Loopy Pro: Create music, your way.
What is Loopy Pro? — Loopy Pro is a powerful, flexible, and intuitive live looper, sampler, clip launcher and DAW for iPhone and iPad. At its core, it allows you to record and layer sounds in real-time to create complex musical arrangements. But it doesn’t stop there—Loopy Pro offers advanced tools to customize your workflow, build dynamic performance setups, and create a seamless connection between instruments, effects, and external gear.
Use it for live looping, sequencing, arranging, mixing, and much more. Whether you're a live performer, a producer, or just experimenting with sound, Loopy Pro helps you take control of your creative process.
Download on the App StoreLoopy Pro is your all-in-one musical toolkit. Try it for free today.
Roland MC-101/707 vs IPad ?
Has anyone tried Roland’s newer grooveboxes and compared it to say IOS IPad Drambo or something? I am hearing great thing about the MC-707.
Is the sound better from the dedicated Roland or ? Just food for thought 
Comments
iPad - multi purpose device, much more possibilities, beter wider sound range, much more use cases … lot of possible distraction (interner, social networks, netflix), apps may crash, no tactile experience (hw midi controller is not ideal)
hw groovebox - one purpose device, no distractions, a kinda limited but highly optimised for one type of workflow, packing knobs and inputs and outputs which helps train muscle memory, perfect tactile experience
it’s complicated .. don’t think any of them is objecticely “better” - it depends on what you like, i like both (but “no distractions” factor is for me huge benefit of HW groovebox)
Like @dendy it’s best to approach them and appreciate them for what they are. One device that offers once specific workflow. That can be inspiring in its own way.
That said, there was a lot I liked about the 707 but the UI was not one of them. The synth engine is super powerful but requires lots of menu diving. Which is kinda typical in grooveboxes but I much prefer something like the Digitakt, Volca Sample, an Electribe, OP-1, etc.
i just add i am now considering purchase Polyend Tracker Mini .. which doesn’t mean i am leaving iPad… those are simply different worlds, it’s good to have multiple choices, it (at least for me) fuels inspiration …
Yeah I agree that they are just different tools.
I find a hybrid can work. I recently got two “modular” pieces of hardware that work really well in a logic or dRambo environment. As said stated that offers a lot of extra plugins and extra features
With that said I kind of would like a non-internet closed system made just for music production. It is designed for it, again, as stated above. If you don’t use a lot of plugins I would go non iPad these days with all these iOS issues and Logic making things difficult for other devs to work in other systems.
Oh well, I’m just going to stick to Logic (macOS) and Cubasis 3 (iOS) , with some Zenbeats 3 and dRambo [with all my hardware controller and software plugins) for now but let us know what you decide and how it works
I just sometimes think the hardware like an MC sounds bettter, but it is subjective and depends on what style of music production too.
I have only owned a Roland MC505, and while it was great fun, I could mostly only run sequenced loops. You can mute/unmute parts, and sculpture or mangle the sounds, and tweak EFX parameters. (I did also own a Command Station but I never have used it properly).
On the MC505 there was a megamix function, so you could change gradually the different loops/parts that are playing, on 8 tracks. But you have to program al that stuff in advance to do that. And song mode was also a lot of work to construct a whole track.
So I imagine with the MC101/707 you also are working mostly with loop based music. And then (for me) the question comes, is this nice to do in the long run?
I guess a Digitakt or Syntakt has a more advanced sequencer with some nice tricks. It would be my choice when it comes to grooveboxes, not that Roland stuff.
That said, as an old guy, my music taste these days it strictly jazz fusion guitar music, I have no need for a loop based groovebox.
My favourite combo is the iPad + Novation Circuit.
Best of both worlds in many ways as the circuit makes for a really good MIDI interface for the iPad plus standalone it's a major change of scenery and the simple, immediate interface makes for a lot of fun and encourages me to jam and the pads steer me towards different melodies than I come up with on a keyboard, especially when using the scales features. I was thinking of getting a bluetooth MIDI adaptor to use it (and other devices) with the iPad freeing up the USB port for headphones.
I was tempted by an MC but they're quite complicated, especially compared to a Circuit, and for my specific purposes I enjoy the lack of screen and the lack of any kind of distraction is very compelling. When I want more control, then I can hook up the Circuit to the iPad and use the Circuit's sequencer or just use it as a keyboard. I have a JD-Xi which is more than enough Roland for me ;-) It's actually really quick and easy to use until you need to dig in to the menus and then you wish you weren't using a Roland.
I love the vocoder and drum sequencer in the Jd-xi. Would use it with the iPad more if the audio interface in it was class compliant. It works great with a Macbook, MIDI only with iPad.
If the circuit also had an audio interface built in it would be perfect I wish they'd make a new circuit with class compliant audio + midi. My old Novation XioSynth works as a midi + audio interface and it's a hundred years old and mine is very battle scarred (cracked, broken case, missing knobs, wobbly and badly made but still works a treat!.
I have the first Circuit. Yes, it’s got a nice kinda keyboard and sequencer Making melodies can be a pleasure for sure. You have just sparked me to get mine out again
. How do you use it with the iPad?
It's mostly about the samples I think. If a hardware box, or an app, has great sounds then you'll want to use it again. It's one of the reasons why I don't seem to get rid of Korg Gadget soon, it's still a great collection of sounds, samples and loops and that's what I want when I start composing or just messing around with musical ideas.
Different ways... Sometimes I'll use it with a Zoom U24 MIDI/Audio interface to just use it as a controller.
But mostly I'll come up with some ideas on the Circuit and once I have an idea for a song I'll record them as audio and MIDI into my Mac or iPad for further manipulation.
I've used the novation synths directly in finished songs before too. I actually really like the novation synths. I spent a while making some patches and loaded it with my own drum samples and it's a lot of fun.
The best thing about the circuit is just using it to jam with no ulterior motives. It's so quick and immediate -- and distraction free -- that it's easy to come up with ideas. But mostly just to jam with.
Yes ! Circuit works great even just as midi controller with iPad, and it’s sequencer and synth engine is nust additional bonus .. definitely good combo..
yeah that would be sooo much great .. a pity they reduced costs on less powerfull USB chip - so there is no chance to add usb audio with firmware update :-(
Yeah Novation sounds really good, especially when using the editor. It’s warm but can also be aggressive.
The unit acts as a simple midi controller too.
The 707 is one of my main tools for live use, and yes it’s a brilliant box. Does it sound better than iPad apps? No, I wouldn’t say that at all, it’s pretty much even for me. The workflow is excellent for a Groovebox though, and the hardware layout is perfect for performing on. At least for me.
I have a mc 101, I absolutely love this little box.
Nope it doesn't sounds better than an ipad synth, but it is just another tool to spark creativity.
I use the 101 in multiple ways, standalone, as a sequencer for ipad synths, as a sound source (it has a random patch generator and editor) to sample stuff in koala and I sometimes record sounds from the ipad into the 101 and use that as a sample on the 101. It is my little swiss army knife in my musical toolbox.
I wanted a 707 badly, but then I got into Drambo. Where I can just load up 8 different synths have fun with that, instead of a hardware box with 8 channels of the same synth engine.
But I really wanted some type of hardware to mess around with, when I don't really want to see a screen, the 101 came into place.
I also have a circuit and circuit rhythm, which I also use to sequence the ipad. However the 101 is also an audio interface, the sound goes over usb and you can start the 101 in mass storage mode, this makes it a less hassle transfering and recording stuff.
IMO you can't compare software vs hardware , completely different experience
I really dig my 101
Lovely machine. As mentioned before the tactile feel, immediacy and limitations of any groovebox or hardware gadget are awesome. My favorite machines are the 101, the behringer 303 clone, Korg EMX and QY-70. Although I do have an SP-404sx and Sampletrak 224, I end up prefering sampling on iOS or Android (more powerful options there for me)
So I think a hybrid setup is pretty awesome, powerful and fun. And the best of both worlds
I have to soon add one of these into my new setup. I’m still learning and love working with iPad music production. It’s fun and innovative. I find some of the synths and workflow better than on a desktop daw.
My favorite music set up I’ve ever had is my OP-1 and iPad. They’re a dream team. I regret ever selling it so now I’m saving up for the Field lol
If the circuit tracks got midi and audio over USB I’d buy one in a heartbeat.
IMO, Roland's ZenBeats represents the most cross-platform value proposition. Start a project, and you can work it on desktop, iPad, or phone.
That's not everything, but it does matter.
I know right. If they could make keyboards with audio and midi built in nearly 20 years ago it should be much easier and cheaper today.
My XioSynth is perfect feature wise for use with an iPad. I don’t understand why nobody makes something similar today. Mine is a bit sad and battle scarred but still works perfectly without drivers. Stick the guts of it into a circuit — it’s a smaller form factor and much better build quality than the xiosynth — and I’d buy one in a heartbeat too.
Agreed. I feel like class compliant audio and midi should be standard at this point outside of synths like the DFAM/M32 that are clearly going for something else. But for a groovebox with sample playback it feels mandatory lol
Yes it should be standard. But for when its not go with Korg Volca! Im such a huge convert, and it’s a used last minute hipshot decision. I am now completely committed to my studio as it is: meaning absolutely no new software apps of any kind . No new hardware of any kind, no new nothing of any kind. I haves what I haves and I can’t haves no mo……lucky the volca drum was the piece to fill the void. I have my S-1, my Arturia mini lab, my midi interface, and audio interface so I am completely straight. I finally got the point where asking for help is a waste of time. If I can’t/dont figure it out on my own, I shouldn’t …i should know what I need to do by now…..only thing eluding me is how to apply certain FX…
Sound is objective. With that said, have both 101(looking to sell) and 707. Both class compliant with the iPad. Fun combination. If you can get the audio routing right, ie avoid feedback, iPad can essentially be a virtual pedal.
That’s a nice feeling right?? Everything feeling…complete.
I own almost all the Volcas, even had the mix at one point but never used it. They’re amazing machines. The Sample 2 is my favorite and it has usb c and works with the iPad. Does sample import through it as well and has a couple of dedicated apps. There’s also an iOS dev that has lots of Volca apps. I’ll have to look and report back because I can’t remember the name.
For hardware for me, the Volcas, and the little Bastl modular synths are perfect. I do wanna get the Moog Mavis to pair with them to have that Moog sound in hardware form again. Now I’m saving up for the OP-1 Field to finalize my hardware. I don’t have space to use it much right now and am mostly iPad anyway, but it’s nice to have to break out of the mold sometimes.
The volcas with the automation is especially fun! I am tempted by that S-1. I may get they eventually as well.
I have an MC707. It sounds fantastic. Has studio quality sounds and effects.
Work flow is also great and it’s more than capable to create full tracks. It also is a good unit to become the centre of a hardware setup due to its extensive midi capabilities.
There is something quite magical about using a dedicated groove box compared to something like an iPad. Hands on is very rewarding.
Go for it. Teenage engineering are the best, but I can’t afford it. I want the one you have. The op-1? But it’s a lot!! In that case I can be thankful for iOS synths! But Go for it and I hope you enjoy it man.
Yes, it is maybe a different music production experience.
Thanks man! It’s pricey for me too which is why I’m saving up for a year 😂 I had the original one and loved it. I wish I would’ve never sold it or at least sold it to fund the Field. Oh well, live and learn. I mostly want it as a companion piece to the iPad anyway. They make a great team.