Qu-Bit Stardust v1.1.0: Loops, Decay, and a Fresh Orbit for Tape Manipulation

Stardust, Qu-Bit’s so-called cosmic tape looper, has just received a significant firmware update, bumping it to version 1.1.0. This update is not just a minor tweak but brings features that users have been clamouring for since the module’s release. The focus here is on expanding the looper’s flexibility and deepening its creative potential, rather than simply patching bugs or adding cosmetic changes.

The video wastes no time in outlining the two headline features: multiple loop file handling and variable Frippertronics decay. Both are designed to make Stardust more adaptable in a modular setup, whether you’re building evolving soundscapes or want tighter control over your looping workflow. It’s a move that aligns with Qu-Bit’s ethos of pushing digital modules into new, performance-friendly territory.

One of the most substantial changes in Stardust v1.1.0 is the ability to save and load multiple loop files. Gone is the restriction to a single loop.wav file—now, users can store up to 32 WAV files on a USB drive, each accessible from within the module. This means you can prepare a whole set of loops for a live show or studio session and recall them on the fly, without reaching for a computer.

The process is straightforward: loop files can be named freely, and Stardust will organise them alphabetically. The module’s file handling button combinations have been repurposed to support this new system, making it easy to navigate between files. If you exceed the 32-file limit, extra files are still saved to the USB drive, but you’ll need to manage them externally to access them from the module. This approach keeps the workflow modular and manageable, even as your loop library grows.

The updated loop menu is central to Stardust’s new workflow. By holding shift and pressing play, users enter a dedicated menu where up to 32 loops are displayed in eight banks of four files each. Navigation is handled via the varispeed encoder, which scrolls between banks, while the starfield LEDs provide visual feedback on your current position. Once in the desired bank, selecting and loading a loop is as simple as pressing one of the four transport buttons.

This menu system is not only intuitive but also scales gracefully—if you have fewer than 32 files, only the populated banks are shown. Saving and overwriting loops is equally flexible: you can choose to overwrite an existing file or save a new one, with Stardust automatically naming and incrementing new files. The module also now accepts mono WAV files and files with DAW metadata, reducing the need for tedious file prep. It’s a thoughtful update that makes loop management less of a chore and more of a creative tool.

The second major addition in this update is the Frippertronics decay control. Previously, Stardust’s Frippertronics mode—named after the classic tape looping technique—had a fixed decay rate, limiting how quickly old audio faded from the loop. Now, by holding shift and turning the start knob, users can dial in the exact decay amount, from 0% (infinite repeats) to 100% (rapid fade-out), with the default setting at the centre.

For those who want even more modulation, the start CV input can be reassigned to control the Frippertronics decay amount. This opens up the possibility for dynamic, voltage-controlled decay changes, letting you automate evolving textures or sudden dropouts. The update even includes a new narwhal setting for this feature, demonstrating Qu-Bit’s willingness to respond to user feedback and keep the module’s creative potential wide open.