ABSTRACT
Much of computer-based music production is centered on loops and various loop technologies; therefore, it is important to shed some light on the topic as well as dispel misunderstandings about them. Loops serve as a compositional tool and foundation for many composers, providing rhythmic or melodic material that they otherwise would not have access to or the ability to create. Well, at least the time to create anyway. Don’t be fooled by the title “computer-based music”. Virtually all produced music spends time “in the box”, meaning that a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) and all of its virtual instruments and effects are the backbone of studio recording and music production regardless of genre—yes, even for the analog purists (are we still having that debate?). That being said, acoustic-based singer/songwriters and performers will often use loops, whether or not they end up in the final mix or not. Many producers create their hooks in the studio by recording a live band or instrument(s) to the playback of pre-recorded loops or build loops out of live recorded material for either use in their current production and for other studio musicians to record along to. Frequently, the backing track becomes a groove that gets looped and even improved over!
