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SP555 // SP404!
http://sp-forums.com/viewtopic.php?f=13&t=12575		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  brianmeanswell [ Tue Apr 10, 2012 7:50 pm ]
Post subject:  SP555 // SP404!
Hello All,

I have been doing my research on the 555 as well as the 404. I am leaning towards the 555 but I just want get a final list of the pros and cons of the two units.

I just want to know if the extra $200 is worth it.
Please hit me with some good/bad points on each unit!!
Author:  sharpmotif [ Tue Apr 10, 2012 10:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: SP555 // SP404!
Hi, here's what I have to say about it:

* Read the manuals;
* Read the reviews (soundonsound, emusician, musicradar - last two have reviews for the SP-404);
* Look for user complaints (there's a really long one on rolandclan about the Loop Capture, there are many more in here about this and other things);
* Try before you buy if possible - things don't always work in reality as we may think they do in theory.

I've answered a few topics about this recently and covered most things I would consider if I were to buy one again (SP-555).

Anyway, here are a few points:

[SP-555]
-16 pads;
-Velocity Sensitive pads (not all that sensitive);
-Loop Capture (in all it's disputed glory);
-Mic/Guitar In (good preamp, provides phantom power for condenser mics);
-MIDI Out (limited but relatively useful);
-Audio/Midi USB interface (doesn't work in full duplex when using the sampler, doesn't support transferring files - CF card reader needed for that);
-Roll;
-D-Beam Synth/Filter/Trigger (Filter being the most useful as is);
-More FX (37);

[SP-404]
-12 pads;
-[SX] Uncompressed 16bit sampling;
-[SX] Sample/Pattern copy with better button shortcuts compared to the SP-555;
-[SX] Greater number of backups (twice or so);
-Portable/Battery powered.

[Cons]
-1 track sequencer;
-No metronome for Sampling/Resampling;
-No Resampling to BPM (requires Marking to BPM in order to get a beat determined end point);
-Polyphony greatly reduced when Resampling;
-Requires tricks to get some basic things like Panning/Pitch/Mute groups/ADSR;
-Pads have fixed Midi Notes.

[Tips]
-If you're starting your setup with one, consider other options and combos (303/2nd 404/606/ST-224/KP3/MTR/Recorder/Looper/etc);
-If you want to get things done fast and ultra precise, it's alot less of a hassle to edit samples on a computer and load them to the sampler (either that or developing ninja skills);
-Old samplers may provide better sample editing and sequencing but won't be as hands on as the SPs.

With that said: have fun, work within the limitations and get creative.

***Edit***
[Samples]
-[555]
16 pads * 2 banks = 32 samples (A-B, Internal)
16 pads * 8 banks = 128 samples (C-J, Card)
32 samples * 16 backups = 512 samples (Backups)
16 pads * 10 banks = 160 samples (Import)
Total = 832 samples + 1 (Loop Capture)
-[404SX]
(12 pads * 10 banks = 120 samples)
120 samples * 12 backups = 1440 samples
12 pads * 10 banks = 120 samples (Import)
Total = 1560 samples

I remember getting up to 960 samples or something on the 555, so I think my math is off here... But it's close. You do get more samples on the SP-404SX if you max out every possible way to have samples on a card.
Author:  brianmeanswell [ Tue Apr 10, 2012 11:27 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: SP555 // SP404!
I appreciate the knowledge and your two sense!

The things I've been hearing is that the sound quality on the 404 is superior compared to the 555?

Also, I have Reason 6, I haven't truly found an answer to what you can do with the 555 within Reason?

I am more interested in the sampling rather than the loop cature feature. But do you know what are the differences and similarites as far as the process of sampling on 555 & 404 and again which of these obtain the better sound?

I know it depends, there are work arounds, techniques but
I would love to hear what you think about this..
Author:  sharpmotif [ Wed Apr 11, 2012 1:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: SP555 // SP404!
brianmeanswell wrote:
The things I've been hearing is that the sound quality on the 404 is superior compared to the 555?

The sound quality on the 404SX is better since there's no compression, just plain 16 bit 44.1kHz WAVE/AIFF.

I didn't notice much difference between the regular 404 and the 555 but haven't had the chance to test them side by side. I guess most people found the 555 to be a bit more clean sounding, which doesn't necessarily sound better when it comes to sampling.

Quote:
Also, I have Reason 6, I haven't truly found an answer to what you can do with the 555 within Reason?

I'm not familiar with Reason but the 555 can act as controller: pads send Midi Notes, Ctrl 1/2/3 Knobs send CCs and the D-Beam sends CC when V-Link is activated (there's not much to do the other way around).

If you can/want to mess with Sysex, then it's probably possible to do much more (V-Link sends some Program Changes, for example - haven't found a way to actually have full control over that).

When it comes to audio: A) It's possible to record the inputs in full duplex; B) either get audio in or out through USB for sampling to the 555 or to the DAW.

Most practical use is sampling/resampling USB input to use FX, then sending it back to the DAW. Faster than taking the CF card out and back, not without it's problems: creates a feedback loop if both In and Out are on. Meaning: not possible to monitor while playing samples.

It's easier if all you want is track out some sequences, since it's possible to use start/stop messages and sync the recording. Again, not possible to monitor that.

Quote:
I am more interested in the sampling rather than the loop cature feature. But do you know what are the differences and similarites as far as the process of sampling on 555 & 404 and again which of these obtain the better sound?

Same process, same thing basically. The mic preamp seems better on the 555 (Neutrik XLR connector) and USB sampling is free of any A/D conversion. Other than that, sampling through RCA inputs will probably render very similar results.
Author:  brianmeanswell [ Wed Apr 11, 2012 5:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: SP555 // SP404!
Perfect!

I appreciate your replies! Looks like I will be going to Guitar Center very soon!
Author:  brianmeanswell [ Wed Apr 11, 2012 9:24 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: SP555 // SP404!
Hello sharpmotif,

One more thing, I have been reading up on posts of what sandisks are compatible with the 555.

Will this work fine?
http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Compact-S ... y_MI_img_b

Or did you have any other suggestions?


Thanks!
Author:  sharpmotif [ Thu Apr 12, 2012 4:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: SP555 // SP404!
I have the Ultra II ones but, apart from the name, I can't see any difference in terms of specs - I guess they'll work fine.
Author:  blavatsky [ Thu Apr 12, 2012 4:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: SP555 // SP404!
have the 404sx and 555....more familar with 555 but the 404sx is great.

If i had to have one, it would be the 555, you can just do more period - more pads, loop capture, USB sampling all those things listed above. But the 404sx can sometimes be had for *1/2* that, sheesh.


Just a thought, the 555 is going for 899 (!!!!) new now, I paid less than 650 for a used MV8800 which granted is not as immediately fun/gratifying/fast FX switchy like the SP but its pretty much a full workstation DAW and you can do about anything on it.

This is not that bad of a deal:
http://www.guitarcenter.com/In-Store-Us ... 1222237855
Author:  sharpmotif [ Fri Apr 13, 2012 8:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: SP555 // SP404!
You're right on the money blavatsky.
Author:  brianmeanswell [ Fri Apr 13, 2012 10:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: SP555 // SP404!
Pefect I appreciate the replies!

I just bought a 2GB Sandisk CF (Compact Flash) Card Ultra II SDCFH-2048 (BRB). --from amazon for $25.00

here is the link http://www.amazon.com/Sandisk-Compact-F ... 740&sr=8-1

I kept hearing that it is best to get the SD card with the silver on top with the white font?

Can ya'll confirm?
Author:  sharpmotif [ Sun Apr 15, 2012 2:17 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: SP555 // SP404!
The ones I have are like this: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00178 ... YZWYX6D4D9 (only this is 4GB, couldn't find the 2GB)

Don't know anything about that (might be just a design change, might be a different model within the line), you could check dpreview and the like for in depth CF specs/reviews.
Author:  Gary_Rock [ Mon Apr 23, 2012 12:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: SP555 // SP404!
The 555 has effects memory too and that on its own is an amazing feature. It allows you to 'play' the effects at whatever settings you saved them at. You can also save different settings for the same effect that are instantly invokable. That is a major plus over the 404.
Author:  dman5000 [ Mon Jun 18, 2012 4:24 am ]
Post subject:  Re: SP555 // SP404!
im in a similar boat.. my 404 volume knob is fucked up and im thinkin of upgrading to 555.. how is it as a midi controller for drums in a DAW?
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