The PIRATE MIDI uloop is a MIDI-controlled bypass looper and USB MIDI interface. It puts four mono loops or two stereo loops into an enclosure only 22mm thick, sized to fit under the smallest pedalboards, and it lets a MIDI controller or a computer switch pedals in and out of the signal path. RockBoard's PedalPedia describes it as "unmatched for its compact size and its affordability"1.
Loops and switching
The uloop is a switcher: instead of making a sound of its own, it routes other pedals, switching them in and out under MIDI control. Its loops can be configured as 4 mono loops or 2 stereo loops, so the same unit serves either a mono pedalboard or a stereo rig1. The loops themselves are true bypass, meaning a bypassed pedal is taken fully out of the signal path. Alongside them, the uloop provides a stereo buffered output with JFET muting, which RockBoard's PedalPedia specifies for silent switching1.
USB MIDI interface
Beyond switching, the uloop doubles as a USB MIDI interface. That means it can carry MIDI between a computer and the MIDI devices on a board, so the same unit that does the bypass switching also handles the MIDI connection1.
Power
The uloop runs on 9V DC, center negative, and draws 250mA1.
At 250mA, the uloop draws more current than many pedalboard power supply outputs deliver, so it needs an output with sufficient current available1.
Where it sits in the PIRATE MIDI range
PIRATE MIDI builds a line of MIDI and switching gear, including the PIRATE MIDI BRIDGE4 and PIRATE MIDI BRIDGE6 MIDI interfaces, the PIRATE MIDI Polar and PIRATE MIDI POLAR PLUS controllers, the PIRATE MIDI Nexus, the PIRATE MIDI CLiCK v2, the PIRATE MIDI Aero and the PIRATE MIDI Scribble. The uloop is the line's compact bypass looper, and it sits among the broader field of switching pedals and MIDI pedals1.
Questions
How many loops does the PIRATE MIDI uloop have?
The uloop offers four mono loops or two stereo loops. The loops are arranged so that the same hardware serves either configuration, which lets a player route several pedals for individual bypass control or run a stereo rig with two stereo loops in the same compact enclosure.
Is the uloop true bypass?
The uloop's loops are true bypass, and it also provides a stereo buffered output with JFET muting for silent switching. That combination means the loops pass the guitar signal untouched when bypassed, while the buffered output handles muting between switches.
What power supply does the uloop need?
The uloop runs on 9V DC, center negative, and draws 250mA of current. Because of that current draw, a player should use a power supply with enough headroom rather than sharing a low-current output on a daisy chain.
Does the uloop work as a USB MIDI interface?
Yes. PIRATE MIDI describes the uloop as a MIDI-controlled bypass looper and USB MIDI interface, so it can pass MIDI between a computer and MIDI gear on a pedalboard over its USB connection.
Is the uloop analog or digital?
PIRATE MIDI lists the uloop's circuit type as digital. Its loops are true bypass, so bypassed pedals sit outside the switching circuitry.
Sources (1)
- uloop by PIRATE MIDI, RockBoard PedalPedia, 2026
