First Day with the SP-404 MKII

[@orbitfold]

You really can't use sp-404 effectively the same way you use other grooveboxes. It is all about resampling. Apply FX, resample, chop up, repeat. That is why resampling is so easy on it. For example you can take a kick and add FX to it and resample until you get exactly the kick you want.

[@jamesjr2550]

U can use that skip back to for example take the sx delay on 99 percent play some notes into it and let it loop

[@atetraxx]

Yes it's more like an effects unit you use with other equipment

[@rorz999]

I'd agree with you up until the 2.0 firmware update. The added TR sequencer makes it much more like other grooveboxes now. Resampling to add layers of FX etc is still an integral part of the workflow, but using the 'resample method' to sequence beats is basically redundant now

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I'm guessing it's a combination, I had to get used to the sequencer before diving headfirst into resampling, but I'm imagining it'll still be a crucial layering and sound shaping tool. Or at least, I would go out of my way to use it since the device is pretty centered around it.

[@Eight-Bit-Hustler]

MPC, SP 404, and an iPad is magic! I mostly use my SP to resample and create original sounds from existing samples made on iOS and my Live 2 it’s actually pretty nice with Zenbeats which you get like 3-6 months free with it, which is actually pretty decent for a portable setup especially with the type C being usable for Audio and Midi with apps and plugins. But it’s so much easier to make beats on the MPC or elsewhere, where the SP really shines is how easy it is to quickly stack BUS effects together on pads and for resampling insert effects on samples over and over. I’ll spend hours just crafting sounds with my guitar and other synths and samplers. Some good shortcuts are shift plus bpm sync for setting the tempo to an entire bank. When creating loops have the loop button engaged and tap roll while viewing the wave to setup the loop points perfectly I personally don’t use the patterns I just setup certain pads as loops with bpm sync and loop on for that Bank so patterns are kinda redundant. I only wish either Roland or Akai would update an additional sample rate so they would match! 😢

[@kinetic-cybernetic]

I think this is the device that changed the most for me from the first impression to an experienced use. Learning it was full of painful randomness and memorizing. Re watching tutorials everywhere, printing cheatsheets... Incredible I did that for "fun". After that it became amazing.

[@rorz999]

Yeah agreed, it's not hugely intuitive, you have to remember lots of random button combos, but once you build up some muscle memory it is great

[@ninjaturdle69]

Dude I’ve had mine for a week and I’ve been close to just tossing it out cause I can’t wrap my head around it.

[@dangoh_]

@@ninjaturdle69 keep at it bro it gets easier ive had it about a week now and im learning new techniques

[@Zeal808]

@@ninjaturdle69first day I’m like: “huh?” It’s like at first I was using it. Then when I tried to do something purposely it was a wrap lol I have so much to learn

[@davidmaskew]

​@@ninjaturdle69I'm at a similar stage now. Had mine a couple of weeks it's hard going but I'm hoping it will be worth it.

[@noisetheorem]

Want a good time? Take on USB C cable and connect the SP404mkII to an iPad running BeatMaker III. Audio and MIDI goes both ways and its damn eay to use the two together. It's my hotel room rig.

[@SumnSumnSumnHTK]

Yooooooooo. I got my SP404 a few months back but still haven't gotten to dig into it because I just got a bunch of gear at once. The video was a blessing bro!

[@blkrbbt]

I just caught a few minutes of this before school, and the sluggish knobs are because they are in catch mode. Also, Im sure you will get to know all the ins and outs since is a little bit milder than the mc101 in terms of button shifting, but if you press remain and the effect button, the screen will stay up to be able to motion record parameters.

[@synth-studio]

THIS, Gabe.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Niceeee, thanks!

[@billiedoesbeats]

Can you explain what you mean by “catch mode”. My knobs are so sluggish I can’t figure it out. Thanks so much

[@blkrbbt]

@@billiedoesbeats Yeah... In the settings you can choose if when you turn the encoder, it will register its position by where you either set it last time or the actual position of the knob. This is for when the knob is used for different functions. There may be a mistaken feeling because what one perceives as sluggishness is actually the encoder waiting for it to "catch" up to its last recorded position befor changing the value, where off its just gonna tell you where it is positioned at all times

[@seanspartan2023]

I'm planning on getting a mk2 for Christmas and this video was just what I needed. Thank you!

[@_-Marcel-_]

Hi Gabe! I totally like those "learning by doing" videos. It is so helpful to see especially issues and not only the polished result. You are even able to do that struggling in a very entertaining way! 🙂 For example the Loading-animation on your forehead. 15:35 😄 Thank you very much!

[@synth-studio]

Appreciate the real-world approach videos, Gabe. I suspect they’re especially helpful for people considering a purchase - we’re all there at some point. Coming from perhaps more traditional grooveboxes, like you, the 404s are a slight paradigm shift, for sure. I had the same experience. While I know that I don’t 100% understand the 404mkii yet, I’ve come to love it’s different perspective. To me, it feels like the ‘right’ balance of ‘destructive’ producing… like the halfway point between the OP-1’s commit-or-die (but never get anything right) approach, and the MPC’s all-the-choices (but never finish a song) approach 😂 A friend of mine who goes by Monster Rally produces incredible lofi on NOTHING but 404s, and he’s set my bar for what a 404 can do. I find it really inspirational when it comes to what a 404 can do if you really learn it.

[@JRosevelt]

Good vid as always dude! I actually bought an SP-404 MKII not too long ago and ended up sending it back because of its odd, clunky navigation and bizarre feel. But that's just my own personal take on the device, I think it definitely has a place for those who enjoy its style and workflow texture. For me, I would like to be able to actually play ratchets/rolls live, not just program them into the step sequencer. I would also like the ability to "explode" or individually and automatically track out the stems of my beats from this device like most other grooveboxes and drum machines are capable. Also the bus allocation is limited. But those things that are important to me may not be to another. On the positive side, the FX are insane, so for me I might buy it again and use it simply as a post FX hub to process already finished songs through. Would love to see what you think of the Arturia Drumbrute Impact! Keep posting dude!

[@ericvernooij2917]

Yeah baby! This thing is amazing. One thing that I love to do with it, is record little phrases with an assortment of synths, and then use the sequencer to turn those into a piece of coherent music. The one thing that should get updated is the midi implementation. It can randomy trigger notes in either a synth that's hooked up, or your synth can trigger random samples, which I haven't found a solution for.

[@firekeeper09]

I've seen this done with a Novation Tracks where you can utilize it's random and probability on every single step in order to trigger random MIDI out to the SP. I haven't done it yet, but I've seen other people on YT pull it off.

[@Blastnthru2u]

The vibes, beats, sounds towards the end are pretty dope AF. I think you will regret not keeping it.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Thanks! I've still got it for now, I need to spend more time making beats with it to come to a definitive conclusion.

[@trufaith5765]

We bought one 6 weeks ago… like the rhythm I’m sure your videos will be a massive help

[@_c_y_p_3]

SPVIDZ & NearTao have dedicated such immense attention to this instrument that you should check em out too. They are my favs for this specific box.

[@awkwardslothshantel]

I'm always amazed by your seemingly effortless finger drumming

[@noisetheorem]

I was initially very frustrated by the SP404. The more I've played with it..the more I've liked it. It's also got a certain crunchy sound to it. It's got so much going for it...but I'm also just not sure I *need* it. It's great to take traveling with and pair with an iPad or some other portable sound source. I don't want to give up on it yet.

[@davidmurray591]

When you say it has a crunchy sound to it is that the sound of the effects and samples within it or does it colour samples that you put in much? If you were to put together something for a live gig and you uploaded a track to it would it have a crunchy element to it?

[@noisetheorem]

@@davidmurray591 it doesn’t seem to color samples at all unless you have the FX engaged. In fact, it’s extremely clear and transparent. The filter distortion effect, though, is just fantastic!

[@davidmurray591]

@@noisetheorem That's great thanks for that!

[@lifeofluvly]

You know what I just used it to master a track and it was amazing

[@bpburtonx]

I’m still trying to climb the sp404 learning curve after coming from the MPC One. Looking forward to more videos from you diving into this.

[@rorz999]

Stick with it, it's actually way easier to learn than the MPC in my experience

[@captainpawpawchannel]

So what's the difference between the mkII and the mpc according to you? The mpc seems more attractive

[@shark6350]

This or the mpc one? I'm tryns decide between the 2. This one Def has a nice sound

[@bpburtonx]

Hard to say since they’re different… but the MPC has onboard synths and a lot of pre-loaded kits/sounds that make jumping into beat making really fast and easy. There’s a bit more legwork involved in the SP404 but the sampling workflow is faster to me (since resampling is such a core part of the workflow for the SP). I love the keygroup functionality of the MPC since you can quickly make a playable instrument from any sample and there are so many floating around out there to download (people sampling their old synths,for example). Chromatic mode let’s you do this on the SP404 but it doesn’t quite feel the same. Controlling external hardware on the MPC is a lot easier too. Not sure how helpful this really is but these are just some loose thoughts. Definitely will continue to climb the learning curve for the SP404! I’m learning to embrace its quirks and it’s undoubtedly a really fun device.

[@JustinRaynor-e2f]

Me too brother. Jumping on and off the struggle bus with it. 😂 Getting to understand a good bit but also lost on soooo much. 😂 Love this machine though!!! By far my favorite to this point.

[@BDKabrini]

Basically I use mine as sample house , so I don't burn all my PC memory. A chop shop if you will... When I need a quick sample. I can sync it up to whatever . Loop or resample.

[@TheWavys]

There’s something so fun about getting a new piece of gear and not knowing literally anything…..only to peel back the layers and slowly see what its alllll about =)

[@ghanezu]

Set mode (knob )from catch to direct.Shift +gate(on/off apply to all samples).

[@thinkognito344]

i love the SP but wish they would have got rid of the circle around the screen and made the screen a bit bigger to fill out the space between fx pads... there's an annoying reflection and corners almost cut off...

[@charlarge3555]

Thanks for doing this video! I’ve been waiting for you to get the SP-404! Hope to see more …perhaps some tutorials! 👍🏻💕

[@curtisaloia]

This makes me so happy. I'm an sp404 fanboy but bought myself a circuit tracks to compliment it because of your videos. Still waiting on it but using the tracks for midi control of my synths and sequencing, then sampling and effects on the 404 will have a steep learning curve but is a portable dawless setup with very few compromises.

[@tehbigshow]

I was hoping you would get your hands on the 404mk2, Gabe. I know you are an MPC guy. I've been looking at samplers and I am back and forth on this and the MPC. Please continue to put out vids on the 404.

[@PiriakaTrackwrecker]

Damn this was bold, and the 404 is the worst possible to do it for, so maybe the best for the clip?! It's such an unintuitive setup if you're more in tune with typical samplers and grooveboxes. It got the better of me, so I moved on to other things I could have more fun with. I might go back to it, but geez, pretty tough but to crack for a grooveboxer. Props to you for having a crack!

[@shannonpalmer]

I just got one last month and I love it! I still have a lot to learn, but it’s been a fun process so far. I’m looking forward to seeing what you make with it!

[@Timber-Wolf]

I walked the same path from familiarity with the MPC style workflow to the SP404mkII. It is definitely its own beast (unique) and once you get used to it's quirks and embrace its unique features it becomes very fast to work with and addictive to use. Mine is a keeper for sure.

[@captainpawpawchannel]

Hello, can you make songs with it or is it more for loops? Are there some digital instruments inside? And also what's the quality of the sampler, compared to an mpc? Thanks in advance

[@Timber-Wolf]

@@captainpawpawchannel You "can" make full songs on it but it doesn't have any built in synths, however, you can take a single sample of something like a piano ( a C note let's say) and then play that sample chromatically and polyphonically. You can also play that sample from an external keyboard. It is capable but it's a VERY different type of use. I use mine as a sketchpad and an effects unit. Sample Quality is on a par with the MPC in my opinion.

[@captainpawpawchannel]

@@Timber-Wolf ok thank you ;)

[@Imetalman2000]

One of my biggest reservations for this unit was the learning curve. I ended up getting the rhythm because I’m more familiar with that work flow.

[@Screenshot1015]

The 404Mk2 is an absolute beast when you pair it with the polyphonic midi channels of the digitone. My setup works like this, I use the digitone for synth and some drum duties and feed its audio into the 404 for effects but also the midi from the digitone is triggering pads/loops/midi cc to the effects of the 404. It’s bonkers and a super powerful very small setup once you get into it.

[@dngozi4772]

🫠

[@pierrefitch]

Matt you use a digitone with 404 . What about a digitakt or syntakt

[@Hakucho64]

I guess both the drum and synth tracks of your Digitone go through the 404’s effects? Is that generally what you want?

[@stuartmccallum91]

I was also struck by the size and build of my 404! I am a former Digitakt/current MPC owner and the workflow caught me off guard. Step sequencing on it is not overly feature-laden or intuitive, and even months later I am not overly productive with mine. I justify keeping it as opposed to letting it go because for some reason I find interacting with it jarringly inspiring. It’s primary use in my setup currently is as an Aux bus in my DAW so I can use the effects with my hardware. Stoked to see how you use it bro! (Commenting while 1:30 into your video haha)

[@stuartmccallum91]

Pro tip: you can get a USB power bank for cheap off Amazon to use it on the go instead of burning through batteries! AND I think you can run it into your MPC over usb because it has class compliant usb audio.

[@stuartmccallum91]

You might have the knobs setup to catch or scale instead of jump!

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Yeah I think that's the case, I'll dig into that in a bit. And good to know about the power/connectivity!

[@heavysystemsinc.]

The sequencer stuff you're looking for is brand new to the 404. The OG 404's were more like tape machines and you overdub stuff alot since it was one of the first samplers with just megatons of memory available. You could record a whole album in audio on it and so there was a lot of workflow stuff that just sort of emerged from this crazy amount of memory, like having pads you'd keep as 'undo/save points' for when an overdub didn't quite work out down the line. Very interesting machine, though a lot of folks really lamented having to deal with a lack of quantization doing this method of song creation. This resampling/recording was also the only way to get many effects since there was a single effect at any given time, so you'd resample and 'bake' a desired effect into the sample. It was a little limited in that it didn't have a way to pitch samples, so you'd also have to use the pitch shifter effect to get multiple 'notes' out of a single note. So this new version is almost like a completely different machine in that way. I've not used it, but know enough about it that it appears like a more traditional sampler/sequencer combo that's retrofitted into an SP404 form factor.

[@rayderrich]

Helpful to see you struggle, now I know I am not alone ;-)

[@barrelofbugs]

Great video.. very brave to do it! lol

[@StudioInvisible]

16:43 if you change the PTN Change Mode to SX instead of MKII in Utility, it will finish playing the sample instead of cutting at the end of the pattern

[@FretchGaming]

They are out of stock in the Thomann Store until new year so I’m going to my hometown over the weekend to purchase one. Don’t think my mother will get to spend much quality time with me as she wished for ^^

[@Jamesjimjimmy]

Live in the moment brody ❤

[@_c_y_p_3]

Try gear4music!!!!!!! They have an extended warranty purchase that gives you like 120 days return too. I like em better than Thomann

[@sinewaymusic]

So... Did you end up keeping it? And if so, how are you using it? Without having used it myself, I think of the SP-404 as a companion to other grooveboxes, not necessarily the ideal standalone groovebox. It could be an exploratory sample-based sound designer tool, or it could be an end-of-the-chain master effects box, or it could be a DJ/remix tool for your already finished tracks. But I don't really see how it would work as a standalone groovebox given all its deliberate resampling/flattening workflow that essentially eliminates the possibility to do a proper mix on a finished song. Anyway, would be interesting to see you explore the 404 from that perspective of being an added element to a setup rather than a standalone groovebox. Thanks!

[@mattcero1]

Gotta like Gabe being unfiltered and just telling us "Ok, I just watched a bunch of videos and now I can,,,,,,,,". I could watch those same videos but would rather have Gabe distill and present the information to me. Anyone else? This kid's goin' places!

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Those tutorials are still absolutely useful to get more info with more context, but glad that me learning and addressing knowledge gaps on camera is helpful!

[@dracul74]

I love mine. I used it as a loop maker… sample / chop / effect / resample … or as an effects machine for other gear. Might be my fav purchase of 2022… and there were many, lol. If you just want a standard drum machine, this prob isn’t it…. grab a Circuit, Model Samples or tr6s.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Yeah it's definitely its own thing

[@dracul74]

​@@GabeMillerMusic btw I am working on a track now in Ableton where I am just using it as a sound processor. I know you make sample packs and this is where I think you'd get your value from the sp404mk2. Example, I resampled a synth and in 1 section it is the original and the other it is the processed version. Sure, I could use plugins... but I do seem to get "special" results with it. Just a thought...

[@JX3D]

About the repsonsiveness of the knobs. Isn't it just because they are set to "catch" the value, so you work from its stored settings (not causing big jumps which wont work in a live situation)? I don't have the unit myself, so I don't know what Roland calls it. I think you know what I mean when I say "catch", but to be sure this is an example of what I mean: A value is set for a parameter at 10%. When your knob is above or below 10% the knob will not change values, but when it hits the 10% it catches up and starts changing values.

[@valentinephasha1468]

I'm so buying this.

[@greggordo]

Hey gabe! Love the video! Hope you do more on the 404! BTW the issue youre having with the delay on the parameter knows can be change in utility, not at my unit but you can change the from catch etc! Hope that helps!

[@sakachi242]

Great vid, and nicely covers the whole unit! thanks! Im looking forward to a 'Circuit Rhythm vs SP-404 MKII' video with your opinions! :D

[@frilent]

The knob response time is actually some weird setting you can turn off somewhere. I thought it was a bug for the longest time

[@Jason75913]

that knob feature is inspired by MIDI controllers and I forgot what other gear

[@pinkbuddha_samplepackreviews]

ok, that's amazing!

[@dogstare]

It took me about two weeks to get used to hated it at first have to admit, but I love it now the learning curve is a steep one but it’s rewarding. It’s now become a major part of my live and studio set up.

[@GameRelated]

can you do a Digitakt vs SP-404 MK2 review

[@nexuzeb79]

I'm so curious as to whether you wanna keep it (which I think you're gonna) or not once you feel you master it and realize it's complexity, it's not that expensive... Some good non-biased comparison to your other gear will be interesting as well, young Sir! Following :)

[@DM43685]

Two points, what is it? A Drum mashine? And I’m happy Roland FINALLY printed the shift secondary options in white writing, not the dark grey they printed on the MC family In have

[@dankeplace]

Gabe, I don't know if I have mentioned this to you before, but you should check out the Pioneer SP16 if you haven't before, features 8 individual out, P6 filter, easy to navigate only 2 pages deeps UI, XOX sequencing, great pads. You can get these cheap and sound quality is better than the Akai samplers.

[@rorz999]

My favourite sampler of all time! And yeah, the sound quality is phenomenal. I'm blown away every time I use it. It wipes the floor with MPC in terms of fidelity

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I've looked at it briefly, it's on the long list of stuff to try. It does look like it duplicates a lot of functionality of the stuff I have, so that's a bit of a hard sell at the moment since I have too much gear already lol

[@dankeplace]

@@rorz999 Yeah shame Pioneer abandoned further updates.

[@dankeplace]

@@GabeMillerMusic if you can borrow one, just try it out, work flow is stellar, only 2 pages deep ever in menus.

[@PiotrstrashcanŚmietnikPiotra]

Amazing video! Just ordered mine, can't wait! Do you still use it a lot?

[@obiraf]

I got one about a year ago when it first came out. I made a few tracks on it but hardly use it to be honest, lost interest. If used as a external effect in Cubase it will introduce latency and this is why I will most propably sell it soon.

[@365OTG]

I have a bunch of Videos on using the 404mk2 as an MPC one user.. It'll help you get through some hard ships you may have. #beatbuildertv 🎰

[@captainpawpawchannel]

Hello, so which one would you recommend between the mpc and the mk2?

[@365OTG]

@@captainpawpawchannel Very different workflows and not really comparable, so it depends on each producer. I love having them both because they are different. The SP is the best sampler on the planet. That's its only job, It can hold 160 samples in the memory and everything can be recorded. The MPC does the same but has way more options. It has the same effects in the XYFX, and is good at a different list of things. If I had to choose one I couldn't, They both sit on my desk with my OP1 as a full dawless solution.

[@captainpawpawchannel]

@@365OTG ok thanks ;)

[@instrumentalplay]

Im lovin it so far, late to the game but so fun and packed with nice features

[@spectralknights2]

Get the Liven lofi-12 sampler. Why Roland got rid of lofi sampling mode that's the deciding factor for me to not get it.

[@avamiscelano]

can you use this device as a loop station to create singing layers of voices live? Thanks.

[@alexandrosroussos]

Thx for your video. I kinda had the same “first time SP workflow” experience as you. Excited they went also into the sequencing workflow in the mk2 but I still don’t feel at home as I find this way of using it a bit limited : like no arp/note repeat and the chains for song making are not very sophisticated, I would need at least to tell it how many times a pad will loop when inside a chain. I also dug into the DJ Mode, again it’s so cool to see Roland going this route with the SP but still, looks a bit half baked for now, the key lock is not possible Shen in this mode and the FX Bus routing is confusing as it is dependant on the Pad rather than on a channel. That makes this mode pretty much unusable right now for “DJing”. Not decided yet if I keep it, it also depends on if where they get the firmware but that can take time or never happen. I’m pretty sure former SP users or those who by default use it with its legacy sampling/resampling workflow will love it and find the pattern and DJ modes are a very nice extra. To sum’up I like the new directions they took with the mk2 but it looks like they’re half way there so far.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I'm definitely trying not to compare it too much to other stuff I'm used to and dig into what makes it unique. We'll see if it sticks

[@QuickSticks8771]

Hey mate I need some advice !! I’m a singer /guitarist performer I’m looking for a piece of gear that will allow me to have a four on the floor kick drum sample or pre loaded drum sounds that I can accurately tap tempo live and control the velocity of the kick with an expression pedal from light to hard hits I normally do this with the Roland SPD one live but want to free up my foot for more looping As this functionality is a bit out of my knowledge base and there are sooo many hardware samplers / sequencers Out there !! I’m hoping this is possible without taking a laptop to gigs Thank you

[@thethrillofnoskill4521]

You got further than me on my first few days I'm only just starting to click with it after a few months haha Please keep it , as I need all the help and tutorials I can get haha 😂

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Will do!

[@trevorbrown8737]

Roland do a really good video manual for the 404 mk2 on KZbin!👍

[@DJCJ999]

1:04 that's what she said!

[@friendlyguy1221]

Did Gabe say it's on loan from Zones? At 27:47. What is that? I've been looking for a place to try things out. Thanks

[@GoFastBeSafe]

resampling is the way

[@briancabrera6922]

with this new 3.0 update would love to see if that changes anything for you, seems more complete now especially the midi implementations

[@lebronsinclair8012]

Second this!

[@RaddMann3]

I always think I would like this but I have other gear that does what I need so I'll keep holding off. Thanks for your first day experience though.

[@delaydude]

Thanks for this video! I´m exited, what you think, when you compare it to your MPC One. I don´t think, that the SP404 mk2 can do anything, that the MPC One can´t do.

[@rorz999]

It has way better FX than the MPC One

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I think in terms of power and features, the MPC One can do a lot more, but that's fine, since the 404 is more portable and has its own well-liked effects and workflow

[@pierrefitch]

Do you ever use a digitone or digitakt or force with the 404mk2

[@ericvernooij2917]

So... Eight months on, have you kept it or sold it? I myself love it, but it's a pretty convoluted workflow. If I want to just jam, I reach for the Digitakt. Much more immediate and musical. If I want to create sounds, and build a track around those, I grab the 404. It's all the stopping and starting and tweaking that's just slightly cumbersome. But it also makes you think a bit more.

[@Yahootie]

Hey Gabe, can you do a review on the Paripi Destroyer?

[@magnuseriksson8081]

Sound quality has always made me very doubtful to go for something like this, it sounds a bit cheap and low-fi very often.

[@rorz999]

It's actually a very high fidelity machine with a clean sound

[@magnuseriksson8081]

@@rorz999 Is it, I have not found anything online that shows that yet.

[@remy5356]

Is it always resample? Not copy pattern and take out and bring in samples in the next pattern?

[@davidmaskew]

When i showed it to my better half she said thats a lot of money for a very big scientific calculator 😂

[@309fliteschool]

So is there not a power cord for this thing? Or did you want to use batteries?

[@_c_y_p_3]

There is a problem with it not recognizing all samples from the SD card so this needs fixed badly. When using ios it is having a lot of midi problems and the midi is real halfassed , like I cant turn it off. The pads are horrible, it doesn’t matter how you adjust em. The timestretch algorithm is very trash and NO thats not because its “lofi”. I like that is detects as an audio interface. We need sidechain. The two headphone jacks are 💙💙💙 The unit has like 3 stereo ins and 3 stereo outs which is 🤯🎯💙💙💙 the flexibility and portable nature of this thing makes it a dream to work with. I only use its audio side cuz the midi is trash and I have a tight setup with no room for beta versions……. Yeah Roland hope you pay attention, my expectations are not super high cuz these things should be long fixed on any MK2!!!!! Oh and would love more than one custom rgb color layout theme…. Cuz uh ……. Obviously……

[@_c_y_p_3]

I am not trying to be a troll, I love this machine, I will use it in a few minutes but things need fixed.

[@rorz999]

@@_c_y_p_3 don't worry, I read your whole comment and I can tell you're not a troll, you've clearly put in the hours on this machine. My praises and criticisms of the unit are basically the same as yours. I don't mind the sound of the timestretch (it's fine for small adjustments), but the BPM detection is awful, which can make time-stretching a real pain. Also, I sorted the issue of it not reading certain samples by converting all my samples to 16-bit 44.1khz And yeah, the pads are pretty bad, but they are miles better than the pads on the original 404 / 404SX / 404A, which had the worst pads of anything I've ever used lol

[@GabeMillerMusic]

I HAVE had some issues with random wav files not being recognized, I didn't mention it because I thought it was user error on my part. Looks like it's a more widespread issue

[@jboulderct]

I'd love to hear what you think it pairs well with (hardware-wise) once you have a handle on it.

[@Jason75913]

An MC-707 would give him more FX processing capability, any synth would give him a more readily available (and customizable) source of sounds, and his grooveboxes would serve as sound and loop sources simultaneously. Anything would go. What he ends up liking most will be according to his workflow preferences.

[@jboulderct]

@@Jason75913 yup, that's why I asked him...

[@zapmando]

I'm looking at matching it with a verselab, think it will be perfect

[@FlipHybrid]

"ayo dem drums is wack!" muhahaha JK nice video, been thinking of getting one for a while and I think this video put me over the edge... GG EZ

[@rac06oon]

wow right on the spot Gabe!!!, also I know that they are different form each other but which someone can suggest between the SP and the verselab MV-1 as I am limited on budget??

[@GabeMillerMusic]

It's really hard to say which to get without knowing your goals, but in general, I'd go SP-404 for sampling/sample chopping, and the MV-1 for synth-centric stuff

[@rac06oon]

@@GabeMillerMusic so mainly I make beats with samples sometimes for the melodic section another times I like to put my own melodies etc ,plus on that I am open to other genres as well for example techno /dark wave electro.whichever i choose It will be the start to go almost dawless. My confusion begins because I dont know if the mv-1 is limited or enough on the sampling/ resampling side of things because the 60 second limit and the 12 mins mono/6 mono stereo overall song time. indeed the 404 as a sampler has lore space but then there someone have to process a lot a sample to make it sound like a synth.

[@SonicVibe]

Menu dive city wonder what has more menu diving mk2 or the mc 101

[@rorz999]

I own both. The MC-101 is way worse for menu diving

[@SonicVibe]

@@rorz999 I found iOS pretty easy to work with things it can do easily made the mk2 and mpc one like the most unfriendly user interfaces

[@magnuseriksson8081]

@@rorz999 Ahhh is it, I am use to the 101 now so I feel that it is ok, but I do not get the song mode on the 101 yet, so maybe it is too much for me as I have a problem to build full songs on any hardware the way I do in a DAW so much easier

[@01kmacias]

Are you going to be covering more of the mk2?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Eventually!

[@unclemick-synths]

Looks like a phone? Will I show my age if I say it looks like an 80s calculator? 😎 I don't actually need this but it's on my radar if I want something portable.

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Haha it definitely does resemble my Texas Instruments calculator

[@bistrobmusic]

It’s cool, but it’s hard not to see my TI-85 😂

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Haha 100%

[@mecrushed1]

Can you do a bud Dwyer type beat bruh?

[@shark6350]

I sold mine a month after having one (needed money) and I regret it. The nee update seems so perfect. Quick question. Is there an easy way to export beats?

[@rorz999]

Yep you can easily render samples and patterns to the SD card

[@thegreatsiberianitch]

Sp404 mkii or digitakt at 679.00? I keep flip flopping..

[@_c_y_p_3]

Depends if you wanna be portable. I think I would go for both. This is a sampler powerhouse and the digitakt is a sequencer powerhouse. The mark button on the SP is sick, and the multipul ins and outs are😍. The workflow is super fast on the SP.

[@rorz999]

They make a good combo because they make up for each others' weaknesses

[@ShaiUI]

both. they focus on different areas but they're equivalent in value.

[@thegreatsiberianitch]

Thanks. I wish i could get both rn. I agree they would compliment each other. I caved for the digitakt cause I'm interested in the sequencing and the new song mode... And cause it's on sale rn. Buying it later at full price would hurt too bad, ugh, lol... The 404 is next though.

[@teckno_senpai]

@@thegreatsiberianitch good choice.. SP can wait a little bit, although at some point it will be a must purchase. It's good to have a main workstation with strong sequencing and overall well-rounded machine for DAWless journey. I went with PO33 to get my feet wet, then Circuit track, had some bad glitches in the unit which was non-negotiable, so i returned it and went to MPC One. Also got Arturia Microfreak for my budget yet quality do-it-all synthesizer. then SP404 mkII.

[@MiketheNerdRanger]

Does this have sidechaining?

[@rorz999]

Not yet but supposedly it's coming

[@DavidDeLuge]

The SP-404MKII does take some getting your head around and resampling is your best friend. I haven't done a great deal on mine since getting the latest firmware but the changes bring some very welcome functionality. This is the last full song I made on mine kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4OziIF5lJt-hNE

[@mickeyricketts6987]

My mom said it looked like a calculator

[@GabeMillerMusic]

Totally!

[@dja.selekta]

Old scientific calculator 😂

[@louieville535]

I got 1 & i dont like it. I feel like it was a,poor investment you cant put the beat in song form at all & cant get a wav or mp3 of your beat out of it. If anyone knows something i dont please fill me in.

[@Hakucho64]

Another commenter said you could render to an audio file on the SD card.

[@milk_bath]

This UI kills me. You press the Pitch/Speed button to edit volume? And then Pan further hidden by shift on that screen? Wtf? Roland’s instruments are so feature rich and sound great, but the UX absolutely ruins it for me. Been like that since the mid-80s. I don’t understand how the original SP404 got the following it did.

[@wetwork6553]

Jumbo Calculator anyone?

[@GabeMillerMusic]

A big ol' TI-84

[@CorbenEdward]

Roland / Boss are great, but some of their gear just seems outdated even when it is new. Worst screens ever, at least make the one on this product a circle lol. I have the RC-600 and it is awesome, best looper ever, but the screen is just meh-tier like they never moved on since the BOSS BR 80. If they wanna make a sampler with a 2010 screen in 2021, at least make it sound like the sp303 which MOGs this big guy. Also... The time stretch on the mk2 sounds off, even though it's pitched down. HOW DOES REAPER HAVE BETTER TIME STRETCH THAN THIS?!!

[@anywherenearzero]

What’s the point. Save yourselves hours and go connect a controller to A DAW

[@rorz999]

Because hardware is a completely different feel and workflow to DAW + controller. And actually this integrates with a DAW itself pretty well

[@magnuseriksson8081]

I feel the same after all the hardware that I have bought, this makes no sense, the hardware path is very clunky and inefficient, and expensive with much fewer capabilities and in a very complicated way. Most people I see online using a Dawless setup, create very basic songs, and never with vocals they recorded themselves. Very few great full-song productions. Spend money on a really good controller and learn to use your DAW like a king and things start to happen I think. I love to play with hardware though, so I will still use it and use the patterns and the songs I have created in a DAW

[@anywherenearzero]

@@magnuseriksson8081 I was never suggesting a software-only life. I have lots of hardware to play with but everything serves a purpose and is used not just played with if that makes sense. my Rack is a collection over the years . . . .

[@danpreston564]

@@magnuseriksson8081 how about you stop gatekeeping and telling people how they should enjoy their music making. Many people don't care if they make finished polished songs. Nobody asks people who enjoy painting at home why they aren’t creating museum worthy masterpieces, or why people with acoustic guitars aren’t Bob Dylan.

[@magnuseriksson8081]

@@danpreston564 hahaha..!! Don't get so easily offended, its just life and music making the way you want