SP404 mkII: Sampling, Patterns & Effects Basics.

In this video we explore how to import & record samples, play & create patterns including TR-REC mode, and apply effects.
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Get samples on Patreon: tinyurl.com/yckm5xcb
The SP404 mkII from Roland is a creative sampler & effects unit. The latest version in the long line of SP units has some great improvements including an OLED display, velocity sensitive pads, an updated sequencer and a guitar input.
Special thanks to Sweetwater for sponsoring this video.
Check out the SP404mkII here:
imp.i114863.net/Zd0nP1
Looking for new gear? Here's a list of gear I recommend:
imp.i114863.net/5b2bB2
chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:43 Features Overview
2:00 Key Concept: Projects
2:32 Key Concept: Working with Samples
2:52 Key Concept: Real Time Saving
3:08 Importing Samples
4:13 Recording Samples Overview
4:28 Recording an iPhone
5:46 Recording a Computer
6:35 Editing Samples Overview
6:48 Trimming Samples
7:33 Copying Samples
7:58 Pitching Samples
8:17 Sample Mode Buttons
9:21 Deleting Samples
9:44 Pattern Overview
10:08 Setting Tempo
10:39 Playing Patterns
11:21 Creating Patterns Overview
11:28 Patterns: Real Time Recording
12:43 Pad Velocity Settings
13:02 16 Velocity Mode
13:53 Chromatic Scale Mode
15:39 Deleting Notes in a Pattern
16:19 Patterns: TR-REC Mode
18:03 Notes about TR-REC
18:41 Editing an Existing Pattern
19:21 Pattern Chains
20:04 Effects Overview
20:35 Effects on an External Source
21:43 Using MFX
22:17 Using Effects on a Mic
24:03 Effect Buses Overview
24:43 Resampling Overview
24:56 Pad Link
25:21 Resampling Linked Pads
25:53 Resampling a Pattern
26:17 Resampling an External Source
27:39 Skip-Back Sampling Overview
27:56 Skip-Back Sampling: Internal Mix
28:43 Skip-Back: External Input
29:23 Final Notes
** LIKE & SUBSCRIBE **
#sp404mk2 #drummachine #music

[@jocamiah]

I learned more from this than I did watching the official Roland video. Thank you!

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks, I'm so happy that it helped you learn the device. Have fun.

[@Tapepusher]

@@OllieLoopstruly great video. Can you run sound through the stereo input while also sequencing/playing samples and have the fx apply to all of it?

[@zealforhumnity]

Same!

[@erdemergaz6987]

This video was so fun to follow.. I especially like this kind of tutorial videos which are fast and very detailed and carefully organized .. Thanks man 👍🙋🏻‍♂

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks.

[@TheSensualSerpien]

Thank you for creating a great video with proper lighting - crystal clear.

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks.

[@aetherkat]

I just got my SP-404 Mk II four days ago, and while it's got a bit of a learning curve, I am straight up blown away by how much it can do and how many roles it can fill! 😮 I was worried I'd made the wrong choice at first because it took so much work to get up and running with it, but now I'm glad I went with this sampler/effects pedal/drum machine over the simple groovebox I was looking at before!

[@OllieLoops]

The sp does have a ton of features, depth and a bit of learning curve. But once you get past that, it should be pretty quick and easy to make music with. Enjoy!

[@WatermarkHigh]

Thank you for making this clear and to the point! The well organised chapters also really help! It makes learning this machine a lot less daunting 🙌🏼 Your channel is a big inspiration.

[@OllieLoops]

thanks, I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@LavalampDM]

First time SP user and this tutorial was fan-freaking-tastic. I was happy to learn about chromatic mode as well (play samples like a keyboard). I build trainings at my day job so I know how much work went into creating this. Thanks Ollie

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks! I appreciate your comment.

[@Itsdrewsmall]

Been looking for a video like this to help me get into my MKII - THANK YOU for making content like this that is well organized, easy to get right into, and helps us get from staring at the shiny buttons with awe to making moves with knowledge. You've got my subscription for LIFE friend

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks Drew. Really appreciate your comment and the sub! Enjoy your mk ii!

[@collagecollagecollage]

Such a wonderfully presented tutorial. Great to follow along, will be back to watch again! Thank you!

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks!

[@Jocoseman]

Let’s go! I love your videos and find them entertaining and insightful!

[@OllieLoops]

Thank you so much!

[@jonasbouwmans7243]

I was doubting whether I was going to buy one. Thank you for making clear how it really works. This helps! Looking forward to using one (in stead of dreading the learning curve).

[@OllieLoops]

Awesome! It's a fun device. Enjoy!

[@chloebambiirosevlog]

totally over my head, and I appreciate the time you put into this!

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks! I know it’s dense and fast, but stick with it and it’s here to reference when you want to rewatch. Have fun!

[@byronmarais]

Best video on the SP available on KZbin. Your lofi beat one was also helpful.

[@OllieLoops]

Awesome! Thanks.

[@mrdablues]

Amazing! Well laid out. Thanks!

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks! Glad you liked it.

[@Dandelunar]

Ok I am back again on this video. Few days later I understood a bit more the sp404mk2 with other videos and this video is very helpful. Thanks 🙏🏻 really learned more stuff and the length of the video is perfect :) ❤

[@OllieLoops]

That’s great. I’m glad it helped. It’s always there if you want to revisit it. Have fun.

[@andrewgobel4936]

My literal hero- love it!! Thank you

[@OllieLoops]

So kind. Thanks!

[@whiteknight1383]

What an excellent tutorial!!

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks!

[@gianbonme]

Excellent man... Great quality of video and explanation, I thought it was an official SP Roland channel..

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks so much. I'm happy that enjoyed it.

[@laurentbriet9159]

Excellent tutorial. Such a hard work

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks! yes, lots of work.

[@davidsanfeliumarco9664]

Thank you thank you thank you!! This video was so necessary!!!❤

[@OllieLoops]

You're welcome. Enjoy!

[@juanocordoba]

best tutorial i've seen so far

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks!

[@ewwwwwwwwwwwwwww]

i’m sooooo excited to get my hands on this

[@OllieLoops]

Awesome! Have fun.

[@mrCharlesG]

Great content as always!

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks!

[@acaposotta]

The best way to make videos. Amazing!

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks! I appreciate that.

[@SimpleTrax]

I wish this video were available at the launch. Best overview of SP 404 so far to anyone who has never owned SP404 before.

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks!

[@relative_vie]

Thanks for the video, really enjoyed the content

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks!

[@anatolianINVASION]

Best mk2 tutorial vid hands down

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks!

[@ALTARBEATZ]

Bought one because of this video! Thanx

[@OllieLoops]

Dope! Enjoy!

[@careygenius8209]

Awesome video. I'm starting early on it in the morning. Thanks!!

[@OllieLoops]

Awesome! Have fun!

[@richmusicsource5036]

Thanks for this video. Soooooooo helpful!

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@WendyMcNeill]

Thank you! that was sooooo helpful

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks! Glad it helped.

[@wafelscarpet7069]

THANK YOU for your video, crystal clear

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Thank you this is so helpful! Learning mine and so good and great for live use.

[@OllieLoops]

Awesome! enjoy!

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

@@OllieLoops what are your resampling tips for internal samples? So I have some samples and want to chop them up and resample how would this work on the SP 404 MK2?

[@andycordy5190]

Superbly well presented, compressing all this into a video of this length. This machine is rich and has way more modes than I expected. The U.I is quite complex and I doubt I would use much of it as it duplicates many functions I already do very simply on other devices, eg.location recording (phone), sampling and processing (Maschine, Kontakt or Ableton). However, the supporting app is great and as a performance sample player, it will be very useful to me.

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks! It is a really rich and deep device. I guess similar to other things, you find the workflow that works for you and ignore the other features. e.g. Ableton can get extremely deep and complex, but I only use the parts that work for my workflow. Still the SP404 mkII is a powerful device for those who want to dive deeper.

[@letmehearur8085]

Thanks for taking the time to create a in depth easy to follow tutorial. I bought and sp 404 mk2 for Christmas and it has basically sat collecting dust. I have a Mpc live 2 and have gotten so use to its workflow that I abandoned the sp due to the menu diving. But I am trying to get back to the sp because know it is a beast. I just need to put in the time to learning all the button combos. I use Sweetwater as well and would highly recommend them as well. They have an amazing staff.

[@letmehearur8085]

Ps how do you get that robot voice it’s like a text to speech or speak spell?

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks for taking the time to write this comment. This device has a unique workflow. I made this video to help users understand it. Hopefully you get something out of the video and more so out of the SP. Have fun.

[@OllieLoops]

It's a feature inside Macs. Though, there are several versions of text to speech software out there.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

@@OllieLoops indeed and roland manuals leave a lot to be desired. This SP 404 MK2 is as complex as the Elektron Octatrack!

[@mikeoxsbigg1]

I got my mixer from them. Nice company.

[@invexo1]

wow llegue buscando nada y encontre oro muchas gracias OLLIE LOOPS muchas gracias por tan increible y completo tutorial me has ayudado muchisimo

[@OllieLoops]

Gracias

[@8thApostle]

Bro this is a perfect tutorial 👌 your the man 🗽⛓

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks! Have fun.

[@chakulan1]

Loopop should see this. This is s true tutorial. Not a gear review designed only for sales that glides over features.

[@OllieLoops]

thanks.

[@ktlach]

Excellent! Thank you

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks! Much appreciated.

[@MrStetsonator]

“Travis your car is double parked” killed me. Great video

[@OllieLoops]

Travis, always double parking. Glad you liked it.

[@somethingintheuniverse760]

Best tutorial ever.

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks!

[@sarc143]

i swear you are watching me, i searched up akai mpc one and you made a video about that, and now i search up the SP404 MKII and you made a video on THIS

[@OllieLoops]

Haha. Well, great minds think alike.

[@robertroach7807]

thanks for the video.👍

[@OllieLoops]

You’re welcome. Enjoy.

[@jeffd6422]

Excellent.

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks Jeff.

[@Dagrepublic]

Thanks 🙌🏻

[@OllieLoops]

No problem 👍

[@WardStroud]

thank you!

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks.

[@supa-hero7184]

So helpful, roland should hire you

[@OllieLoops]

Thx.

[@cthulholmhastur5317]

Liked and subscribed!

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks! Much appreciated.

[@dasarvy]

Menu diving comes to mind

[@OllieLoops]

This device does have a bit more depth than the last.

[@artc2]

Love your videos! Are you going to make a teenage engineering EP-133 KO 2 walk through?

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks! I wasnt one of the lucky ones to get an EP from TE. But I did order one and it may find its way into the production schedule. Keep an eye out. Thanks for your support!

[@BassamAbusamra]

Thanks for this video, very good showing how the device works. I am considering adding it to my setup and I’m learning about it to know if it will fit in my workflow. I wish to use it like a ableton clips and making scenes. Is there a way to record way to record long performance like a few minutes from a synth and then selecting the bars I want to use in my track? I know I can adjust start and end of a loop in a sample but I need to have like bar start markers, I can set the tempo when recording so I can have the option to cut up the bar I need.

[@OllieLoops]

Hi, thanks for your comment. When working in Ableton, not many devices can match the power and features of that software. With that, the SP is basic by comparison. Like you mentioned, you can edit the start and end points. You can also chop a sample. Yes, you can use it as a sampler to record a synth or any audio. I don't know of a time limit to the samples. You could edit the sample as mentioned, or you could take the samples to a DAW for further use. Here's a few suggestions for how you could use the device (with ableton): 1. Use it as your front end sampler to quickly capture recordings. Then transition them to the DAW for further editing, arrangement, etc. 2. Use the SP as the tail end of your workflow where you make songs in a DAW, then export stems to the device to play live. I did this recently and enjoyed playing live with the device. 3. Mix these two. Since the SP is also an audio interface, you can use it as an in between device with other outboard gear. Use it as a sampler or effects unit. Then use the DAW for what it does well. Then export stems, loops, one shots, to the SP for performance purposes. I hope that helps.

[@Timber-Wolf]

Shift+exit will shortcut the multiple exit pressing :)

[@OllieLoops]

Sweet! thanks for sharing that.

[@leestanford2452]

I think I’ll still go with the MPC live, but this is definitely a cool device.

[@OllieLoops]

Yeah. They are different. But either one you go with is a good choice. Enjoy your MPC.

[@marcin27barcikowsky22]

Very helpful tutorial! Just one thing.. I think it's impossible to add Input effects when resampling (in mix mode) I tried it and it didn't work, they only work with external sources.

[@ngri]

Can I load a sample in C note, and then use my midi keyboard to play that simple in other notes, e.g. D, F etc? So basically use it as "sample-synth"? I just bought it, by the way 😀

[@lwpweb]

which os is used currently on the sp404 tutorial. Would be nice to see this information as an overlay in the video f.e. in the upper right corner of the screen f.e. os v 3.0.3

[@OllieLoops]

good suggestion. I believe this was right before v3 came out.

[@Dolle_Man]

such an amazing video! The only thing I dont get,, can't you use hardware synths ( stereo out) into the 404mkII? ( stereo in ) 05:17 I don't want play a fake synth on my Iphone!

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks. Yes, you can use the line input on the SP to accept a signal from hardware synths and anything that outputs a line level signal. This is shown in the same video at 20:44 kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYbVe3uFa9d2hZY

[@Jocoseman]

They just released version 3.0 😮 will there be a video on those updates?

[@OllieLoops]

I saw that. Looks like some cool features. I have one in production now. Should be out in the next day or two. It's not about those updates, but on the device. Hopefully people like it! I'll have to see how the production schedule looks.

[@orzanoap]

How do I just take a sample and put it on the same pad in pattern mode? I’m just using this as a drum machine at the moment. It seems like it’s on there already but recorded over the original pattern that came with the sp. Should I just have deleted the pad before putting on a drum loop?

[@OllieLoops]

I’m not 100% sure what you mean. Two samples can’t occupy the same pad. If you want to replace the sample, you can just record or load a new sample onto the pad. I recommend using the SP app, as it’s super easy to do there. How that helps.

[@Smokeslikelightningband]

Would you suggest this device as an alternative to an mpc for something like the yamaha motif es6?

[@OllieLoops]

Each of these devices has a different workflow. I would recommend looking into each. The SP is a good beat making device which a lot of people like for its simplicity. The MPC has a slightly higher learning curve and more features. So it depends on what you want. Good luck.

[@aurora-a1901]

Can I use effects to mix audio transmitted via USB port?

[@donaldchoi3912]

Great job! Where can we download the 3D files?

[@OllieLoops]

What is a 3d file?

[@Tapepusher]

You can connect it as an interface, so can you also record all tracks via usb (like Overbridge)?

[@OllieLoops]

It doesn’t integrate like Overbridge. Think of it as just an interface for IO. You maybe able to sync midi and trigger things on the device from a DAW. But it’s not robust like Overbridge.

[@Tapepusher]

@@OllieLoops ok thanks, then I presume the three inputs will just record all together as one stereo recording of everything samples included (rather than separated)

[@358life6]

Hi there just a quick one can I record music streamed from my phone? Like from you tube or wherever

[@OllieLoops]

That’s shown in this video at 4:28. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/oYbVe3uFa9d2hZY

[@andrewwebber4819]

I love you❤

[@OllieLoops]

Awww. Thanks.

[@kisho2679]

how work live sampling and multitrack looper?

[@OllieLoops]

Sampling is covered in the video. There are no tracks on this device. But you can play loops of samples together.

[@kisho2679]

yes I mean how suitable is it for LIVE SAMPLING to improvise intuitive remixing in a live DJ performance (e.g. quantitation options and quick external audio sample recording with followed playback options)?

[@musicislife704]

Why do i get latency on song mode only going between patterns?

[@OllieLoops]

Seems odd. Is it something in the pattern, like adding an additional step? Does it do it on all patterns?

[@musicislife704]

@@OllieLoops no only when i put it in song mode to to switch patterns.

[@paulrichart7040]

Hello, we are Denim ! Is that a sample from great pub rock revival?

[@OllieLoops]

Hi, I’m not sure what that reference is.

[@paulrichart7040]

@@OllieLoops kzbin.info/www/bejne/lX_QdaN4icZ2jM0si=bkEHVOqUC-ju9Djm

[@mollykeane2571]

How do we get a hold of the app?

[@OllieLoops]

Google Roland sp app, you will need a Roland cloud account, I believe. Then you can download it for free.

[@mollykeane2571]

@@OllieLoops Thanks 🙏

[@raindrozest9558]

6:30 minutes in, it seems like your sending audio to the SP while still having it play through your speakers. maybe you have the SP going to a separate mixer. I'm trying to figure out how to sample without having to monitor through SP with headphones.

[@OllieLoops]

Yes, throughout the video, I'm sending audio out of the line outputs to speakers and recording equipment. I don't 100% understand your question. You can either use headphones or speakers to monitor. Both use the Volume knob to control the line output/headphone level.

[@raindrozest9558]

​@@OllieLoops thanks. hmm I found another way. but basically if I send my computer output to the SP then I have to listen through the SP and not my monitors. not ideal.

[@OllieLoops]

@@raindrozest9558 well, if you're listening through your monitors and connected to an audio interface, set the SP as the input in your DAW (or system preferences) and the output as your audio interface. That should work. hope that helps.

[@raindrozest9558]

@@OllieLoops thank you for trying to help me. I feel like I tried that and kept getting horrible feedback.

[@OllieLoops]

@@raindrozest9558 ok, I think I understand what you're trying to do, you want to sample into the SP from your computer, but your computer is the primary output to your monitors. And you get a feedback loop when trying to do this, correct? That is a tricky thing that I wish Roland would have a warning about, because it is technically a feedback loop once you engage the Ext Source button. So, I don't know what you're trying to record from, but to work around this, I just muted input monitoring on the DAW's channel where I had the SP connected to. Just mute monitoring when you're trying to record/sample into the SP. Unmute when you have EXT Source off and you want to play it back through the computer. let me know if that works.

[@Dandelunar]

This video is so difficult not basic, I tried to connect the opz via usb and couldnt, i try to follow along but i feel lost like i am in a math class where the teacher just writes the answer on the board with no explanation for the results.

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks for your comment. I appreciate your feedback. The video is fast on purpose, mostly in response to many people's attention spans. If you need a private lesson where we can cover things slowly and in detail, please let me know.

[@fka.climate]

22:57 freaked me out, that’s my first name.

[@OllieLoops]

Haha. well, you might want to move your car.

[@kbtube8125]

still no foot pedal trigger,

[@OllieLoops]

There are midi foot controllers you can get and use with it.

[@symbiat0]

Just to be clear: you don’t “need” a phone with a Lightning connector, most (all?) phones on the other side of the aisle have had USB-C for years… 😏

[@OllieLoops]

You need it for what exactly?

[@symbiat0]

@@OllieLoops I missed out the word “don’t”, corrected now.

[@OllieLoops]

@@symbiat0 gotcha. yes, no need for a lightning connector device.

[@Studio_4to1]

Now, talk about public utility video. Roland owes you one hell of a paycheck for this one cause you earned them some sales. Mine included…once they are back in stock

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks! Enjoy your SP!

[@jaidamodar9952]

Not upto the mark no looper right no track sequencer right 😢 its same like spd sx boring . I think i should go for sonicware sampl trek best Better

[@OllieLoops]

Thanks for sharing.

[@tiouip]

A bit too slow…🥱

[@OllieLoops]

The video or workflow?