What is a Loop?

A loop (in musical terms) is a musical line that repeats and can
be put end to end to create a larger musical piece. For our
purposes, a loop is a small piece of recorded sound. It can be a
single musical instrument, a voice, a sound effect such as a dog
barking, a gunshot, a piece of a song or anything. It’s usually cut
from a longer recording, or it might have been created especially
for making music with computer software or with a workstation
like a keyboard sampler. These loops can then be put together or
“looped” as many times as needed to create part or all of a song.
Popular software programs used for this purpose vary in price from
less than $100 to over $1000. The cheaper ones offer simple loop
construction with limited effects and editing ability. However, as with
any product - you can usually get more features if you spend more
money. But be careful, because this is not always the case. Some
programs are more expensive because the brand name is more of a
status symbol, like designer clothing. It may not be any better than
something that is priced a little lower. My best advice to you is to do
a lot of research before you buy anything. Get the software that will
do the things you want at a price you can feel comfortable with. You
can always upgrade later. These software companies come out with
something new every year...sometimes every 6 months. You don’t
have to buy every software upgrade that is offered. In fact, many
times there are only slight differences in the new products.
You have to decide if it’s really worth it for you to upgrade.
Here is a list of some popular recording software also used for audio
looping, digital audio recording, audio editing, sequencing, mixing:
Sony Acid Pro, Fruity Loops, MOTU Digital Performer, Emagic Logic
Audio, Adobe Audition (formerly Cool Edit Pro), Sonar, Pro Tools,
Nuendo, Adobe Audition, Fruity Loops, Freewheeling, Final Cut,
Wavelab, Soundtrack, Rebirth, Ableton Live, Propellerhead Reason,
Cakewalk Guitar Tracks, Steinberg Cubase, Apple Logic, Mackie
Traction, Sound Forge, Magix Samplitude, Quartz Audio Master,
Halion and more.