EDIT:So basically that's it. Im gettin back to 404. I changed the topic name. What ya'll read down here is my SP-Story

After a lot of thinking, I decided to upgrade to 555!

I really loved my 404 but it pissed me off when I wanted to copy my patterns.

Was this the only one reason I decided to switch the sp?
Definitely not.


Here are my reflections:

- Midi out is really powerful thang.

- D-Beam? I think it'll be only a toy and thing I can show my friends to see how powerful HARDWARE I have Of course Im only beginner now, so my opinion may change.

- Velocity Sensitive pads? Good to have such possibility, but honestly, Im not using them so much.

- Those pads are WAY softer than those in 404. I FELL IN LOVE WITH EM!!

- 16 pads - yeah I like it!

- Effect memory - THATs freakin awesome!!!

- Loop Capture? Definitely gonna check it but later. After a few tries I was annoyed with it

- Roll button - That's really cool. Can be useful.

- plus the infamous copy pattern/sample function...



The only serious drawback I've noticed is that its hard to use only one hand to control everything. What I mean is, in 404 everything was close to everything. I can cover all the buttons and knob with my hand. In 555, knobs and effects are on the left, and the rest is on the right. At first I wasnt sure which hand should I use to control what I want
But I think that If I didnt have 404 before, it wouldnt be a problem to me.

Plus i think that the top part of the knobs shouldnt be "glossy" cuz its harder to judge what the position of the knob is in comparison to 404 where the tops arent glossy. Just a detail but I know I will get used to it.



All in all...
I think I did the right thing. I bought it used, in top condition, with 2 years warranty left for less than ~$340. I think it was good deal.
I had an opportunity to buy 606 for $80 more, but I decided I will stick with 555.

Now, I realized also that I underestimated the vinyl sim compressor in 404. I will definitely miss it.
I would like to keep my both SPs, but I dont have enough cash so I will have to sell my 404.



I HAD REALLY_REALLY MY BEST TIMES WITH BEATMAKING WITH 404!

Peace to all SP-Brothers!


ps. I've already started making my SP-Forums MixTape beat with 555
You will hear my first 555 track on this mixtape!!
I can say now, that Its gonna be the most "detailed" beat I've ever created! Im putting the finishing touches on it now

Right on, I'm looking forward to hear your 555 beats since your 404 beats are so good already.

Man you're lucky to have that 555!

I'm getting one someday I guess but I don't want to sell my 404 mostly because the portability with batteries.

use a black sharpie homie one little dot is all you need

Yo... also think the 404 is missing the super filter. Correct me if I'm wrong. That's one of the most useful effects/filters on the machine... great for mining basslines!

I've also found that at times, the "good" vinyl sim is actually a little too discrete (pretty sure the 505 has the same one as the 303 & 404 that everyone seems to like). Sometimes it's nice to have the heavier vinyl sim offered up by the 555.

Congrats on your new gear Elhau... the 555 is dope!

+1

340????

jesus, when i wanted one they were like 415 on average everywhere i looked

well don´t sell it yet cause the prices for the 404 are very low unless you don´t care that it will go less than u hope for...been watching the prices on ebay.

It seems that I still cant find my optimal setup.

I've just sold my 555. I had some really nice times with it, few good beats were made but I must tell you that there werent any "chemistry" between this machine and me.

My good old friend called fo-oh-fo is still on my desk. No doubt I had my best times with THIS sampler.

So, now I have new ideas. I mean new-old ones.
Im gonna try 606 this time.
Much thanx to Teewok for clearing me some things connected with this sp out.
The only thing Im concerned about is the polyphony, however theoretically, If I "spend" 4 voices on 2 stereo samples playing simultaneously, then lets say another 2-3 on my drums and the last one for the bassline, there wouldnt be many problems with it. I hope

The MPC1k idea ( combined with 404 for the effects ) has temporarily disappeared cuz of the MP's prices in Poland now ( Im like "WTF?" when I see how much those ppl are spending for used 1K's on the auctions... )


I think it's the last UPDATE I provided you with cuz I know it might look at least funny to you, when reading all this crap written by a guy who doesnt even know what he really wants from all those samplers

peace sp-fam, I will never-ever leave ya

I looked at the 555 before i bought the 404. I wanted the 404 for a loooong time, but always bought an mpc and then sold it because the chem. wasnt there. Plus it costs 1K to buy, and other 150 to upgrade the ram, 40 for each JJOS upgrade, and however much for a hard drive. All in all it wasnt worth it for me. I dont care how many "super producers" have em. Having batteries and all the shit that the 404 comes with for only $400, thats all i need right there. I do wish it had midi out though. Maybe one day somebody can hack the hardware and firmware and build a port.

Dreams.......

Peace fam

Music is Love

Beanz

wow... crazy update elhau. every one of us is different in what we're looking for I guess... luckily each of the SP's has a different personality as well. Don't sleep on the 505 man... you can probably get one of those for a lot less than a 606.

I've been dreaming about adding a 404 to the collection lately... which is crazy, cause I don't even have any real monitors at the moment, and could probably use some. Then again, I got plenty of consumer grade speakers to rig up and some decent headphones, so I think the 404 is gonna win out.

I can feel you both on this shit. I think I'm bout to trade my netbook for a 404. Hope you all end up with something your comfy with.

N/p anytime man... It's hard to get comfortable with equipment because you always wanna expand and do more with ur work... It gets frustrating sometimes but what can u do..

Yo Beanz you're definitely right about the mp
It seems to be really powerful - actually it is - but it cost 2much for me.

Count, 505 is "unobtainable" in Poland at the moment The last piece I've seen was about 1,5 year ago, and If I remember it well, the price was ridicolously low... I was really tempted by its capabilities ( chopping, pitch etc. ) but as there is literally nobody who sells it... I decided to buy 606

hahaha, yeah, the 606 is eventually on my desk
once again ~340usd Im really happy with the price cuz when I've seen it on the auction - it looked terrible on the picture! But I took a risk, and bought it - that was damn good decision, cuz it looks much better in real life!

Okay, that's enough - now Im gonna put my dirty fingers on this shit!

peace out homies

(the pads are awesome! and for the first time I have a chance to work with the famous jog wheel!! )