Boss SP-505 sampling, sequencing, and the awesome CHOP feature

The Boss SP-505 must have one of the best simplicity to capability ratios I've ever seen. The manual is only as think as a few bits of junk mail and most functions, if not completely intuitive, only have to be learned once to be locked in your brain. There are more effects than I demonstrate here, and more sequencing features ...but with the average KZbin watcher moving on after only about 90 seconds, I thought 17 minutes was definitely enough...

[@TheNathtube]

great thorough tutorial on this great little sampler and great channel have subbed

[@jackrabbit4907]

i think this device will be my next purchase and a great upgrade to my sp-202.Thanks for sharing. Peace

[@eddiethelifelonglearner]

Yes! the 505 is gaining some steam right now ... a very underrated machine! Great upload

[@gearfacts]

Eddo Harris thanks for the pleasant feedback and thanks for watching my videos :)

[@user-ne3jo5fz6l]

thank you for the long in depth video.well done!

[@gearfacts]

תומר אברג'יל Thank you for watching Gearfacts!

[@jaypoirier4216]

Thanks for the demo. I was curious about this unit but now I want one.

[@gearfacts]

Little bit tricky to use, but I do recommend it :)

[@JackstandJohnny]

I just picked up one of these yesterday for only $100 USD. I owned one about 8 or 9 years ago but I sold it. At the time I just didnt like a lot of things about it(No 1/4" outputs except for headphone jack, cheap feeling plastic chassis, very hard rubber buttons and a few othrer gripes) but now I think my style and approach has changed a lot and I will end up using the auto chop a lot where as back in the day I just jeeded a sampler to play spoken word clips from movies. I also agree that its insane to pay $300 for an SP-303 or even more for a 404 when the 505 can do it all and is superior is several ways. I am glad i got one now and for the price I paid. I probably wont ever sell this one but if I do I know this is now a good investment that can make a profit.

[@gearfacts]

Nice one man. Yes I think this one is way ahead of the other models you mention, the only thing it's missing is battery power but then I guess it's a bit too big for that.You got a great deal there :) Gearfacts

[@benthies9531]

I just picked one up for $50!

[@benthies9531]

@fractal truth dangggg.

[@benthies9531]

@fractal truth yeah I got really lucky at a gear swap. It was an older guy about to donate it to Goodwill and just wanted it to go to a good home. He seemed surprised that I offered as much as I did.

[@bib993]

Thanks for the video, it helped me decide to buy this machine to complement my collection :)

[@gearfacts]

That's what the channel's all about mate, glad it was helpful :) Gearfacts

[@imnotadj8897]

I just got mine 2 days ago the instruction manual was making me fall asleep lol so thank fuck I found your video your a legend mate.

[@gearfacts]

I feel your pain, I find manuals really tedious... glad you liked the video :) #gearfacts

[@edrice2621]

I had one of these several years ago, but had to sell it because I needed the cash at the time. I miss it, though.

[@poweredbyWatts]

Never understood how hip hop heads put the 303 on a pedestal because of madlib, but slept on the 505. Paid less for the 505 than a 303 and never looked back. Gotta love how you skipped over the vinyl sim...lol

[@gearfacts]

Snek snek! ...agreed

[@pete19ify]

because the 303 is easy to work then the 505

[@BarnacleButtock]

Why not the vinyl sim?? The compression is so nice

[@tujuanberry7279]

They r initially the same unit the 505 was just used for studio use and the 303 portable (:

[@supreme7078]

You Have said a mouth full. Still got mine.

[@SanplerVarondaro]

que buen video amigo saludos desde Tijuana

[@gearfacts]

No problem and greetings from Australia :)

[@beatsinmycrates]

does this export beats aif or wav. if not then what the point of the Resampling function

[@nemotraaxis2057]

Very useful tutorial and demo; esp compared to some others I've seen that were next to impossible to understand for one reason or another. Without having my 505 in front of me I'll have to guess that I'll still be able to extrapolate the info I need even though - here comes my one major beef - WHY in the world did you go to all the trouble to make an otherwise great and consise (17 mins no prob) vid without getting a good shot of the display?! I'm pretty sure I'll figure it out and thank you much for putting a lot of good and non fluff info into this tutorial. Overall... 8 outta 10 but I would have given a 12 if I could have seen the screen :)

[@gearfacts]

Yeah that's a fair point about the display. It's one of my early videos when I didn't have the experience and technical knowledge that I have now. Still, glad it was helpful :) Gearfacts

[@gearfacts]

Yeah that's a fair point about the display. It's one of my early videos when I didn't have the experience and technical knowledge that I have now. Still, glad it was helpful :) Gearfacts

[@GF_MF]

I had one but it wouldn't hold its power after a few months brand new. Roland repaired it but the problem came soon back. I also couldn't get other Roland grooveboxes to sync properly with it either.

[@carlosbranch9106]

Loved the video bro. I've been sitting on one for over a year now. Do you do one on ones?? If so how much? Id really like to learn this piece of gear from someone who knows what they're doing.

[@gearfacts]

Haha I’m flattered but honestly I never mastered this machine and it’s long gone from the studio. Manual is available online, all I can suggest is to go through it page by page…sorry!! Thanks for watching though, I’m glad you enjoyed the video!

[@clustercrash2995]

Can you adjust start time for chopping or spicing up the secuencer? I wonder if it has something similar to that nice start/end manipulation of the 808

[@gearfacts]

No I think it's fully auto

[@alessandrolabarbera6470]

just bought one and love it other than...the sequencer don't seems to work on my chop bank. Would you know why?

[@thetruemrstallings]

Use the Clipboard to copy your chops to a pad bank. 👍

[@djmvp8703]

I just purchased the SP505 Im wondering if there is a way to transfer files to the smart media card from the PC? I've noticed that this type of media card is not very common

[@gearfacts]

You can get a converter to read CF cards into a computer's USB socket, they're not very expensive.

[@toddomg]

What's that black and yellow thing you're using to record samples into the 505? looks cool.

[@gearfacts]

It's the newer version of the Kaossilator. I've made a video about the older version here (different look but very similar sounds): kzbin.info/www/bejne/hInQkIqPdrWeobs

[@slanggemz2419]

Awesome video, I'm on the fence of buying one of these as I can't afford a 404sx haha is it easy to add swing to drum pattern or is it all kind of quantized and robotic ? Does it do resampling like the 404 as well ? Cheers

[@vastness.5650]

you can resample. the swing is pretty rigid and weird but u can freak it once u learn it a lil bit. if u can find one for cheap like 150 or so youll be relaly happy with it. its not quite the 404sx but you can make dope shit in it fashow

[@malicetattoo]

I read the sp 404s have more affects

[@Noise-Conductor]

@@malicetattoo Only 3 extra but all the main FXs is still on the 505.

[@jackrabbit4907]

do you remember if you were able to sequence from the chop banks? It seems that i have to copy the wanted chops to a user bank before i'm able to sequence anything.Peace

[@gearfacts]

I'm pretty sure you do have to save the required chops. I'm open to be corrected though, it was a long time ago! GF

[@deepsoundproduction]

@gearfacts when sequencing a patern how to set up samples to not have sync with the main tempo? I use e.g. 120 bpm and some samples sounds very bad, sound slower. does it depend on the settings during / before sampling?

[@gearfacts]

Too long ago for me I'm afraid... I'm sure there was a tool to squeeze or stretch samples to the right tempo but I can't remember how it's done. You might have to get the manual for that (as you probably know, you just google "Boss SP505 pdf"

[@slanggemz2419]

deepsoundproduction yo check out djreggireg sp 505 vids I think he has a tip video explaining your issue.

[@deepsoundproduction]

I already have a solution: go to wave edit, thdn change play type from phrase to single.

[@slanggemz2419]

deepsoundproduction that was what was mentioned in the vid, good to know ya got a solution I'm about to buy a 505 so knowing that tip will save headaches lol

[@deepsoundproduction]

1. you have 16 pads 2. you have a lot of sample banks 3. very easy to cut samples, and add start and end point - you have a wave form on the lcd screen 4. you have 4 tracks for 1 pattern, so you can "play" with this trancks (e.g. with mute option) 5. very easy to resample + add some fx tp create new sounds 6. no direct acces for fx like SP303 has 7. very easy chop function to cut a sample, but you cant't save it 8. you have pith option to play with one sample, but you cant't save it I have already 2 SP505, very easy to use. I recently sold my SP 303 :)

[@D.Z.A.-kp8lf]

I had the SP 202 and the SP 303 got rid of both of them when I got the sp505 with a built-in drum machine that's all I needed

[@gearfacts]

Yep it's in a totally different class :) GF

[@palindromeAU]

Hi Gearfacts, is sequencing only done live or can it also do step sequencing like the electribe es1? Cheers

[@gearfacts]

It can do step. Thanks for watching Gearfacts :)

[@wighttoan]

Wondering how many banks of groups of samples you can save on this. Thinking of picking up a used one locally.

[@gearfacts]

I haven't had this one for a while sorry, you'll have to google the model followed by "PDF", the manual should be the first result.

[@liljons6753]

Whole bunch like 20 x 20

[@borrisrichards7454]

How does the trim system works on this machine & also do they have a sound library???

[@gearfacts]

Too long ago for me to remember sorry, but if you Google "BOSS SP-505 PDF" you'll see the manual appear and that'll have all the answers :) #gearfacts

[@liljons6753]

Wave edit.....

[@pablofuentes5152]

Can you connect a turntable and sample vinyl?

[@gearfacts]

Yes. Gearfacts :)

[@actualtruck]

this might be a dumb question, but can it change the playback speed of a sample? Not as in pitch shift or time stretch, but like playing a 33 record at 45rpm. Pretty essential for genres like jungle, but youd be surprised by how many samplers leave this out

[@gearfacts]

Yep it can

[@actualtruck]

@@gearfacts thank you! the only thing i could find online about this on any of the sps was the 808s "vari-pitch" function, which I believe is the only time that function has ever been called that

[@lgots]

gonna do a live set using only a sp505, wish me luck! (i'm quite scared ghgh)

[@gearfacts]

Break a leg dude! And let us know how you go :) Gearfacts :)

[@anti-warhero7999]

hope you killed it mate.

[@lgots]

you're so sweet and kind, thank you!! it went great and had a lot of fun. (most importantly) this is truly an amazing sampler. ❤️

[@iunnowho]

I am awakeing my sp505 as I now have a smartmedia reader, and I am traversing all corners of the internet to try and find the "preset files" (which i believe are the preset patterns as well as the preset drums within the machine upon original purchase) in an attempt to update the system, my presets were erased and now i have a brick which was once an sp505. Has anyone at Gearfacts ever been approached by someone with this issue? Roland is of very little help in this issue with such an outdated machine. This is lie the red ring of death but for my sp. I literally cannot get past the "Update preset" warning when turing it on.

[@gearfacts]

Hmm no I've never seen that before... Maybe open it up and see if you can replace the CMOS battery? Also I'd suggest googling if there's a way to do a hardware reset using a combination of buttons held down when the power is turned on. These are only vague guesses, I'm afraid i really have no idea. There might be a facebook group of SP505 users perhaps....

[@millertb3550]

I got one from reverb. The stop button doesnt work. Anyone know why?

[@gearfacts]

Probably just needs a new sensor underneath. They are cheap and easy to replace if you can use a soldering iron. Other wise a technician would do it fairly cheaply (and they'd do a better job than me!)

[@colinbuck3266]

You had me at nifty

[@gearfacts]

A much under-used word :) Gearfacts

[@pete19ify]

what is that thing in your hand .what kind mp3 player is that

[@gearfacts]

It's a Korg Kaossilator. It does play MP3's but it's mostly a hand-held synth. They're great :)

[@outdatedgear5036]

When I press chop, it will only record to 1 pad? Why won't it break it apart?

[@woabeatz9717]

D Fins -gotta be empty pads.....and

[@liljons6753]

Gotta set octave....range

[@jackrabbit4907]

do you prefer this or the sp-808?

[@gearfacts]

Well for sampling, I'd choose the 505 because the 808 is a dreadful sampler. But then the 808 has an awesome synth and also a d-beam controller, so it depends on your end purpose I suppose. Thanks for watching Gearfacts :)

[@Noise-Conductor]

Really nice demo, even tho the screen wasn't visible if you have the 505 you'll get everything that talked about since the 505 is kinda basic, so don't worry about not seeing & focus on what being said. Peace!

[@gearfacts]

Thanks, and yes sorry about the unclear screen. I've got better camera gear these days :)

[@Noise-Conductor]

@@gearfacts It's cool, my point was that seeing the screen isn't really that important on simple device.

[@gearfacts]

@@Noise-Conductor Indeed :)

[@Jonathan-qv2wx]

Is it the same fx as the sp 303?

[@gearfacts]

Very similar :) Gearfacts

[@brokemanmusic2587]

please do a tutorial on sp 555

[@gearfacts]

I'm keeping my eyes out for another one, BM, I'd like to have another try on the 555. Gearfacts

[@brokemanmusic2587]

ok thanks

[@jonikj9154]

is it battery powered ?

[@gearfacts]

JONI KJ Nope

[@gearpunk9632]

sorry, dont know why my post appears 7 times. and i cant delete it either.

[@liljons6753]

How the sampling light come on by itself...?

[@gearfacts]

That might've just been a video edit

[@liljons6753]

@@gearfacts oh.... Have you ever removed the cover and looked inside?

[@gearfacts]

@@liljons6753 Nope, never had a reason to go in there. I sold it a couple of years ago. Not because I didn't like it, I just had to keep the channel moving with new videos.

[@liljons6753]

@@gearfacts oh.....

[@sr7bbird]

i wish boss would rebuild the sp505! the new sampler they have out now is just silly.

[@gearfacts]

Absolutely. I was just replying to another dude who made a similar point. There are lots of awesome older devices out there that just need a few design tweaks and they'd lead the industry which very little cost or hassle to the manufacturer. But instead they redesign everything and often lose good features in the process... The Sp-808 is another classic example. Thanks for watching Gearfacts :)

[@PeteClark-zd5dm]

This is the poor man MPC 2000xl

[@gearfacts]

Yes, I think Boss was indeed trying to create a cheap alternative 👍

[@PeteClark-zd5dm]

@@gearfacts it's the problem with boss & Roland they never knew how to promo theirs machine

[@Michael-vd2tv]

shit like a toy mpc, i neeeeeed

[@woabeatz9717]

the sounds can only pan left or right....the sample playbuttons are hard....other than that...i like..

[@Blocksourcemusic]

I have this machine, i made some dope Music with it!

[@gearfacts]

Block Source Music Ent cool man, you should put it up on KZbin with some crazy visuals for a film clip. Thanks for watching Gearfacts !

[@Blocksourcemusic]

Sure I think I will do that in about a hr from now!

[@OHHnoYOUdidntMAN]

holy MOTHERFUCKING SHIT your samples with the effects sound like they could be a big tame impala style song. at least with the proper drumming. A-fuckin-plus mate!!!

[@brokemanmusic2587]

now if the company boss would had did a better promo of this machine caz this is the poor man mpc 2000xl

[@gearfacts]

I agree, and battery power would have made it a classic. Thanks for watching Gearfacts :)

[@brokemanmusic2587]

i do agree but me personally i wish they should made this machine copy samples instant of chopping sample

[@brokemanmusic2587]

i do this machine sample like the dr 202

[@sybilsacrifice3777]

​@@brokemanmusic2587 are all the samples created on this chopped up?...

[@pete19ify]

not bad

[@gearfacts]

Yeah it's a good one. Lots of competition in the sampler market these days though. Thanks for watching Gearfacts :)

[@pete19ify]

i think it's a nice machine with a whole lot of power i think this is a poorman mpc 2000xl

[@thirdstar9255]

ANY CLUE on how to trigger Pad Banks via MIDI IN?! The only one that ever works is Pad Bank 1. The user banks (5 & 6 especially) are NEVER triggered, no matter what you do! Thanks!

[@gearfacts]

Sorry, I haven't had this unit for years so all I can suggest is looking up the midi section in the manual which is freely available online

[@gearpunk9632]

sorry, dont know why my post appears 7 times. and i cant delete it either.

[@saulocisneros]

Just two times now :)