THE PROS OF MP3 LOOPS

• Everyone knows how to operate an MP3 player. No training for musicians.  It's less focus on the technical aspect and more focus on worship.
• It's really easy on your budget because it's the cheapest way. No expensive software, computer on stage, or audio interfaces.
• It's the most straight forward for the FOH (front-of-house audio position).
• It's easier to setup and more portable. Imagine bringing your MP3 player in your pocket to rehearsal.  Put some velcro on the back of it and stick it on your drum kit, mic stand, or your favorite place for easy access.  Got multiple campuses?  Share the loops via email or network so all bands can begin and end on time.
• No need to keep computers/software updated...MP3's are pretty standard.
• Stability. Computers and software tend to crash more often than MP3 players/iPods.
• Your band can rehearse on their own with their own MP3 players or via planningcenteronline.com if you upload the loops for them.

THE CONS OF MP3 LOOPS

• Not as flexible on the fly...meaning you can't doctor in/out instruments on the fly (meaning you can't play 'with' the loops while on stage).  However, you can always fade the loop out using the MP3 player's control, kill the click/loop altogether, or simply string a set of songs together using Garageband or Audacity (free software) for seamless transitions.  Shoot, even splice up the MP3's to match your custom roadmap.
• It's a mono send to the house. But let's face it, how much panning do you do in a live worship setting with loops.  Sure you'd slightly pan two guitar players...but loops can live in the middle of your mix.