My first love was the Boss SP-202, which I found to be best described as "raw." By that I mean grimy, of course, but also stripped down in the interface and the whole artform of trimming a loop on the fly like a samurai, and grabbing delays and crazy reversals and stutters.

Well, somewhere on this board I missed the part where somebody mentioned the restraints of the data format on the Roland SP 404, and the way it forces the reverse and mark point functions to immediately jump to the end and beginning of a sample (as opposed to a sort of back-and-forth DJ technique). I did all the updates that were posted, because I initially thought it just had a glitch or was broken, but I later realized it was just the compressed data format that forced Roland to make fake reverse effects and other temporary solutions.

So, now I want to buy an SP-404SX, because the memory upgrade turns me on, and I also actually like the ideas about where they moved the effects, since that last effect on the SP404 MFX became my main staple, and the pitch section of the 404 was always much easier to ignore and use other gear for that (KP3).

So, somebody please tell me that once I buy the SP404SX (because seriously, it's not like I could refuse to buy it), and I plug that hot mess in and load it up, are the reverse and mark button still going to send me to the end of the sample?

I ended up using that fake reverse on the SP404, on the second knob of the DJ Looper (I think that's the one), which works for a quick "scratch" fake out between stutters, but it's kind of a chump move.

I mean, the subtext says "Linear Wave Sampler." Does that mean it goes back to the best parts of the SP202: 100% realtime delay, reverse, and mark points, as well as new options to muddy the sound. If so, then that would cover nearly my whole wish list.

It seems like it even approaches sequencing differently, which is good because although I have never had any problem with sequencing on other hardware or software (RM1X, Logic, etc.), on the SP404 I find myself wrestling with the quantization on the sequencer and only occasionally creating anything vaguely resembling a "four-on-the-floor" beat. Nothing I make with that feature is ever worthy of making it past "intro" or "interlude" material. The best thing has been the 1G memory with the SP404's specific re-sampling setup. Am I guessing correctly that most of these matters are improved?

I love my SP-404 (sigh).

reverse is the same... but there is a swing option added to the sequencer. its interesting

Yeah, I'm having somewhat of a similar situation, but it's not the machine. It's user error. The quantize, especially on the new SP-404sx, really will give you the ability to make things swing, but you'll have to figure out when to use which quantization.

In my opinion for an easier approach to the whole quantization thing within the SP series, you're better off with an SP-606!! (Or uhm.. the MV. )

I don't think the Reverse is different on any of the SPs, except the SP-202. Even the SP-303, as far as I know, doesn't do the DJ style reverse where it starts to reverse the moment you hit the switch.

the 303 does reverse from wherever point in the sample you press it, and goes forward again the same way, its real sweet, but if you press the pad it goes from the end or the beginning depending on the direction that the sample is playing

See, I do mostly love the regular SP404 just because of the big jump in memory, and one or two usable effects, but I get an attitude when I have to slash whole techniques from my set (realtime delay, stutter, & reverse) and the SP series becomes a whole new beast, instead of focusing on embellishing classic features alongside the new features.

It's like Roland took offense at their little Boss line having this success, especially after the Dilla-Madlib-Doom notoriety, and they wanted it for themselves while failing to fully grasp what it is that makes the series so cool in the first place. What makes it cool its simplicity.

Take any ADHD kid and lock them in a room with a SP202, a ten dollar Casio, and a Karaoke machine (the poor-man's 4-track), and I promise you they won't be looking for any instruction manuals.

So, I'm a little surprised that the faceplate actually says "Linear Wave" in the subtext of the SP 404sx, and it even keeps the mark, reverse, and delay buttons in the same basic spots, but yet somehow be forgiven when these buttons don't function traditionally.

Oh well. I'm placing my order for one of these tonight anyway, so we'll see what's up.

You can use the DJ FX Looper though. That can slow a sample down to 0 or reverse it. The moment you turn the knobs, is the moment it takes effect, so you can actually do what you would do, but now with much more control.

It does however take a bit more skill to get it done right and you would have to resample to keep the effect, contrary to how it would work on the 202 or 303.

So, my SX arrived. Initially I freaked out a bit thinking they removed or overmodfied the reverse from the DJ Looper. It was just one of the preset sounds reacting weird, but I'm not going to sit here and pretend it's an actual reverse, much less any kind of replacement for the immediate reversal technique possible on the 202/303.

Oh well, no regrets ultimately in making this purchase. I love having the DJ Looper out of the MFX. The vinyl simulator and noise generator kind of bug me with their short knob range and lack of pitch control, so it's good they are tucked away. I kind of want one drive/distortion/overdrive with more analog-esque tone control rather than these limited range options, but it's no big deal really.

The appearance is fantastic though, and the LED display seems to respond very aggressively. The new color range in the pulsing light is a pretty cool touch, and I can picture using all the features in this unit (that is rare among drum machine gear). It's very close to the 404, for those who developed techniques, but the new effect that will allow for the most new techniques is clearly this sick Slicer. Clearly badass, since the unit is overdue to install a transform button. I'm tempted to modify the faceplate with a mute button, but it's just too beautiful to drill a hole in right away.