Great to find a video that is not just some guy showing how good he can play! far too much of that on here, if you want the basic information this video is where its at and I thank you for it.
Thank you for a brilliant video. I am gearing up with a beat buddy, an iPad for storage, 2 ditto loopers, and a GR55. After 50 years of playing string things, I am still learning. Thanks again for opening this door.
sorry to be so offtopic but does someone know a tool to log back into an Instagram account..? I was stupid forgot my account password. I would love any tricks you can give me.
@Tatum Raul Thanks for your reply. I got to the site through google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.
Hi! Thank you for detailed useful details descriptions. How many seconds each track can be long? BTW in 2023 do you would still recommend the X4? or do you think there are better alternative in that level of price (for frippertronics stuff) ?
@@rickdeckard1075 live gigs. Yes. A pedal is easier to work with onstage quickly,imho. It involves no hands. And not everyone is a techie,lol But whatever floats your boat is good for you.
Thank for the vid! Quick question! If i'm sending the midi clock to the pedal but not triggering the rec/overdub via cc messages and instead just by hitting the footswitch will it wait until the next beat in the midi clock to start recording? Will it wait until the next bar? Basically wondering if as long as im sending midi clock to the pedal I can get perfectly on beat loop start and stops?
Great video, I’ve been using mine for a while but can’t make the backing track work consistently. Is there anyway of activating it so it plays? I copy it on but the pedal doesn’t seem to see it. Just let’s me play and dub as if nothing else is there. I’ve held the switch down and turned the volume up and down but still nothing!
So, does the first recorded pass of either loop always set the loop length? If I have mode 3 switch up to *unsync* my loops, and my first recorded loop on loop 2 is 5 seconds, then I want to overdub 20 seconds, I can't do that as it will keep overdubbing from the start of the 5 second initial loop when it reaches the end of the 5 seconds? Thanks for taking the time to make this vid!
Thanks, Simon. You've given one of the best examples of the midi function I've seen. Question - do you hear "clicks" on your loops during playback, from using the stomp switches? I have the Ditto X4 and I have to be really gentle starting and stopping loops in order to not hear a click or pop in the playback.
Thanks! No that shouldn't happen. try checking your cables, you may have a bad one, especially if they're not good quality. Make sure your pedals are getting correct power as well. Other than that not sure. good luck
Hey Simon, nice video! I have a quick question, do I need a special program to make the controls? Does it work with Abelton Lite? And I wanna add a second instrument like a midi keyboard or just a bass, do u know if this is possible with that thing or is the midi plug just for a drum machine?🤔
Thanks. I've not tried it with Ableton lite but I would assume it would be possible and the process would be similar to what I've shown here. You need to have an interface that can send midi out from your computer. I use a Motu Micro lite myself. What audio interface do you have? does it have midi ports? I'm not sure what you asking when you mention the second instrument? The midi input on the pedal is mainly for receiving midi clock so your loops can be synced in time. You can't send audio through the midi cable if that's what you're asking? You could send midi data thru the pedal to control another device like a keyboard, you would then come out of the thru port on the looper and go into your keyboard, and your computer acts as the master clock to sync everything together.
If you X4 crashes with all lights on open it up using a Torx #10 driver and carefully reseat the Micro SD memory card. The first time mine died I sent it back to TC and it was gone for 9 months. NINE MONTHS! The repair cost was $139.00 US. The second time it died I found a RUclips repair video that suggested this fix, and it worked. I love my X4 but reliability has been an issue. Hopefully this information will help somebody experiencing the "all lights on" temporary death.
Hi, about the volume controls.. if they are in the middle position is the same of the guitar volume (like original volume) or just when the knobs are at the end? Thank you
Man, you're a GENIUS! I've been driving myself crazy trying to understand how to operate the pedal via MIDI! It's amazing! Unfortunately my interface doesn't have MIDI out (nor IN actually) so not sure how I'm going to get my computer to send the signal to the pedal. It does have two RCA outputs and I've seen some RCA/DIN cables around, do you think that would work? I'm a noob on this tech thing so please forgive me if that was a stupid question. Thank you so much!
Hi Paul. Look for an ESI MIDIMATE Ex. I recommend that because it is the only one that its connectors can be reversible, becoming both input and output. It is an interface of those for life and all kinds of devices.
Thank you so much!! It's frustrating how cryptic and elusive some of these pedal companies can be, and tc is no exception. I was wondering about the midi clock sync: As far as playing through a pedal chain, is the clock supposed to control the tempo of the loops? If so, I can't figure out how to get it to do it. To be clear, I'm wondering if it's possibly to slow down or speed up loops utilizing midi sync. Thanks mate! Super helpful video, regardless.
Thanks. So you need to send midi clock to the pedal from a midi source. My source is the computer/daw but it could be any device that can send midi clock. So once you're sending midi clock to the pedal correctly your loops will sync up to the tempo, you just have to start and stop your loop in time and midi sync will keep it together. What it will do is re-trigger the loop 'on the beat'. If it's working your loop should stay in time with your clock source. Your clock source should be playing. For example, a drum machine may have midi out and send midi clock. So you would start the drum beat and then record your loop over the top starting and stopping your loop in time with the beat. Your loop should then stay in time with the drum beat. Kind of hard to explain here but I'm planning a future midi video so stay tuned for that.
Can each channel only save one file at a time? It would be super cool if you could "archive" loops as you were playing, to offload later. All it would need to do is rename the file....
In Sync mode, if I record drums on one loop channel and everything else on the other loop channel.. can I stop one channel individually and have the other one keep going?
My Ditto X4 is synchronized to the tempo of MIDI Clock data from an external MIDI device (BAR Boss DR 880). It worked very well. I change for a new Ditto X4. Midi synchro is stil ok, but now, there is a also start/stop signal for the loop when I start the BAR. I don’t know how to fix this. Can someone help me ?
Is there a way to send MIDI CC from Ableton with a MIDI controller without starting playback? I'm doing it now by midi mapping clips in session view but it starts playback. I'm just controlling the DItto x4 looper with MIDI CC but I don't want playback to start every time I do 🤔
@@simonguitar4836 I found a solution anyway using Max for live, here are two handy devices that do it if anyone needs it! drive.google.com/drive/folders/1n1QS_jbH1G5DMkG0wR65_rKO7anMeS_d?usp=share_link
So, if it received midi clock it starts recording in a quantized manner? I mean you have to press the button between beat no. 4 of the previous measure and beat no. 1 of a new measure to start recording on beat 1 of a new measure?
Basically yes. But it's best to hit record on beat one as it's not always accurate. Midi then starts your loop on the beat on playback. Or at least tries to
how do you erase the loop after you have recorded it? Do you need a computer? i have three single loopers that you just have to hold down the switch to erase a loop. I might have to return this and pay more for another Boss loop station.
Yes, forgot to mention that. Basically it switches between True bypass and buffered bypass. True bypass completely bypass’s the effect adding no coloration to the sound. Buffered bypass is for setups that may have long cables or a lot of pedals. It helps to reduce latency. It says in the manual that you probably won't even notice the difference if you switch which is why I didn't bother to mention it.
I had trouble with this at first as well. I had to make sure that my MIDI clock was being sent out on MIDI channel 4 because that’s the only channel the Ditto is set to receive data on. Hope that helps!
I was wondering if anyone out there uses this pedal with a midi sync source, (I use Lumbeats Funky Drummer app) and have it receive incorrect clock info? Example, Funky Drummer is set to send a midi sync out and plugging the midi cable into the X4, it receives the sync signal and it shows by a flashing LED to the beat. As I start Funky D, the clock is sent and might be a quarter or half beat off. So when you go to click in, it may start syncing to the "up" beat instead of the down. Or a quarter time between that. Could be the app not sending the right info, I have no idea. But sometimes I have to start Funky D 2 or 3 times to get it to flash in time on the downbeat.
Hey, I experienced the same problem with sending clock out of my digitact. I think it's the pedal itself as I've sent clock from digitakt to volcas with no problem. I've heard others complain of the same issue. It seemed to be ok though when sending clock from my mac. Hoping a new firmware update might fix it.
@@simonguitar4836 thanks Simon. Your the first I could get to reply about this issue, anywhere. Unfortunately I doubt they’ll release a firmware update this late in the game for this pedal. I will try other clock sources and see if they’re any different. Any other info you may have about it please write away. We’ll only be able to shine a light on this very annoying issue.
really useful video, thanks. When I use the ditto x4 manually I tend to hit the switch just before needed so that the midi sync will quantise to the correct point and minimise the risk of being too late, when sending midi cc from a DAW does the same principle apply or should it be sent exactly when the pedal should be activated?
I'm disappointed! I had the Ditto x2, I changed it and this one does not suit me. The problem is when you want to remove only 1 of the loops since 1 second of audio is heard when stepping. And the stop only serves to erase both. Do you know if this has a solution? maybe for Midi?
2 questions 1. Can you use the 1 spot power adapter for it? 2. It looks like I need to press “stop” twice to stop the playback, any way to make it just a one click to stop? Thanks
It comes with its own power adapter, don't know about that power supply but it needs 9v/300ma, so check the specs. The stop button can be used to stop the loops
@@simonguitar4836 thank you! I actually finally noticed that the stop foot switch let’s the loop play to the end before stopping the playback. I can work with that
I can’t really think of any good reason why the MIDI info is not in the manual.
Thank you for all your efforts to find it !
This video was well done... straight and to the point of what I needed to know.. You are the RUclips version of the missing manual. Thank you
Man!!! Why has it taken me so long to find this video. Thanks a lot for the MIDI info.
Thanks for your clear and complete explanation.
That first loop is beautiful
Great to find a video that is not just some guy showing how good he can play! far too much of that on here, if you want the basic information this video is where its at and I thank you for it.
Thank you for a brilliant video. I am gearing up with a beat buddy, an iPad for storage, 2 ditto loopers, and a GR55. After 50 years of playing string things, I am still learning. Thanks again for opening this door.
sorry to be so offtopic but does someone know a tool to log back into an Instagram account..?
I was stupid forgot my account password. I would love any tricks you can give me.
@Philip Jeremias Instablaster =)
@Tatum Raul Thanks for your reply. I got to the site through google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff atm.
Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.
@Tatum Raul It worked and I finally got access to my account again. Im so happy:D
Thanks so much you saved my ass!
@Philip Jeremias happy to help =)
Superb video Simon. Manufacturers Watch this. This is what the buyer of your product needs!!
Thanks. Very well put together and super helpful to save oneself going through the manual forever
So now I need an upgrade looper pedal. I think I just found the replacement. Thanks to your video.
Excellent video. Found it very intuitive and clearer than anything I could find online from TC Electronics. Hope they throw you a few royalties :o)
Excellent job brother! Clear and concise! ALL features - Thanks!
Thank you for the video. Much appreciated. It is almost impossible to find your channel it's your channel by searching for Simon guitar. Subscribed.
This is exactly the video i Needed. MIDI !! Thanks so much for doing me homework for me, Love and good vibes my dude
cheers!
Wow great informative video!! Got one on the way and now I have more than enough to experiment with your knowledge 🙏🏼
thanks! The loop petal with midi function is just what I’m
looking for,your video helps me a lot!❤❤❤
Hi! Thank you for detailed useful details descriptions. How many seconds each track can be long? BTW in 2023 do you would still recommend the X4? or do you think there are better alternative in that level of price (for frippertronics stuff) ?
Great tutorial. 👍 nice to hear idlewild too.
nice video - thanks!
Huge thanks for sharing this. Is there one available on how to update firmware. I found one RUclips but voice only no visuals. Thanks
Great research. Excellent job. Saved us so much time. thanks for sharing.
Hi Simon....perfect review....I wonder if it works with Beatbuddy (drum Machine), as I do hv one and planning to buy a compatible looper for the same.
GREAT video.
Great pedal. Thanks for the review of all the features.
The MIDI info is valuable. Would it be possible to synchronize loops with sequencers like the Crave?
Thanks, mate :)
This video saved me so much time. Thank you!!
Amazing thorough breakdown mate! Thanks so much👍🏼
im curious why people would prefer a pedal rather than a laptop/ipad for looping, i guess for live shows?
@@rickdeckard1075 live gigs. Yes. A pedal is easier to work with onstage quickly,imho. It involves no hands. And not everyone is a techie,lol
But whatever floats your boat is good for you.
Thanks for the midi hint! Were you also able to find how to trigger "undo" function through midi?
Awesome, thank you for that just what I needed to see.
Crystal clear thanks a lot !
Thank for the vid! Quick question! If i'm sending the midi clock to the pedal but not triggering the rec/overdub via cc messages and instead just by hitting the footswitch will it wait until the next beat in the midi clock to start recording? Will it wait until the next bar? Basically wondering if as long as im sending midi clock to the pedal I can get perfectly on beat loop start and stops?
No, you have to try and start it at the right point and then it will attempt to start it on the closest beat
Great video! Thank you for this!
Great video, I’ve been using mine for a while but can’t make the backing track work consistently. Is there anyway of activating it so it plays? I copy it on but the pedal doesn’t seem to see it. Just let’s me play and dub as if nothing else is there. I’ve held the switch down and turned the volume up and down but still nothing!
thanks very helpful
Thank you! Great video.
Really helpful video, thank you so much!
There's no CC control of the tap tempo for the hold FX? 🤔 Reading the messages in the description I notice it's not there.
So, does the first recorded pass of either loop always set the loop length? If I have mode 3 switch up to *unsync* my loops, and my first recorded loop on loop 2 is 5 seconds, then I want to overdub 20 seconds, I can't do that as it will keep overdubbing from the start of the 5 second initial loop when it reaches the end of the 5 seconds? Thanks for taking the time to make this vid!
Yes, correct. The unsync mode unsyncs loop 1 and loop 2 from each other, not the overdubs
Haha one of my favorite tswift songs, nice
Great Man thanks a lot ! A Great Pedal at all for the Price ! For Synth‘s and Guitar awesome.
Great video!
Thanks, Simon. You've given one of the best examples of the midi function I've seen. Question - do you hear "clicks" on your loops during playback, from using the stomp switches? I have the Ditto X4 and I have to be really gentle starting and stopping loops in order to not hear a click or pop in the playback.
Thanks! No that shouldn't happen. try checking your cables, you may have a bad one, especially if they're not good quality. Make sure your pedals are getting correct power as well. Other than that not sure. good luck
@@simonguitar4836 Thanks. Yes, I think I have a couple of cable suspects.
Hey Simon,
nice video! I have a quick question, do I need a special program to make the controls? Does it work with Abelton Lite?
And I wanna add a second instrument like a midi keyboard or just a bass, do u know if this is possible with that thing or is the midi plug just for a drum machine?🤔
Thanks. I've not tried it with Ableton lite but I would assume it would be possible and the process would be similar to what I've shown here. You need to have an interface that can send midi out from your computer. I use a Motu Micro lite myself.
What audio interface do you have? does it have midi ports?
I'm not sure what you asking when you mention the second instrument?
The midi input on the pedal is mainly for receiving midi clock so your loops can be synced in time. You can't send audio through the midi cable if that's what you're asking?
You could send midi data thru the pedal to control another device like a keyboard, you would then come out of the thru port on the looper and go into your keyboard, and your computer acts as the master clock to sync everything together.
This was really helpful. Thanks!
Great job and much appreciated...cheers!
Great tutorial, thanks.
If you X4 crashes with all lights on open it up using a Torx #10 driver and carefully reseat the Micro SD memory card. The first time mine died I sent it back to TC and it was gone for 9 months. NINE MONTHS! The repair cost was $139.00 US. The second time it died I found a RUclips repair video that suggested this fix, and it worked. I love my X4 but reliability has been an issue. Hopefully this information will help somebody experiencing the "all lights on" temporary death.
I had to do this myself, and I'd only owned it for a couple of months!
Hi, about the volume controls.. if they are in the middle position is the same of the guitar volume (like original volume) or just when the knobs are at the end? Thank you
I assume the flashback x4 would also sync to midi clock?
So I send it cc30 to clear all loops - thats great - what value do I send on CC30? 127?
Looks good, only downside that I can notice is inability to control & select the wav files you loaded.
Yeah that's right, you can only use the last one added, would be nice to be able to select. There are other loopers that can do this for more 💰
Man, you're a GENIUS! I've been driving myself crazy trying to understand how to operate the pedal via MIDI! It's amazing! Unfortunately my interface doesn't have MIDI out (nor IN actually) so not sure how I'm going to get my computer to send the signal to the pedal. It does have two RCA outputs and I've seen some RCA/DIN cables around, do you think that would work? I'm a noob on this tech thing so please forgive me if that was a stupid question. Thank you so much!
No worries, you could buy a usb to midi cable, assuming you have usb ports!.
Thanks so much for replying! This is going to help me big time! And connect directly to the computers USB then?
Yeh, so you'll send midi out via USB. When you plug it into your computer it should show up as a midi device. Then you can set it in you daw.
Perfect! Thanks so much for the info and for being so attentive! You’ve helped me a lot! 🙌🎶
Hi Paul. Look for an ESI MIDIMATE Ex. I recommend that because it is the only one that its connectors can be reversible, becoming both input and output. It is an interface of those for life and all kinds of devices.
Thank you so much!! It's frustrating how cryptic and elusive some of these pedal companies can be, and tc is no exception. I was wondering about the midi clock sync: As far as playing through a pedal chain, is the clock supposed to control the tempo of the loops? If so, I can't figure out how to get it to do it. To be clear, I'm wondering if it's possibly to slow down or speed up loops utilizing midi sync. Thanks mate! Super helpful video, regardless.
Thanks. So you need to send midi clock to the pedal from a midi source. My source is the computer/daw but it could be any device that can send midi clock. So once you're sending midi clock to the pedal correctly your loops will sync up to the tempo, you just have to start and stop your loop in time and midi sync will keep it together.
What it will do is re-trigger the loop 'on the beat'. If it's working your loop should stay in time with your clock source.
Your clock source should be playing. For example, a drum machine may have midi out and send midi clock. So you would start the drum beat and then record your loop over the top starting and stopping your loop in time with the beat. Your loop should then stay in time with the drum beat.
Kind of hard to explain here but I'm planning a future midi video so stay tuned for that.
@@simonguitar4836 sounds great. Looking forward to it! Thank you so much
Can each channel only save one file at a time? It would be super cool if you could "archive" loops as you were playing, to offload later. All it would need to do is rename the file....
Yeh only one at a time, agreed would be great if it could archive them
Do you have the low loop level problem too? You need to get to 5 o’clock just to get it close to unity..is that how your pedal works too?
What would be the simplest setting to use this pedal and have basic drum beats?
In Sync mode, if I record drums on one loop channel and everything else on the other loop channel.. can I stop one channel individually and have the other one keep going?
Love how you went from t swift to greenday lol
Ha, but can you name the others?
helpful! thanks
My Ditto X4 is synchronized to the tempo of MIDI Clock data from an external MIDI device (BAR Boss DR 880). It worked very well.
I change for a new Ditto X4. Midi synchro is stil ok, but now, there is a also start/stop signal for the loop when I start the BAR. I don’t know how to fix this. Can someone help me ?
Is there a way to send MIDI CC from Ableton with a MIDI controller without starting playback? I'm doing it now by midi mapping clips in session view but it starts playback. I'm just controlling the DItto x4 looper with MIDI CC but I don't want playback to start every time I do 🤔
Disable sending the midi clock start message from Ableton, there will be a setting somewhere in the software
@@simonguitar4836 I found a solution anyway using Max for live, here are two handy devices that do it if anyone needs it!
drive.google.com/drive/folders/1n1QS_jbH1G5DMkG0wR65_rKO7anMeS_d?usp=share_link
So, if it received midi clock it starts recording in a quantized manner? I mean you have to press the button between beat no. 4 of the previous measure and beat no. 1 of a new measure to start recording on beat 1 of a new measure?
Basically yes. But it's best to hit record on beat one as it's not always accurate. Midi then starts your loop on the beat on playback. Or at least tries to
bravo thank you!
Can you play backing tracks worth this pedal? I mean mp3 and wav files, complete songs as backing tracks?
Yes
how do you erase the loop after you have recorded it? Do you need a computer? i have three single loopers that you just have to hold down the switch to erase a loop. I might have to return this and pay more for another Boss loop station.
Think it might be a double tap and hold
You've earned yourself a beer, Simon. But you're going to have to grab it from your fridge. Thank you.
😂
what about the 4th dip switch? I didn't see that you covered it's functionality.
Yes, forgot to mention that.
Basically it switches between True bypass and buffered bypass.
True bypass completely bypass’s the effect adding no coloration to the sound.
Buffered bypass is for setups that may have long cables or a lot of pedals. It helps to reduce latency.
It says in the manual that you probably won't even notice the difference if you switch which is why I didn't bother to mention it.
please do a video on how to send midi clock from a daw to the ditto x4.. It's not working for me :(
I had trouble with this at first as well. I had to make sure that my MIDI clock was being sent out on MIDI channel 4 because that’s the only channel the Ditto is set to receive data on. Hope that helps!
I was wondering if anyone out there uses this pedal with a midi sync source, (I use Lumbeats Funky Drummer app) and have it receive incorrect clock info? Example, Funky Drummer is set to send a midi sync out and plugging the midi cable into the X4, it receives the sync signal and it shows by a flashing LED to the beat. As I start Funky D, the clock is sent and might be a quarter or half beat off. So when you go to click in, it may start syncing to the "up" beat instead of the down. Or a quarter time between that. Could be the app not sending the right info, I have no idea. But sometimes I have to start Funky D 2 or 3 times to get it to flash in time on the downbeat.
Hey, I experienced the same problem with sending clock out of my digitact. I think it's the pedal itself as I've sent clock from digitakt to volcas with no problem. I've heard others complain of the same issue. It seemed to be ok though when sending clock from my mac. Hoping a new firmware update might fix it.
@@simonguitar4836 thanks Simon. Your the first I could get to reply about this issue, anywhere. Unfortunately I doubt they’ll release a firmware update this late in the game for this pedal. I will try other clock sources and see if they’re any different. Any other info you may have about it please write away. We’ll only be able to shine a light on this very annoying issue.
You RULE! I’m giving you my first born for this video. But the baby might be fvcked up because I’m 47 yo.
really useful video, thanks. When I use the ditto x4 manually I tend to hit the switch just before needed so that the midi sync will quantise to the correct point and minimise the risk of being too late, when sending midi cc from a DAW does the same principle apply or should it be sent exactly when the pedal should be activated?
Should be fine to do the exact method
thanks
I can’t figure out why when I overdub my first loop stops playing.
Check your flip switches on the back, you may have it in a mode where it behaves like that
Only problem is the 1st loop is faded so when you start overlaying more the 1st loop is so soft you can even hear it
How do i select and play the next backing tracks?
You can put one backing track on each loop. If you upload multiple into the folders over USB it will only let you use the last uploaded one
@@simonguitar4836 thank you!
I did not understand how midi sync works and it was what i wanted to know the most :(
Hey, sorry to hear that. I do have a video on midi which goes more in depth, that might help as I go into dawless setups
I'm disappointed! I had the Ditto x2, I changed it and this one does not suit me. The problem is when you want to remove only 1 of the loops since 1 second of audio is heard when stepping. And the stop only serves to erase both. Do you know if this has a solution? maybe for Midi?
I'm looking for the same. the only looper that does this for me is the Boss RC-30
How does the looper know what tempo to play at ? I don't see a tap tempo anywhere?
The tempo is set by your first loop recording. Or you can feed it midi clock. For more info on midi check my latest midi video.
@@simonguitar4836 So there is no click track or basic drum loops?
What does mode switch 4 do?
true or buffered bypass
DOWN true bypass UP Buffered bypass
at what point did you explain the midi settings?
I start the midi section at 7:17. If your struggling to understand that section I also have a midi tutorial on the channel
@@simonguitar4836 Ok great thanks.
Has anyone used a drum machine and sync with midi?
2 questions
1. Can you use the 1 spot power adapter for it?
2. It looks like I need to press “stop” twice to stop the playback, any way to make it just a one click to stop?
Thanks
It comes with its own power adapter, don't know about that power supply but it needs 9v/300ma, so check the specs.
The stop button can be used to stop the loops
@@simonguitar4836 thank you! I actually finally noticed that the stop foot switch let’s the loop play to the end before stopping the playback. I can work with that
Why the fvck is it hard coded to midi channel 4?
31/12/1979 =)
MY CURSE