Isla Instruments S2400 Quick Review. Is it worth the hype?

[@larryiscreating]

I’ve been looking at that machine for a while. I’m a huge Pete Rock fa so the legend of the SP1200 is strong for me. I’m glad you’re enjoying it 💪🏾💯

[@jacobthesleepy8980]

@@StatetrooperBillyBlastIt does not have the same sound as modern mpc’s. The Isla sounds smoother than the sp1200 but dope in its own right.

[@knowEgo]

Thanks for this video - I’ve been waiting for you to drop this one! I also have the s2400 and have not used it lol. I opened it and checked functionality etc. and it’s been in my closet for about a year as well! I have many other machines so it’s just a numbers game getting around to using it! But thanks for the information and breakdown…cosmetically I did purchase the wood side panels from Isla and they do give the machine a bit more character visually in my opinion! Happy Holidays to you and your family be safe!

[@ppic7162]

Thanks. You need to use this boy. I'm telling you. After the acclimation period, the Isla is a joy to use. I've used it everyday since this video. I only used the MPC 2500 to make one video and instantly went back to this. I only put it down to learn the Teenage Instruments KO II.

[@knowEgo]

@ that’s cool! I certainly have this on my New Year’s resolutions list to get my butt on this machine….unfortunately I only have time on the weekends and I get so lazy and content I just procrastinate but I have a party to attend next weekend and then after that I’m on the ISLA lol. Thanks and if you get around to it post some more videos of this unit that you think would be helpful? Much appreciated

[@thadirtyabbott33]

Well, I have both & I'll say this, it was definitely inspired by the SP-1200, but it's not "really" like the original 1200. And that's not necessarily a bad thing like some people would make it seem. #1. Technology wise it's light years ahead of the EMU. But that is actually part of the grail status and magic of the 1200, the limitations. The Isla does a lot, and I think because of all the stuff it does it pulls away from the having to be resourceful. 10 seconds of sample time really will make your bran work!!! #2. The filters kinda got a S-950 sound, but not really.... Because I have one of those too... So I think he definitely could've spent more time on the sound of them, than the options. Even though the machines stock sound is different from the 1200, it's good, and I like it... #3. The 8 tracks of audio over USB feature is FIRE!!!! I did a quick demo on my page. #4. the faders are a little to loose for me personally. If he could have made those tighter, then overall I would have given the machine a 7.5 - 8 outta 10. Right now I got it at a 6.5. I hope that helps... Keep up the dope content!💪

[@rustymixer2886]

Plus missing original sp ssm chip

[@ppic7162]

Great analysis. #3 especially. I'm going to try the audio over USB feature. I won't need a soundcard to pull the sound in then.

[@thadirtyabbott33]

@ppic7162 EXACTLY....! Not sure what DAW you use but when I open up my Studio One, I choose the 2400 as the interface and it's all good!💯💪🏾

[@djgreenhornet2892]

I was thinking about the machine the other day. It’s good to see people still rocking with it.

[@ThaPerfekshunists]

Dope video, Nyce beats. I agree with you about the workflow compared to the MPC it’s similar and not at the same time.

[@ILLUDIUM_Q_36]

Much better and a lot more realistic than the one Ricky did. I love this machine. I'll never part with it. The development team is top notch also.

[@PetrolMediaInc]

That second sequence is 🔥🔥🔥. The filters are 🔥🔥🔥. Nice!

[@beatsheik]

I'm an avid S2400 user and I will say it's fantastic. It's not just about how it sounds and the build quality. I look at it more as what if an Sp 1200 was made in the modern era, what would you get? Plus, the developers, actually listen to what people want in the machine and implement it. It is it's own thing and should be treated as such. Things from the internal 12 bit resmapling, live looper, dsp card, Digital USB tracking and song mode, makes it a contender for the mount rushmore of drum machine samplers. Last thing I'll say is people get too hung up on the Sp 1200 comparisons. To be a better comparison would be, the S2400 is what Ensoniq tried to make with the ASR-X. Ample sample time, sound, and effects with a VERY usable sequencer. The sound sits a combination of an SP 1200, ASR-X and MPC 3000. Amazing hi fidelity (digital or analog hifi) or lo fi 12 bit good ness. It is it's own thing and there aren't many machines that can be a jack of all trades like this.

[@thadirtyabbott33]

@beatsheik Agreed, I have all the machines you mentioned, plus. Definitely it's own thing...

[@matt_jonesdj]

If I remember correctly the plastic buttons are aircraft-grade, and I'm pretty sure they are more costly than rubber buttons.

[@4WingsMild]

Great video, I had the same exact problem with the rotary dial on my S2400. I also received a replacement and installed it Working a lot better now. I’m looking forward to getting that new DSP card which will give the S2400 a ton of new effects.

[@opticalman6417]

on your s2400 when you press shift and file and scroll down the menu to the bottom does it show format sd card ?

[@macgyver6999]

5:12 is 12 bit mode?

[@ppic7162]

Yes. The first beat is 12bit, I figured out the settings on the 2nd beat. The 12bit mode is great.

[@macgyver6999]

@ppic7162 how you go in 12 bit mode? Can I put drums 12 bit then use 16bit piano over it, 2 different modes together?

[@macgyver6999]

It has dave rossum sp1200 ssm2040 clone chip so its 99% sp1200 in 12 bit mode

[@Mr.CireSoprano]

Dope video

[@JohnCulpry]

The 2400 is a really dope machine with so much capability to what you can do with it. The sound on it is great, but I wouldn’t say it’s the exact same as the SP-12 (I have the OG Turbo, not the 1200).

[@Dthebeatsmith]

Nice video as usual my G! Yeah so I’ve had this machine for a bit and even though it’s not an Akai, I would consider this the closest thing we have to a modern MPC 3000. IMO It’s the only modern machine that carries the same spirit as the vintage machines because it was designed with premium sound quality. TBF I’ve never owned a SP1200, but from all the comparison recordings I’ve heard and technical documentation I’ve read, I would easily choose this over an OG SP1200. Might get blasted for this opinion but with everything the S2400 offers it doesn’t make sense to me to get an overpriced E-mu or Rossum SP1200. With the upcoming DSP card this thing’s gonna dominate I think. Sure it still has some bugs and kinks to iron out, but you can tell the Isla Instruments team made this machine with love and passion, unlike most other big audio brands.

[@AFmajorbeats]

I have one also... i dont care what anyone says.... TO ME it sounds identical!

[@snoolee7950]

Good idea to have rubber replacement buttons. Thanks!

[@TheDarkLandsMusic]

the S2400 is worth it.. a cracking bit of kit in the studio

[@mmacult5336]

sure if you want to waste like 2000 dollars. for 2000 you can have the quickest PC. its just dumb going back in time

[@TheDarkLandsMusic]

@@mmacult5336 your choice.

[@brawndothethirstmutilator9848]

@mmacult5336, Some people don’t want another PC. It isn’t a waste of its what someone wants.

[@mmacult5336]

@@brawndothethirstmutilator9848 i guess, if you want to live the past buddy, go for it. i understand the nostalgia. bless your soul

[@snoolee7950]

You got nice chops, man.

[@funKdatFPV]

Can you attach an external screen to it?

[@misterburns103]

6:00 - 6:17 is fire

[@lpn369]

price seems fair to me

[@loksync]

The only con I have is the operating system and workflow. It's too complicated. Workflow is where the SP1200 shines and the S2400 is a pain to use. Also, I had many freeze bugs when I last used it a year ago and bugs where I'd change a slice or two and it'd change all my other slices and knock everything out of wack. Maybe they fixed some of the bugs by now but I'm back to the SP1200 where it's a joy to use. Oh, also, I wish the S2400 knobs were at the top of the machine and the Programming buttons were below them. Kept hitting my fingers on the knobs when going for a button. Annoyed me having to go over the knobs to get to the buttons at the top.

[@macgyver6999]

Where swing screen ? 64% best

[@ppic7162]

For me, 64% swing is a bit extreme. I try to never go above 60%. The 3rd button on the top is the swing button.

[@macgyver6999]

@ppic7162 ah ok

[@opticalman6417]

i got one not so long ago and cant use it when i press shift and file and scroll down the menu to find format sd its not there anyone know whats happening here ? i have got the right sd card is there something wrong with it or does the firmware just need updating

[@beatsheik]

It's under the settings menu, not filr

[@opticalman6417]

@@beatsheik what button ?

[@beatsheik]

@opticalman6417 Shift + Settings

[@DJGleam]

S2400 is the best, no need to watch videos.

[@ILLUDIUM_Q_36]

Agreed lol

[@42mantua]

Agreed as well 👍

[@macgyver6999]

Until $499 berenger 1200 releases

[@Exitthematrix2020]

@@macgyver6999any date?

[@jhonezcronic]

The pros that you named were that it’s the machine that was used in early 90’s hip hop…. But in fact that machine is ACTUALLY NOT the machine used to craft early 90’s hip hop it’s a cheap reproduction 😂 I definitely recommend getting a Rossum 💪🏾

[@Exitthematrix2020]

Why the Rossun?

[@jhonezcronic]

@ it sounds authentic it’s built by the actual creator of the product.

[@Reg-Edit]

As you say overpriced MPC doing it already 🖐🏻