Live looping is the recording and playback of a piece of music in real-time[1] using either dedicated hardware devices, called loopers or phrase samplers, or software running on a computer with an audio interface.

[3] In 1963, musician and performer Terry Riley released an early tape loop piece called “The Gift”, featuring the trumpet playing of Chet Baker.

Digital delay systems in the 1980s were experimental and not intuitive, but the equipment's limitations inspired innovators of the technique to find creative applications.

Roland and DigiTech loop pedals entered the market in 2001, around the same time DJ mixing gained popularity.

as it offers the ability for a single musician to create multiple layers to their live music, resulting in a sound close to that of a "full band" experience.