Kaleidoloop, an adorable portable looper/recorder, is back with a compact form factor plus a software update that delivers new modes, layering, and more. It’s now also a unique playback/effect that you can customize yourself with Pd.
Kaleidoloop was already a cute piece of kit when it debuted in 2016. (See the video – there’s no an updated one, so get on that, Kaleidoloop owners!) That front panel is a model of simplicity: a jack for audio in, a jack for audio out, previous/next track and record/play buttons, volume, and a couple of knobs for control. But now it’s been expanded with new modes – and if that doesn’t give you enough flexibility, you can also build your own in the free and open source visual patching environment, Pure Data (Pd). (That puts it in line with its sibling at C&G, Organelle.)
New in this update, which the Critters (uh, Guitarians?) quietly announced this week, are a new, smaller form factor, multiple record/effect modes (including the ability to make your own), and the possibility of layering as you loop:
- Now has six playback modes. It ships with three speed manipulation modes and three effects.
- Playback / effect modes are customizable! Modes are coded in Pure Data. Users can create their own modes or upload modes shared with the community.
- Looping continues during recording so you can build up layers of sound with just one Kaleidoloop.
- Smaller form factor: just as fun, just as loud – but more portable.
- USB-C Power
The thing sticking out of it that looks like an antenna is a gooseneck mic, in case you don’t have an input handy. And C&G says that, like its predecessor, it’s loud.
Here’s the “vintage” video – so take this one playback method (and the old record method), and imagine any record/effect mode you like:
Mono in/out, recordings in WAV at 48K 16-bit (also monophonic), 8GB microSD (leaving a full 7 gigs for storage and about 20 hours recording time), and USB-A. It’s a lovely design, though I’ll bet some folks would wish for a Stereokaleidoloop. (I get the simplicity of mono, though, for sure – and it’s so small!)
Runs on three AA batteries. US$375, sold direct.
Details:
And here’s the update from the forums:
I love the simplicity of it – especially with the ability to reimagine it with Pd. And it’s great to see C&G still going strong! Let us know if you’re using some of their gear.