Built into the Sheeran Looper + is a variety of internal functions for more advanced players. One such function is the MIDI Clock, which will start and stop recordings according to a beat. In this guide we'll talk about setting it up, how it functions and what it's limitations are.
To begin, you'll need some kind of device that has a MIDI clock, and a connection into the board from it. If using a computer, a USB connection in directly via the unit's USB-B type port will do. For other hardware devices like an MPC, the unit can receive clock in via the MIDI In port using a MIDI 5-pin to MIDI 1/8" TRS converter. While one was included with the board, a replacement should be an A-type connector.
Once connected, you'll want to hold down the main encoder knob to show the menu, then navigate to the MIDI option. From here you're going to want to set your MIDI Source (1/8" or USB), turn on the Clock and make sure your channel matches up to the source's midi channel.
From there, every time the Record+Play pedal is pressed, the light will flash to signify it is armed. From there it will wait for the clock to start so that the Sheeran Loop +'can receive the external clock and stay in sync. In addition, the end of the recording will always wait for the very next beat to occur before stopping the recording. This is the unit's way of keeping everything steady and in time.
The Looper + will not track the measures, time signature, or the position within the measure, so recordings within the time signature will only wait for the next beat to occur, not for the end of the bar.
Finally, please note that starting the play head again with the MIDI clock function on will require the clock to start again, even after something has been recorded. Changing the function back will require turning the MIDI clock function off.