Boomerang
live looper & time-warp FX
What it is: Boomerang is a live looping / time-based effect for instant capture, stutter, overdub, reverse, and one-shot playback—without stopping audio or committing edits. Built for performance first (drums, guitars, synths, full mixes), it prizes timing and immediacy over grid-locked precision.
Status: v2.0.0 (beta 1) — Mac build available now. (Author notes they haven’t tried other OS builds yet.)
License: open-source • Download: GitHub Releases (installer provided)
Source: github.com/mcascone/boomerang-plugin
Headline features
Instant loop capture (any length)
Grab from any incoming audio, replay immediately, and keep the transport rolling.
Real-time manipulation
Play, Once (one-shot), Stack (overdub), Reverse, Thru/Mute for dry kill, plus stutter tricks by retriggering Once.
Performance-first engine
Built to punch in/out without clicks, stay responsive, and keep your hands on the instrument.
Triple-mode playback workflow
Continuous loop, single-pass (Once), or momentary stutter—switch on the fly.
Reverse modes (incl. live-reverse behavior)
Reverse playback at any time; reverse-armed recording flips direction as soon as you close the loop.
Special live-reverse “solo” approach via Thru Mute (hear only the reversed output).
Overdub that feels like tape
Hold Stack to layer parts; release to stop writing. Works in reverse too.
Subtle loop attenuation while stacking avoids runaway gain; hold with no input to fade out smoothly.
Half/Full speed
Double time range vs bandwidth tradeoff (classic ‘learn the lick’ or octave-drop tricks).
MIDI & automation (Dec 22, 2025 update)
8 exposed parameters for hands-free control & DAW automation:
Thru/Mute, Record, Play, Once, Stack, Reverse, Volume, Feedback.Reverse recording direction logic fixed: loops recorded in reverse sound correct when played back reversed.
New scalable, image-based UI (2.0 alpha/beta)
Looks like the original hardware; resizable; status LEDs included.
Mac installer (de-quarantines plugin)
Ships as a .pkg; may require right-click → Open on first run (Gatekeeper).
Validated with pluginval.
Why you’ll actually use it
Live looping without a safety net: capture → loop → overdub in tempo, no stop/start.
Arrangement FX in one gesture: Once for endings and fills; Reverse for transitions; Stack to grow sections.
Creative timing tool: define loop length with two taps of Record—not a fixed grid—so it fits your moment.
Quick start (30 seconds)
Insert on the track or a live input bus.
Record: tap to start, tap again to set the loop. Playback begins immediately.
Once for a single pass (great for clean exits or stutters).
Stack (hold) to overdub; release to stop writing.
Reverse at will; toggle Thru/Mute to hear only the loop for reverse-solo textures.
Adjust Volume and Feedback (via UI, MIDI, or automation).
Tip: For “tape-style” repeats on micro-loops, keep Stack held over a short loop and play—Feedback & Volume shape decay vs. wet/dry feel.
Live control & MIDI
Buttons act like the hardware: some momentary (Once/Stack), others latching (Record/Play).
Map MIDI CCs or write DAW automation to all 8 params; UI updates reflect external control.
Use a foot controller (e.g., MIDI Captain). Some pedals don’t read back state; map one-way triggers accordingly.
Formats / OS (current beta)
macOS: JUCE build packaged via installer (v2.0.0 beta 1)
If macOS warns “developer cannot be verified,” use right-click → Open once.
Other OS: Author hasn’t tested v2.0 on Windows/Linux yet; follow GitHub for updates.
Roadmap & dev notes
JUCE port complete; ongoing bugfixes (see Issues/Milestones on GitHub).
Core behaviors mirror the original Boomerang+ Phrase Sampler (no official affiliation).
Design mantra: simple + powerful; add only what serves performance.
Download (releases): v2.0.0 beta 1 (Mac) — GitHub Releases
Project page / source: github.com/mcascone/boomerang-plugin
If you’re a live player or want tape-style loop tricks inside the DAW, Boomerang’s instant capture, Once/Stack/Reverse, and MIDI-mapped controls make it a killer free tool.
Sources :
github.com : https://github.com/mcascone/boomerang-plugin
https://www.audiopluginsforfree.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/boomerang-200-beta-1.zip
