Looping, once the domain of boundary-pushing rock musicians like Robert Fripp of King Crimson, has been democratized. Ed Sheeran, who has sold more than a reported 170 million records worldwide, typically performs solo with his guitar, voice, and a Looper X. Now anyone can buy that same device for $1,300, according to a review by Pete Cottell in WIRED. The Looper X is the flagship model in the Sheeran Loopers lineup, designed to make the art of live sound layering accessible to all.
Hardware Specifications and Design
The Looper X is a 16-pound device with a 13-by-22-inch footprint, featuring a sturdy plastic-and-metal chassis. It has eight rubberized foot pedals arranged in a four-by-two grid, each with a slight upward-sloping angle to prevent accidental bumps, WIRED reports. A rotary push dial and a touchscreen allow menu navigation. The rear panel hosts four XLR-¼-inch hybrid input jacks with individual gain knobs, plus main and headphone output volume controls. An ⅛-inch auxiliary input has a separate gain knob but does not route to any looper tracks — a frustrating quirk noted by the reviewer.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Price | $1,300 |
| Weight | 16 lbs |
| Dimensions | 13 x 22 inches |
| Pedals | 8 (4x2 grid) |
| Inputs | 4 XLR-¼-inch hybrid |
| Display | Touchscreen with rotary dial |
The Art of Live Looping
Looping has a rich history. WIRED notes pioneers like Ian Williams of Don Caballero, who used dual Akai Headrush pedals to stack guitar lines, and Dave Knudson of Minus the Bear, who employed multiple Line 6 DL-4s as glitchy samplers. The Looper X aims to bring this capability to any musician without requiring a visionary's touch. While a one-size-fits-all looper is technically impossible, the device makes a "commendable effort" according to Cottell.
Target Use and Accessibility
Ed Sheeran uses the Looper X to perform solo in sold-out arenas across the US and abroad. The device is now available to consumers who want to build their own arrangements with ease. Its robust build and intuitive controls target both professionals and serious hobbyists.
The Looper X represents a convergence of consumer-grade usability and pro-level performance. For technology leaders, it exemplifies how hardware can be engineered to enable complex real-time audio processing in a portable form factor. The trade-offs, such as the limited auxiliary input, highlight the challenges of balancing feature richness with simplicity.
Sources:
