I've never had a sampler. I used to produce on fl studio 9 when i started out in 2010, now I use logic pro because i switched to mac last year. now i feel as though the next step should be getting into the hardware side of production. I've seen the 404SX and have asked quite a lot of people who use it, about it and I was wondering that would it be a good purchase as my first sampler as it is kinda cheap (around £400 brand new)

I don't have any problems with it not having a screen or anything, i chop without looking at the computer anyways so that's not something I'm worried about.

What do you guys think?

i think if you like the software you are using you should stick with it AND get a hardware sampler that will give you the sound you're looking for

I work with software to chop and sequence samples and to mix down

but I use my 404og and 202 for pulling samples off records and processing them with filter, eq, bit crushing, compression etc.

So I'm building sample packs (basically) with the SP units and then dropping them on my hard drive to chop and make beats on Romplers

make sense ?

This might not be a popular answer, but i'd encourage you to not gear up just for the sake of getting hardware. However, if you are interested in exploring its workflow and sound it can be rewarding- the most important thing is to make a conscious decision weighing the pros and cons. I'd suggest a great way to start isnt with an sp but rather a Zoom Sampletrak...this offers a ton of loop making potential, unique character, and is super easy on the wallet. another really solid alternative might be korg's new volca sample which looks like it is pretty awesome.

I started on Ableton. I still use Ableton for chopping and effects like EQ, Chorus, etc. Load everything on the SP and play with it. I can't seem to get creative using just Ableton and I can't get anything sounding right using just hardware. So I use both in tandum which works perfect for me.

i get what you guys are saying. fairy strong points. good advice too. i missed out the part where i was going to say that i'll be using logic in conjunction with any sampler, so I'm glad you guys actually pointed that out too. i'm really not sure about the zoom sampletrak, partly because i've never seen/heard it. will make sure to check it out. will that work with my laptop? i'll check out the manual or something to get better knowledge about it though.

The sampletrak is worth looking at as a unit for making loops and things that to import into your daw. the midi implementation isnt super strong, but they can often be found under 100 if you play your cards right and have flexibility that something like a sp 303 doesnt...including actual pitch up and down of samples. the 404 and roland sp's are awesome because of the amount of sample time but limitations are that the sequencer isnt the strongest (if that's how you like to work...many people dont use this), and there are not any true pitch up/down by semitone options as in traditional samplers. the volca seems to be a good marriage of these, but one limitation there seems to be lack of audio in (you load samples from the computer) and that the sequencer in the box might be limited

check out electribe it has real analog tubes that help give it a real authentic analog sound. I also recomend SP 505 for a smooth tone, that isn't to heavy on the lows. & sp 202 if you like making live beats rather than programming, a sp 202 and sample trak is the ultimate lofi combo. peace.

Lo is referring to the Korg ESX of course, which isn't exactly cheap, but they aren't too expensive either. However, Korg is about to drop a brand spanking new Electribe sampler any day now for $400 I believe. Can't really tell you much about it except it won't have the vacuum tubes, but will integrate with Korg Volcas/Monotribe units, should have USB and a awesome sequencer. Might want to wait until it's released if you want a sampler that will interact with your DAW(But I know Ableton Live is supported with the new Korg Electribe, but not sure if other DAWs are)....