Singular Sound Aeros Loop Studio Review
by Ben Makes Music
Introduction
Ever wanted to layer sounds live on stage without breaking a sweat? Or create a complete band sound, all on your own? The Singular Sound Aeros Loop Studio is here to make that happen—and with ease. It’s not just a looper; it’s practically a recording studio under your feet. And it does this without making things complicated.
This isn’t your average looper pedal. It can give you up to 36 loops per song, offers MIDI connectivity, and syncs seamlessly with Singular Sound’s BeatBuddy drum machine and the MIDI Maestro controller. It’s an absolute dream for anyone who wants complex arrangements live or in the studio.
But here’s the rub: if you want to get the absolute best out of it, you’ll need the whole ecosystem. Getting the Aeros, BeatBuddy, and MIDI Maestro adds up quickly—so, yes, it’s a bit of an investment. However, once you’re set up, you’ll have one of the most powerful looping setups available, with a massive range of live and studio options at your disposal.
Let’s dive into what makes this unit a standout and why it might be worth the splurge.
Summary
The Singular Sound Aeros Loop Studio is an incredibly advanced looper pedal, offering up to 36 independent loops per song, a full-colour touchscreen, and hands-free operation. Although it’s a powerhouse on its own, it reaches its true potential when paired with the BeatBuddy drum machine and MIDI Maestro controller, making it ideal for musicians who are serious about multi-layered, dynamic looping.
Full Review
Is the Aeros Loop Studio the Ultimate Multi-Track Looper?
The Aeros Loop Studio is more than a looper; it’s a full-on multi-track recorder in a pedal format. Even though it’s powerful, the design keeps things straightforward. If you’re after serious looping capabilities, this unit offers as much control as a full DAW without losing the ease of live use.
Straightforward Looping Controls
With only four footswitches, the Aeros gives you all the control you need without a cluttered setup. The touchscreen makes navigating options and tweaking settings easy, so you’re never left fumbling with complicated button sequences.
Create Complex Songs Using Loops
The Aeros has two modes: 2x2 and 6x6. In 2x2, it’s a simple two-track setup for smaller projects, while 6x6 offers a full six-track setup for maximum layering. This lets you organise loops into song parts like verse, chorus, and bridge. You can create intricate arrangements, all visible on the clear waveform display.
Linked with BeatBuddy and MIDI Maestro
Here’s one of the biggest strengths of the Aeros: its ability to sync with the BeatBuddy drum machine and the MIDI Maestro controller. With the BeatBuddy, you get a fully integrated rhythm section, with the Aeros looping perfectly in time. Add the MIDI Maestro, and you get even more control, allowing you to arrange, layer, and manage loops seamlessly during live performances.
However, this is also its biggest disadvantage. To unlock the full potential of the Aeros, you’ll need both the BeatBuddy and MIDI Maestro, which can be a pricey setup. That said, if you do invest, you’re left with one of the most capable and intuitive looping setups available.
Using the Modes
In 2x2 mode, the Aeros functions like a straightforward looper but with a polished interface. Switch over to 6x6 mode, and you get full multi-track functionality, letting you layer up to six tracks within six different parts of a song. The footswitches adapt depending on your mode, keeping everything intuitive.
The Aeros Loop Studio Inspires Creativity
The Aeros goes beyond basic looping, making it an ideal tool for songwriters and live performers. With a real-time waveform display, you can see exactly where you are in the loop and manage your parts visually. The creative possibilities here are endless, making it more than just a looper—it’s a fully-fledged musical instrument.
MIDI and More
The Aeros is MIDI compatible, which means you can sync it with other MIDI-enabled gear, and it includes stereo inputs and outputs, aux in/out, and an expression pedal option. Updates can be done via Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth is there for future expansion, making it a truly future-proof looper.
Putting it All Together
With up to 3 hours of mono recording time, you can save loops, expand storage with an SD card, and connect via USB if you want. Whether you’re playing live, recording in the studio, or simply experimenting at home, the Aeros has the capacity to keep up.
A Few Gripes
This pedal isn’t cheap, and to really get the most out of it, you’ll need the BeatBuddy and MIDI Maestro. The learning curve is noticeable, but manageable. And yes, there are some minor nitpicks, like the lack of phantom power for condenser mics, but overall, these are small issues compared to what it offers.
Is the Aeros Loop Studio Worth Picking Up?
In short, yes. If you’re committed to looping and want a tool that offers complete flexibility and seamless integration, especially with the BeatBuddy, the Aeros Loop Studio is a fantastic choice. Its power, ease of use, and expandability make it an invaluable asset for serious musicians.