ROLAND SP-404 MK2 Review // 9 tips & ideas to make the most of it // Tutorial for the SP-404 MKII

[@loopop]

UPDATE: Some of my cons were addressed in firmware updates, especially 2.0!

[@ChiefQualakon]

Update video when?

[@loopop]

@@ChiefQualakon not likely. the company and other content creators covered it quite well

[@ChiefQualakon]

@@loopop That's fair I'll take a look around. Cheers loopop

[@elsantoproductora]

@@loopop I would love to see your take on it. Each creator has a unique aproach and your content is always awesome

[@_DrumsArt]

Ordered mine from Japan. Awaiting my new unit eagerly!

[@joevargo2777]

Honestly the thing im most excited for is just being able to see the damn sample soundwave on the screen

[@PHeMoX]

Yeah, I can relate to that. Having used the SP-606 in the past a lot, it was just soooo much nicer to work with the actual waveform visual. I had the original SP-404 and can't say I had issues sample editing by ear, but at the same time stuff like seeing the waveform is just a huge time saver. To be honest, I think the MV-1 should have a similarly expansive screen and interface like this new SP-404 MKII has. It's weird how Roland rolls.

[@Harry_Vederci]

there is so much more than this compare to the older version (sp404 sx)

[@chancemack]

Bro!!!! I couldn’t agree more.

[@stuartdavid8493]

It’s sad that people need to use their eyes to make music these days. That’s why the millennials have no equivalent of the gen x greats like Premier, Pete Rock, Dilla and Madlib. Gen X made music with their ears.

[@durrcodurr]

@@stuartdavid8493 Very funny, I'm Gen X and I'm pissed that my electribe 2 sampler has no visual sample editing. Sure, you can hear when the sample is chopped off at the beginning or end, but that doesn't tell you how much blank space you have before or after the start/end markers.

[@3D6Space]

I love this guy's Carl Sagan rhythm of speaking. It's articulate and powerfully understandable. Great teacher!

[@loopop]

Billions of thanks!

[@gushingcloud303]

I knew his voice reminded me of someone !

[@musiclabmn]

Saw the product announcement this morning and without even reading about it, I went to your channel because I KNEW you'd already have an in-depth review. 👍👍

[@cryptout]

Looks like a failed calculator from the 80’s. Cool features though..

[@musiclabmn]

@@cryptout Yeah the part that bugs me the most is how they crammed that square screen into a round opening. Other than that I’m impressed with the features for sure.

[@aethro]

Can we take a sec to appreciate that intro jam? That was freakin' beautiful

[@onapermo]

it sold the machine to me lol

[@UndeadBoogie]

Let’s take a min and realize how good Ziv is. His sounds and songs in his demos are leaps and bounds better than what anyone else does in their demos. Even Roland demos, while informative, are built with the most basic of stock sounds. Thank you for everything you do, Ziv.

[@EARART]

These are the default Sp404 mk2 sounds

[@loopop]

@EAR ART You're about 90% wrong. The intro, outro, DJ bit and parts where I explain how I build them, many of the tips and tricks, are all my original music and sounds, as are the samples in the part I demo my Superbooth sample pack. Indeed in about 10% of the video I use stock sounds so bravo for your comment 👏👏👏

[@UndeadBoogie]

@@loopop Link to sample pack purchase? :D

[@sam-no5qb]

BUUUUUURN

[@zbsfm]

hear hear! He's the best

[@lancepage1914]

Another supreme business decision by Roland. Sending one of the world's first of these samplers to Loopop to review it. 👌

[@toomuchmidi]

Yes. Because now, I am going to not pay bills this November and absolutely buy it, responsibilities be damned! Lol

[@XHALE303]

How is that a good thing? It will increase the price before it's even out. 😉

[@bigthey1827]

I know! I woke up and went looking for rolands video and was like jesus, loopop already has a video on it? Why’d they even bother making their own?

[@Ultratechman]

Still trying to figure out how he knows how to use all this new or unreleased gear already in advanced ways inside and out. Either a prodigy or understands manual perfectly ?

[@jackpijjin4088]

@@Ultratechman both !

[@aubergine777666]

FINALLY! There it is, the chosen one that will (hopefully) teach all those other gear manufacturers what it means to have DECENT sample time or at least disc streaming! Pre-ordered immidiatly

[@synthlord2368]

This piece looks amazing! I wish Roland would export some of the sampling capabilities of this to the 707.

[@Claidheambmor]

I mean the 404 series has featured disk streaming of incredibly long samples for many, many years. Sadly the sequencer on this is as archaic as the originals. Still, you can't have everything. As a die hard fan of the original SP-404 models I have already pre-ordered the Mk2

[@NunyaB1s]

Did you ever play with the black box? I wish it had more synth and editing capabilities but you’re only limited by SD card size. And it’s something like 30+ voice polyphony. With track bouncing that’s essentially unlimited.

[@DoctorNemmo]

* laughs in AKAI *

[@aubergine777666]

@@NunyaB1s Yeah I have. It's cool in a way but I really hate touch screens when it comes to make music. It also doesn't seem to get much attention from the developers anymore. But it is a nice piece of gear.

[@nicelightmusic]

Just got my mk2 in the mail a couple days ago. After watching hours of youtube videos, this is the best, most straight-forward, comprehensive video hand-down. If you're new to sp-404 mk2, watch this.

[@RickyTinez]

"another feature is Skip back.. like the government.." and i couldn't finish the quote because i was laughing too hard😂😂😂

[@Samuelhgflax]

You nab one yet? I mean of course the 404, not your personal assigned government agent 🙃

[@satyanpatel6403]

Ricky, good to see you man. I've been over to your channel in some time, but I gotta get around to it.

[@panguiorientis6126]

hola Ricky. Puedes hacer una comparación entre el SP-404 MK2 y el 1010Music Blackbox por favor. Gracias y saludos.

[@Chasing_Thoughts]

🤓🤓

[@TaRiqTheVisionary]

Ricky I’m surprised you don’t have a video up on the mkii

[@apoclypse]

This is impressive. It's nice to see that Roland can still pull out all the stops when they want to.

[@oo685]

This the only thing ive liked in decades.

[@DoctorNemmo]

Which is basically an UPGRADE for a classic. Most of what they have done during the last decade were watered down versions of previous hits. We want everything and the kitchen sink in the newer machines.

[@RabbitConfirmed]

I feel like Roland is a very passionate brand.. They really do make good products for music enthusiasts.

[@Jason75913]

@@RabbitConfirmed I'd say a little passsionate, just a little.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

@@oo685 yes besides the TB03 this is best product from Roland in a very long time. Well E-4 Voice tweaker is fun to pair with this as well.

[@digitaldiezel5870]

You don’t know how happy I am that you did NOT use an old school hip hop beat in the intro! Thank you for being different! That inspired me to continue watching. The effects are what I’m interested in. Thank you for going through those! 🙏🏿

[@mike_qbik]

yes, excellent comment DD. I was about to skip if I would hear some hiphop…stayed here until the and and now I am in trouble. Lets hope SEQ is added.

[@Poldoore]

@@mike_qbik how open minded of you 👍🏻

[@Kuronoichig01]

Being a 404A owner I'm not sure if I'm gonna jump on this immediately but being able to resample a pattern, loads of space and a detailed screen is really tempting..

[@theurb9464]

Your only gaining and there is nothing to loose

[@Orkwort]

@THE URB apart from a microphone, max sample time of 180 minutes and a lot of money. Very long sample times is the reason I got an sp404, not sure why that needs to be a limitation on the new one.

[@Orkwort]

@@photosynthesis69 Depends what you're using it for but I regularly work with field recordings longer than 16 minutes and the microphone is very handy even though it's not the greatest quality. I just don't understand why sample length needs to be a limitation with modern technology. Even 16 minutes is good compared to other samplers on the market.

[@Pharmacymusic1]

A is warmer. I've heard this directly from the spvids guy and read a few on forums say it who have both. MKII is a bit more hi-fi but colder and harsher in the highs. When the hype for this dies down and the A is discontinued you'll see a lot of people going after the A and SX again because of this. kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKbNipynbtaFgZY I can hear it in this video.

[@averagepainter]

i admire the people who can operate this contraption in a live setting

[@yuriwongmusic]

*looks at my OT, BB, OP1, PO33* why am I still thirsting for this???

[@gm3275]

Because it’s a new Space Ship lol

[@toomuchmidi]

Because it builds on not one, but TWO of the greatest samplers ever created.

[@lundsweden]

It is really good, as in what-can-I-sell-to-buy-it good!

[@vznquest]

ditto my maschine, EMX-1, circuit trax, rhythm...

[@SwiftDreamer]

The roland effect is real!

[@TR-nk3jf]

Master class of gear reviews. My go-to source before buying new gear. Give this man money. Praise be unto Loopop.

[@w-h-y-]

The greatest update to an iconic piece of gear. This is an instant classic

[@TheDungeonDive]

Yep. They’re gonna sell so many of these things. So we’ll done.

[@cjlewis79]

and now its up to V 3.03! Lots of fun updates!

[@tilogo]

@@cjlewis79 Got one because of V. 4.04. Roland is so incredible for all of the support for this thing

[@kurekt1]

I've never owned a 404 but I think I'm gonna get one now! This version looks great but triplets and pressure sensitive rolls would be an awesome addition.

[@bobbiemiles-foremaniii8747]

I feel like a 404 and a sequencer is a good pair

[@e7i_906]

This is an excellent breakdown of the device which is much appreciated for unexperienced people like myself. Extra respect for the twin peaks reference.

[@eighth_wave]

Was waiting for the chromatic mode to be a yes or a no. They finally did it! That was the make or break decision for me to get one.

[@Claidheambmor]

SUCH a shame it's not poly chromatic but of course by copying multiple versions of the note with different tunings one can resample chords etc. Much like the original 404 models.

[@eighth_wave]

@@Claidheambmor Totally; I'm so used to Elektron stuff that the mono chromatic won't bother me but that would've been amazing!

[@H4NDCRAFTED]

You can’t sequence in this mode either atm

[@eighth_wave]

@@H4NDCRAFTED Can the sequencer record the chromatic mode being played live? Or is the chromatic mode only for playing live on the spot and not recording any of it?

[@DanChippendaleMusic]

"16 samples per blinking bank". As a Brit, this phrase made me chuckle

[@klinkske]

Brit chipps get all the fun 😉

[@philfy23]

@@klinkske er....one one.....Brexshit.

[@woody2505]

I love the intro to your reviews, they always get me so hyped for what's ahead, even if it's not actually a piece of equipment I'd personally buy.

[@HouseAssociates]

This Channel is costing me a fortune

[@toomuchmidi]

When I bought my SP-303, I went a month without buying groceries. Since this is dropping November, thanksgiving dinner is off the table, literally and figuratively. 😭

[@nbxant6711]

😁😁😁

[@TaRiqTheVisionary]

Why do I feel this spiritually 🥲 I’m not even gonna be able to have hot water; hello hot plate ❤️

[@bff6434]

Gotta do what cha gotta do🤷

[@sp-forums4069]

Gotta respect that grind!

[@hardtakeoff]

Still waiting?

[@middle_pickup]

I'm sure a lot of people know this, but on the subject of making your own synth in the sampler...try importing single cycle waveforms to get more musical synth sounds. There are a ton of them out there. I did this a lot back when I had an electribe sampler 2.

[@lundsweden]

One thing that is really cool, IMO is that new round screen! It updates the instrument but keeps that 404 look, cool!

[@Harry_Vederci]

Actually the screen is a square in a circle lol

[@scouthanamura2380]

it's a lame nitpick but I wish it still had little rgb color flashes around the screen area 😂

[@lundsweden]

Oh yeah, still looks cool though. I guess it would've added to the cost to have a true round screen without adding much information.

[@AT-eh2eo]

Honestly, Roland could implement the step sequencing interface that the MV8000 had, which allowed the pads to place a step within a 16 step grid by hitting the pad with the numerical value of desired step. Alternatively, you could simply scroll to a given step on the screen, and use pads to punch in all notes on that particular step. Unlike the Maschine method of step sequencing, Roland wouldn’t have to create a version from scratch, they’ve utilized this system in atleast 3 prior devices.

[@polakuu]

What are the chances they update the firmware of the 404 MK2 with step sequencing? Would be nice

[@AT-eh2eo]

@@polakuu i hope so, its definitely capable of maturing with updates as time goes on.

[@modularsoundbath]

Step sequencing would make it amazing!

[@SelfishSonMusic]

Your dream has become reality! Hell yes Roland.

[@gyulasipos3165]

Man, this look a lot of fun! I agree on the sequencer improvements, also adding to it teh ability to sequence out midi with some CC messages. That would make this a one-stop shop centerpiece for a live rig.

[@mrgsfc]

I'm toying with buying this or the akai mpc live2 which can sequence midi. Is this not possible on the 404?

[@Femkroner]

@@mrgsfc Hey, did you get an answer for this? No MIDI seq out would be a dealbreaker for me...

[@durrcodurr]

@@Femkroner Telling from the manual, it sends out MIDI automatically. There's no way to assign particular channels etc. For that, the Akai MPC would be a better choice IMO. However, the MPC has other disadvantages (like only 2 GB of RAM in the One+ / Key 37 versions, which can be a problem when using several plugins at once). From what I've seen in videos, the SP404 MKII has 16 GB of RAM, of which 14 GB are available for samples.

[@Femkroner]

@@durrcodurrHi there. Thanks for the reply, I should really have deleted my comment as I figured it out. Mainly using the MKII for effects and a Force for sequencing now, very nice setup.

[@dankefurnichts]

THANK YOU ROLAND!!!!!!!

[@solongyouth]

username doesn't check out.

[@dankefurnichts]

@@solongyouth ???

[@PrimitiveBaroque]

This device is so cool. It looks like a giant calculator but other than that seems really fun!

[@TheMadisonHang]

good analogy

[@ropeburn6684]

"but other than that..." Dude! Ever heard of Kraftwerk, "I'm the operator with my pocket calculator"? That's one of the things making it cool!

[@abelchristian951]

@@ropeburn6684 kraftwerk lol

[@magicspiral3323]

It was very smart on Roland’s part to put a functional OLED display inside the familiar framework of the original SP404, which contains a 3-digit LED that is crudely cryptic. Even if many users say that nature is the charm of the original 404.

[@stargazer2455]

You’re an amazing reviewer! Hope you do this for a living. Very thorough.

[@loopop]

I do thanks to people like you :)

[@laons2980]

@@loopop so happy to read that

[@Quark.Lepton]

@@loopop 😂😎 Buy yourself a beer(s) on us Captain Ziv!

[@funkydrops]

Most anticipated piece of gear EVER

[@JAAPIOJO]

Seems like a great combo with the verselab-mv1. Probably so many posibilities of connections, memorie, layering samples,voices,effects and so. Maybe a great vid.

[@UKULELERIGA]

Thats my plan too!

[@sainsburys.]

By far the best explained and most comprehensive video on this device.

[@VTOLKits]

Great machine, but i want a step sequencer, scales and polyphony in the next update... :-)

[@brown3460]

Yea I really want a step sequencer. I’m tempted to get this

[@Broyale26]

Naaah. Limitations breeds creativity.

[@mikezoltan3227]

I don't think people realize or think about the complexity of this machine. I know this has been out for a couple years already, So Im sure there is something better, But damn! Could you imagine building a machine like this? Everything it does. Routing diodes and chips to make this sound this way or this do that. This is an engineering marvel. Even though I feel technology has ruined many aspects of music for me. This is amazing and i give much respect to whoever created this machine. When some doors shut, Others open.

[@AT-eh2eo]

“I’ll never part with my 404! That’s my ride or die!” Loopop: “MKII” “….”

[@jackpijjin4088]

Get both, use them together. ;)

[@MaRkoMadafaka]

you’re saving me with 6th music box i bought. thank you for your work, you should do these for the companies officially

[@dxtrs_mnpltr]

This now feels complete, awesome Roland!

[@davitogrubba]

"it's kind of like a portable party" -loopop should be the first thing you see on the Roland product page

[@13FML12]

AMAZING REVIEW to an amazing product. Very inspiring to see Roland finally going at it with a real risk, and thankfully a great payoff!

[@bastian5304]

Agreed, step sequencer would be the #1 wish for the updatelist

[@legitimatefrenzy]

I really like how this operate and looks, I just can't imagine getting it with my mpc one, moreso just because of effects and synths.

[@bedlegs]

After years of contemplating getting one, I just preordered the mkII 🙂

[@slakk5093]

Enjoy!!

[@bedlegs]

@@slakk5093 thank you! I’ve been needing some hardware to play around with. It obviously has the human feel to it, looks much more fun then drawing in a daw

[@tartpop]

Same here! Super stoked.

[@noitnova]

Again the best review about a product on KZbin. Well done mate. (Y)

[@krazywabbit]

Nice to watch a video a few months later and several updates since that have address some of the concerns. Nice when a company responds. I've had my eye and Loopop is there to educate and inform. Thank you.

[@AudioReplica2023]

Roland always been like an ACME box in the road runner cartoon. Everything you need ready to go in just one 📦

[@synthlord2368]

Loopop thank you once again for your amazing and in depth review. Your videos are always well encompassing and detailed. To be honest, most of my understanding of my MC-707 I achieved through your videos. Thanks again, and Cheers Mate!

[@Aldoistaken]

This looks fun

[@Grromfy]

I love loopop's "Hi" at the beginning of every video

[@muphlus]

Wow.. THIS is what i've always needed! A compact complex device that does what i need it to do AND someone competent to guide and inspire me in how to use it, and in an entertaining and well structured way. Absolutely beautiful! The SP-404 MKII easily tops my wishlist after this video. I seriously went from being curious about the SP-404 to realizing this (with some firmware updates) is the electronic musical device i've always wanted and needed - I've waited over 30 years for this :) It seems so close to perfection! Pressure sensitivity (configurable aftertouch) is a definite requirement. Because it CAN - if it will.. ..ROLAND..? Imagine being able to play your samples with expressive feel as well, this may very well become the ultimate mobile instrument.. @loopop; Your tutarial reviews are always outstanding, valuable insightful introductions and important future references. And that "oscillator" moment? Man.. I love the way you think :) Thank you so much for what you do, and the musical way you do it! Much respect, you're amazing!

[@muphlus]

ROLAND: Do you want me to love you forever? Please provide 1. aftertouch (configurable) 2. crossplatform accessibility - including iPads and Linux computers/tablets as well, through app or browser solution (ref.: MOD Duo X) 3. user serviceable spare parts and upgrades 4. amber display option - or better; ability to adjust & save both colour & brightness preferences as presets (MKIII?) 5. and please let it sing harmoniously in sync with with external MIDI Thank you!

[@globalSchelmuffsky]

i'm always blown away by how good your example songs sound

[@jeramiahrossnz]

Yeah, I think you made up my mind, I might have to get this and midi clock/slave it to my MC-505, so many functions and the smaller format is perfect for just jamming wherever, cheers.

[@synthmage00]

So I went to check the manual when I heard you say "there's no step sequencer," and I ended up on the firmware changelog. It is _unreal_ how many additions and improvements Roland have put out in the time since you released this video. I've legit owned smartphones that got fewer upgrades during their lifetime. Also transposed "Hand Covers Bruise" at 33:50. Nice.

[@Dikkedimi]

Very excited for the first firmware update!

[@bernardbass8553]

I understand why cartman wanted to freeze himself in South Park. The wait is killing me lol 😆 🤣

[@jamesjr2550]

🤣🤣

[@oo685]

😁

[@lassorb4752]

🤣🤣🤣

[@LEVRAN]

This is the best thing happend to the community in years

[@ebraltazar3498]

Thanks Loopop for another great quality review! I will now wait for your video explaining how to justify this purchase to critical family members, who will use the "you already have a 404sx and a 303"-argument. Have a great day!

[@I.O.M.]

I am still keeping my 202 and 404sx but excited about the MK2.

[@loopop]

It's simple, tell them you'll sell them and use the money to buy a MK2. Sell the 404 and 303 I mean, not the family

[@robertsyrett1992]

My first sampler was an SP-202. This looks really appealing! I am not ditching my elektron boxes ro anything, but I am susceptible to nostalgia.

[@jreign]

Same here first ever hardware purchase was the sp-202 brand new. I've owned about 4 404s, currently own 1 A version. Not ditching my Blackbox and PE Tracker for this. Actually like the tracker effects a lot. I'll get an MK2 one day though

[@robertsyrett1992]

@@jreign yeah, the long sample times and onboard memory were features I was longing for with the SP-202/303 (I subsequently got a SP-303 that died around the time the digitakt was announced). Now I can answer those what-ifs. :)

[@kobediahmiller5008]

“I said GOD DAMN!!!” I don’t think I’ll sell my OG but my 505 might be on the way out...

[@djphlegm]

This channel is the best for reviews!!

[@synthesauriov3195]

That screen looks a lot like to octatrack screen. very cool!

[@nelio123]

The workflow reminds me a lot of the MPC500. Love it!

[@Khordmaster]

Also the fact that this has usb c and can be powered via usb c is inching me closer to getting one 😅

[@Claidheambmor]

You can power all the 404 models via USB and a barrel converter

[@scrillahands]

Excellent video, thank you so much! Best video on this unit I've seen so far. Can't wait for mine to arrive

[@kiickinballistics]

I got tremendous pleasure watching what the community did with the Mk1, so this Mk2 is going to provide plenty of excellent groove material. It lends itself to specific styles and does very well at those.

[@anthonykallio]

Pre-ordered mine today. Also, I agree with everything you mentioned that could be improved on this instrument. Hopefully, Roland is listening and will also give us all the things you mentioned for improvement. Awesome, thorough review 👍

[@hardtakeoff]

Yeah they're super receptive. I'm sure they're right on it. Also how is that preorder going?

[@memesons3809]

really appreciate your vast knowledge in speech and synth knowledge, Sir Loopop

[@AlexanderCook87]

I'm glad roland revisited this box, they could have easily just said "well the MC line is out sampler offering". These are some great QOL features.

[@GuitarsAndSynths]

Decided to buy on sale to use with my battery powered synths and complement my Elektron Octatrack and Squid Salmple. Looks fun like a scientific calculator.

[@MoraFermi]

It has one obvious missing function: A graphing calculator. It sure looks like it already.

[@Bi_scotti_5]

the part at 35:58 is legendary it kinda made me jump a little LOL this is the video that kind of solidified my purchase of an SP-404 mkii. very excited to figure this thing out!

[@StevenSclafani]

Thanks for this tutorial. Curious about controlling this from a hardware sequencer via MIDI. The manual makes it seem like each bank is a separate MIDI channel. If this were your only piece of gear that's fine, but tying up 10 MIDI channels isn't ideal. Is it possible to assign the same MIDI channel for multiple banks and trigger samples with different notes?

[@robarkskillie960]

Your video wins the day. Watched a few of these, this one doesn't suck, it's the arp man, purpose built to display the effects.... also first video to highlight input effects which is the only selling point to me having a maschine and a 404a already.

[@WyattLite-n-inn]

Great review : I hope Roland gets to see his “Pros and Cons” at the end of the video .

[@benjaminbrodie9801]

BRILLIANT REVIEW! Thank you sir for your expertise and insight. This is the update everyone has asked for. This will be a game changer for workflow. Keep up the great work. Here's a drink to world peace. Cheers!

[@pianokeyjoe]

So THATS WHY I dreamed about the Roland SP404! LOL! A few days ago I had a dream I owned an SP404, and some other strange looking synths and was packing up my gear to move, to a new house,etc. I thought to myself when I awoke.. WHY SP404? That thing is OLD and limited and I think I owned it for like a day or 2 before selling it on ebay years ago when my wife was still alive and life was indeed real good. Maybe thats why I dreamed about it? My late wife? And then I see THIS! LOL! A futuristic SP404! Whaaaaa?? Crazy how dreams work cause the dream SP404 did not look like the classic version but looked a little different and had something that was not quite the same for a screen.. and I see THIS this morning lol! A round steampunk like futuristic space age screen on an SP404.. Really now lol! A little freaked out right now.. dream SP404 is real now.. eeeeep!

[@savoirfaire8979]

Sorry about your wife but glad you have found joy in life afterward.

[@pianokeyjoe]

@@savoirfaire8979 YES! Thankyou! And I did not think I would! But God is good, and he is merciful!

[@brekbeatattack7038]

haha that‘s amazing! :D

[@pianokeyjoe]

@@brekbeatattack7038 You tellin me?! LOL! I am still a little freaked out. I had the dream night before last and I was I guess moving, and I was gathering my studio equipment from a small room and that strange looking SP404 with BLUE display was part of the strange looking synths I was gathering up.. I dream of strange synths, keyboards and so since I was 13 when I started playing piano and organ. Love the dreams, except that I wake up wishing the stuff was real.. Imagine my freaking surprise this morning when ONE of my dream synths is REAL LOL! Priceless!

[@gushingcloud303]

@@pianokeyjoe I very much relate. I have lots of dreams of music equipment like samplers and synths and guitars and pedals, all the time. Some are fictional or just weird pawn shop pieces. Also I recently lost my gf of 8 years , so I relate to what you’re going through. Music helps me as long as I can stay inspired. Sometimes new equipment helps, sometimes it hinders and makes me feel guilty for not using it enough. But this is a machine I bet I could use a lot. I started on the sp202 (still have it) and eventually the sp808 (still have that too). I love the size and simplicity of the 202 and the effects of the 808 . This has those and way more. Never got a 404 but always wanted one. I think now is our time !

[@BuddhaPhi]

This is a great overview of the new SP-404! Many thanks. Part of me wants to pick one up but since I already have a Digitakt, MC-707 and other samplers I might be crazy to do so. Man, tough decisions!

[@kalimaa999]

Can't wait for a cross between this and a po-33 with a decent enough speaker to use on the toilet

[@mikenoface]

do you have a smartphone? Koala sampler is pretty close.

[@kalimaa999]

@@mikenoface I like buttons pads and knobs... Phone has never quite been able to do it for me

[@dennystreet2454]

I am so happy that I have this little beast ❤

[@H4NDCRAFTED]

They won’t do step seq I think because of MC series, but step sequencing isn’t what the 404s about IMO.

[@bff6434]

MC 101/707 are about the weakest boxes around. Maybe even weaker than electribes

[@H4NDCRAFTED]

@@bff6434 yr joking right , I’d take my 707 over any of the Electribes I’ve had, way more powerful. What’s weak about them exactly ?

[@sirjellybeans1st19]

@@bff6434 Maybe weaker than Electribes? You're taking out your arse. I've three Roland MC Grooveboxes and Two Electribes The eM1 and The EMx 1 and let me tell you that the EMx 1 is a Killer Machine. I've been Producing on Hardware for over Thirty years now and I've seen a lot come and go and I've used a lot and I'm telling you that the EMx 1 is a powerful piece of Equipment Then again though it's only powerful in the right hands and wouldn't be for people who really haven't that much of a clue

[@rick5235]

Being brand new to this scene and having already emptied my wallet on a Keystep Pro, I feel the wallet twitching again! I'm sure much like the keystep pro video I'll be revisiting this video multiple times in the future once I acquire one. Now if you could hold off on the dirtywave m8 tracker for a few months so I can financially recover, that'd be great haha. Thanks for taking the time to get to know each piece of hardware so well, it always makes for such interesting viewing.

[@8bitBarry1]

Are any of the time effects able to link to Midi Clock? Like DJ Looper / Phaser / Delay etc? OR - is the DJ Looper able to finally chop to the sample tempo instead of a value? Like 1/4, 1/8, triplets etc...

[@Claidheambmor]

The digi delay on the original 404 always did sync to MIDI, though of course the tape delay didn't for obvious reasons. And yes as per the video it can chop to 1/4, 1/8 etc of the sample.

[@8bitBarry1]

@@Claidheambmor I havent seen anything from watching this and other videos that gives the DJ Looper SYNC to the BPM which is a shame. looks like its still free tempo... the BPM Looper is no more, not that it was much different.

[@bentropy]

@loopop can you give us an authoritative answer on this?

[@banjoemily3852]

@@bentropy the manual is available online already. Sync function is listed for several FX like delays and the slicer, but not for DJFX Looper

[@mooted5513]

Love this is the same tune as your analog rytm video. Should do the same intro tune across all grooveboxes / synths to hear your take on the specific device!

[@Namors-Channel]

33:35 „like the government“ 😂😂 … wonderful!

[@DeathBlackWish]

Finally someone showcasing some music from this thing that's not just another cookie cutter lofi hip hop.

[@ArtFluids]

It would be nice if it had vintage sampling modes. 12 or 8-bit samples and downsampling. It's not the same as an effect slot crusher, because transposition/chromatic sample playback will effect the timbre with vintage sample modes.

[@mikenoface]

I find a good way to mimic this is to use a bitcrusher/decimator that displays the actual khz. In Korg Gadget for example, I'll set an insert effect to 12-bit, 27500khz which mimics the E-Mu SP-12. Then resample the mix so the effect is baked in. Now when you play that sample chromatically, you'll get an approximation of the effect you're talking about.

[@lancepage1914]

@@mikenoface i like it. That's what i do with my Korg Microsampler.

[@learn2xpand862]

@@mikenoface dude thanks for that for real!

[@mateoprobst3960]

is this something that can be added down the line in an update?

[@ArtFluids]

@@mikenoface I have an OTO Biscuit, I'll have to try this

[@Garethduffy707]

Super review/tutorial as always ! The best. Just waiting on my MK2 to arrive now

[@WHYZMAN_]

I am really on the fence about getting this or not. I have always wanted one of the SP's but its kinda crazy to me that now I can also do almost all that this machine does with my Iphone/Ipad and the Koala app. I love the tactily of hardware and it definitely speeds up workflow in some areas, but I'm not sure if it beats having a touchscreen, especially when choping and sequencing songs. I can also then connect my Launchpad controller and have the best of both worlds by mapping a bunch of the controlls to it. That being said the, there is definitely something about having a contained piece of hardware with good inputs that really helps with the flow process. I know I would have a ton of fun with the device but I also feel like with just a few more updates the Koala app could potentially do everything this has to offer. I feel like a lot of people are straight up sleeping on the Koala app but I'd love to hear people's thoughts!

[@SuperCaptainafrica]

I agree. Your insight into this was very appreciated. I think people don’t pay attention at times.

[@Jason75913]

How do you record your gear into your ipad?

[@WHYZMAN_]

@@Jason75913 With a lighting to usb adapter you can connect to anything that uses usb. I can then plug in my gear or audio interface from there and record whatever- I also have a portable mixer (roland go mixer) that I bring with me when I travel

[@muphlus]

I see a very powerful mobile studio potential here; SP-404 MKII + microphone + Microfreak + iPad + your best headphones + a handy analogue instrument for the organic feel (guitar, flute etc) (add or remove by preference) I'm really looking forward to 2022 now :)

[@arturskozlovskis124]

If this had a step sequencer it would be golden, literally my only gripe.

[@stewboat]

AGREED! I was super on board until I heard that.

[@Broyale26]

It doesn't need it. Limitations breeds creativity.

[@arturskozlovskis124]

@@Broyale26 To each his own, but some people like to program drums that way, myself included. But other than that I can't really fault it.

[@IM.o.s.e.s.I]

Wow, what simple solution to making a catchy producer tag

[@Jonathan-we6lc]

Very surprised at how well this seems to develop what was good about the original. If the 404 was already a classic, the price and feature set of this turns it into a studio staple for basically everyone. One question I have: does skip back work on the input? If I leave the input coming in, is it recording that?

[@loopop]

yes it does

[@Jonathan-we6lc]

@@loopop Amazing. Might as well leave this plugged into my TV every evening and go to town on the skipping back.

[@loopop]

Yeah it kind of like TiVo for real life! But only 25 seconds though

[@inthefade]

@@Jonathan-we6lc I just want a portable recorder clipped to my belt with a mic on it that does that. Sometimes a neat sound happens once in a lifetime and my Zoom recorder can't go back in time.

[@magnuseriksson8081]

Your 4 wishes are very important ones, surprised that you have not thought of that better

[@AesculapiusPiranha]

"if there is enough demand they will make it pressure sensitive" Bruh

[@TheDungeonDive]

Hahah. They’re gonna sell thousands of these things. Will be as ubiquitous as the Keystep.

[@Ginlah]

Why are there limits to grooveboxes? 16 gbs ofmemory 16 minutes of sample time, all sorts of kinks, I mean if it can fit in your phone, or laptop, why not a box like this? I'm sick of limited grooveboxes

[@darrickkeels6387]

Another great tutorial and walkthrough by Loopop! Fantastic content. I enjoyed this very much. Thank you.

[@alexanderaultman]

I just want to know if you can overdub with ext source like you could on the 303.

[@loopop]

yes

[@Claidheambmor]

@@loopop amazing

[@oldsoulcreations]

Great review on all the features, as usual!!! Just a quick shout out for your Outro, One of my favorite Loopop jams!!!

[@muslinielsen7789]

So Roland finally did what Akai did 20 years ago with the MPC. Nice!