I'm having trouble programing basslines for patterns on the 404...if I have a bass stab how can I get it to play at different tunes? The mpc has a 16note function but i cant figure out how to get it done w/ a 404...there should be a way cuz I know madlib does this w/ his basslines on various beats... please help.

I assume you mean playing the bass sample in different pitches/octaves across the pads? The SP-505 and -606 (and perhaps the -808/EX) can do that onboard or with included software. With the likes of the 404 you will have to resample your original bass sample with the ptich function for each note you want. If you have a synthesizer or bass guitar you can plug it into the 404--you might be able to plug the bass directly into the mic jack and turn up its preamp--and then sample each note that way.

EDIT: The 404 does not transmit pitch data with MIDI.

the 606 doesnt.

The 404 doesnt have a decent pitch control unfortunately. You can use the pitch effect or the Chromatic PS and sometimes u get decent results sometimes u dont. If you have a turntable you can use the pitch control on that. If u use the pitch effect on the 404 remember to use very, very fine adjustments to make it work right

the pitch control works allright for bass. its best to filter after adjusting pitch to get rid of that fucked up sound.

or you could just filter loops with nice basslines in them and filter the bass out with the holy isolator effect