SP-404 MK2?

[zindan]

Honestly, it might be a bit of a hot take, but I'm not so sure the whole audio converter and signature sound argument always holds very true. People underestimate what can (and should) be done through mastering a final mix. And some of the stuff from like the 90s really boils down to knowing how to use compressors or other FX and filters to get the same end result. Maybe some OG samplers make it easier, but maybe it's more about knowing what you're doing.

To be honest, I think I would much rather have the signature sequencer and 'swing' of some of the older samplers (their quantize or time correct feature), versus the literal lower fidelity sound quality (that sounds familiar or easy on the ears, vs super thin and clean like perhaps modern digital sounds).

I'm not at all denying there's a difference when it comes to DSP and analogue audio processing. But at times, it's kind of hard to really tell. Especially within a full mix of something that went through some proper mastering.

you couldn't be further from the truth, but i will forgive your ignorance thanks to your respectful articulation

the need for professional studios would be defunct if DAW was superior/comparable to hardware

think

and actually most older classic samplers are quantize locked, like an sp1200? you can't go outside of the quantization like you can with a "newer" MPC or Boss/Roland SP

[selga]

HOLLY SHIT!

[Ill Green]

Hey guys, GC said a shipment is coming on Oct. 19th. And those that reserved for the 404A before the premiere will get an MK2 instead. Most likely, those buyer's will be first served with an MK2.

If you ordered from GC during the premiere, your order could be shipped to you by the first week of November.

[SP-USER]

Ill Green lookin' very Japanese there, very fitting, goes well with the new start-up screen

[Headphones]

People underestimate what can (and should) be done through mastering a final mix. And some of the stuff from like the 90s really boils down to knowing how to use compressors or other FX and filters to get the same end result. Maybe some OG samplers make it easier, but maybe it's more about knowing what you're doing.

This is why I was so pleased to see an EQ with adjustable frequency per band. I really wanted the new model to be a do-it-all box with SP work-flow, and it really is one!

Having said that, the SP-404 MKII definitely seems like the ultimate sampler and FX box to me. Even for just making music with one sampler, the SP-404 MKII looks like a beast.

Totally agree, I think it's an absolute beast of machine, made all the more better by being a beast with the SP work-flow. I've tried getting along with every other option out there. I tried DAWs, Workstations, Arrangers, and none of them work for me. I knew though, even shortly after first looking into the 404, that it would be perfect if they fixed the shortcomings, and that's exactly what they've done.

My mind is made up on the 404MKII, the only thing I've to do now is find a nice synth to feed it

With 4 effects to choose from, I’m willing to wager even the cheapest of crappy Casios that 9 year olds learn to play could suddenly coax decent sounds after going through the Mk2 into a sample pad. Even Guitar or Bass players are gonna find the Mk2 will be a great device for shaping their tones. I doubt they’ll
Sit there making beats with it, but layering chords & riffs, it’s gonna be their one stop shop!!

But it will be interesting if Akai or Native Instruments gets their balls kicked like a mule from the Mk2. Makes me wonder what they’ll do to step up their game to compete with it?? Probably there will be some users who will use both their MPCs & Maschines with the Mk2. Guess it just depends if they’re brand loyal or quick to ditch the old for the new. I guess GuitarCenters will explode having to sell used MPCs/Maschines in all 50 states! Lol.

[miscend]

Listening to beats made by kids on the SP404sx compared to the MPC 1000 or MV8000. The sample chops on the SP range usually sound wonky and imprecise. I'd put that down to the convoluted sample chopping workflow and the lack of a waveform display. The fact you can now accurately set your sample start & end points with a waveform display on the MKII is going to take away alot of that.

[Jaytreaze]

agreed, the older SP beats do sound wonky in the majority with the odd exception but I quite like the wonk haha.

[Headphones]

I wonder if the USB C cable & software just means it’s easier to chop on your DAW? (Having a bigger screen to chop/drag/drop samples to). Not necessary, but might be a handy blade in the mk2’s arsenal.

Is there gonna be a generation of lazy beat makers who can’t chop by ear going forward? Ones that can’t do it without a screen? I doubt it. I think we’re all our own worst critic. If it doesn’t sound right because you let the technology do it for you, then we’ll figure it out how lazy someone was if they don’t put in the hard work because the device did it for them. Kinda like how old school DJs notice digital DJs can’t beat match without a button on their CDJ to match the beat for them, so if they were to try & beat match with just 1200’s, vinyl & a mixer, they’ll likely train wreck that.

[SP-USER]

Regards "wonky", I've heard it myself but there seems to be a style where it is done diliberately as well. Also, we have to bear in mind that on the older models there was no mute groups, and when you watch the finger drumming technique of some of these dudes and dudettes, you have to admire the fact that they're not just drumming a beat, but in a lot of cases they've got a sort of extra work load on the go by using a technique that makes it seem as if they have mute groups when actually they don't, it's workaround technique.

I'm new to this so have no room to say for sure, but I reckon one of the most attractive properties of the new MKII has surely got to be mute groups!

[djazid]

BTW, I forget to mention the other day that I absolutely love how they implemented Pan! Panning hard left will give you a dual-mono sample based on the left channel, panning hard right will give you a dual-mono sample based on the right, and setting it anywhere between gives you the usual Pan control - absolutely brilliant!

Where did you find that ? It's not in the manual, except as an effect for 'cyclically panning', which is not real panning.

[SP-USER]

Where did you find that ? It's not in the manual, except as an effect for 'cyclically panning', which is not real panning.

I've seen so many videos now I cannot remember which video I saw it demonstrated in, but you'll find it in the manual on this page under the description for Pan control.

See this page of the Reference Manual:
https://static.roland.com/manuals/sp-40 ... 05730.html

Also, SPVIDS recently upladed another video, this time making use of Pan!

Imagine that bro, Pan on a 404
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhV_ngSxZE0

[djazid]

Where did you find that ? It's not in the manual, except as an effect for 'cyclically panning', which is not real panning.

I've seen so many videos now I cannot remember which video I saw it demonstrated in, but you'll find it in the manual on this page under the description for Pan control.

See this page of the Reference Manual:
https://static.roland.com/manuals/sp-40 ... 05730.html

Also, SPVIDS recently upladed another video, this time making use of Pan!

Imagine that bro, Pan on a 404
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhV_ngSxZE0

Thx for the link.
Finally

[Ill Green]

Ill Green lookin' very Japanese there, very fitting, goes well with the new start-up screen

This is why I laugh, you come with jokes and nonchalantly.

But yeah been trying to fit the theme to the template but really no room for the pic. Too many buttons. Might just have Goji's hide as my theme.

[zindan]

Listening to beats made by kids on the SP404sx compared to the MPC 1000 or MV8000. The sample chops on the SP range usually sound wonky and imprecise. I'd put that down to the convoluted sample chopping workflow and the lack of a waveform display. The fact you can now accurately set your sample start & end points with a waveform display on the MKII is going to take away alot of that.

uh nah, you're just listening to some trash beat makers

my beats don't sound wonky unless i want them to, and my chops are always clean <3

SP-404SX + SP303 beat https://soundcloud.com/zendanisdead/snow
video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDdV476Ty7A

SP-303 only beat [the most complicated one i've ever made with 11 patterns and 13 sample chops in total] https://soundcloud.com/zendanisdead/water
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh5dTIDF8ic

[zindan]

Where did you find that ? It's not in the manual, except as an effect for 'cyclically panning', which is not real panning.

I've seen so many videos now I cannot remember which video I saw it demonstrated in, but you'll find it in the manual on this page under the description for Pan control.

See this page of the Reference Manual:
https://static.roland.com/manuals/sp-40 ... 05730.html

Also, SPVIDS recently upladed another video, this time making use of Pan!

Imagine that bro, Pan on a 404
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhV_ngSxZE0

this is honestly the only feature i've ever seen the SP-404SX as lacking

if the SX had decent stereo panning control, i'd be set for life

as i have always and as of right now, i use external recording devices [hardware] to pan things when necessary [but all of my external recording equipment is out of commission ATM ]

thank you for providing some sauce for us b