Hi there.

Using the 808´s on stage since 1999. Superb machines, no question, but as time goes by I´d really like to convert to something modern.

But what to go for?

All I do on stage is to fire up homegrown loops. Don´t need anything else.

All I need:

- 16 pads
- at least 8 banks per Song (16 samples each)
- enough sample-storage
- cut-off and resonance on the master output
- pads that blink and/or glow while being in use
- no need for sequencing elements

Suggestions?

Cheers again,
putte

Gee, I don't know...

All those things you listed are exactly why I love the 808 over all the other sp's... the lit pads is a specific feature I wish the other sp's had actually. That and the way the hold-button works on the 808 - one of its best features for live playing, sadly missing on other machines.

None of the other sp's fit your needs as you describe them, though I've found they work great together with the 808 (I don't feel any particular need to 'modernise' myself )

My son has a Novation Launchpad midi controller. It can light up ... I havn't spent much time with it, but I *think* you need to midi-assign the lights to the pads (not like they light up automatically when a sample is assigned to that pad... it's just a midi controller, afterall). But anyways, between a Launchpad and a Launchpad Control you've got the bits you describe anyway, driving presumably Ableton Live.

I'm absolutely fascinated by Daedalus' live performances on monome... have you seen any clips of that?

The SP-555 man!

- 16 velocity pads
- 8 card banks + 2 internal banks
- 2GB CompactFlash
- cut-off and resonance on the master output (37 effects!)
- pads glow while being in use
- 1 track midi sequencer
+
- usb audio interface
- loop capture
- v-link
- roll button
+
way more compact that the 808

Want it!

fucc a modernize

invest in a sp 202

yea yea, make beats with bamboo sticks tho

Wow, I didn´t expect so many good replies so fast. Well appreciated, guys!

The reason for my "modernize" comment is simple:

All in all we have 6 units of the 808´s. Each of them has its quirks and to be honest: they´re not really predictable anymore. That´s my problem with my beloved machines. And of course: I really want to get rid of the the zip drive.

One more option would be to install that MPC card thingie into the good old 808´s. Has anyone experiences with that?

Oh, and I´ll give that SP-555 another look. This one could probably be a good substitute.

Thanks!

One dumb question about the SP-555:

Is it possible to store all the songs and their samples on just one sd-card and then being able to load them quickly? I would want to avoid changing sd-cards during a gig. 2 GB would be enough for our songs.

Cheers, and thanks in advance.

Here´s the way I´m using them on stage, if you want to have a look:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9I-oZ_hZxQ

I think yes

Thanks!

What irritates me is that the SP-555 has no real display. No chance naming banks, right? This would make it difficult.

The more I think about it, the more I want to keep my 808´s and get the SD-thingie into them.

I thought the same, but when i got the 404 i was very surprised how coherent it is, not a problem at all when you understand how it work.

With practice i think you will remember where is what, but you can name your banks on a paper or in your phone...
ex: Card 1 - bank "C_shots", bank "D_loops"...


Probably the best solution for you... if you find, let us know

dude i can do live sets with my 404sx just remember where you put the songs or write yourself a lil key on a piece of paper

10 banks 120 pads (storage) and up to like 32gb that's really good you could do like a week long set continuously if you needed to

I see myself ending up with papers on stage in the end of 2016. But then again: why not?