This AFFORDABLE Dual Stereo loop pedal is a MUST! - Valeton VLP-200

[@ludekkolenaty2209]

I received mine only today, connected stereo in from my Tascam M12 mix where all my instruments are routed to, midi in and drum pedal control and I must say, I’m impressed. I had lots of loopers from the simple ones to the most sophisticated loop machines (BOSS RC 600, Headrush Looper..) and this one - taking into account its price is almost unbelievable so far. Clear sound, loops length multiplying, midi sync, synced drum control via simple pedal, loops saving, good sounding drums. I’m talking about sync mode only at the moment. None of loopers within the price range up to 400 EUR have many of these functions and are so easy to use. And no useless effects such as reverse, slow , speed - I never used them in a looper.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Yeah the features are solid and well thought out. Really want to see this looper have a roadmap as well as maybe a family of them. Valeton have a real opportunity to break into this market with some products with unique features that musicians will genuinely enjoy!

[@DjMichelful]

@@ludekkolenaty2209 I send my back today. In my ears the drums sound terrible and boring. And double Step for Looper stop is not good for practice. Also the drums have no fade out nothing fills and no dynamics. Maybe I expected to much for the money🤷 I had the boss RC5 month ago and he is by far better in my opinion.

[@jamescorbett3039]

By far the best demo of this looper on KZbin so thanks for that JP! I have a question. I have a couple of devices that can send and receive midi clock, but with the old midi 5 pin connectors. Is there a midi conversion cable that would covert from 5 pin to TRS??

[@duarteestelita7257]

I believe the adapters from 5 pin MIDI to the mini jack MIDI IO on the Valeton or on the RC50, for eg.. are TRS. One just needs to make sure if it is type A or B . But I'm not entirely sure, here.

[@duarteestelita7257]

And yes... John's review is hands down the most clear and comprehensible available , for this pedal. ;) No doubt.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Yes you can get 5 pin to TRS midi from that good olde Amazon. Not too costly. 👍

[@gerimayawhyte154]

Wow, thanks for the walkthrough JP. I'm sold!. I'm so used to momentary latch switches that I recently bought an old used RC 20 and have found it harder to loop faster rhythms than a looper with momentary latch switches. This looper came up in my Reverb suggestions and I was curious and boom there was your review! I've mostly been a Headrush Looperboard guy but even that doesn't have a doubling effect that is intuitive as this. Is the effect in any other loopers? I've never heard of a version of it like this.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Glad I could help! There is only a few and they are older and 16 bit that have this feature.. the only other one that’s Modern, is Loopy Pro on iPad or a DAW like Ableton Live. There is probably another one out there, I just don’t know it. Hope in the future, all loopers have this feature. Would be amazing for song building.

[@gerimayawhyte154]

@@JohnPaulMusicUK Yeah for sure JP. This feature would be a game changer for loopers and live looping musicians!

[@joseluismartinez7322]

Hi JP, excellent review once again! question: any other looper in the market with this smart loop doubling feature? or all stuck to first loop lenght?

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Not really! Loopy Pro does this.

[@joseluismartinez7322]

@@JohnPaulMusicUK Not even any of RC 5 Rc 500?

[@stevenbarksalot]

Great video! cheers! I was wondering, if you wanted the two loops to to sync up in Free mode - could you do drum sync for the initial recording of the two loops? And then turn off the drums (or turn the drum volume down)? It's honestly a bit of a deal breaker if theres no way to get them perfectly synced up in free mode

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Yeah I think the way forward for this would be the turn it down approach. I know they have a roadmap for firmware but unsure when this is coming. Would love to see a solution to this and it would really make it formidable!

[@LPMojoGL]

Great video, thanks. I've been looking to upgrade from my 17 yr old Akai Headrush. A lot of options! This looks good.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Omg! The Akai Headrush E2 was my VERY first looper and what KT Tunstall used. That’s so cool you still use it. Hard to master that little pedal!

[@Nomanspie]

Can you load samples on to the pedal? Let's say, for instance, you wanted to fire off a pre recorded intro to a song.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Yes. 👍🏻 The VLP-200 is compatible with computer software, supporting both Windows and MacOS. When you connect the VLP-200 to your computer via USB, you can use the software to import and export recorded audio and perform firmware updates, among other operations.

[@jlbennett3177]

I just got a Showbox and live it so far. Where are your drum beats coming from? Thanks Jack

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

In this video the rhythm is coming from the Valeton. I normally do a bit of a beatbox as well. 👍

[@thibaultbloch5001]

Hi JP, thanks for the review! Was wondering if you had any opinion on the quality of the drum machine? How are the sounds, the patterns? How do they compare against a Boss RC-5 for example? Thanks!

[@robotixlab]

Hello is the VLP-200 suitable for looping a synthesizer?

[@electronik808]

the feature of doubling the loop is killer! does the boss rc-500 or sheeran looper+ do that or is only this one?

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Nope. There are only a few and they are much older loopers. It’s a great feature!

[@gerimayawhyte154]

JP, Does the Smart Doubling only work with the drum machine beats? Trying to do it without the beats but it is kind of confusing.

[@Steeve108]

WTF i've been waiting 4 ages to get something like this ➡ cheap, simple2use, but yet very well thought & advanced (color code LEds on FS, auto multiply loop lenght) time quantization, drum loop sync, 2 tracks with S/F mode, Midi sync, Auto-record, 24bits/48Khz, no bulshit FXs, and even an interface to manage loops .....the perfect combo 🏆 the Sheeran Looper+ is not even close to this beast 🥴 (i have sent it back even if the hardware quality is stunning but it costs 300 bucks)

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Interested in your approach with the Valeton and how your gonna use it. Glad you have found it. 👍🏻

[@Steeve108]

@@JohnPaulMusicUK i got my hands in it n it's an amazing piece of gear 🏆super easy to record loops perfectly in sync, the drum machine is stellar (with already mixed rythms with Reverb) the color coding making a real difference IMO, i was able to put stuffs in a breeze that i was struggling for ages to do with other gears like a Zoom R24 for instance that i have coz you've to program the sequence thru the very odd sequencer 🥶 the 2 modes are very well thought ➡ Serial to make 2 parts track ➡ Free to build independant layers of sounds (but still in sync with the BPM from the Drum machine) the smart loop doubling feature is very unique🎖2 fuel up your creativity n break the usual looping boundaries 🚀

[@christinaraine2480]

Got mine! Came a few days ago. Question......any chance you can do a more in depth video on how to program it, how to use midi with it, etc? 🙏

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

At the moment, midi is bpm and tempo only. There is a plan to update it to work with midi pedals.. have a look at the live stream I did with it. Might help: kzbin.infoUxLD_ZADh-k?si=NgByb_6Hna4s519z

[@yippy327]

1st time seeing this pedal. I love it so far. Great explanation of features, Much appreciated video, sir.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

More than welcome - have a look at the live stream I just did with it.

[@gerimayawhyte154]

JP can you have one in sync and one in free? Like if I wanted to build a rhythm track over a drone.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Yes. So you can have the rhythm track going completely independently of the loop. So yeah you could achieve this. 👍🏻

[@gerimayawhyte154]

@@JohnPaulMusicUK Awesome! So stoked! Can't wait to get mine in the mail!

[@DjMichelful]

If I use guitar and microphone at the same time, does the switch have to be set to mic or instrument?

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

The switch on the back needs to be changed to mic and plug the mic in on the first instrument and then plug your guitar in on the second. 👍🏻 Or if you have multiple connections, you could plug the output of a mixer, stereo into the pedal and then you would change that to line so it’s a left and a right. Hope that helps 👍🏻

[@BaselineHypocrite]

It seems like an important improvement would be to send the loops to one output and the drums to another. I’d really like to be able to send the loops to my guitar amp and the drums to a powered speaker.

[@albatros1752]

Theoretical question , :if you use Beat buddy, trough MIDI , that one got all stop and outro in internal programing , will that cooperate with VLP 200 as all stop ? I gues no, but it will be solving that one issue . Im loving yours detail analysis !!!

[@nazariononni1867]

Great video thanks, I need to know which function are available if I connect a midi footswitch, not found in manual, the same for analogic foot controller.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Nothing at the moment. They have a roadmap for the midi and believe that is coming but as this present moment, it’s bpm only. Have a look at this live stream I did as. I got a few answers from Valeton yesterday. kzbin.infoUxLD_ZADh-k?si=UAtYmOuLwu6QJAPG

[@PsychoPat-o9w]

Can you route a Play Acoustic into the Valeton VLP-200, as you explained in your Dual Mono Looping video? This is possible with the Boss RC500.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Yeah totally. 👌 if any looper has a stereo input, you can do it. 👍

[@PsychoPat-o9w]

Thanks for the reply. It's the outputs on the looper im wondering about. Will vocals go through one output and guitar through the other? Or just a mix in stereo? Thanks for your help

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

In the manual it has this: _"OUTPUT (L/R) Jack 1/4” unbalanced output interface, connect to speaker, mixer or recording equipment. Mono input: Only L or R channel input, OUTPUT L and R output the same LOOP signal (dual mono output). Stereo input: When INPUT L and R are input at the same time, OUTPUT L and R output the LOOP signal of the corresponding input channel. *Note: When INPUT L and R are inserted at the same time, if only one channel of L or R has signal input, only the corresponding output channel has LOOP signal output."_ I'm thinking that if used as a dual mono it will probably play both outputs together so not like the way I like it unfortunately and probably the drums come out of both.

[@christinaraine2480]

What are the drum sounds options? Jazz? Shakers? Percussion? 🤘

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Video coming…

[@christinaraine2480]

@@JohnPaulMusicUK Can't seem to get it in the states quickly. Amazon is out, can do Thomman, Or eBay from China..... Not soon enough though! Thanks man. Looking forward to the vid!

[@AllanGildea]

Crackin' demo, cheers. Great piece of kit.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Thanks 🙏 Watch me use it live here: kzbin.infoUxLD_ZADh-k?si=lgqmaJg3y4yPXsUn

[@christinaraine2480]

Also......Any way you can also make a vid as to HOW we update the firmware? Can't seen to find it ANYWHERE online, not even the Valeton website. 🙏

[@duarteestelita7257]

pretty pretty solid review John. ;) Thanks very much. Very clear and to the point. i actually got an idea of what one is able to do with this thing. ;P

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Glad I could help!

[@duarteestelita7257]

Áudio interface option would be brilliant, but i am not counting on that on a firmware update. As for the external foot switch being at least a TRS, would give them the possibility to expand with firmware. Namely, bank up & down, with the ext pedal . That would give one the possibility of recording a whole song with multiple parts, on several memory banks, and switching between them with the ext double foot switch. The ALL Start/Stop is an important option too. ;) Speaking of which _ i was not expecting the beat/drums to remain on, once you turn Off the loop .. That’s a clear downside . So, in the end, if one wants to STOP ALL, one needs to press both Loop 1 & 2 simultaneously , together with the 3rd ext pedal footswitch. Do you confirm that ?? thanks again!

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Yes. I confirm. The only way to all start stop would be to press all three at the same time. Haven’t played with the midi much yet and wondering if I can control with midi pedal? But I fear that it’s just for tempo syncing. Will ask Valeton and report back.

[@jamescorbett3039]

I picked one up. I messaged Valeton and they did reply saying that they plan a future update which will include expanded midi switching capabilities. Let’s hope!

[@duarteestelita7257]

@@jamescorbett3039 well.. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. That potential helps me easily put this pedal in my #1 spot for --- getting a Looper Pedal in 2024 ! Thanks for the input ;)

[@przemyslaw1235]

This?Sheeran?or boss rc500?😊great video.Looks so easy to use.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

I’ll answer your question with a few questions to make you think. Ignore the tech.. what do you need? What are you looping? How many inputs? What outputs do you want? What is your budget?

[@hardlines2635]

I own several loopers, if I could only keep one it’s the Boss RC500.

[@duarteestelita7257]

​@@Josh_728 hmmm... The firmness of your answer makes me wonder a bit. Would you be so kind to expanding, on that, for a bit ? Was I just scarred from a negative experience with the RC-50 ?? I don't think I am the only one, as .. before I sold it, I confirmed (on forums) that Boss looper pedals often have MIDI Sync issues. It's a solid piece of metal, with solid IO options. The MIDI Sync issues, and the noisy/ineffective grounding really put me off. And it was almost 500Euros, back in 2005!! 2 questions : #1 - Will the RC505 allow Looping without being 100% accurate on the foot switch, similar to the Serial mode on the Valeton ? (pressing the foot switch on the 1, when starting AND just before the 1, to end the loop.) b) And what about the Smart Doubling? #2 - Will the RC505 allow 3 inputs (2 TS & 1 XLR) simultaneously.. or only 2 inputs, with the option to choose between XLR or TS on 1 of them ?

[@duarteestelita7257]

@@JohnPaulMusicUK I'll throw in my case, as well : Let's dispense with the budget side of things, for a moment. I own the Sonic Airstep + Lite combo. I use Ableton, barely.... and just got a Mac, so finally returning to Logic Pro. I have been realising that I am not very assertive with DAWs, while writing music.. so I was thinking of getting back to loop pedals & pedal FX. I've looked at the Aeros, the Boss .. you name it.. I've even looked at MPCs and Recording Mixers.... and off course, Loopy Pro, which was how I got to know your channel, here. ;) I play multiple instruments.. audio & MIDI.. What do you reckon ? PS: I need a pedal option that will at least give me the option of bouncing the recordings to a DAW, later on, and MIDI Sync capabilities. Thank you again

[@somethingelsedoesmatter]

I had the Boss and hated it. So slow to save my loops and it didn't seem to have good volume levels. I found it clunky. I settled on the Ditto+, but this seems to do what it does, and more, and cheaper.

[@dandilion62]

I couldn't find the Vlp-220, only the VLP200

[@cantstopplayingmusic]

It's the VLP200

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Yeah.. sorry human typo. Been fixed now. It is indeed the VLP-200

[@jaspersquire5931]

I can’t really see the value of this without being able to sync the 2 loops. It definitely needs that firmware update. I’ll stick with my RC 5 for now…. In fact would I be better adding a 2nd RC 5 and linking with my other one with midi to have 2 channel looping?

[@yippy327]

That would work. But considering your total for 2 RC-5 is around $400.. There's a large price difference.

[@jamescorbett3039]

It really depends what you want to do. I picked one of these up, and I agree the 2 loops should be sync’d. That said, if you use the on board metronome or a drum beat, they sync to that. So it’s only an issue if you need to loop 2 tracks without the metronome. Biggest flaw for me is the lack of all start stop. But I messaged Valeton and they said they are working on an update so that it is midi controller compatible. That would change the game if you could assign various switches to a variety of features. It’s nearly there.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Yeah I spoke to them. The issue I have is if you start a loop on its own, the rhythm section is completely independent and doesn’t change the bpm to match the bottom / first loop. This is huge cause you would either have to pre-save the loop and bpm before hand and you have no idea what the bpm of the loop you put down is. Agree with the start stop. 👌

[@jamescorbett3039]

@@JohnPaulMusicUK agreed the drums always have to be first so that it syncs. For me it’s a great product that just needs those tweaks.

[@duarteestelita7257]

@@jamescorbett3039 true. I am already thinking : I've got an XSonic Airstep. I could expand the VLP200 with extra 5 foot switches, through MIDI, and mapping them through Valeton's software. With bank Up & bank Down one wouldn't need the 2 loops to sync, in the 3rd approach, because one's be able to switch between a bunch of banks with the foot switches. Imagine all that with a 130€ unit . Hehe , Very potent!

[@jtrace-444]

This is Magic JP!!!!! 🍺

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Good isn’t it! 👍

[@jtrace-444]

​@@JohnPaulMusicUKAt the 1st strum we thought You were gonna Rock out some Smiths.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

@jtrace-444 awww.. maybe next time! 🤣

[@TJ-bx5px]

as an integer multiple?? AFTER bar finished ????????????????????????????????

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Eh 🤷🏻‍♂️ ?

[@yago8672]

Cool, propably affordable

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

I know. I’m glad they have under cut the competition. Definitely gonna get some traction.

[@tommyaudio]

I haven't finished the video but I'm not clear where the beat is coming from. does it come with drum loops or are they coming from another source??

[@cantstopplayingmusic]

Comes with Drum loops

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

The drums are internal from the unit with that looper. I am triggering them with the other pedal that is connected into the VLP-200.

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

Yep. 100 different drum loops that are samples.

[@duarteestelita7257]

@@JohnPaulMusicUK i’ve just checked the manual, and i have my 1st gripe _ metronome time signatures…. _ pretty limited. i knew i wasn’t going to get a drum loop in 5/8, or 11/8…but i was hoping that the metronome would have all the options, namely a different sound on the 1st beat, and all beats from 2 to 32 , after that, so one can set the metronome to ANY time signature. i reckon that it is easily fixable with firmware, but i am not very hopeful ..though..as time signature geeks like me don’t get much attention from brands.. one can think positive, nevertheless.. hehe

[@WoolleyJulia-o2l]

Wiza Hills

[@MaryLusk-z3v]

Armstrong Parkways

[@JohnPaulMusicUK]

m'kay?