whats up 404 users.

I'm not sure if this was asked before (probably has, but the search function on this site apparently isn't my friend for subject accuracy), but I was wondering if the 404's pads actually have to be "broken in" to function better (or perhaps feel better)?

I'm asking this because on my new 404, one of the pads feels a bit different (or a little less responsive but sound still comes out of the pad and the feel of the pad is a little heavy when pressed) than the others. Not sure if this is a sample issue or pad issue but I wondered if its because I haven't broken in the pads in order for it to function a bit better.

If its a probable defect issue, I might consider exchanging it for another 404. However, I'm a bit leaning towards the possibility that I just need to use it more for the pad to work better .

Is this something not to worry about?

you know, i don't think they have to be broken in...but i do remember trying a friend's 404 and the pads feeling different from mine.

now that i've had my 404 for a year or more, my own pads do not feel overly or...uh...underly...responsive either way.

so this is a non-answer answer. sorry i didn't have more info for you, dude!

The pads don't need to really be broken in, they should perform well out of the box. If it's just that one pad then maybe it'll end up being a none issue, did you buy the sampler new or used?

thanks for the replies


I got my 404 new from Guitar Center a few weeks back (Sept. 2). I didn't really notice this issue since about a week and a half ago after just pressing some samples on the pads. Its just one of them, and like I said sound does come out of the pad; its just that when pressed it does have a sort of heavy feel, like its not flushed in with the other pads.

When I tried some of the other pads it felt a bit looser (kind of like the feel of the subpad) than the said heavy pad.

I also had this guess since when I was just trying out the sp-404 @ the Guitar Center, the pads feel more broken in since so many people have pressed on the pads so much jamming on the floor demo. The pads on that floor model 404 @ the Guitar Center floor felt broken in and softer to press IMO compared to my new 404.

With time they will start to break in, but initially all the pads should have the same "stiffness". If it feels weird you should call the store and let the manager know about your concern and ask if it's possible to return it for another. If the store will not help you can call Roland and see if they would replace the pads or something since the unit is brand new, but that would probably require you sending the unit to them for a week or two including shipping time.

It's not all that difficult or dangerous to open the 404 and check out the pads yourself. There may be something that will be obvious if you look at it. Just remember, there are two boards, and you have to keep them together. It's not that hard, they're connected, but I wouldn't want you to just yank the top board without knowing there's a second board to the whole thing.

It shouldn't void your warranty or anything. The 404's internal mechanical workings aren't much more complicated than a calculator on the surface. I've taken my 404 and 303 apart many times. (R.I.P. 303, but that's completely unrelated to my tinkering )

The pads are just big push switch caps. They probably are a bit too wide for the switch underneath. I find if you mess with them by pushing around the edges, you can feel a little grinding as the switch is forced sideways. Working at it like that can loosen it up a bit. I wouldn't recommend any kind of lube oil - that will attract dust and eventually make it stick and could damage the plastics used or find its way into the contacts.

Jim

I already exchanged my 404 for a new one this week.

To my surprise, the pads did feel different from the previous 404 (newer version maybe?), but I am pleased with how the pads feel now...that one "sluggish" pad was bugging me for weeks since I got it...also I noticed that the screen used on the new 404 I got is slightly different too...the numbers look a tad different on the edges of the numbers...like a smooth edge.

I don't know much about the mechanics of how the pads are in the 404 but thanks for letting me know the specs...I haven't dared to crack open my 404 yet since its brand new.

One thing I did notice is what Jim mentioned...about pushing on the edges where it does feel grinded inside.


But anyways...I'm just glad I don't have to worry about that one pad anymore haha....now I'm gonna go back to making more beats.

Yeah, maybe you got one from a different factory this time around, it wouldn't surprise me.

I honestly don't like the feel of the pads of the SP at all, but fortunately enough I have the Akai MPD 24- which I use to compensate for the feel of the SP's pads. Your best bet is to consider purchasing an outside MIDI controller (Akai, Korg, M-Audio, etc.), because with what I have now, I can actually control the sensitivity of the pads, which is something you can't do with the SP's pads at all.

Hope that helped

If you have any spare cash a seperate pad controller is a good thing to get. I've got the Korg PadKontrol.
Not just for the 404, it makes a world of difference if you want to play the sounds in drum machines that have crappy pads or the drum kits in midi keyboard synths.
I've got an old TR505 that I've circuit bent & the "pads" on that are real horrors. With the padKontrol it becomes something of a beast


Jim

True dat^. I've gotten used to the sp pads, but big ass velocity sensitive pads are where it's at. Plus with the drum/flam on the korg you can kill your drum solo's deader than America's economy.

definitely man, my padKontrol adds to every bit of gear i've got. but it's more than just the icing on the cake

you should upload some of your tracks Jim, don't think i've heard anything of yours...


____

When I had a 404 I used a Trigger Finger with it. It's nice being able to play the external pads while switching patterns with the build-in set, never have to leave pattern mode.

Wow....I think you just changed my life. I need to get one of those Trigger Finger units stat.