SP-404: Is it worth it?

[cindal]

Hey guys, I've always loved lo-fi and the unique productions involving the 404, I just never got around to getting my hands on one. I recently looked up the general price of a 404 and saw it that my budget didn't fit it's range(i plan on saving up). I figured I'd ask you guys if you thought it was worth it in the long run to have purchased your 404s', or if there's something else that would be a better run for my money that has the same powerful punch the 404 has. Thanks in advance.

[squ!L]

i started on the akai s2000 back in the 90's and used software a lot and mpc's from friends. now i use the 404 most of the time. a mpc is dope too but the 404 seems to have a faster workflow for me. some people here like the zoom sampletrak a lot which is a little cheaper (2nd hand) but still very powerful. never tried one though. the 404 is definitely a lot of serious fun. if i were on an lonely island with a 404, records and turntable i would be completely happy. musicwise that is:)

but i remember there where some things on the 404 which i hated when i first got it but now they don't bother me anymore. but it depends on what you used before to make music. all in all i think everybody should have a 404:)

[yo-yo crunch]

with all of its limitations there's still nothing i'd rather be making beats on. i love the simplicity of it and no screens/menus

[Heat Vision]

Ease of use is a very appealing factor. Really simple and quick to record sounds, process them, and sequence into beats.

[JZTR]

So glad I got a 404!

I came from a software DAW background. I have a 303 which I started using more and more, then I decided to upgrade. My 404sx has everything (almost) I need in one box. Never been so excited for music making since I got one.

[nthnglss]

i started with a laptop and controller, then mpc and a few other bits, now all 404, constant downgrades which says alot about the sp. i have a sampletrack but only outputs in mono, i highly recomend one if your funds are limited, you can still get your resample on

[Rabot]

with all of its limitations there's still nothing i'd rather be making beats on. i love the simplicity of it and no screens/menus

THRUTH

[jiggity-j]

It is worth having, but is not my end-all tool.. could be though. The first setup I had was a DR-202 and SP-202. Was great(wish I still had them), but limitations grew as I bought Reason 1 when it came out. Now having Maschine, Ableton, and Komplete, I feel limitless. Its sometimes a problem with me as too many options can flood my mind. With my Sp404sx, I am given rules from the limitations, abide by them and move on. If I can just have one piece of my gear though, the SX will be the one(battery powered, unhooked from puter, sample storage space, compact, and fun).

[cindal]

thanks everyone for the terrific advice, i'm going to start saving up to get myself one, can't wait!