Ed Sheeran's Looper X Review: A $1,300 One-Person Tour Machine

Ed Sheeran, who has sold over 170 million records worldwide, typically performs solo in sold-out arenas using his guitar, voice, and the Looper X. The 16-pound flagship model from Sheeran Loopers costs $1,300 and features eight rubberized foot pedals, a touchscreen, and four XLR-¼-inch hybrid inputs. It offers five loop modes: Multi, Sync, Song, Band, and Free, with three views (Track, Wave, Mixer). The device includes built-in effects, but they are rudimentary and consume significant DSP—enabling all nine effects in 'Ed's Rack' hit 65% CPU on one track. The Looper X cannot stop tracks, only mute them, a notable omission. It excels in routing options and ease of computer interfacing via USB-A and SD card, with Akai offering a free file converter for 16-bit 44.1 kHz WAV files. The reviewer concludes that while the Looper X is convenient for building pop songs, a patchwork of separate gear often offers better value and sound quality.