SP404 for Ambient: One for the Poets, Meditators and Chillout Kids

[@trmtknw]

You are one of the most comfortable people I've met. I'll keep you as an example of kindness. Thank you.

[@yukesmusic]

@@trmtknw might be my favorite comment so far. I’m pinning this lol. Happy to have been an inspiration for kindness.

[@jamerson9686]

Bob Ross of the SP404. Very calming!

[@vvcv__00]

"Ambient muddled mess". I was relieved to hear you say this. When I'm trying to get an idea of what a device sounds like, and what it can do, I find myself having to sit through so much of this 'mud' on KZbin. I wish i knew why it ('ambient' mud ) has spread like Covid with KZbinrs. By no means am i saying that the ambient genre, in general, is mud; bur rather, that there's just so many bad "musicians" doing it on YT -or decent musicians making bad ambient. It's really a great disservice to the medium, as well as to all the 'ambient' subgenres out there.

[@yukesmusic]

@@vvcv__00 one of the objectively funniest things I’ve ever witnessed in my career as a musician was an associate’s ambient synth jam getting copyright-struck, due to being supposedly indistinguishable from a lot of other Microcosm/Mood/OP-1 jams previously uploaded to the distributors. There’s a singular instance where ambient music as we know it was invented: Brian Eno, sitting up in a hospital bed, listening to a vinyl of classical music played too quietly to distinguish anything but a faint melody. Just as easily focused on as it is ignored. While it’s inarguably fun to make this sort of mud (there’s the answer to your question,) I think it’s important that your ambient sound is focused, clear, and with purpose.

[@vvcv__00]

@@yukesmusic That's crazy man, and too funny (the first paragraph). Perhaps a bit sad too. Thanks for that bit of music history (the Eno bit), very interesting. Out of curiosity, while listening to Bach's violin's Partitas/Sonatas (my favorite piece of music -single-handedly) at very low volumes the other day, I 'think' i was able to 'get' the idea Eno experienced. It was a very intriguing/creative, and inspirational exercise, simply by turning the volume down for a few minutes. Like taking entire chapters out of a book where you can interpret, then place in your own ideas as to what happened within the story. Now, reading what i just wrote, i realize that Eno's experience is similar to what the abstract visual art movement is about. Opposed to non-representational art -which many incorrectly call 'abstract'. I heard an 'abstraction' to what i have heard to that work of Bach's.

[@STOLACE]

THIS, my friend, is what I have been scouring KZbin for over the past couple weeks. Thank you for taking the time to make this Yukes. I appreciate it!

[@yukesmusic]

No way! I'm happy to have hit the mark. Hope it's helpful

[@STOLACE]

@@yukesmusic Yes way! It was very helpful. Perhaps the most challenging "nut" to crack was the workflow and how to architect the banks for a hybrid live performance of the 404 and other instruments. I've got the MK2 so things are a tiny bit different, but the way you outlined your presentation, how you organized the banks (and shared that organization and rationale) - all that, entirely helpful. You, my friend, are a gem of a human being. Thank you for selflessly taking the time to share your own experience, insights, and perspectives. I feel some ambient 404 action in my near future!

[@yukesmusic]

@@STOLACE the SP404ii could take this idea so much further. Be sure to share whatever you make here if you post it!

[@majordabalert]

Literally bruh

[@Nova-TechnoLAB]

Getting "Sp404 with George Harrison" vibes here. I like it!

[@EverettVinzant]

Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce you to the Bob Ross of the SP-404. Thank you Yukes.

[@yukesmusic]

🎨

[@BigSmilezBeats]

KZbin recommended your video and I must say, the YT algorithm kind of knew what I was missing. Very interesting workflow!

[@OoraMusic]

Your videos are GOLDEN. Thanks for sharing your ideas with us.

[@yii5524]

你好, Yukes! 我来自中国，之前从您和mengqi的合作视频认识到您。我准备进入404mk2，今天第一次在youtube看到您的视频，非常感谢您的分享，这是伟大的！非常感谢！

[@yukesmusic]

谢谢观看~ 加油！

[@faunoram]

It always amazes me how inventive and creative people like you, turn a tool like the SP 404 into something really unique and original !! Amazing video !! Cheers from South America !!

[@kurisuchiinathecrocodile333]

Forgot to say, I'm in awe of how good multi-instrumentalist you are! Very nice!

[@yukesmusic]

Thank you! It's a fantastic pursuit. Always something new to explore.

[@joroboro]

Wow thank you for taking the time to make this! I have a live ritual bass project with my partner and you pretty much covered my setup (down to the specific samples like chimes, fire, and lakeside!) She uses the Digitakt bit for me the SP404 is the best for live performance (I now have the MK2 after years with the OG). One thing I would add is single cycle waves for synthesis (when in loop mode) - combining that with the chromatic mode on the MK2 and adding effects means it is effectively a synth as well! Love what you do and love your vibe, thank you for sharing your gifts with the world!

[@joroboro]

Oh just realized you have a whole video about synthesis on the 404 - amazing! For those interested, find it here: v=J9vnDZwUFdk Thank you Yukes, you're mad inspiring and a wonderfully generous human being!

[@kafkawilde4604]

Really like this usage case....exactly where I'm at 😊

[@goomerko]

Dude, you're an sp404 magician

[@yukesmusic]

🪄

[@pipsix]

Thanks for all the time you put into this. I really enjoy your approach and attention to detail.

[@OsyrisGlitch]

This is perfect. I play my 404 for a yoga class and I've been wanting to figure out a more improvisational way to perform.

[@joncjb]

my cup of tea ... thank you for sharing

[@joseanmartz]

I just got a Circuit Rhythm and while it has a totally different workflow to the SP404, I still found this video incredibly inspiring! You've given me some great ideas and also WOW was this well put together and enjoyable to watch and hear! Thank you for making this!

[@yukesmusic]

Circuit rhythm is a great choice!

[@TheHippie27]

This is brilliant man, I would love to see more 404 videos like this, you've earned my sub!

[@ednewcome]

This is the clearest and most helpful explanatory video for the SP404/sample based ambient music in general.

[@yukesmusic]

Thank you kindly ~ clear and concise is exactly what I'm after!

[@EverettVinzant]

I don’t mean to bother you twice on the same video… But I decided to try out this system you created. You are a farking genius. I thought I’d do this on… a 404 OG. I would like to give away everything that makes it work. First and foremost, you only have 8 slots on storage (the compact flash card). Second you want a 512 MB flash card for this. Since the A and B slots are internal memory, I figured I would use A slot as my blank slot. That was easy. So what am I going to put in the B slot? I thought about some of your lessons from other videos (using different storage cards for different samples). So I got thinking, what could I leave in the B slot (of what you show in the video) that would be consistent across different cards? My opinion was the percussion kit. I could change the melodics, the atmospherics, the drum loops, but the perc kit would give me consistent rhythm during the motion of the music. And I could even use them to cover a CF card change during meditation. The other 8 categories would all be on a CF card. This did require a little juggling and moving some categories so that they still made sense. But I came up with an adequate solution. Once I got my first card made (with the samples you graciously supplied) I decided to stretch out a little and see what I’d feel comfortable with. Understand at this point I’m considering world music instruments to do New Age and Ambient backing of LoFi or even Dark Cthulhu (Lovecraftian Ambient). I’m trying to find sounds that fit together but may not just be of Chinese origin. Also, I used education from another video of yours, on the QY70. I’m using it to provide a lot of… okay they used.. ET as the identifier for these instruments… And I’m using some that are there like the Tamboura (I read an article that claims it’s identical to the Tanpura). I’m also considering the Sakuachi and the Kalimba because my ears tell me they play well with the Rhodes… Which is my favorite instrument. If I ever have $10k laying around ;) When I get my first card made with all the sounds that work together, I’d be happy to give them to you if you like (partially as a way to say thank you for giving me the missing piece… organization…). I’ll provide an explanation card as well. Thank you for slowing this down and organizing it. You made it possible for me, with ADHD, to be able to finally not only make some music, but enjoy it. Thank you for bringing the music to me.

[@yukesmusic]

I'm so glad to hear the technique had such an impact, it sounds like you're really running with it and have made it your own! If i recall correctly the OG SP404 w/ it's CF card is really slow to boot, compared to it's younger siblings. Switching cards may not bs so practical there, but i reckon that's another creative limitation that can keep ye centered and focused. If you're that interested in the Rhodes, i highly recommend the Yamaha Reface. It's so, so, so close and an amazing deal for the price. I just played my first real Rhodes MkI at a studio in Shanghai last week, it was an amazing experience but I don't think i could ever justify the price. Lovecraftian Ambient sounds dope! Keep it up~

[@dirtydavid6444]

great vid, got the mkII as my very first sampler and your vids help me alot to understand it from a more "classical" musical point of view. thanks alot for the download link!

[@WardStroud]

Wow… an absolute treasure. Thank you my friend you just made my world so much better… my 404 gets here in two days i can’t wait to compose for Shakuhachi:) Thank You… just what I was dreaming of… peace to you

[@kurisuchiinathecrocodile333]

When I got to the part where you talk about rhodes piano, I had to remember album between Christian Fennesz and Ryuichi Sakamoto... Sakamoto now lives through the music and memories.

[@ovejansson59]

Very, very good 👍Thanks

[@iansteel6403]

It's very easy to write off lo-fi artists or western people living an eastern lifestyle as culture-philes, but you sure are truly authentic. Really genuine stuff here and exemplified mastery of using instruments that fit the mood of the samples you use.

[@yukesmusic]

I appreciate that man, thank you. They welcomed me into the community and now I work with a lot of Chinese traditional instrument manufacturers, so I've cemented my place! It's such a fun world to explore and I hope more people try Instruments from other countries.

[@EdgarPogosov]

Thanks for video! Very cool! Thinking SP 404 all need for my ideas!) You simply and talentedly talk about this. Great creative success!

[@FloChai]

I have been quite on the fence to get the 404 bcos i don't own a vinyl record player and I am not a very rhythmic person (for finger drumming) making beats. I am glad I found your channel because of the alternative ways of using this machine in most of your videos. Very right up my alley. Thank you for sharing your insights and knowledge! Subbed! P.S your Guzheng skills is legendary.

[@yukesmusic]

It's a great sampler for sure, but finger drumming is what it was born to do. The MkII has some quantization and plays better with other synths and gear, hope it's a consideration! Glad you've enjoyed

[@baked88]

Wonderful stuff. Thanks a lot Mr Yukes! ❤️

[@kurisuchiinathecrocodile333]

37:26 these words are like the ultimate idea of your philosophy maybe? sorry I posted already so much comments, but just appreciate very much what happens here :) cheers!

[@iosmusicman]

Fabulous. The whole vibe of your presentation is so soothing. Great stuff. Cheers. Lee

[@HIFI1965]

Yukes - very, very well done. more please.

[@willtremain2854]

The video I was looking for, thank you!

[@WAYVES]

Beautiful. Thank you so much for an inspiration!

[@fdhal87wn]

Thank you very much Yukes! Delightful.

[@Audiolot27]

I do the same with my Sp404 MK2 ... my best chill out

[@techlab7]

This is great! Thanks for the videos and samples. Just got my used SP404A today and I have been having a blast with the ambient sample pack. Really enjoying it and easy to get going.

[@yukesmusic]

Enjoy and welcome to the SP404 community! Be sure to join the subreddit. Remember, that sample pack is moreso a template, i hope it inspires you to make your own in a similar, improved/customized way!

[@tanime]

Thanks so much for creating this. I'm considering buying an SP404 to make my sound journey performances more dynamic and layered. I think this set up will help me learn how to make the most of this tool if I go ahead with it! (in fact I think you basically sold me on it, haha)

[@driverv86]

Man this video was helpful, well done. I intend to use my 404 with my native flute and tascam in nature.

[@firesidefire]

This is solid gold. Thank you for sharing

[@ComparativeIrrelevance]

Great presentation! It really shows that you've put a lot of thought into this setup - thanks for sharing it! :)

[@Knobs_and_Ends]

I was sooooi pumped to see this this morning

[@yukesmusic]

One of my preproduction objectives when writing the script was, ,"I want this video to pair well with coffee." Enjoy your morning!

[@phpjeff]

Really great video. Thanks!

[@MoonWalkersbin]

What a treasure

[@ericdaily4106]

Amazing process my man, thanks for sharing ❤

[@kurisuchiinathecrocodile333]

Insipirational and soothing video, thank you very much! If I ever return to doing things with my 404sx, I would try follow your way a bit :)

[@robertoranko4115]

this vid is so chill. thx for sharing

[@flyingscarf5863]

Thank you very much for this🌲

[@daneguitarist1]

I am painting while watching this video yukes

[@yukesmusic]

I like being BGM! Send the painting ~

[@daneguitarist1]

@@yukesmusic I just posted it actually Are your social media listed?

[@daneguitarist1]

@@yukesmusic what's you @ Lol fbook?

[@commonbeats]

Just beautiful all round

[@exmaxhina]

ooh this is exciting to see because I've just started to delve into the ambient world with my current setup.

[@yukesmusic]

Enjoy!

[@kaikiefer8303]

1:20 not sure if that is your sole purpose - but you do open people’s minds - like mine - I am new to this kind of making music. Really like your style, like how you share your ideas and the depth you go. Very enjoyable to listen. Given the depth of your musical background - looking forward to learn more. Subscribed.

[@RaphaeltDrechsler]

Just recently I looked at my SP 404 and wondered how I could get a new workflow with it. The classic sample/resample beatmaker approach now takes place on other devices for me. But there's just something special about the 404 SX, and I want to use it again. I'm really looking forward to trying out this approach. Thank you very much!

[@yukesmusic]

Of course! I've got a few other vids aimed at new approaches for the sake of getting inspired, hope they help~

[@filipzawadzki9424]

This is gem, youre genius

[@lofi_soul_jazz]

so cool!!! in the middle of a project but gonna double back to this, i sold my sp404 og but i have the mk2 and a mic!! I also have a xiao like that in your video that i bought in HK like 20 years ago!

[@lofi_soul_jazz]

seriously you are a kind soul and connoeuseur (sp) of fine sounds.. thank you def. have a new subscriber!! :) blessings to you in my motherland

[@Verysickbeats]

Awesome vid sir!

[@yukesmusic]

Thank u Mr. beats!

[@n1les563]

Wow what a quality video

[@soultabs]

Very impressed by how much time and preparation you put into your 404 banks. Very contraire to the work as fast as you can mentality of the americains... although im sure acwell organised sp makes creating a lot easier. Kudos❤

[@yukesmusic]

404 beatmakers like to take their time~ lofi beats is the closest thing to a meditative workflow many young musicians can find these days!

[@_grossy]

Love love love your content!!

[@Fingermush]

Your videos are really inspiring and cool. One gripe: the plural of “vinyl” is “vinyl. Keep exploring

[@yukesmusic]

Well noted haha

[@CNTRRNDM]

Whoa! Really amazing vid, mate😮

[@kylel7176]

Instead of 20 minute rain or retriggering the pad loops, can you utilize multiple holds so those loops keep going?

[@yukesmusic]

Of course. With long attacks & release, you'll never notice them starting and stopping. I just like using the 20-min recording as rainstorms are often quite dynamic, and there's a bit of magic to hearing one play out in its entirety. Same goes for a lot of long-form field recordings.

[@readysetglow]

love it, thank you very much :)

[@aquietgarden]

This is an absolutely brilliant tutorial. I can see me learning all I need from this and porting it over to Koala on my iPhone and iPad, and even, to a degree, my OP-Z and Korg Volca Sample 2 or Novation Circuit Rhythm (I don't yet own the last two, and the OP-Z is new, a gift, on trial for a month. If I don't keep it, I'll be replacing with the 404 mk2 or the Circuit Rhythm and Volca Sample 2). I'm so happy to discover your channel today. I think I found you via Puremagnetik.

[@yukesmusic]

I'm a strong advocate for the Circuits! They're by far and large the most constructive tools i have, with regards to how quickly i can generate new songs. Much love for Puremagnetik! I've got a few videos on them coming out this year.

[@aquietgarden]

@@yukesmusic I love Puremagnetik. I built my own Lore plugin using Cabbage, and discovered the free plugins with that. After that, it was love, then I started with the plugins they sell on Bandcamp, then their collections. They're like a favourite boutique plugin seller. I'm so happy you're working with them, and that there's more to come!

[@aquietgarden]

I keep on coming back to this. There is so very much in this. I previously (just before the pandemic began) hosted Silence, tea, and poetry evenings in London. I poured tea for the 25 people who attended, and read my own Zen poetry, and the poetry of masters of Zen, Ch'an, and the Dao. I played recorded ambient (by other people), to help guests to settle as they arrived and we gathered. Since then, I became an ambient musician myself, as well as a meditation guide, silence facilitator, and retreat leader. Also since then, I've been seeking a way to bring all of this together, online, on Instagram, and in a Zoom space. I kept finding myself attracted to pads, mostly the SP-404 and the LaunchPad Pro Mk3. It didn't seem to make sense, as no one seemed to be making ambient with it, much less, using it in this kind of environment. But now, coming across your video, whilst not giving up the pursuit of this ambient aesthetic for my guests, I found you, and this video tutorial. What a gift you are, thank you so much! I don't have an SP-404, but I do have an OP-Z a recent gift for my birthday, celebrating a year since my cancer. But I have it on a one month trial, and may return it and trade it for equivalent. This is where the SP-404 comes in. Or… then I imagine if I combine it with the OP-Z, and then what do I have? I need my laptop to run and host the Zoom gatherings, so that's out as a tool. I also have my iPhone and iPad, Koala, Samplr, and Borderlands Granular. Possibilities abound… oh, and my Orba original, which I intend to trade up for the Orba 2 and load my own samples. My interest is in creating my own samples and field recordings (I have a Tascam and a Shure MV88).

[@learlawliet6197]

THANK YOU ❤❤❤❤

[@HaineZeeTV]

Fab episode, really inspiring and chilled! Thanks so much for sharing and sharing the card too. I like the way you visualise and record the layout of your pads too. Interesting that you don’t talk about using the SP’s effects in this ambient tutorial… Going to give all this a try, but reckon your wizardry is harder to replicate than it looks!:) Looking forward to hearing more once your studio move is complete:) ✌️

[@yukesmusic]

You know, it wasn't until I finished editing the video that i realized... oh shit, i hadn't touched the effects at all! There's endless opportunities there, but i reckon those are yours to discover along the way~ I'm sure it won't be too hard to replicate with a few nice synth VST's, a nice reverb like Blackhole or Supermassive, and a little peace & quiet...

[@HaineZeeTV]

@@yukesmusic Sounded great even without the effects being touched... Important to note your use of some nice reverbs when producing your samples pre-SP tho:) Thanks again!

[@daneguitarist1]

yeah rhodes sound so good, great vid man

[@yukesmusic]

Thanks man! This one is the Scarbee MkI. Tried the new Rhodes VST and it seemed overhyped. Most rhodes plugins are great.

[@daneguitarist1]

@@yukesmusic yukes! You gotta just come kick it sometime, you seem like a really good hang

[@VJFranzK]

0:18 moments of "Wabi Sabi" as they say in Japan

[@kurisuchiinathecrocodile333]

hey im glad meeting you in all random places again and again, feels like we think similar X)

[@kurisuchiinathecrocodile333]

i still remember when you had your own app with circular rotation sequencing

[@VJFranzK]

@@kurisuchiinathecrocodile333 Hello, You have a good memory! Somehow, "Radarhead" will return with a sequel app at some point🐰📡

[@bloopbleepnothinghere]

You should check out Traction Abyss for a very unique pad focussed virtual synth.

[@user-sz9tp9rb3r]

yo this and the dibia$e 404 masterclass video are a recipe for success! great video

[@skallamoosh]

I have learnt so much about the SP404's and their potentials from this and other videos you have made. I cant thank you enough for taking the time to do them, and the way you present them is first class. I was planning on getting an old SX due to money constraints, but now wondering if it's too old or capable. Any advice greatly appreciated. 🙏👍

[@yukesmusic]

Very happy to have been so helpful. I used an A for three years and only upgraded yesterday. If you're strictly using it for playback, as i have in this video, an SX or A will serve you just fine. The MkII is more of a workstation and will enable more production to happen *on* the device. It's also substantially more convenient. You probably won't regret either purchase. But you *will* outgrow the SX one day, the MkII will last you far longer.

[@skallamoosh]

@@yukesmusic That’s very helpful and put my mind at rest. I’ll go for the SX and use it with a view to how it will ground me in the workflow. I’m so impressed with your video creating a song from scratch/noise I intend to repeat that to familiarise myself with its capabilities. Thank you so much for the quick response and will look out for your future videos .

[@yukesmusic]

@@skallamoosh yeah! Arguably the 404mkII was intended for use by people who are already familiar with the SX/A workflow, so it couldn't hurt to go back for basics. Plus if you keep it sticker-free you could probably resell it for the price you bought it for. Good luck!

[@osvos3278]

Really nice video

[@CMS-lf2ww]

Hello Yukes, Fantastic stuff and well presented. You've sparked my interest to buy one of these to play around with. Question(s): Is this a "straight" aka "original" 404 model (I know the 404 MKII or whatever it's called is out - but I'd like to start with and learn on this basic 404 as you've presented it here) ? I've started checking the famous "auction site" and see what appears to be the "original series" of 404's but also 404 XL (is that more memory I guess ?) etc ? I also do not see any with the red knobs like your's has at the top - did you just change those out yourself ? Long story short - is there an exact model number for what you are using here so I can learn and emulate exactly via watching you ? Would the XL model 404 be exactly the same but worth it for the extra XD card storage it apparently accepts ? Any suggestions or tips on which model of the original 404 series to buy would be greatly appreciated. PS: On the big famous "auction site" there's lots of 404's for sale - many look in excellent condition and price seems reasonable ($300 or a bit less at around $275 is typical) - but interestingly, a LOT are from Japan ? I wonder, was the 404 really big in Japan vs the US market ? A bit odd that such a large amount of inventory of pre-owned 404's are all listed as being shipped from Japan is seems ? Thanks again - really enjoyed this video and am starting to watch many of your others now too :)

[@yukesmusic]

Let me hit your questions one by one! Regarding model numbers, there are 4x SP404s. This one is the 404a. The SP404 (aka OG SP404) is very antiquated and generally avoided unless you want a very particularly-sounding compressor. It uses a CF card and is a major headache to work with, especially in the way I've demonstrated in this video. There's the SP404sx, and the SP404a, which are nearly identical aside from some MIDI implementation stuff, which is only relevant if you use other Roland AIRA gear. I have yet to meet anyone who uses the extra functionality of the A, but they're generally cheaper than the SX because more A units were manufactured. They use an SD card, which is substantially faster and larger than the original. There's no XL model; you might be referring to the SX. If you wanted to follow this video exactly, either an SP404sx or SP404a would get you there. Again, virtually identical except they're black instead of silver. However, if you can, I strongly suggest moving up towards the MkII. That's their latest version, and it is a quality-of-life improvement across every feature on the device, and makes the whole process much, much easier. The only situation where I'd recommend an SX or an A over a MkII is if you want to commit to the SP404 beatmaking process (not demonstrated on my channel,) and learn the lofi hip-hop sampling process before alleviating yourself of its nuanced difficulties to embrace one of the best standalone sampler devices on the market, the MkII. The red knobs are aftermarket, yes. I bought them on taobao; shouldn't be hard to find a set for yourself if you're interested. Roland, being a japanese company, has a very strong domestic market as well, and with Nujabes and other quintissential japanese beatmakers being as prolific as they were, really put the SP404 on the japanese beatmaking scene. It's no surprise there's a lot available there. also worth mentioning that when the 404mkII came out, due to its extreme feature additions, there's not much reason to keep the SX/A in favor of the MkII, hence the plethora available on the second-hand market.

[@CMS-lf2ww]

@@yukesmusic Thanks for the extra fast reply - wasn't sure what time it is in your zone :) I don't know if you have a video that "tells your story", but it would be interesting to find out how you landed in China and what your background is, etc. I'm state-side but am married to an Asian wife for several decades now. I've been in most parts of this planet given my past work. Your command of English is obviously outstanding, making me "guess" you are USA or UK educated or similar ? As to which unit to buy - that was a perfect explanation !! And yes, I think I mixed up the "SX" by writing XL. Sooo, it sounds like if you had to buy a unit right now and still reproduce the things you're showing in this video (I'm after ambient, adding all sorts of "sounds" as you did from rain to birds to ocean etc + drum beats to testing samples gathered from who knows where- pretty much everything you showed to the tee!!) , thus just to get "good" at what you did here and made "look easy"...for me would be waaaaay heck of a lot of learning and getting me where I want to be, and thus it sounds like the newer MkII is it then per your obviously experienced opinion. I'm a total novice when it comes to this style of making music/sound (though I have a strong background in recording, engineering etc) - so I don't really understand the "beatmaking" and "lofi hip-hop" advantage terminology, the only real advantage apparently of the older vintage 404's, so that probably tells you I'm "MkII ready" LOL !! Would it be correct and safe to say - that with the MkII I can "easily" watch and re-produce what you are doing here, and probably even better ? Would that be the short and correct version in your opinion and what you'd buy and use to "do it today" if you had a MkII sitting in front of you as we speak ? Will it be difficult for me to emulate this exact "lesson" as I'd call it in this video - if I have a MkII in front of me and am watching you using the keypad(s) of the older 404, or would it be a pretty easy cross-over ? Thanks again Yuke - you're a natural born teacher and your speaking style and use of wording/vocabulary is A+ :)) I also like that you "teach" in a quiet and soft style - despite this being about music you do not have a rattling, annoying beat or loud sound track as you're speaking and teaching. A real "rubs me wrong" peeve about soooooo many KZbin presentations is people discussing or teaching something but with noise or their taste in "music" loudly beating endlessly during their presentation. Like can ANYONE speak and teach and explain w/o a bunch of noise and some "music" junk in the background I don't even like ? I want to hear you (the teacher, the person explaining something), and what you are explaining ? Maybe I'm getting old and it's a generational thing - but I can't see how these people can not apparently hold an attention span or sit through real "teaching" w/o constant noise and background sounds etc. ? I'm an electrical engineer by training - when I used to study, and to this day when I read for enjoyment or technical study, I want quiet (maybe at most what you present like ambient sound or something soft like almost classical or "Asian" music as you demonstrated) to keep my concentration and focus. You drill right into the "teaching" and as stated, speak in a engaging voice and tone that made me want to follow you to the end and now watch more- - that's a BIG compliment compared to a LOT of what populates KZbin these days !!!

[@yukesmusic]

@@CMS-lf2ww Haha thank you. I'm an American living in China, and I use traditional chinese instruments and market electronic instruments to the traditional instrument community here. I agree with your thoughts on the MkII. It was incredibly well-received by the SP404 community as a 20-year successor to the original, completely fixing everything that's inconvenient about the first one. Granted, more functions means there's more to learn, but it's nothing inaccessible. Just needs time, like anything else. Yes, with the MkII, there is absolutely nothing in this video that can't be done. Come to think of it, there's only one function not available on the MkII that is on the sx/A, and that's an effect called "subsonic," which generates a sine wave. Beyond that, you can do everything you see here and more. I'm glad you appreciate the video demonstration style. They're fun to make, though it takes a long time. I like the academic style and learned my first music software on Lynda.com back in the day, the old school way haha. The next video tutorial will be available in a few days, actually, though its content surely isn't for everyone.

[@CMS-lf2ww]

@@yukesmusic Right on and great life story !! Well, you got a new follower and pen-pal in the So-Cal which I'm sure you know the meaning of that term :) Maybe we can get your subs up a bit more and get you "budgeted" for a MkII and you can do this video "updated" on the new version LOL !! So, it's MkII I'm going to shop for- and start the big experiment. As stated, pretty much what you produced and how you describe "Making sounds, ambient tracks, experiment, try anything" and as I stated, anything from nature sounds to mixing rain and surf and ocean to who knows what instruments and even sampling odd-ball instrument tracks etc, sounds like the MkII can cover it all, or at least until I'm suuuper well versed and need to "graduate" to some much more expensive gear, etc. I haven't had a chance to watch your other videos - I'm "guessing" a lot of what I want to do is probably also explained in those, such as adding a synthesizer track or sampling other sounds etc. One other quick question so as not to tie up your entire day - how many hours can one create on a MkII where it will just "play" (I guess called looping or similar terminology) - where I can "hands free" have something stored and hit "play" and it just goes on its own ? 1 hour ? 2 hours, 4 hours - any thoughts on that ? Thanks again - I'm going to start watching the other videos, so if I pop up with a question or two here and there I may have to hit the "tip jar" as you're being so generous with your time and knowledge ! As my late father used to say, "You're a good man, Charlie Brown" :))

[@CMS-lf2ww]

@@yukesmusic PS Yukes: These particular sounds from this lesson, you made them available on a card. Would they work or be able to import to the MkII, if I bought that card on your website ? Thanks again !

[@billB101]

Very nce.

[@taller513]

Very good video brother, I think that instead of embedding the subtitles, you should put them on KZbin so that they are optional and can be translated into other languages, thank you very much

[@Tim.Traveler]

Will the 404 MkII do lofi 12 bit sampling as well?

[@majordabalert]

Juicy

[@seandavidharris]

This is amazingly helpful and beautiful sounds for sure. Would you always use your synth along side in a live performance or do you see value in integrating a synth through the SP404 live as a mixer of sorts. Not even sure if that's possible.

[@yukesmusic]

To answer the mini mixer question in short, 'no but kind of.' China is very lacking in trained FOH's to run a mixer so unless it's a big show, I'm mixing myself. For my big big big setups I'll use a Livetrak L-12 but more often than not, I'm mixing down 6-10 mono signals. I've been using a Focusrite 8i6 as a computer-free mixer/preamp but here's the fun bit: if it's not enough inputs, a synth can totally go through the SP404! Really just to cut down on inputs. It's pretty handy to have a Filter or quick reverb to filter things in addition to the 404. But tbh it's more distracting than not, and I usually have Eventide effects running on the side anyway

[@caliel3417]

Man. How’d you get those stickers on there. It looks so nice

[@yukesmusic]

Take the faceplate off!

[@patrikkovacs8396]

Hello, is this kit still available for download? I cannot find it on your site : (

[@yukesmusic]

Sure is! yukesmusic.gumroad.com/l/Ambient01

[@legitimatefrenzy]

I think you would benefit from getting the mk2. The new effects are super awesome for processing and making those chords chromatic is a super helpful tool as well. Then you could load the sx with ambience and one shot Foley. Always a pleasure to watch your content I wanna see more synth stuff from ya

[@yukesmusic]

Yessss the MkII is an amazing thing. It could do fantastic things with this concept, and the other vids I've made; so much potential. I'm so overstocked on gear but I'm sure the time will come soon. I'd love to do more synth stuff. I'm doing official tutorials for Novation China atm, gonna drop a 5-part into series on the Mininova and maybe the Circuit, we'll see!

[@TheHippie27]

@@yukesmusic Honestly with the MKII out, there are almost no new videos for the original anymore. I'd love to see your take on working with synths into the sp404. Also if you're gonna make an upgrade, may as well go for the SP404sx XD

[@kurisuchiinathecrocodile333]

@@TheHippie27 "Honestly with the MKII out, there are almost no new videos for the original anymore" which means that now the rare videos about og are even more treasured :D

[@invalidatemyass]

Love your stuff Yuke it's a great inspiration. I have a question, or curiosity. You clearly have a lot of gear and instruments. That being said, is there a reason you've stuck with the 404, and not now upgraded to a mk2?

[@yukesmusic]

The question is the answer! I'm so stocked full of gear that I can't justify the purchase right now. I've got lots of videos lined up for NI, Novation and Eventide, plus I'm focusing on my EP right now. So I can't dedicate too much time to learning new gear, nor do i have much use for it yet. But the day will come!

[@invalidatemyass]

​@@yukesmusic ​ thanks for your response! Well i'll be patiently waiting for those new videos in the meantime and will be sure to give your ep a listen when it drops. Keep up the good work!

[@TheJayObrain]

Does this technique work for MK II? What would change in terms of workflow?

[@yukesmusic]

I haven't had much first-hand experience on the MkII yet so i couldn't say for sure, but odds are virtually every step of the process is probably made easier in one way or another!

[@el-bov8034]

This is interesting to me. I keep being drawn to hardware, for various reasons, but as a non-live musician i've been trying to work out how/why i'd even use something like this, and what would be a reason (other than the tactile nature and diminutive screen ) why i'd prefer it over using an Pad. In the end, i always come to the conclusion that if I'm going to the effort of creating the loops to feed it (either hardware or the iPad) with, then I might as well just make the tracks in a traditional DAW. However, this video really does present a whole different concept that I hadn't thought of i.e that of using the iPad (either Koala Sampler or Beatmaker 3) as a bespoke meditation soundboard, just to be enjoyed for its own sake. However, with a bit more pre-planning and many more banks, it seems like it could even be possible to create a composition tool, comprised of construction kits, using various sound-sources, sampled-instruments etc. in various different keys. Love your playing, also :) Many thanks!

[@yukesmusic]

Nail on the head 👌 using a DAW is superior in every way except for plain old tactile experience and a sense of separation from the infinite potential of an omnitool; in a digital age where every tool is at your disposal, sometimes restrictions are what define your workflow.

[@el-bov8034]

@@yukesmusic Yes! But that's still only half of the story. Given that I, just as you, will be leaning on Kontakt sampled instruments, the DAW is still a part of the equation. My stumbling point was as to why I'd then add that extra stage of capturing them to an external unit. I do dig the idea of restrictions, but I can impose those within the DAW. What is lost in the case of the external unit is flexibility. It's obviously something that could be somewhat mitigated with goof bank planning, so all is not lost. Anyway, my point was that having watched your video I could see the benefits of having this extra external stage, even if just to be used as a meditation or inspiration machine i.e to be used with no pressure of a finished performance. Haha...Perhaps I'm not explaining myself very well. Either way, I'm definitely going to give this a go, albeit with an iPad. All the best :)

[@hcab43]

hey loved it! curious to know what is that circular instrument/device (yellow and grey) on the table at 24:47, is it a speaker or something?? thanks

[@hcab43]

nvm, just found out! it's the Korg Wd-mini-yl for tthe curious ones

[@yukesmusic]

@@hcab43 yep! Not mine, belongs to the venue show runner. Cool little thing

[@crash936]

I hope you gonna move to mark 2 and make such pretty videos with it :)

[@yukesmusic]

I hope so too! I've got a meeting lined up with Roland China, we'll see~

[@kurisuchiinathecrocodile333]

and we, 404/404a owners, hope you\ll continue covering the both :D

[@nikojones5155]

I would put this on loop to sleep for a few weeks, grow some barnacles and kep them safe

[@yukesmusic]

Barnacles are good for the kidneys.

[@aquietgarden]

Do you ever use Koala sampler? I keep wondering how much of this could be achieved with a couple of instances of Koala, on iPhone and iPad. Or one instance, alongside the MP404 or MP404MKII. Do you have any thoughts or reflections on this Yukes?

[@yukesmusic]

One time i was watching a show where a dude was using Koala and sharing his screen on a projector behind him. He got a Tinder match and we all absolutely lost our shit 😂 Koala's absolutely dope, and i think It's getting more and more powerful by the day. But the above anecdote is just one instance of what can go wrong with a phone playback; i like the 404 because it'll never crash on stage, it's a rock-solid machine. That being said, having a Koala on the side is never a bad thing. I always keep my bgm loaded on my phone in case something goes wrong. I say go for it! Elf audio forever!

[@kurisuchiinathecrocodile333]

While i really like ios music making, its something i became enthusiast from the very beginning (around 2009-2010, so i witness all those "pioneering" apps from the early days most people dont even know about), but there are fundamental problems with the platform itself, one of each is constant updates that ruin everything. Guess what, I can not use a huge number of applications i bought cause over the years they just stopped working on newer OS versions. And then I just decided to stop updating, I never went further than ios10 because ios11 killed 32 bit, which was an unforgiveable massacre of thousands and thousands of apps, I never forgave Apple for doing such. So yeah I still use my ios devices to make music, but i feel like a dinousaur now cause i can not install new apps which are "hot" or "advanced" and I really love using stuff nobody even remembers anymore like Jasuto semi-modular synth (which is still my absolute favorite of all time) or Jordan Rudess performance-oriented apps. Yeah I guess im that type of person who needs to use this or that thing for more than 10 years, or more than 20 years, and of course hardware is much better in that (though i would argue that its more an Apple problem with Mac or iOS, because I knew guys who still use late 90s Windows software sequencer to clock their hardware modular haha). Also, IMHO, ipad music apps REALLY shine at being "unique" e.g. using TouchScreen to full extent (like TC-11 synth, Borderlands or Samplr) or those weird apps from The Strange Agency and what not. Though yeah ofc its also good for more classic stuff, and PERSONALLY i enjoy fingerdrumming on touchscreen as it feels more "immediate" to me, and also you can easily "roll over" pads because there are no "borders" and also you can do all that scratching and what not.

[@kurisuchiinathecrocodile333]

also, pro tip from me: use airplane mode when doing a concert on tablet :)

[@kurisuchiinathecrocodile333]

For the full live set, do you find it so its basically each song = each new card?

[@yukesmusic]

Mmm no, when using this method I'd usually get a few songs out of it. Up to an hour if i can stretch it out with enough instruments.

[@kurisuchiinathecrocodile333]

@@yukesmusic yeah i mean if you play solo and not in a band with guitar and other stuff

[@autoauto2000]

thats mine, thnx❤❤❤ gut why Not the mkii

[@yukesmusic]

Because I've got enough gear to kill a horse, I'm busy working on an EP and can't justify the purchase rn~

[@autoauto2000]

@@yukesmusic btw. i ve bought many Instruments in China, how i ve find a way to record

[@yukesmusic]

A mic, an interface and a DAW is the best place to start

[@autoauto2000]

@@yukesmusic and Koala

[@Champxxmusic]

😍🥰

[@darkcognitive]

Have you tried the mk2 yet? It’s pretty cool!

[@yukesmusic]

Only briefly when a buddy of mine brought it over and left it for a day. I haven't been able to dive too deeply yet!

[@zerotolerance5019]

I bought my sp404sx used... the original sd card wasn't included... I've tried many times to download the wave converter to a new card after formatting... I'm using windows 11 and it won't open converter... is there any alternatives

[@yukesmusic]

Oh, you don't need to put the wave converter on the SD card itself! That's probably why it's not working. First put your SD card in the SP and format it: While holding down the CANCEL button, press the REMAIN button. The BANK buttons will blink, and the display will indicate “F N t ” Press any one of the BANK buttons. The BANK buttons will change from blinking to lit, and the DEL button will blink. ... click DEL. On Win 11, install/ open the .exe, plug your SD into a reader & make note of the letter drive (probably G: or I: or something around there,) select it in the wave converter, and you're good to go. If you really can't open Wave Converter, try putting it on your desktop and run it as an administrator.

[@kurisuchiinathecrocodile333]

@@yukesmusic what's the max size of SD card that 404sx will work with normally? I know its very hard nowadays to find "small sized" SD cards, and I know that "max size" might give it troubles. I mean, gigabytes amount.

[@yukesmusic]

@@kurisuchiinathecrocodile333 iirc 32gb is the limit for the SX!

[@kurisuchiinathecrocodile333]

@@yukesmusic it feels like 32 gb nowadays is minumum size of what you can find :o and most likely you ll find microsd with adapter instead of full format sd, huh

[@yukesmusic]

@@kurisuchiinathecrocodile333 finding less than 16 is hard, for sure. I bought a 20 pack of 16gb cards and a 100-pack of blank SD card stickers, it's been great! 16 is plenty cheap

[@crash936]

When playing live, how can i switch between sounds/pads and not have extremely different volumes set for them, is there a way to previev this, I wonder how in a live setting, live playing you monitor the sound before playing it

[@yukesmusic]

I believe this is possible on the MkII using busses as cues, but I'm really not certain. Perhaps another user can chime in and answer. So far, I've just had to wing it and make sure things are solid beforehand.

[@crash936]

@Yukes玉刻 Music thank you for reply

[@goomerko]

@@crash936 It's easy in the mkii. Simply push shift+3 an the pads will be redirected only to headphones, working as gated samples. Only non-triggered samples are available. Press Exit to return to normal mode

[@exmaxhina]

@@goomerko this is gold

[@crash936]

@@goomerko Man, thank you so much, been learning this beast for 2 months now and feel like i still need to figure out stuff , feels like learning an instrument. thank you

[@aquietgarden]

What's Frank's Red Hot?

[@yukesmusic]

It's a common American hot sauce made from cayenne peppers. Their catchphrase is, "I put that sh*t on everything" because, much like Eventide Blackhole, it pairs well with just about anything you put it on!

[@aquietgarden]

@@yukesmusic Ha! I thought it was some incredible American reverb that I hadn't heard about!

[@constantinflux]

And here I was thinking, he must be a cop! Welp, I guess now we know for sure! Or do we??

[@yukesmusic]

Ah yes, fellow law-abiding citizen. We know for sure and don't question it.

[@cymbolic_space1832]

🦊🙏

[@crash936]

What is this flute ?

[@yukesmusic]

The chinese Xiao 箫, in F

[@crash936]

@@yukesmusic IS it easy like bamboos from india or difficult like shakuhachi

[@yukesmusic]

@@crash936 it's somewhere in between: not as easy as other flutes, but substantially easier than shakuhatchi. Though that's speaking from my own experience. If you want something just as ethereal without the learning curve, the navajo flute / many native American flutes are great. If you want an easy chinese flute to try, i suggest Bawu! Sounds a bit more like a clarinet but I've found it to be really soothing if played carefully.

[@DarioMiticocchio]

👏👏👏