sorry if this same issue has been posted about before, but i'm in the market for an SP (my first sampler), and was researching the different models and trying to decide on which one would suit me best. at this point, it's either between the 404sx and the 303. i'd love to pick up a 555 for that ill loop capture, but it's not realistically in my budget right now.

the 404sx seems like the most functional choice, with it's fast loading time and memory card, while i've read that the 303 offers a rawer, dirtier sound (i also prefer the 303 visually, but that's not as important as it's features obviously). the 303 would definitely be more convenient because of it's price, but if the 404sx is that much of an improvement in workflow and accessibility, i'd be willing to give up a little more for a less annoying experience.

kind of torn right now. if you guys have any input/tips on what you think i should get, that'd be tight!

if it's your first sampler i would consider a 404OG too. It's right in the middle between the SX and 303. The og got the nicer/dirtier Sound than the sx but the same amount of pads/Banks and also huge sampling time. plus the Vinyl sim is much better than on the sx (but i like the 303 Vinyl sim even more).

if i had to choose between the 303 and 404sx i would pick the 303 any day! (just because of the Sound, the Vinyl sim, the reverse button, resampling ext. source).

My advice is always get the cheapest one... You can have a lot of fun with any SP

thanks for the advice! i was only really considering the 404sx because of it's supposed improvement to workflow, but if it's really not that big of a deal, i'd love to try to find a decently priced 303 somewhere. the 404og sounds interesting too, but i'm not too concerned with sample space as it is. the 303 being cheaper really helps too. thanks again.

I kick myself everyday for not picking up an SP-555 when nobody wanted them and they were selling for $499. Then Madlib made a vid using one and prices skyrocketed.

Spend the time learning the differences between each SP & what you want to do with the sampler. That'll tell you which one's the one for you. As convenient as the 404sx is, the 606 will always be my favourite sampler.

Choose any one and learn everything you can about it. Print a physical copy of the manual. I just bought a 404og this week, transitioning from a 505 and having messed with the 404SX a buddy of mine had in college. I feel like 80% of the basic operating skills are transferable across all SP models. So just buy whatever you can afford at the moment and learn how to use it the shit out of it. When the time comes to "upgrade" to another SP model the learning curve wont be nearly as steep as it was the first time. By this time you'll be able to better understand the nuances people always ranting and raving about that makes each model so special and unique. It's one thing to read about the different models, and its another to have them sitting in front of you for the first time.

sounds good, thanks for the tips. after some more thought, i think i'm gonna go the same route and try out a 404og if i can get my hands on one for a reasonable price. definitely excited to get some hands on experience.

I think you're better off with a 404og than a 303 to start off. 404 can run on batteries while 303 has to be plugged into ac power. Also the processing times on the 303 take too long. I'd consider the 505 though as well. Has that same sound as the 303 with the good vinyl sim, in a more complete package (visual waveform editing, autochop, bpm sync, pitch banks) Plus 505s are really easy to get for under 200 dollars, while 303's don't seem to go below $250 from what I've seen lately

Most of the 555s are under $500 to buy now on ebay, but they ship from Japan so that will cost another 40-60 bucks

edit1: it's funny, madlib has used the 303, 606 & 555 but I've never heard of him using a 404
edit2: the main features on the 404 i wouldn't want to give up are the bpm looper and the sub pad function

thought so too until i caught the stones throw documentary. there's a clip of him messing with a 404 for a sec. pretty sure the 555 was j-rocc's