So I've got this "Fidelity" 1GB CF card that came with my SP404 used, and sometimes it will let me write a sample to the card slots, sometimes not. When it refuses, it doesn't have that moment of hesitation after finalizing the record, basically like it's not even trying. WTF? Now when I try (haven't turned the power off) it asks me to reformat the card. What a finicky turd; do other devices have this much trouble with CompactFlash?

I have to admit, although I haven't gotten into any pattern sequencing on this thing (expectations are low), so far it's pretty shitty:

-only 1 FX live*
-always prompts you to stereo record which means you can only have 2 pads down at once if you screw up and record in stereo
-sample BPM seems worthless if you have no interest in messing with the sequencer
-"Reverse" no longer reverses the playhead from the point when you hit the sample*
-No auto-BPM recognition (not a biggie but I thought this was industry standard)
-pads themselves can't be assigned MIDI notes. Now correct me if I'm wrong, but it seems to only let you select note values for each SAMPLE SLOT, not the pad itself. Incredibly brainless move unless you own a 120-key synth and want every key to trigger a sample (hah). I can't imagine a single instance when this would be of any use unless you synched it with a Korg Kaptivator or Edirol P10. DAW doesn't count because, well, why would you need a hardware sampler?
-a whole load of CF-card issues. People talk on here of not being able to start it up with a card that it doesn't like, but mine's being a total cawktease and only screwing up after I've already gotten a sample or two on it before getting progressively worse. Help?
-No velocity
-No f@#%ing sample timestretching? GODDAMN, what's the point of this thing?!

(* = downgrade from the SP-202)

..and a few little gripes too minor to mention in detail. I'll take some credit for not catching these in my research before buying it, but for something commanding ~$300 in the used market, it's underwhelming at best. I buy all my gear used, and this is easily the worst of the lot...a lot that is basically otherwise Korg.

So here's the requisite fanboy rant: to me, it seems like Roland has basically been sitting on their asses for the past 10 years. Can't knock the build quality of their stuff, but they haven't done anything overly innovative with their samplers and synths that I can think of off the top of my head (possibly excepting their Edirol stuff) and it's expensive as hell. On the other hand, Korg to this day offers crazy Kaoss Pads, feature-rich drum machines, portable (and interesting!) synths...basically stepping up and making fun, inexpensive intuitive gear. The only thing they don't really offer is something that handles extended samples, so I bought a Roland (used, they actually jacked up the price of the 404SX).

Someone, one of yous who has more experience with this box, please tell me I'm simply doing something wrong here. Are the majority of the things I mentioned actually outside of the scope of this machine? I mean, it's got it's pluses (battery-powerable, can split mic/line feed, supposedly has lots of storage space if your card works), but its limitations are brutal. Any advice, at least on the specific nature of this card issue?

Well, I guess first you need a card that works:
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=9616&hilit=compatibility

-1 fx live, but you can resample forever

-prompts to stereo, but you can resample to mono, or resample layers forever, or set it to mono

-sample bpm is worthless with the sequencer, wait, 404 has a sequencer?

-reverse, never had a 202, so I don't know what I'm missing

-Won't remember bpm, internal mic memo

-pads themselves can't be assigned MIDI notes, but you can move the samples around on the 404 with [del+rec]... although it sucks you can't resample your performance with a controller

-no velocity, resample

--- see accordian updates

No f@#%ing sample timestretching? If you mean turntable-style pitch, yeah....

-what's the point of this thing?! To be the bomb... BOOM!!!

Get a working card and Give it a second chance!

I agree you should give it more time. I have an SX model, so I don't know your pain on the CF issue. However, 404 isn't a workstation. It doesn't even say that on the unit. But like any tool, you only get what you give.

Give it your all and you'll be pleasantly surprised at how 'big' it can sound. If you need to do sequencing, bounce to external source then resample back into the unit. I personally use an old walkman with a line in for this but you can use a computer as well. The other option is to sequence out little bits on your computer then sample that into the 404.

There's always a way.

Buy a new card. There is a thread on this site with a list of the ones people know work.
Then spend time with your machine. Its a sampler...not a computer. There are limitations, its not a MPC either. But its not bad at all.

Honestly if you haven't read the manual front to back and know how to do everything on your 404 you cant start complaining. Learn your machine. simple as that. then learn all the workarounds by reading this board

lots of people disregard the sequencer and use resample to layer their sounds to make songs. The sequencer isnt terrible tho. It has quantize which can also be turned off.

If you hook up a midi device with velocity senstive pads or keys the sp will use velocity.

Read your manual.
Learn to love resampling.
Read the boards.
Try to do your research before you cop equipment.
Try using the sp in conjunction with another sampler like the 202 or something. Even a cassette player.
Learn to LOVE RESAMPLING. youll be using it all day. You might prefer it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mO3KRjPAnzs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WD6UCEw5wRQ
watch this guy use vocal chops to make drums with resampling effects over and over.

You say you have other gear..you know very well not all gear can do everything you need. This is just another example. But i do urge you to definitely give it some more time. The 404 is far from the piece of junk you believe it to be.

Give it another chance haha. Really. This is my first sampler and im glad i chose it over an MPC. although i do use it with my sp202 for pitching xD

you don't purchase a 404 for features, it's on a different wave length to mpc's and software. the lack of certain things is annoying at first but soon becomes a distant memory. sit down with some records and just the sp, give it time and you will soon love your new 404.

congratualtions on your purchase.