> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.sampler.meiji.industries/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Loop > Record pad performances into loop slots and start building structure. # Creating Loops Loop recording is where Meiji Sampler stops being a browser and starts behaving like an instrument. ## What this stage is for Use loops to: * capture pad performances * build patterns * overdub layers * establish an initial BPM for the session ## Core loop model Each loop slot can hold: * recorded events * a duration * mute state * quantization settings The first solid loop establishes session timing. Later loops lock to that timing. When you press `[R]` before the first loop, First Loop Setup opens so you can choose **Fixed** or **Auto** recording. **Fixed** is the default. The dialog shows `Mode: FIXED TEMPO`, then `Start with a blank loop of fixed tempo & duration`, then `[SPACE] to tap tempo, [ENTER] to record`. It records into the selected Length, starts at `90.00 BPM`, initializes Quantize from Settings with `OFF` as the default, turns on a `4 BEATS` record count-in, and uses a `REC + PLAY` click. Use this when you want a clean count-in and a known project tempo before playing. Highlight Tempo to type a BPM directly, or press `[SPACE]` anywhere in First Loop Setup to tap tempo, hear the metronome click, return the dialog to Fixed mode, and focus Tempo. During a Fixed take, the loop details view shows the full selected Length with a moving playhead. `[ENTER]` can end recording early; the committed loop still keeps the selected fixed Length and waits in `OVR+` until the next fixed interval so overdub continues on the first cycle instead of shrinking to the early stop time. When a loop is ARMED and the record count-in is on, a pad or chop key plays immediately and starts the count-in; `[SPACE]` starts the same count-in without an initial pad hit. A centered numeric toast counts down once per beat, such as `4`, `3`, `2`, `1` for a `4 BEATS` count-in. Pad or chop hits during the final count-in beat are captured at `0:00`, so you can play slightly ahead of the downbeat. Earlier hits only update the start signal and are not replayed or recorded when REC begins. **Auto** records freely and sets tempo by ending cleanly. Select `Mode: AUTO TEMPO`, then press `[ENTER]` to start recording. Press `[ENTER]` again to end the loop; the first take starts overdubbing immediately as the loop cycles. Auto keeps Length flexible while still applying the dialog's Quantize, Count-in, and Click choices. The loop details view keeps expanding with elapsed time until you end the take. Meiji Sampler infers the BPM from the completed first loop automatically. `[ESC]` cancels the dialog without arming recording. If the pad that starts the first recording has LOOP on and the take ends within 10% of an exact number of that pad's loop cycles, Meiji Sampler snaps the first loop length to that anchor so the project tempo lands cleanly. If you want the whole project to play faster or slower later, adjust `Settings → Tempo`. See [Quantization And Swing](/guides/quantization-and-swing#project-tempo) for details. ## Core controls * `1-9` and `0` select and control loop slots * on an empty slot, the slot number arms recording * when no loop transport is playing, a stopped slot number cues that loop, and the same number stops a cued loop * while loops are playing, a playing slot number queues `STOP+` at the loop boundary, and pressing the same number on `STOP+` stops immediately * `[SPACE]` starts cued or armed loop transport, starts the only stopped loop immediately when one recorded loop exists, or stops active loop and overdub transport * `[R]` opens First Loop Setup before the first loop, then arms recording or punches into overdub after a timing source exists * `Enter` opens the sequence editor * `q` opens quantize * `m` mutes a loop * `d` duplicates a loop * `e` extends a loop * `Shift+H` shortens the loop by half When the selected loop slot is empty, Meiji Sampler shows `Press [R] to record a Loop` as a persistent toast instead of placing the prompt inside the loop details panel. During recording, the persistent toast changes to `Press [ENTER] to save, [ESC] to retry`; retry returns to the armed pad or count-in prompt. ## Basic flow 1. focus a loop slot 2. arm recording 3. play pads 4. close the take 5. listen to the loop repeat ## Why loops matter Pads are for playing. Loops are for programming. Once a loop exists, you can: * layer on top of it * build scenes from it * edit its tracks * quantize or mute specific material ## Sequence editing Loop editing lets you inspect and manipulate the recorded events rather than just re-recording every take from scratch. ## Next step If the difference between loop mute, track mute, and solo is still fuzzy, see [Muting And Soloing](/guides/muting-and-soloing). Go to [Scene](/learn/scene).