TC Electronic

122
Guitarist may 2016
TC ElECTroniC
T
he original Ditto Looper’s immediacy and
ease of use simplified the whole pedal-looper
thing for us guitarists. Since then, we’ve seen a
Stereo version with the ability to store a ‘backing track’
alongside loop transfer to a computer over USB, and
the X2, which added a second footswitch to stop loop
playback or add effects. On a wishlist for many, though,
was the ability to have two loops: enter the Ditto X4,
which effectively puts two Ditto Loopers side-by-side,
each with their own footswitch. The two loops can
either be set to ‘serial’ mode where the loops can play
one after the other for a verse/chorus vibe, or to ‘sync’
mode, which can have both loops at the same time.
Each loop has a knob to set its volume, while the
Decay knob is common to both and sets the rate at
which previous loops fade into the background (fully
clockwise gives no volume reduction in a loop cycle).
Mono or Stereo operation is possible, as is dual mono,
where you can connect two instruments with the
outputs going to different amps. It has the same loop
transfer and backing track ability as the X2, MIDI
connectivity for synchronisation and more, plus
mode switches to set up your own options relating
to overdubs, loop switching and bypass.
In Use
Recording, starting and stopping loops can be
carried out with each looper’s footswitch, but the
super-practical Stop footswitch can stop both at once
and also erase, if needed. A fourth footswitch applies
an effect to the loop with seven options: you get three
ways to end a loop (play once and stop; fade out; or tape-
slowing style), and options to play a loop in reverse, at
half speed (octave down) or twice speed (octave up);
a hold function repeats a short segment of the loop as
long as the footswitch is held down – great for stutter
effects or to stick on a particular chord to play live over.
Verdict
The X4 extends creativity way beyond its siblings:
two loops greatly increase the options for layering and
building your music, but TC’s ‘switches, knobs but
no menus’ approach keeps things easily manageable.
While this is a fine creative looper for home use
(namely, songwriting or practice), it has features
that really lend themselves to live work, particularly
improvisational pieces where the effects footswitch
can be put to great use. It balances sophistication with
simplicity while being great fun to use.
Tech Spec
ORIGIN: Thailand
TYPE: Dual Looper
FEATURES: True
bypass/buffered bypass
(switchable), 7 FX types,
loop import/export,
5 minutes max. loop
time per loop
CONTROLS: Loop 1
volume, Loop 2 volume,
Decay, FX selector, 3x
toggle switch, 4x Mode
switch; Loop1, Loop2,
Stop & FX footswitches
CONNECTIONS:
Standard inputs (mono
and stereo), standard
outputs (mono and
stereo), MIDI IN, MIDI
THRU, USB
POWER: 9V adaptor
(supplied) 300mA
DIMENSIONS: 235 (w)
x 145 (d) x 57mm (h)
TC Electronic
0800 917 8926
www.tcelectronic.com
TC ELECTRONIC
DiTTo X4 loopEr
£185
9
The latest addition to the Ditto family presents looping ‘times two’:
twice the fun and even greater layering opportunities
Words Trevor Curwen Photography Olly Curtis
PROS Simple operation; huge leap in creativity with two loops;
nice array of effects; easy loop import/export options
CONS Indicator lights obscured with foot on switch – just when
you need them!; needs high current outlet on power distributor
Video demo http://bit.ly/guitaristextra
GIT406.peds_tc.indd 122 3/16/16 11:01 AM