A loop switcher is a device or system used primarily in music and audio equipment setups—especially for guitar or pedalboard rigs—to manage and control multiple effects pedals or signal paths more efficiently. It allows a musician to activate or bypass multiple pedals (or "loops") with a single footswitch, instead of turning each one on or off individually.

Key Functions of a Loop Switcher:

1. Signal Routing: It routes your instrument's signal through various effects loops.

2. Loop Bypass: It can completely bypass certain pedals to preserve tone when those pedals aren't needed.

3. Preset Management (on advanced models): Lets users save and recall combinations of pedal loops (presets) instantly.

4. MIDI Control (on some units): Can send MIDI commands to compatible devices.

Types:

• Passive Loop Switchers: No power required, simple true bypass units.

• Programmable Loop Switchers: More advanced, powered units with memory, often with a display and MIDI control.

Use Case Example:

A guitarist wants to use distortion, delay, and reverb in one song part, then switch to just chorus and compression for another. Instead of turning five pedals on/off individually, the loop switcher allows switching between these two configurations instantly with one press.