If you love creating awesome loops and want them to sync in time with other devices and instruments. Then, loop pedals with MIDI sync can satisfy your requirements. Remember, a loop pedal is a great way to experiment and create great music. It permits you to record and playback several audio snippets, and you can use them to make backing tracks, loops, and also an entire song.
But since not all loop pedals offer MIDI sync functionality, so here are 8 top devices that you can use to connect your external MIDI devices. The article reflects broadly on each pedal’s features, specifications, pros and cons, along with their current pricing at the time of writing this piece. Besides, a short guide and comparison table awaits you on the factors to pay attention to when choosing a loop pedal with MIDI sync.
Table of Contents
Comparison Table – Loop Pedals with MIDI Sync
| Product | Price | No. of Effects | Recording Time | Extendable Memory | Simultaneous Looping |
| Boss RC-300 | $219.00 | 16 (Built-in) | 3 hours | Up to 128GB | Yes |
| Boss RC-505MKII | $599.99 | 20+ (Built-in) | 13 hours | Up to 128GB | Yes |
| Electro-Harmonix 45000 | $547.90 | External Effects | Up to 13.3 hours (800 minutes) | Up to 32GB | Yes |
| Line 6 DL4 MKII | $249.99 | 30 (Built-in) | Up to 26 hours (1600 minutes) | Up to 32GB | No |
| Boss RC-5 | $195.00 | 9 (Built-in) | 1.5 hours in mono 0.75 hours in stereo | No | No |
| Red Panda Tensor | $329.00 | None (It has 3 modes instead) | 9.4 seconds in mono 4.7 seconds in stereo | Up to 128GB | No |
| Pigitronix Infinity 3 | $418.00 | 12 (Built-in) | 3 hours | No | Yes |
| TC Electronics Ditto X4 | $229.00 | 7 (Built-in) | 5 minutes in mono 2.5 minutes in stereo | Up to 32GB | Yes |
Note: All the prices mentioned for each loop pedal with MIDI sync are taken from either their official websites or Amazon. The manufacturers hold all the rights to change prices.
8 Great Loop Pedals with MIDI Sync
Here are the 8 reliable loop pedals with MIDI synchronization characteristics.
1. Boss RC-300
The Boss RC-300 is one of the best professional loop pedals with MIDI sync. The device is used by several renowned musicians for songwriting and live looping. RC-300 has 6 outstanding loop tracks. Each loop track has its very own fade in/out, undo, redo, and reverse features.
At the same time, this looper offers 99 memory storage, permitting you to save a maximum of 99 different loops. Unlike the other models, the RC-300 comes with a built-in extraordinary drum machine with a great number of patterns and distinct sounds.
Apart from the generic traits, the Boss RC-300 beats other devices due to its awesome MIDI sync functionalities. So if you have a MIDI clock, let it sync to this machine without much hustle.
Likewise, this looper allows you to store loops with other software and instruments without messing up the timing. Additionally, this looper lets you sync various other MIDI devices as it also serves as a master clock.
Features and Specifications of Boss RC-300
- 16 effects
- 1 XLR input
- 6 stereo loops
- 3-song recording
- 99 memory banks
- Built-in metronome
- DC 9V power supply
- Up to 3-hour recording time
- Max 16 characters display
- USB port for export and import loops
- It comes with a built-in expression pedal
- 50 sound and 100 patterns drum machine
Pros of Boss RC-300
- The USB port is capable of converting this pedal into a MIDI controller
- You can use the undo, redo, fade-in, fade-out, and reverse effects on each loop
- Ease of controlling different parameters, including pitch, tempo, and loop volume
Cons of Boss RC-300
- It is a heavy pedal and unportable
- Not recommended for new people to loop pedals due to the high complexity
Quantitative Measurement
- Design: 8/10
- Durability: 7/10
- Build quality: 8/10
- Unique features: 8/10
Price
- $219.00
2. Boss RC-505MKII
Boss RC-505MKII is a more powerful loop pedal with MIDI sync capability than the previous model (RC-505). The device is now available with an updated version that opens more doors to creative opportunities. Whereas the previous model has been discontinued.
With the newest version, you can use multiple effects together, various playback modes, and more. RC-505MKII also provides a wide range of functions that are best for studio recordings and live performances. You can enjoy setting up to 8 tracks and assigning individual effects to them.
The Boss RC-505MKII also comes with more fascinating features, which are really helpful for concerts. For instance, this tool allows you to store 99 phrases, and each can be tailored with distinct effects and playback settings. It also lets you route each phrase track to your headphones for easy monitoring.
Apart from its looping boons, the Boss RC-505MKII is a great companion for MIDI interfaces and USB audio systems. You can easily integrate the looper with any music production software using your laptop. At the same time, feel free to plug in MIDI devices to it for more fun.
Additionally, the latest model also gives you a few new controls, allowing you to customize RC-505MKII according to your needs. You can specify 16 functions and access all of them in a blink in numerous ways, such as using the front panel, expression pedal, and MIDI CC.
Features and Specifications of Boss RC-505MKII
- Up to 5 tracks recording
- 44.1kHz sample rate
- 13-hour recording time
- Wider LED screen
- USB port and MIDI sync
- Phantom power XLR jack
- AC adaptor power supply
- Improved drum machine with 200 patterns
- 20+ effects, including vocal effects
- Track FX and Input FX processing
- Buttons for an overdub, record, play and stop functionalities
- Several playback modes like single, multi, one-shot, and reverse
- Newly added effects, such as reverb, compressor, ring modulator, pitch bend, and more
Pros of Boss RC-505MKII
- Broad memory
- High audio quality
- 5 independent tracks
- Learnable user interface
- Loads of on-board effects
Cons of Boss RC-505MKII
- It is a pricey looper
- It lacks AUX connectivity
- The rhythm tracks are very simple
- New users may find it difficult to use this looper in the beginning
Quantitative Measurement
- Design: 8/10
- Durability: 7/10
- Build quality: 7.5/10
- Unique features: 8/10
Price
- $599.99
3. Electro-Harmonix 45000
The Electro-Harmonix 45000 is a looper pedal with MIDI sync. It is quite a simple gear with quick options to loop. This device is superb at giving great control during your live performance. You can playback and record up to 4 loops simultaneously. Contrarily, you import WAV and MPD files from your Mac or Windows for a hands-on jam.
Moreover, you can synchronize Electro-Harmonix 45000 to an external MIDI clock and run the commands for MIDI start and stop. This also permits you to use this loop pedal with numerous MIDI-supported devices, like sequencers and drum machines. In addition, the Electro-Harmonix gives you 3 MIDI synchronization modes, such as beat sync, built-in internal clock, and full external clock.
Features and Specifications of Electro-Harmonix 45000
- 100 Phrases
- Stereo mix-down
- 4x 1/4-inches output
- 1 x 1/8-inches and 3 x 1/4-inches inputs
- 125 minutes of recording time
- A separate headphone output
- Reverse playback and recording
- Dedicated MIDI input and output
- Non-quantize and quantize modes
- Punch in/out and overdub recording for all tracks
- Integrated metronome with a dedicated monitor output
- 4GB card include, which is extendable to 32GB SDHC
- USB port for restore/backup from Windows and Mac computers
Pros of Electro-Harmonix 45000
- The sound quality is high and better than most loop pedals
- All controls of this looper are well-labeled with a user-friendly interface
- If you use this MIDI sync loop pedal with a 32GB SDHC, it will give you up to 800 minutes of recording time
Cons of Electro-Harmonix 45000
- It is expensive
- The size is relatively large, which makes this gear unportable
- It does not have the undo/redo functionality, which can be frustrating when recording a loop, as you can’t rectify mistakes
Quantitative Measurement
- Design: 7/10
- Durability: 8/10
- Build quality: 7/10
- Unique features: 7/10
Price
- $547.90
4. Line 6 DL4 MKII
Undoubtedly, the old DL4 pedal has been admired by musicians across the globe, but sadly the product was discontinued many years ago. However, the sheer popularity encouraged the manufacturers to present the latest and upgraded version called the Line 6 DL4 MKII. And the pedal bounced back with more power.
Indeed, the DL4 MKII is one of the brilliant loop pedals with MIDI sync you can rely on. Following the footsteps of its ancestor, the DL4 MKII comes with a similar footswitch and knob design but offers tremendous features. This includes 15 delay models, ear-boggling reverbs, 1 to 4 switch loopers, and an extendable recording time.
The DL4 MKII is also made with XLR mic input and, of course, the MIDI connection that allows you to sync many useful MIDI devices. It provides you with MIDI in/out connectors, allowing you to savor MIDI messages and program change through MIDI controllers.
You can also modify the parameters and remotely choose presets. Moreover, you get access to 3 different presents with the help of six footswitches (from A to F). Another great news is that you can store around 128 MIDI presets without any problem.
Features and Specifications of Line 6 DL4 MKII
- Built-in tempo
- 2-minute stereo recording
- 4-minute mono recording
- 500mA 9-volt DC power supply
- Unlimited recording time with microSD
- 15 reverbs and 15 HX-effects (30 effects)
- Ability to operate in both stereo and mono modes
Pros of Line 6 DL4 MKII
- Expandable memory (up to 1600 minutes of recording)
- Solid built-to-last construction
- You can add an expression pedal
- Relatively available at a lower price
- It allows you to use various delay effects
- The tool is simple to control with an intuitive interface
- You can switch between DSP, true, and buffered bypass
Cons of Line 6 DL4 MKII
- The controllers are small in size
- This loop pedal can be a bit noisy when using higher gains
- The LED light for tempo is not bright enough to be visible under extreme lighting
Quantitative Measurement
- Design: 6/10
- Durability: 9/10
- Build quality: 7/10
- Unique features: 7/10
Price
- $249.99
5. Boss RC-5
The Boss RC-5 Loop Station is a robust and compact loop pedal with MIDI sync. This looper gives you around 13 hours of recording time on 32-bit stereo quality. It comes with a TRS-MIDI input and output, permitting you to connect the looper with several MIDI devices, including sequencers and drum machines.
Additionally, the Boss RC-5 also has a quantization feature to help you align the loops with the beat. Moreover, the MIDI sync trait lets you easily produce layered and complicated loops.
You can also synchronize this looper with the tempo of all other music equipment. Boss RC-5 also has 99 Phrase Memories, allowing you to store overdubs and base loops. Moreover, it can assign reverb and tempo to 7 drum kits and 114 built-in drum grooves.
In terms of learning and usability, the Boss RC-5 is very simple to use and has a shallow learning curve. It is because the device has a well-lit and intuitive interface with LCD. Another great thing about RC-5 is the USB connection. This enables you to transfer your stored MIDI loops to your laptop or save it on the flash drive to share with your fellow musicians.
Features and Specifications of Boss RC-5
- Dry/wet mix
- 1/4“ MIDI in and out
- Animated RGB LCD
- Expression pedal port
- 44.1kHz sound quality
- Start/stop button for recording
- 57 rhythm tracks with A/B variations
- 2-hour additional battery support with a 9-volts battery
Pros of Boss RC-5
- You can use it as a slave device
- Fast loop syncing with other MIDI devices
- It is a portable loop pedal at a reasonable price
Cons of Boss RC-5
- The display could be brighter
- It lacks a built-in tuner for guitars
- The MIDI sync can be weak if the signals are noisy
- This MIDI loop pedal only allows 8 MIDI control changes (CC)
Quantitative Measurement
- Design: 6/10
- Durability: 6/10
- Build quality: 7/10
- Unique features: 7/10
Price
- $195.00
6. Red Panda Tensor
Red Panda Tensor is one of those portable loop pedals with MIDI sync that will surely amaze you with its enchanting features. First things first, Tensor offers several connectivity options for maximum customization. This pedal permits to sync MIDI in two ways – TRS and USB connection. The MIDI synchronization also allows you to save, dial in, and recall presets. And guess what? You can also build your own presets with the help of Tensor’s web editor.
There is a stereo output option, and you can also map the controls with an expression pedal (external) to adjust settings without using your hands. Tensor also gives you great hope in using effects like a vibrator, chorus, time and pitch shift, and flanger at neutral settings. You can also benefit from the dry/wet blend and assign the effects to a dedicated knob of your choice. However, since the pedal is too small to fit all the features, you may need to review the instruction manual repeatedly.
Features and Specifications of Red Panda Tensor
- 31 MIDI presets
- 250mA 9-volt DC power supply
- MIDI controller to store presets
- Mono looping up to 9.4 seconds
- Stereo looping up to 4.7 seconds
- Official Red Panda software supported
- Dry/wet blend effect customization as needed
- -2 +2 octave range through pitch-shift functionality
- 3 main playback modes – reverse, alternate, and forward
- Real-time time and pitch shifting pedal with unlimited sound potential
- Perfect for keyboards, drums, guitars, synthesizers, and also vocals
- 3 distinct modes in loop features, such as next, record, and overdub
- Smart randomizer that adjusts settings according to your requirements
- Glitching, tape stops, stutter effects, time-stretching, modulation, and more
Pros of Red Panda Tensor
- Portable device
- It produces wonderful sounds
- Maximum features to countless creativity
Cons of Red Panda Tensor
- Expensive gear for the features it offers
- You can only sync this product to a MIDI clock
- It is a complicated MIDI sync loop pedal for beginners
- Some users have found Tensor much noisy with pitch and time-stretch features
Quantitative Measurement
- Design: 7/10
- Durability: 7/10
- Build quality: 6/10
- Unique features: 5/10
Price
- $329.00
7. Pigitronix Infinity 3
If you’re looking for high-quality loop pedals with MIDI sync, the Pigitronix Infinity 3 can be a suitable choice. This Pigitronix model has a 2-track looper pedal with MIDI sync characteristics. Talking about the design, it appears that the pedal has been designed using some great geometrical measurements, as it looks modern and sleek.
While there is no LCD display, the interface still makes it easier for players to switch between the buttons through its user-friendly interface. So for sure, you won’t get lost in the menu since the interface only has a few necessary controls. And if you still find yourself puzzled with the options, the pedal also features a built-in guide system to help you walk through all the features.
Infinity 3 provides clear and crisp audio quality once turned on. This pedal also offers a board dynamic range, allowing you to enjoy a balance between looped and dry signals. Besides, the pedal works like butter on a hot knife.
So if you have been looking for a responsive pedal with no latency, Infinity 3 will definitely impress you. Regarding the MIDI sync feature, gladly, the function works without faults, and it is also extremely simple to set up and use.
Features and Specifications of Pigitronix Infinity 3
- LED menu
- Up to 50 loops
- 18VDC (voltage)
- Buffered bypass
- 3-hour recording time
- Double looper with MIDI
- Up to 48kHz sample rates
- TRS Remote and MIDI expressions
- Undo, redo, record, playback, and dub options
- 24-bit that can be incremented over multiple octaves
Pros of Pigitronix Infinity 3
- Infinity 3 has a great sound quality
- It’s a portable machine that eliminates burden during travel
- The device has various features, including parallel and serial loop
- It has a user-friendly interface suitable for professionals and new users
Cons of Pigitronix Infinity 3
- It is quite expensive
- Although there are undo and redo options, you need an external footswitch to enjoy these features
Quantitative Measurement
- Design: 7/10
- Durability: 6/10
- Build quality: 6.5/10
- Unique features: 7/10
Price
- $418.00
8. TC Electronic Ditto X4
The Ditto X4 is a multi-track loop pedal with MIDI sync and more. It is a great tool for musicians who love arranging different types of loops. Ditto X4 comes with 2 dedicated loop tracks with 5 minutes of recording time. Although the timing is limited, you can still create loops with multiple layers. Moreover, the X4 allows you to play tracks in two different modes – parallel and serial. At the same time, you can utilize the MIDI sync feature to integrate two tracks yo the MIDI clock.
The Ditto X4 also offers 7 loop effects, such as delay, chorus, double speed, half speed, phaser, reverse, and flanger. These allow you to add variations to the loops. Another interesting characteristic of this looper with MIDI sync is loop decay. By simply adjusting the decay knob, you can control the timing of your loops. So the device gives you the power to control the duration of your loops.
With all these features, this loop pedal is also integrated with a USB port. This allows you to transfer the files from your looper into your computer. Contrarily, you can also use it to upload your loops from your PC.
Features and Specifications of TC Electronic Ditto X4
- Built-in tuner
- True bypass
- Stereo outputs and inputs
Pros of TC Electronic Ditto X4
- The bypass feature prevents signal loss
- You can play a four-bar percussive beat assigned to loop 1
- It allows you to set a 16-bar chord to loop 2 at the same time
- Quick pedal connection with amps and stereo instruments
Cons of TC Electronic Ditto X4
- Expensive looper
- This loop pedal has limited memory (2 loops)
- Unable to apply different effects to different loops
- Sometimes the X4 can be noisy during the bypass
Quantitative Measurement
- Design: 5/10
- Durability: 6/10
- Build quality: 7/10
- Unique features: 6/10
Price
- $229.00
Tips on Choosing Loop Pedals with MIDI Sync
With all the available options in loop pedals with MIDI sync, you might feel confused about which to choose and which to let go of. So here’s a brief advice when selecting your next MIDI sync looper pedal.
a. MIDI Sync
The MIDI Sync technology comes in limited looper pedals. Such loop pedals permit you to synchronize your loops to external MIDI devices. For example, you can sync your creative loops with other musicians and instruments, such as MIDI drum machines, sequencers, and synthesizers.
b. Number of Switches/Pedals
Pedals or switches provide great comfort in switching to different effects through your loop with just a push of your foot. A few loop pedals with MIDI sync already have pedals on them, such as the Boss RC-300. Single loopers may not have built-in pedals, but they allow you to add an external switch that works in the same way as the integrated ones.
c. Recording Time
Loop pedals give you two memory options, which are directly related to the recording time. The first option comes with a built-in memory space. For instance, the RC-505MKII offers a 13-hour recording time.
The second option allows you to add an external SDHC card that can extend time. The Electro-Harmonix 45000 falls into this category, as you can enjoy up to 8-hour of recording if you add a 32GB SDHC. Always choose the one that provides maximum recording time.
d. Playing Multiple Loops at a Time
Some loop pedals do not allow simultaneous playing of loops. Such devices are better for solo practice. However, if you need a looper to create an entire song, you should look for a gear that gives you options to play multiple loops all at once. RC-300, RC-505MKII, and Ditto X4 are a few examples that meet these features.
e. Budget
Lastly, the price of good loop pedals with MIDI sync starts from $190 up to $600. Of course, the most expensive MIDI sync loopers have the most features. But you should always understand your requirements before spending a fortune.
If you are professional and making money with music, you can go for adding expensive gear to your audio stack. But if you’re a beginner, you can stick with less-pricey pedals. Once you get hands-on experience, you can always switch to better ones.
Conclusion
There are different features in loop pedals with MIDI sync. Some pedals offer simultaneous looping, while others don’t. Likewise, a few manufacturers offer great built-in recording time and an extended memory option. You can pick the one that suits your needs the most. However, in terms of features and pricing, the Boss RC-300 appears to be a great device for MIDI syncing through your loop pedal.
In case you’re looking for long built-in recording time, you can opt for the Boss RC-505MKII. If price is an issue, the Boss RC-5 seems like a reasonable pedal with MIDI synchronization. Nevertheless, if you’re looking for moderate gears and pricing is not a big problem, you can check out Pigitronix, EHX 45000, and other MIDI sync loopers in this article.
FAQs
Q1. Can I use a loop pedal with MIDI sync with an audio interface?
You can connect your loop pedal with MIDI sync to an audio interface through the instrument cables.
Q2. Can I create complex loops with MIDI sync pedals?
Loop pedals with MIDI sync can be used to make complex loops that be synchronized to the same MIDI clock.
Q3. Which musicians use loop pedals with MIDI sync?
Ariana Grande, Ben Levin, Yvette Young, and a few more artists rely on loop pedals with MIDI sync, such as the Boss RC-505MKII.
