zenAud.io has introduced ALK2, a MacOS software looper that ‘knows’ your song arrangement.
Traditional loopers can require you to trigger recording and looping, and can limit how you arrange a song. ALK2 is designed to be a cross between a sequencer and a looper, so you can create loop-based arrangements that you can perform on the fly.
Like a traditional looper, clips are performed live and subsequently looped to create layers of sound. Like in a sequencer, the loops can be drawn, moved, copied, cut and pasted in a musical arrangement.
When it’s time to perform the song, ALK follows your arrangement, automatically letting you arm channels, trigger effects, and record and play loops at the right time.
Pricing and Availability
ALK2 is available through April 10, 2018 for €159 (normally €199.) A demo version is also available.
Looks like they finally got it right. If there is a hands free way to trigger new loops then this is perfect. I know the ableton users will jump in since ableton does everything but a unified single use live looper with arrangement capabilities is great since live looping in most DAW’s can be a pain when thats all your trying to do.
This is true, I am about to jump in. I use Ableton for this. It’s simply automating the parameters on the Looper.
I go a step further and save those automations and instrument racks as .alc clips to be inserted into a project with other songs for a full live set.
If this program makes all of that easier, then good on ’em.
how is everything being triggered?
There is a video on YouTube explaining that. You set your punchin point and length of loop, then you set your loop length( the arrangement of the loop after you record it) so it automatically becomes a track rather than a loop. Triggering happens like a DAW punch in, hands free, follow the metronome or pre- recorded tracks for timing so you don’t have those foot pedal mistakes. Then mention a foot pedal so I’m sure it has that functionality but I’ve always had shit luck with those. The boss even-505 did something similar, let you hit record then it cue’d it Up for the next bard or downbeat or whatever.
Looks interesting – some of the same functionality as Numerology with more emphasis on looping and less on sequencing and routing. Just an observation: pricing seems really high for software trying to build user base. I say that given how quiet the community forum is. They do offer a free trial so at least you can decide for yourself.
Duh, could have just posted the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6khXOMJPiY
Woa, this could be great for a drummer composing with loops on the fly.