish this, connect your 1/4" output cables from your stereo instrument to the L/R 1/4" TS inputs on the Looper+, then enable Stereo Mode in the Output Menu.
Can I use microphones that require Phantom Power (+48v) with the Sheeran Looper+?
Not natively. The Looper+ does not feature built-in phantom power, so you will need to use an external preamp (not included) that features phantom power to make use of condenser microphones and other microphones that require phantom power.
What is the bit-rate and sample-rate at which the Looper+ operates?
The Looper+ operates at 32-bit PCM, 44.1 Khz via a custom HeadRush single-core DSP with 24-bit A/D D/A conversion.
Can I use the Looper+ to record directly to my Mac or PC?
Yes! By connecting the included USB B->A Cable, the Looper+ acts as a 2-channel audio interface through which you can record directly to the DAW of your choice.
What audio is sent to my computer when recording via USB?
This depends on the Output configuration selected in the Looper+'s Output Menu. In Mono Mode, both the dry audio input and loop audio input are summed and sent individually to channels 1 & 2. In Stereo Mode, the dry audio input and loop audio are sent to channels 1 & 2 as a stereo signal. In Split Mode, the loop audio input is sent to channel 1, and the dry audio input is sent to channel 2.
MIDI Features and Footswitch Control
Can I sync the Sheeran Looper+ to an external drum machine?
Sheeran Looper + can be synced to the tempo of an external MIDI device (such as a drum machine) while recording and playing your loops using MIDI Clock receive. To use MIDI Clock Receive:
1. First, make sure you have set the proper MIDI input Source and Channel in the Menu Screen > MIDI page, and that the Clock setting has been set to On. When this is enabled, a 5-pin MIDI DIN plug icon will appear on the display.
2. Once enabled, looper tracks will begin recording once you press the Record + Play (● + ▶) pedal and the next MIDI Clock downbeat is received.
3. While recording the first layer, if you switch to playback or stop the recording, the loop end point will automatically be moved to the last received MIDI Clock downbeat or next MIDI Clock downbeat, whichever is closer.
4. During playback, a loop will begin overdubbing once you press the Record + Play (● + ▶) pedal and the next MIDI Clock downbeat is received.
5. Sheeran Looper + will stop recording, overdubbing, or playback once the Stop () pedal is pressed the next MIDI Clock downbeat is received.
Can I control the Sheeran Looper+ with MIDI?
Yes! Sheeran Looper + can be controlled by incoming MIDI note or program messages sent by external MIDI gear. This external MIDI gear must be connected to the 1/8” MIDI Input or the USB port. If USB-MIDI gear is being connected to the USB port, it must be class compliant and require no software drivers to function. To enable external MIDI control, use the encoder to navigate to the MIDI Menu, then the External Control submenu, then select 'enable.' See below for a list of MIDI commands receivable by the Looper+:
Can I assign a specific MIDI channel to the Sheeran Looper+?
Yes! The Looper+ can accept input from MIDI channels 1-16 as well as omnichannel input. To configure this setting, use the encoder to navigate to the MIDI Menu, then the Channel submenu. Select the corresponding channel number to assign a specific channel, or OMNI for omnichannel.
Can I control the Sheeran Looper+ with an external footswitch?
Yes! The Sheeran Looper+ supports dual-function 1/4" TRS footswitches to control the unit when connected to the EXT FS port on the rear panel. In addition to footswitch control, you can also assign commands to the Encoder, which are triggered by a momentary push.
To configure your footswitch and encoder assignments, use the encoder to navigate to the ASSIGN menu. Then, turn the encoder to select ENCODER PUSH, FS1, or FS2, and then push the encoder to access the following assignment options:
• Track: Switch between Tracks A and B.
• Solo Current: Solo the current track (while muting the other track).
• Solo A: Solo Track A (while muting Track B).
• Solo B: Solo Track B (while muting Track A).
• R/P/D B: Cycle between recording, playback, and overdubbing of Track B.
• Speed: Cycle between 1/2 Speed and Normal speed for the currently selected track.
• Reverse: Cycle between reverse audio and normal audio for the currently selected track.
• Fade All: Apply a fade in or fade out to both tracks at the same time.
• Clear: Clear the currently selected track.
• Clear All: Clear both tracks at the same time.
• Undo/Redo: Undo (temporarily clear) audio recorded since the last overdubbing began, then redo (bring back) that audio.
To select an assignment, push the encoder.
Storage Features
How do I save loops that I have recorded on the Looper+?
To save a recorded loop, use the encoder to navigate to the SAVE menu. To save your loop:
1. When you first open the Save menu, the save slot will be highlighted. Turn the encoder to select an EMPTY save slot. There are 128 available slots in Sheeran Looper +’s internal storage. If you navigated away from the save slot and need to reselect it, turn the encoder until it is highlighted, and then push to select it.
2. When you have selected an empty save slot, push the encoder to confirm.
3. The SAVE option will become highlighted after a save slot is chosen. Push the encoder again to save the loop to the selected slot. If you wish to cancel, turn the encoder so that CANCEL is highlighted, then push to confirm. Alternatively, do nothing until you are returned to the main screen.
Please note: If no loop has been recorded, this option will be greyed out.
How do I load loops that I have previously saved to the Looper+'s internal memory?
To load a saved loop, use the encoder to navigate to the LOAD menu. To load your loop:
1. When you first open the Load menu, the saved loop slots will be highlighted. Turn the encoder to select an available saved loop. If you navigated away from the saved loop slots and need to reselect them, turn the encoder until it is highlighted, and then push to select it.
2. When you have selected a saved loop, push the encoder to confirm.
3. The LOAD option will become highlighted after a save slot is chosen. Push the encoder again to load the loop. If you wish to cancel, turn the encoder so that CANCEL is highlighted, then push to confirm. Alternatively, do nothing until you are returned to the main screen.
How do I delete saved loops from the Looper+'s internal storage?
To delete a saved loop, use the encoder to navigate to the DELETE menu. To delete a saved loop:
1. When you first open the Delete menu, the saved loop slots will be highlighted. Turn the encoder to select an available saved loop. If you navigated away from the saved loop slots and need to reselect them, turn the encoder until it is highlighted, and then push to select it.
2. When you have selected a saved loop, push the encoder to confirm.
3. The DELETE option will become highlighted after a save slot is chosen. Push the encoder.
4. A second confirmation screen will appear. To proceed, push the encoder again while YES is highlighted. The selected loop will be deleted. This action cannot be undone. If you wish to cancel, turn the encoder so that CANCEL is highlighted, then push to confirm. Alternatively, do nothing until you are returned to the main screen.
Can I back up my saved loops to my computer?
Yes! You can connect Sheeran Looper + to your computer using a standard USB cable (not included) connected from the USB port on the rear panel to transfer loop files.
1. While connected to a computer, navigate to the USB menu and push the encoder to select “START”. The screen will briefly show “SETUP” as it connects to your computer.
2. Once you are connected, Sheeran Looper + will appear as a removable mass-storage device called LOOPER. Inside this drive you will find folders for the 128 available loop slots, with any available recorded audio inside each folder.
3. WARNING: When you are finished transferring contents, you must unmount/eject the LOOPER drive from your computer. File corruption may occur if the drive is not properly ejected before continuing. After unmounting, push the encoder again while EXIT is highlighted on the display. Sheeran Looper + will restart and return to normal operation.
Important: Do not disconnect or power off Sheeran Looper + during the process.
Any unsupported files will be ignored.
You cannot transfer a folder or .zip/archive folder to/from Sheeran Looper +. Instead, transfer any supported files directly.
Please note: If you are a Windows user, you must download and install the Looper+ PC Driver to enable communication between your Looper+ and your PC. First, navigate to the Looper+'s product page on sheeranloopers.com. Then, under LOOPER+, click FIND OUT MORE to arrive at the SUPPORT & DOWNLOADS page for the Looper+. You can download the driver from this repository.
How much storage space is included in the Looper+'s internal memory?
The Sheeran Looper+ features ~4.1Gb of internal storage space. This equates to approximately 3 hours of loop time.
Can I load external audio to my Looper+'s internal memory to jam over?
Yes! This can be accomplished using the Sheeran File Converter. Please follow the steps in the following tutorial video to install the file converter to complete the conversion of your intended audio files: Sheeran Loopers - Using the Sheeran Loopers File Converter - YouTube
What do I do if my Looper+ displays a "Memory Full" warning?
Sheeran Looper + includes internal storage space for over three hours of looping. If you begin to fill up all that space, a few warnings will appear on the display to let you know you should offload some of your existing loops using the USB function.
When your Sheeran Looper + is approximately 75-99% full, the remaining looper time left will appear in the top-right corner of the display in yellow.
As you get closer to full, this remaining time will turn red. If you are in the middle of recording as this happens, your loop will enter overdub or playback, depending on the current Logic settings, so that no break in audio is heard.
Once you have reached full memory, an additional warning will appear on the display to indicate that overdubbing has been disabled. You will need to Delete loops or transfer them off Sheeran Looper + using the USB connection to free up space. Once this is done, a new message will appear to indicate you may now resume overdubbing the loop.
If you attempt to save a loop while memory is full, a warning will also appear to indicate saving is disabled. Free up space on your device to continue.
Utility Functions and Firmware Updates
How do you factory reset the Sheeran Looper+?
If for any reason you need to reset Sheeran Looper + and erase all user content, you can perform a factory reset.
1. Press and hold the right STOP footswitch and encoder at the same time, and while still holding both, power on Sheeran Looper+.
2. A screen will appear to warn you that resetting will erase all user content. Push the encoder to proceed.
3. A second screen will appear for confirmation. Turn the encoder to select YES, then push it to continue.
4. If you wish to cancel, turn the encoder to select NO and Sheeran Looper+ will restart and power on in normal operation. If you select YES, the factory reset will begin, and Sheeran Looper+ will restart once it has finished. All user content will be erased, and this action cannot be undone.
Does the Looper+ require a day-one firmware update?
Yes! Prior to digging in to the many functions and features of your device, it is essential that you install the day-one firmware update to ensure optimal function of your device. Please follow the steps in the firmware update guide to complete the process.