Record and play loops

By Landon McCoy · Updated September 10, 2026

Stratus’s looper records up to five minutes and supports playback, overdubbing, pause, and clear.

Software preview · September 2026. This guide includes the latest app and firmware workflow. Recent changes are not yet verified as available in every public release. If your controls differ, use the update available to you; do not install development firmware just to match this guide.

Use the Multiknob in Looper mode

  1. Select Looper from the app’s mode settings, or send MIDI CC18 value 0.
  2. Click the Multiknob to start recording.
  3. Click again at the end of the phrase to start repeating it.
  4. Click during playback to overdub; click again to return to playback.
  5. Double-click during playback or overdub to pause. Click to resume.
  6. Hold the Multiknob to clear the loop. This erases the current recording.
A loop in three clicks. Click: record: Start your phrase. Click: play: Repeat the recorded phrase. Click: overdub: Add another layer while it plays. Stratus Looper mode: double-click to pause; hold Multiknob to clear the recording.
Stratus Looper mode: double-click to pause; hold Multiknob to clear the recording. Open image at full size.

Volume and effects

Turn the Multiknob to adjust volume. The footswitch toggles the effects chain. LEDs indicate recording, playback, overdub, and clearing.

MIDI looping in other modes

Preview: Recent firmware allows MIDI CC17 to control the looper while playing in Preset or Stompbox mode. The hardware controls keep their current mode’s functions. See the MIDI command chart.

Keep a recording

The loop is held in working memory, not saved as an exported audio file. Record the audio externally if you need to keep it after power-off.

More visual references
Stratus looper LEDs: red for record, green for play, and yellow for overdub.
Existing LED reference: record, playback, and overdub. Use the current steps for entering Looper mode. Open image at full size.
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Start here: get your first sound from StratusConnect your guitar, power Stratus, and check a basic sound before building your first effects chain.Stratus hardware and connectionsStratus has mono instrument input and output, a Multiknob, a footswitch, an LED strip, a 9V power input, and USB-C.Power Stratus and prevent power noiseUse a center-negative 9V DC supply rated for at least 400mA. An isolated power output is recommended.Use headphones or record directly with StratusConnect Stratus OUT to an audio interface, mixer, or headphone amplifier. Stratus does not have a dedicated headphone output.Update Stratus firmwareUse the official Stratus Update Tool and a USB data cable. Keep Stratus connected and powered until the tool confirms completion.