Program multi‑track compositions using sample based sounds and other sound engines (e.g. FM, Karplus‑Strong, subtractive) for leads, bass & drums
Record sounds from other devices or the environment and store them on micro‑SD card for use in your tracks
Define sequences, arpeggios, scales and chords using the stylus or generative algorithms
Add sound effects and modulation driven by pre-programmed rules or cues from the environment, record the results back to the SD card, use it as a MIDI controller or plug in an external MIDI keyboard
Choose your favourite workflow or find a perfect challenge to suit your musical prowess:
Begin your musical journey here. Similar to the classic Stylophone, you'll select sounds, choose a scale, and then use the stylus to play. Each tap generates a delightful sound. Explore the vast library of timbres preloaded in your unit.
Activate the looper, and let the endless tape weave beautiful harmonies and interesting rhythms. The accelerometer will control the speed of the tape if you want, or activate the light sensor to add glitches. You can mix your voice into the loop too.
Build the track in a more precise manner, note by note using the polyphonic sequencer. Experiment with pre-defined or generated patterns, and let your imagination flow freely.
Here you can configure and play complete chords by clicking one key. The resulting keyboard layout can then be used in any of the previous modes. A comprehensive manual will be provided to guide you through the internal workings of all sound engines and generators.
There is a lot going on under the hood. We designed the controls so they are easy to use and can be learned quickly, while allowing access to the deepest levels of the synth.
While the firmware is under development, we are excited to share glimpses of what we are working on.
Check our videos showing the concept and first sound tests, and stay tuned for more! For easier viewing on mobile, the playlist is here.
And we already got demos from early owners, check them out!
Let us explain a few things about the Loopstyler which might not be obvious.
You may be thinking it is larger as it is hard to tell by the photos, but the Loopstyler is only as wide as one's palm, or 9 x 5.5cm / 3.5 by 2.2 inches (exactly the same as Loopsynth in the plastic version).
The headphone connector is very standard 3.5mm jack, you can also connect the output to an amplifier or active speakers. There is no built-in speaker like in the classic stylophone. Given the complexity of sounds that you can get, the quality of such speaker would be inadequate.
You can power it from any standard 5V sources, power banks, computer's USB ports and various adapters. There are no special requirements, the current drawn is low (at most 150mA). The power connector is of micro-USB type, we know this is not ideal in today's world but for practical reasons and complexity of manufacturing we need to stick to this standard at least in the first production run. A reliable cable is supplied with each unit.
There is no rechargeable battery included because of the shipping restrictions, however if you can solder, you have an option to disassemble the device easily (two screws) and install a rechargeable battery; then it will be charged via USB. The modification required is the same as shown here and here with the Gecho Loopsynth circuit board. The battery must be a 3.7V Lithium Polymer (Li-Po) with protection circuit (like this one).
To not cause any delays, early adopters will receive firmware as is by the time of shipping (which will do at least as much as shown in demo and described in the user manual. Updates are very easy to install. All you need to do is plug the Loopstyler to your computer via USB cable, it will show up as a removable disk drive, you download a file from our website, save it to that drive, and power cycle the unit. Getting new sounds for your synth, or transfering recordings to your computer, is just as simple.
In your package you will get:
