do I approach this machine? I've had the 404 for awhile now...but I've always been incapable of learning how to use it by myself. I don't understand how to actually make an entire beat...Is it possible to have a pattern with samples playing over it? And from there, how would I export it all as one? The only thing I use the 404 is for sampling sounds off my records for my beats http://www.myspace.com/pyrotechnicslab there. Any help will be much appreciated. I'm dying to use this machine to it's extent.

Thanks.

Yeah, just sequence a simple beat at first to get the feel, set the length of the pattern to 2 bars and sequence hi-hat's on 8th note quantize, then put a kick on the 1 and 3 and snare on the 2 and 4. Then find a sample you like and set the start and end point with the mark button so when the sample is on loop playback it loops perfectly without jumping at all. Then look at the bpm display for your sample and then change the pattern tempo to the same number and go back to your 2bar drumloop you made in the step sequencer and hit record and select the pad that the sequence is on. Next you want to put the quantize on 1/4notes and press the button that your audio sample is on when the beat comes around to the beginning and there you have a basic beat. If you want variations just make more patterns with a slightly different drum pattern or some other samples to go with it or an effect on the sample like delay or something. Good Luck, between this, the manual, and youtube you'll get it in no time.

dope beats you got goin here, 1st ?uestion: yes you can have a pattern with samples playing over it...2nd ?uestion: uhh honestly i don't know, i just usually track out my beat straight to tape or the computer when i'm done... but it's pretty straight forward machine...

What do you sequence with now?.

Thanks Dr Sample and Blast. Really appreciate it. I use Reason 4 and ReCycle as of now.

You got some fresh ass beats on your page. I've never used reason even though I have it 'cause at the time I got it I was intimidated by everything there and I was still trying to master FL Studio.

i want to do this; bet you could! aye pyro,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCiKmu38hhA

I do that and a lot of other things in Garage Band. I have all the sound packs for Garage Band and they have some nice clean sounds. But I can do a lot more in Acid Pro 'cause I've been using it much longer.

This Made me think,I'm wondering If he put those samples onto a CF before putting it into the 404?

yeh, that's what he did.