Following numerous Looptastic iterations on iPhone, Sound Trends compiled all its portable music creation knowledge (and loop sets) into Looptastic HD, an approachable music creation suite for iPad. Using a simple drag-and-drop interface, Looptastic HD lets you arrange loops from a variety of genres into original creations, with the ability to swap between song parts in separate zones, apply special effects, adjust the tempo, and even record your own loops with the iPad mic or a Bluetooth headset.

Looptastic HD comes pre-loaded with a handful of loop sets, but the built-in Loop Store currently houses hundreds of other free loops, including trance, hip-hop, and ambient beats. You can create custom loop sets for easy access, import and export loops to/from other compatible App Store music apps, and also transfer loops and performances to your computer via a Wi-Fi connection or the SoundCloud web service.

Looptastic HD's drag-and-drop interface is pretty intuitive on the iPad screen.

While most will learn how to use Looptastic HD through trial and error, we would've liked to see some kind of tutorial or built-in explanation of features.

Dozens of free loop sets can be downloaded from the app's built-in store.

Serious producers might defer to more advanced computer software, while wannabes may cringe at the recently boosted price tag (from $10 to $15), but Looptastic HD remains a stellar iPad option for living out your own DJ fantasies.

Looptastic HD 1.2.1
COMPANY: Sound Trends
CONTACT: www.soundtrends.com
PRICE: $14.99
REQUIREMENTS: iPad
Simple, drag-and-drop UI; pre-loaded with loop sets; built-in Loop Store.
No in-app tutorial.