Xploration • Curation • Recommendation
Native Audio is onto another winning formula with its super smartly thought out Stereo Pattern Keeper Phrase Modulator / Looper
Key Points
Native Audio’s Pattern Keeper is a stereo pattern keeper phrase modulator/looper focused on essential functions in an elegant format. Controls include output and input level, pitch/speed/octave ±, low-pass/flat/high-pass filter, reverse/forward direction, Stop/Start or Re/Trigger control mode, and three footswitches for stop/trigger, record/play/delete.
Emily Hopkins’ demo prompted comparison with the Walrus Audio Xero Polylooper; both cost $299, and the first Pattern Keeper batch was already sold out on preorder. No manual was available, so the third jack’s purpose remained unclear. The article also mentions Emily’s OBNE Parting collaboration.
It’s funny how quickly things change! I thought I was all set to get the Walrus Audio Xero Polylooper as my next likely looper pedal. While Emily Hopkins’ demo in particular has persuaded me that it should rather be this Native Audio Pattern Keeper. Emily’s demo is also an excellent advertisement for her own OBNE Parting collaboration too - which I’m hoping to get in B’s Music Purr-Ting Edition eventually!
I always say you need to find your own lane for effects pedals - what sort of pedal best suits your preferences and sensibilities per effects category - and how elaborate and large a device you are prepared to dedicate to that task!
Native Audio’s Mike Trombley has such a knack for distilling down the essentials into a brilliantly simple but potent format. And he’s got the formula spot-on again with this Pattern Keeper pedal.
It’s not necessary the most capable of loopers - but it does all the essentials brilliantly and in such an elegant fashion. It doesn’t hurt that the aesthetics and colour choices are pretty spot on here too. I really like this one!
Controls : Output Level, Pitch / Speed of Playback / Octave ±, Filter : Low Pass / Flat / High Pass, Control Mode : Stop/Start | Re/Trigger, Direction : Reverse / Forward, Input Level, Control Footswitch - Stop/Trigger Footswitch, Record / Play / Delete Footswitch.
There is no manual yet - so presumably the 3rd jack is for Expression control of at least Pitch and Filter Elements?
All round a really smart execution - I rather like it!
It’s exactly the same price as the Walrus Audio Xero Polylooper - at $299, and available for preorders on the Native Audio Webstore. The 1st batch is already sold out as of the start of the announcement? Evidently I’m not on the ’A’ list for this brand!?!
There are some similarities in function for the two mentioned devices - but overall I think I much prefer what the Pattern Keeper offers! Props to Mike for sure!
Demos
