DigiTech JamMan Looper Performance Loop Pedal
USB connection. Up to 99 loops. Includes power adapter.
Overall User Ratings (based on 89 ratings)
Submitted July 7, 2006 by a customer from gregparke.com
"Trust me.......really......I own one....... I use it....... At every rehersal........at gig after gig..........I use it to make"
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zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
If my looper was ever "lost" (AKA stolen!) I would immediatly go out and buy another one, and then hunt down the bastard that stole my first one and beat the living shi.......Opps, sorry!
Really, I am always looking for improvements in equipment since I do this for a living, but for now, I don't see anything that would work any better than the Jam Man. So far I am 100% satisfied.
Sound
This unit is awesome! I don't pre-record any of my loops. Instead, I take an effects send from each channel of my mixer that I want to include in the loop, and record it live, then play it back and add whatever else I want. The playback sounds identical to the original once you get all the levels set.
Features
The only drawback I have found so far is that you cannot sync the looper with drum machines, but there are ways around that! C'mon....musicians are supposed to be creative!
Ease of Use
VERY easy to use. I had to give it a "9" because of the sync issue noted above, but once I got that problem worked out everything else was a piece of cake. The only other minor problem I would like to see changed is that you need to hold down the pedal for a few seconds to erase a loop, and watch for an LED to flash indicating the loop is erased. For live performance, an instant erase feature would be nice
Quality
The only problem I have seen is that the output level pot was a bit erratic in the mid position. I overcame that by running it at full output and adjusting the input trim on my mixer. Other than that, it appears to be built like a tank! I have a rather elaborate set-up, and I often need to stomp on two pedals at once. I say "stomp" because to make sure I get both pedals with one foot, I position them very close together, and STOMP! I've been stomping the s**t out of this pedal for over a year now with no problems. My tech says in his experience that Digitech has had some internal reliability problems with some of thier other gear so I will probably get another unit as a backup just in case.
Value
Without a doubt. There is another company producing a similar product, and from my experience, and from what I had heard from other people, the Digitech is the one to get. (Just to be fair, I do own a lot of gear made by the other company, and it is great stuff!)
Manufacturer Support
I was unable to locate the auxilary footswitch that goes with this looper, so I called Digitech and they emailed me a schematic so I could build my own! BTW....it is not just a basic switch. There are some diodes that allow 2 switches to perform several functions.
The Wow Factor
This piece of equipment has made a tremendous improvement in my act. I would use it even if it was flaming pink and took up more room than my FOH speakers and ate 9 volt batteries like candy. But it doesn't. It just sits on my pedal board waiting to be stomped on so it can do it's job
Musical Background:
Full time performing musician
Musical Style:
Blend of modern folk, rock, adult alternative.......constantly evolving
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Submitted September 28, 2005 by a customer from yahoo.com
"BEST LOOPER UNDER $300"
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
Currently, the best looper available for under $300. Its worth every penny. You'll have tons of fun playing, creating and performing with the Digitech JamMan!
Sound
Whatever you play through this (guitars, vocals, pre-recorded cd or mp3 tracks) you get back in clarity with its cd quality 44.1kHz sampling rate. Sounds great straight to my Marshall AS80R acoustic amp or through Sony headphones. Excellent sound for stage, studio and practice. The sound doesn't degrade either, as you stack loops on top of eachother. Very convincing realistic sound-on-sound looping.
Features
Compared to the other "red box" looper, the JamMan wins hands down in the features department! With the XLR input, USB and headphone outputs, and Compact Flash upgradeable storage - this unit has the best (and most) features in its class and price range. Although, I give a it 9 because it doesn't have the fade-out and reverse loop features like the "red box". I'll just have to use my volume pedal to fade out when needed. Side note: Digitech recommends the FS300 footpedal with this unit, however the GNXFC footpedal will also work with the JamMan.
Quality
Construction seems very solid and stable, so far. Haven't gigged with it yet, but definitely intend to. That's why I bought it!
Value
If you're thinking about getting into looping to practice and perform, this pedal is a great value! It's not in the same caliber as the Echoplex or the Repeater(costing 3 or more times as much), but it's a great entry-level introductory pedal to the fun and creative world of looping.
Manufacturer Support
Digitech has one of the best user-friendly websites for their products. I also own the GNX4 and Distortion Factory, and there's a wealth of information (tutorials, manuals and user forums) to support their products. There's even a JamMan forum recently created, where users can ask questions or exchange ideas. Does Boss have that for their products? That'll be a big fat NO.
The Wow Factor
I own it. The RC20XL is $5 less. Splurge! Spend the extra $5 and get a whole mess of additional features over that "red box"! It even comes with the power supply. You'll have to spend another $20 to get that from Boss. So, you're essentially getting more for your money with the Digitech JamMan!
Musical Background:
Gigging Musician
Musical Style:
Alternative Folk Rock, Jazz, Blues
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Submitted May 5, 2006 by a customer from hotmail.com
"Good Pedal, but problems with the flash card and loops gettin screwed up."
Its a pretty nice pedal but when the loops get all screwed up it makes you want to scream! The new boos looper is coming out soon (or already out) so if I ever have a bunch of money and want a new toy I may get the new boss looper.
Sound
The sound is really good. You just have to set the volume knobs on the thing correctly.
Features
The unit has some nice features compared to the boss 20xl. On the jamman you have a usb port and a compact flash card. You can use the USB port to transfer loops to your PC, but I don't use it because I find it easier to just take out the card and plug it into the card slot on the front of my PC. One thing I wish it could do is...... I wish you could mute the live sound and make it only play the recorded stuff. That way you could plug the jamman into one amp and your guitar into another amp, then the one amp would only play the recorded stuff and the other would play your stuff. That would make your performance sound clearer and less clutered, becuase if you ever used a splitter and pluged two guitars into one amp, you know it can sound pretty bad.
I also wish you could turn in the tempo because if you know a certain song is 150 tempo then it would be better to just rotate to it then try and guess what 150 sounds like.
Ease of Use
Its pretty easy but to change to other loops you have to buy the foot switch for it. But erasing and overdubing loops is easy to do and you can do it hands free. You can set the tempo (hands free) with the right footbutton, but it would be nice if you could also rotate the knob so you know you have the exact tempo you want. It takes a while to get used to the pedal and to be able to make loops play smooth, but I find it easier if you put in a tempo first then start on the click.
Quality
The pedal itself is really strong and is made out of some kind of metal. But one problem with the metal on metal is when you phush the foot pedal down hard it makes a big clank noise...... I plan to get some padding and glue it under the pedals. There is one major problem with this pedal though. The flash card!! After the first couple of days I got the pedal I noticed my loops where getting screwed up and some of them were mixing into each other. Now this is a big problem! luckly the patches I had were just me messin around and nothig serious. What I was doing that made it screw up before was... Record loop on patch1, then one on patch2, now copy patch1 to patch3..... after doing that patch1 leaked into patch2 and screwed up the loops. It was doing it tonight and I reformatted the card and tried to get it to screw up the loops again by doing the same thing, but it seemed to be okay (only tried it once though cause my family is sleeping now). I have read other reviews that said the loops were getting screwed up too, so its not just my jamman.
Value
I haven't tried any other loopers, so I can't really say.
Aslong as you don't add lots of overdubs, change the tempo, or copy loops back and forth, you should have any major problems with the loops getting screwed up.
Manufacturer Support
N/A
The Wow Factor
I already have it, but I will just think back to when I wanted it.
I really wanted this pedal, so I could jam to some sogs I made, and have some fun. THe design is realy cool and all the extras like USB, flash Card (although not the good), and tempo change made me want it even more.
Musical Background:
Active Musician for 8 years
Musical Style:
Heavy Metal, Rock, Crazy finger picking stuff.
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Submitted June 17, 2013 by Mike K in Brooklyn, NY
"Excellent looper."
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This has every feature I was looking for (mainly stereo, optional SD card memory, undo) and then some. I use this in conjunction with a BOSS GT100 and it's great to be able to take full advantage of the stereo capabilities by sending the headphones out on my GT into the AUX in of the Jamman... within the GT I can use the expression pedal to pan left/right which really opens the whole looping thing up a lot.
I'm delving into my own variation of Frippertronics just for fun and to learn more about the guitar (you're never done learning!) and in between an Ebow & the volume/pan on my GT100 this seems to be the perfect tool for the job. My only true complaint is the noisy foot switches. None of that ever comes through the audio signal (unless you're using a mic, I suppose) but come on, Digitech. Put on some silent switches like the ones you put in the optional FS3X pedal (which I highly recommend if not just for the instant undo/redo vs. the press/hold it takes to do on the pedal itself) . -1 point for that. Not a deal breaker but one of those things that's annoying if you let yourself start focusing on it.
Just like my first Digitech pedal I owned in 1988 (the PDS-2000 with a WHOPPING 2 SECONDS OF DELAY!) whatever I play into it comes out sounding exactly like me and it seems like it could take a serious beating. I'm not about to test out that end of it though... it's too purdy to want to beat up.
Aside from the noisy footswitch clicks I really dig this pedal and look forward to whatever it's going to bring out of me as a player. Looping is one of those things that's only as interesting as you make it - as mentioned this is the perfect tool for the job. Now I just need to live up to my end of the deal. :-P
Musical Background:
Been playing electric/acoustic guitar and bass for over 30 years, the last 10 or so professionally.
Musical Style:
Surf jazz twang metal space rockabilly.
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Submitted July 11, 2006 by a customer from cornell.edu
"Highly recommended"
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This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
This is a much better pedal than the Boss RC-20.
Sound
*UNLIKE* the Boss RC-20, I do not notice any degradation of sound quality with the Jamman.
Features
If you are creating a loop and you change the tempo (speeding the loop up for example) you are unable to add anymore layers. Furthermore, it would be nice if it had MIDI support to lock in a time code from other devices.
Ease of Use
Very simple to use.
Quality
Has a very solid feel. No complaints.
Value
The price is similar to comprable loop pedals.
Manufacturer Support
I have not needed support.
The Wow Factor
As a solo performer, a loop pedal can add tons of depth to your sound. I t's also a fantastic device for practicing, and has made me a better player.
Musical Background:
Active hobbyist
Musical Style:
Acoustic rock
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Submitted January 26, 2006 by a customer from yahoo.com
"the JamMan rocks my pants off!"
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
i looked at the rc-20 and line 6 dl4, this one really works great and inspires me to play a LOT more, ive come up with some sweet stuff and im definitely glad i got it
Sound
its sounds great, no tone change, what goes in comes out.
Features
it would be better if it could fade out loops, but it has 24 minutes of time and you can hook it up to the computer, Mic input and compact flash so you can upgrade to a larger card
Quality
built like a tank, all metal, seems sturdy
Value
yes its worth it, better than the RC-20XL
Musical Background:
ive played for 5 years and record alot of my own stuff, looped and just straight playing
Musical Style:
most everything, no death metal, i like things that have great harmony and are kinda catchy
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Submitted September 22, 2008 by a customer from rothacker.net
"I would really like to love this pedal, but I Can't!"
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I have had issues with the unit recognizing input signal (both instrument and XLR). I never know from day to day whether it will work or not. When it works, it is so easy and sweet to use, but I cannot use it on a gig, because I just don;t kow whether it will work.
Sound
The sound is fine. What goes in comes out.
Features
Having the pedal to change loops is key. You gotta have it.
Looper Tools software is an excellent add on, and worth the price.
Ease of Use
I used it on a gig the day after I got it. No problem.
Quality
Built like a tank, but it does not work cosistently.
Value
It would be a great deal if it worked consistently.
Manufacturer Support
I have sent this back to Digitech twice, because the unit has forgotten how to recognize input signals. The support people were great, but they have not fixed the thing so that it stays fixed.
Musical Background:
active musician
Musical Style:
classic, smooth jazz
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Submitted August 27, 2005 by a customer from yahoo.com
"probably the best looper you can ever get"
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it's good. i don't think i can find a better looper than this. i mean, 6.5 Hours. what the hell? with me, i could allways use more time.
Sound
the sound quality is very good. you basicly get the exact sound out from what you played. no worse, no better. just the same.
Features
the feature of the jam man are decent. i don't know what other features i can expect out of a phrase recorder. the different drum kit feature is cool. but of course what is more amazing is the 24 minutes of time you have on this sob. and if i get a 2gb compact flash card for it, my time will be 6 and a half hours. that's crazy. it's just too bad those cards cost a butt load of money.
Quality
i think it's made well. but not good enough to asure me of it's waranty.
Value
yeah, it's definitly worse it. but the flash cards are too much
Manufacturer Support
i haven't had to deal with digitech yet. digitech is not my brand. i just wish Boss could have made something better. how dare digitech out beats Boss. but why should i complain. 6.5 HOURS
The Wow Factor
doesn't look that apatizing.
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Industrial Rock
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Submitted March 12, 2013 by Patrick Morgan in York, NA
"Great Hardware - Unusable Software not fit for purpose"
Very easy to use and I had it working a treat in a few hours. All the hardware features worked well, but a major buying factor for me was the Jammanger software advertised to transfer loops from and to your PC with ease! This software crashes at every turn - its not fit to be released as a product. I have spent many hours trying to resolve this problem without success or help from Digitech. There are many people on forums etc with the same problem but there is no working version in sight from Digitech. MAYBE ZZSOUNDS CAN GET THROUGH TO THEM!!!
Musical Background:
10 years playing guitar at home and with friends
Musical Style:
Blues ; rock
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Submitted November 27, 2008 by a customer from Yahoo.com
"AWW MAN!!! I WISH THIS MACHINE WORKED FLAWLESSLY!!! JUST TOO GLITCHY!!"
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long story short, i was hyped SUPER exited and now i'm pissed.
Sound
sounds great.. makes me even more sad that it malfunctions all the time
Features
amazing features.. i wish this thing was reliable for live use!! i want to keep it but i can't!
Ease of Use
this thing is very easy to use.. too bad it "skips"
Quality
the hardware seems good.. nice and sturdy.. the software however is a nightmare.. this thing "skips" like a cd sometimes when you try to overdub multiple parts.. (the whole point of looping).. crazy!! i'll have to take it back.. i'm crying about it right now because this thing would have been AMAZING!!! 99 loops?? usb?? AWESOME.. too bad i could never use it live like i had intended... hopefully they will get their act together and release a fixed one!! (from what i hear this glitch happens to other people too..)
trust me i'm a pro.. this is not user error.. even if i've previously looped drums and i'm trying to overdub overthem the original loop will loose it's tempo and SKIP!?!?! random!
Value
oh man.. i REALLY wanted this to be the dream machine that it would be if it we'rnt so glitchy! i'd love to keep it as a practice tool but it's too expensive for me to do that.. guess i'm getting a red box.. aw man! only 12 loops? i'm bummed
Manufacturer Support
i'm just returning it to ZZOUNDS who's support is great.. i don't know about digitech
The Wow Factor
i say it's the worst because it's so decieving.. i WANT THIS (if it worked)
Musical Background:
engineer/contratar/synthesist
Musical Style:
space xorp
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Submitted October 30, 2007 by a customer from embarqmail.com
"Not sure about the last review. I find the Jamman A great addition to my single act."
I expect years of use. Both practice and gigging!
Sound
I play a Taylor Expression System and find the sound to be quite good using the low impedence plug through thr microphone imput.
Features
It would be nice if you could mute the live imput at times but overall I am ha[[y with the features.
Ease of Use
Used it at a gig right out of the box. Some practice helps but very short learning curve.
Quality
So far so Good.
Value
Worth the money.
Manufacturer Support
N/A Haven't needed any!
Musical Background:
active musician/ 30 years
Musical Style:
Country/Rock/Blues/Jazz/Bluegrass
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Submitted October 1, 2007 by a customer from sbcglobal.net
"Worthless looper"
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Probably the best, yet most expensive, paperweight ever. I will never purchase another digitech product again.
Sound
The sound output is highly erratic. There are times when, even if I turn the instrument level to max, I cannot hear my instrument over my recorded loop. When I am able to play over my loop, the sound level and quality is significantly deteriorated.
Features
Does it matter? My JamMan can not even provide essential features. A tape recorder would have done the job.
Ease of Use
The most important factor for any great looper is the autorecord feature. There are times where the autorecord feature will not work whatsoever. In other instances, one has to be patient and play around until it activates and begins recording one's loop.
Manufacturer Support
I sent it back to the factory for warranty repair and Digitech was very helpful and responsive. However, when I received the looper back they claimed nothing was wrong with it. I've used different guitars, amps, and chords, but I still have the same problems. I've had other guitarists use the looper, and they have the same problems.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Jazz, Blues, Funk, Indie
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Submitted July 30, 2008 by a customer from comcast.net
"I read all of the reviews, then ordered this unit..."
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Sound
Unknown
Features
I read all of the reviews, then ordered this unit. It seems to offer the best deal for the money. There was a comment on "overpriced" CompactFlash cards, you can get them everywhere for about 20 bucks! Try shop.kingston.com, they manufacture these and have FREE shipping. 2GB card was $18, Part #CF/2GB.
Ease of Use
Most of the reviews were very positive, there's always that 10% that's never happy about anything.
Quality
Unknown
Value
I thought that the foot pedal was included. I guess I'll just have to add one, looks useful.
Manufacturer Support
Unknown
The Wow Factor
I'm so excited, I've wanted a looper for years! I first saw a "real" looper in the late 60's, it ran actual "loops" of tape, very fussy and fragile. This just looks like a beautiful thing. I can't wait to play with it.
Musical Background:
No longer gigging, setting up small studio at home to amuse myself and maybe make some $$$$
Musical Style:
Classic Rock
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Submitted February 13, 2010
DigiTech Jamman Looper Customer Review
Sound
stop/tempo pedal won't work. I've tried everything. Owned for one year and it's dead already. Not impressed. Get the extended warranty.
Features
When it was working it was a great unit and I became the loop master in no time.
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Submitted April 5, 2008
"Disappointed"
I will take it back ...
Sound
No problem what soever with the sound quality.
Features
Great features if they would all work consistently.
Ease of Use
It took me around an hour to figure it out because it did not always function as expected.
Value
If it was not for the strange behavior, it would be GREAT for the money.
Manufacturer Support
The hardware is well made but the software is quit buggy.
The Wow Factor
It sounded so good on paper, but.....
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