Looper

Looper

The ToneForge Looper is a powerful multi-track recording and playback system designed for live performance and creative music making.

🎙️ Multi-Track Recording

Basic Operation

• Up to 8 tracks: Record multiple layers simultaneously
• Real-time effects: All effects are applied during recording and playback
• Individual track controls: Volume, mute, and solo for each track
• Track management: Add, remove, and organize tracks easily

Recording Workflow

1. Start recording: Tap the record button to begin the first track
2. Play along: Your performance is recorded with all active effects
3. Stop recording: Tap stop to finish the current track
4. Playback: The loop automatically starts playing
5. Add layers: Record additional tracks while the loop plays
6. Overdub: Each new track is synchronized with existing tracks

🎛️ Advanced Playback Features

Speed & Pitch Control

• Speed control: Adjust playback speed from 0.5x to 2x
• Pitch shifting: Change pitch without affecting tempo
• Reverse playback: Play tracks backwards for creative effects

Stutter Effect

• Rate control: Adjust stutter frequency from 1Hz to 10Hz
• Duty cycle: 50% on/off pattern for rhythmic effects
• Real-time control: Change stutter rate during playback

Slicing System

• Automatic slicing: Cut loops into 16 segments
• Custom slice points: Define specific cut points
• Random playback: Shuffle slice order for glitch effects
• Reverse slices: Play individual slices backwards

🎚️ Audio Processing

Auto-Compression

• Threshold: Set compression trigger level (-40dB to 0dB)
• Ratio: Compression ratio from 1:1 to 20:1
• Attack: Fast (1ms) to slow (100ms) attack times
• Release: Quick (10ms) to slow (500ms) release times

Auto-Normalization

• Peak detection: Automatically find the highest level
• Target level: Set desired peak level (-20dB to 0dB)
• Gain adjustment: Apply appropriate gain to reach target

Filtering

• Low-pass filter: Cut high frequencies (1kHz to 20kHz)
• High-pass filter: Cut low frequencies (20Hz to 1kHz)
• Real-time control: Adjust filter frequencies during playback

Reverb Tail

• Decay time: Set reverb decay from 0.5s to 5s
• Mix level: Control wet/dry balance (0-100%)
• Seamless loops: Add natural decay between repetitions

⏱️ Quantization & Timing

Quantization

• BPM sync: Synchronize with metronome BPM
• Grid size: Choose quantization resolution (1/4, 1/8, 1/16)
• Precise timing: Automatic alignment to musical grid

Fade Controls

• Auto fade-in: Smooth start to loops (0.1s to 2s)
• Auto fade-out: Smooth end to loops (0.1s to 2s)
• Manual fades: Apply custom fade regions

🎹 MIDI Integration

MIDI Control

• MIDI Learn: Assign MIDI CC to looper functions
• Channel selection: Choose MIDI channel (1-16)
• Function mapping: Map CC numbers to specific controls
• Real-time control: Use external controllers for hands-free operation

MIDI Functions

• Record/Stop: Start/stop recording
• Play/Pause: Control playback
• Track selection: Switch between tracks
• Effect controls: Adjust looper effects
• Speed/Pitch: Control playback parameters

📱 Notification Controls

Quick Access

• Persistent notification: Always accessible controls
• Play/Pause: Quick playback control
• Track info: Display current track status
• Background operation: Control looper with screen off

🎛️ Track Management

Individual Track Controls

• Volume: Adjust track level (0-100%)
• Mute: Silence individual tracks
• Solo: Isolate specific tracks
• Remove: Delete unwanted tracks

Track Organization

• Track order: Arrange tracks for optimal mixing
• Track naming: Identify tracks for easy management
• Track export: Save individual tracks

🔧 Technical Specifications

Audio Quality

• Sample rate: 48kHz
• Bit depth: 32-bit float
• Buffer size: Configurable for low latency
• Maximum length: 30 seconds per track

Performance

• Low latency: Real-time processing
• CPU efficient: Optimized native code
• Memory management: Automatic buffer management
• Background operation: Continues with screen off

💡 Tips & Tricks

Creative Techniques

1. Layered recording: Build complex arrangements track by track
2. Effect automation: Use automation with looper for dynamic performances
3. Stutter effects: Create rhythmic glitch effects
4. Reverse loops: Record normally, play backwards for unique sounds
5. Slicing: Cut loops into segments for remix-style effects

Performance Tips

1. Use quantization: For tight, professional-sounding loops
2. Monitor levels: Keep input levels optimal for clean recording
3. Plan your layers: Think about track arrangement before recording
4. Use effects sparingly: Too many effects can muddy the mix
5. Practice timing: Good timing makes better loops

🚀 Future Features

• Longer loops: Extended recording time
• More tracks: Additional track capacity
• Advanced slicing: More sophisticated slice manipulation
• Loop library: Save and organize multiple loops
• Cloud sync: Share loops across devices