headloop new

HeadLoop v2.O

A 4-head looper with integrated tape recorder for Norns.

Updates

Headloop V2.05 - November 13th 2025: Quick fix to the LFO

Overview

HeadLoop is a multi-head looper that provides independent control over 4 playback heads with extensive sound-shaping capabilities. Each head can manipulate pitch, filters, panning, loop position, and effects sends independently. The integrated tape recorder allows you to capture the output of all heads for layered compositions.

Features

Core Looping

• 4 Independent Playback Heads - Each with full parameter control
• 60-Second Loop Buffer - Ample space for complex loops
• Independent Head Control - Volume, pitch, pan, start/end points per head
• Overdub Support - Layer multiple recordings with configurable feedback

Tape Recorder

• Integrated Tape System - Record the output of all 4 heads
• 10-300 Second Tape Length - Configurable recording time
• Independent Send Levels - Control how much each head sends to tape
• Tape Overdub - Layer additional material onto existing recordings
• Reverse Playback - Instant backwards tape effect
• Tape Mute - With 1-second fade to prevent clicks

Sound Shaping

• Dual Filter System
  • Low-pass and high-pass filters (E2 control)
  • Band-pass filter with independent control (E3)
  • Adjustable resonance (Filter Q)
• Pitch Shifting - ±24 semitones or ±2 octaves mode
• Stereo Panning - Per-head positioning
• Reverb - Norns system reverb integration

Tape FX

Tape simulation - minimal:

• Wobble - Wow and flutter simulation
• Saturation - Harmonic distortion
• Age/Dropout - Tape degradation effects

Modulation

• 4 Independent LFOs
  • Sine or Random waveforms
  • 0.01-20 Hz speed range
  • 21 modulation destinations including:
    • Volume, Pan, Pitch per head
    • Loop Start/End positions per head

Control Options

• Norns Interface - Full control via keys and encoders
• Grid Support - Optional Monome Grid or Midigrid integration
• Extensive MIDI Mapping
  • check attached Midi document for all cc

Requirements

• Norns (shield, hardware, or fates)
• Norns version 240424 or later recommended
• Optional: Monome Grid (128 or 64) or Midigrid
• Optional: MIDI controller

Quick Start

Basic Recording

1. Record a Loop

   • Press K3 to start recording
   • Play your instrument/sound source
   • Press K3 again to stop and begin playback

2. Control Heads

   • Press K2 to select different heads (1-4)
   • Use E1 to select parameters (volume, pitch, pan, filters, etc.)
   • Use E2/E3 to adjust values (coarse/fine)

3. Add Overdubs

   • Double-click K3 to start overdubbing
   • Double-click K3 again to stop

4. Clear Loop

   • Long-press K3 to clear the loop with a fade

Using the Tape Recorder

1. Switch to Tape page: Press K2+K3 click & hold K2 / press K3
2. Adjust tape send levels for each head using E1 (select) and E2/E3 (adjust)
3. Press K3 to start tape recording
4. Press K3 again to stop and play back
5. Double-click K3 for tape overdub

Controls

Keys

• K2 (short press): Change active head (1-4)
• K2 + K3 (K2 press then K3): Switch screen page (Main ↔ Tape)

K3 - Main Page:

• Click: Record/Stop
• Double-click: Overdub
• Long-press: Clear loop (with fade)

K3 - Tape Page:

• Click: Tape record/stop
• Double-click: Tape overdub
• Long-press: Clear tape (3s fade)

Head Parameters

Each head has 9 independent parameters:

Parameter	Range	Description
Volume	0.00 - 2.00	Output level
Pitch	±24st / ±2oct	Pitch shift (mode selectable)
Pan	L to R	Stereo position
Filter LP/HP	HP/Off/LP	Low-pass or high-pass filter
Filter BP	0.00 - 1.00	Band-pass filter amount
Filter Q	0.10 - 4.00	Filter resonance
Start	0.00 - 1.00	Loop start position
End	0.00 - 1.00	Loop end position

Tape Parameters

Parameter	Range	Description
Send H1-H4	0.00 - 1.00	Send level from each head to tape
Volume	0.00 - 1.00	Tape playback volume
Reverse	On/Off	Reverse tape playback
Mute	On/Off	Mute tape (1s fade)

Grid Layout

HeadLoop supports optional Monome Grid or Midigrid control. See the included HeadLoop Grid Cheatsheet for detailed grid workflow.

Main Page (Grid Page 1)

• Row 1: Parameter selection
• Row 2: Head selection + transport controls
• Rows 3-6: Position display
• Row 7: Mute controls
• Row 8: Reverse controls + page switch

Tape Page (Grid Page 2)

• Row 1: Send levels
• Row 2: Tape controls
• Rows 3-6: Tape position display
• Row 8: Return to main page

Tips & Best Practices

• Filter System: BP filter takes priority when active. Use LP/HP for broad sweeps, BP for focused resonance.
• Tape FX: Start with subtle settings (0.1-0.3). Higher values create extreme effects.
• LFO Modulation: Use slow random LFOs on start/end positions for organic movement.
• MIDI Performance: Map frequently used parameters to your controller for expressive live performance.

Known Issues

• Maximum 6 softcut voices means tape recorder uses voice 1 (cannot record main loop and tape simultaneously)
• Grid position display limited to 16 columns (grid resolution)

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please feel free to submit a Pull Request.

Support

For questions, issues, or feature requests:

• Open an issue on GitHub
• Visit the lines community

Credits

Created for the Norns platform by EMHO

Special thanks to the Norns and lines community.

---

HeadLoop v2.0 - A 4-head looper with tape recorder for Norns