Whether you're a solo performer who could use a backing track or just someone who wants to change up your practice routine, a looper guitar effect just might be what you need. The Donner Deluxe Looper is a pedal that goes beyond the typical functionality of your standard looper, and it's also available at a fraction of the cost.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Looper Pedal
Before buying a looper or any other guitar effect pedal, it's wise to make sure the pedal fits in with your sound. Here are a few things to keep in mind before making a purchase:
Guitar | Pedal | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Main | Donner | Deluxe Looper |
Donner Deluxe Looper
PRO's & CON's of Donner Deluxe Looper
Before we take a closer look at the Donner Deluxe Looper guitar pedal, let's looks at some pros and cons:
Pros
Cons
Features and Benefits
If you've ever played with a compact loop pedal, you may have felt like the design was somewhat non-intuitive. Looper pedals are a great resource for new and experienced players alike, and a pedal with a clear interface will be easier to use. In this section, we'll go through what sets this looper apart.
Overall Design
The Donner Looper Deluxe is bigger than you might expect. It's 90 mm by 116 mm, making it about the same size as some larger stompboxes. However, the current draw is pretty standard--it has a 100 mA current draw and can be powered with a 9V, center-negative power supply.
As for looks, the Deluxe Looper isn't all that remarkable--it's an off-white color with black text. But even though the design may be a little dull, the controls are clearly marked, making it simple for even new guitarists to play. If you want to get a closer look at this pedal, check out this helpful video demo.
Additionally, the Deluxe Looper can be run in stereo. If you already play in stereo, you can probably integrate this pedal into your rig fairly easily. If you're thinking of playing in stereo, you'll need two amps. Of course, you can also play in mono. There's a USB port on the side, which can be used to connect to Donner's looper software (discussed below).
Onboard Effects
If you've already been shopping for loop pedals, you probably have seen that your options range from basic, nano-sized pedals to full-on loop stations with effects. Donner's Deluxe Looper guitar effect is bigger than some, but it has plenty of useful effects for practice or the stage:
One of the great things about looper pedals is their ability to help you create music in different ways. If you're new to loopers and want some tips for getting started, check out this brief video lesson on using loop pedals.
Donner Looper Software
Though some players have noted that the Donner looper manual is written in somewhat broken English (and thus can be tough to follow), most players will be able to figure out this looper with a bit of experimentation. However, it's a good idea to hang onto the manual that comes with the pedal, since it has instructions for using Donner's looper software. If you do misplace the original manual, you can find information on it on Donner's website.
This software lets you upload loops to your PC (or download pre-recorded loops onto your pedal). If you come up with a catchy loop during practice and want to record it for future reference, this feature makes it especially easy to do so.
Given the fact that plenty of effects companies sell loopers without this capability for much higher prices, the inclusion of Donner's looper software is pretty remarkable. That said, some players complain about extra digital noise when doing overdubs. That's a possibility, and if you want a looper that's perfectly quiet, you might want to look elsewhere. However, we think this pedal delivers plenty of value for the price. You can see it in action in this video demo.Social Proof of the Pedal
If you can, it's a good idea to try out a guitar effect pedal before you buy. However, this isn't always possible, especially if you're buying online. Many companies like Donner make affordable pedals that aren't carried in most brick and mortar stores. If you aren't able to try out the Deluxe Looper in person, reading reviews may help you decide whether it's right for you. Here are a few reviews we found online:
This helpful review illustrates the fact that the Deluxe Looper can be used for more than just guitar--this player has found success using it with a fiddle.
This review is surprisingly detailed, and it covers some of this looper's potential issues. While the sound quality is quite good, the instruction manual can be hard to follow.
This person was impressed with the pedal's overall quality. However, they note that no power supply is included, which is useful to know. It doesn't have the option of being battery powered, so you'll need to make sure you have a power supply.
In Conclusion
Hopefully our Donner Deluxe Looper review has helped answer your questions about this remarkable pedal. With an easy-to-use interface, 10 minutes of looping time, and onboard effects, the Deluxe Looper is a great option if you need a looper but don't have a lot to spend. Click here to check it out!