Sp 404 integration with Ableton Live

[asdfghjkl]

First post since I joined the sp-forums a few days ago. Just have a few newbie questions for you guys.

So my 404 came in the mail yesterday and I'm already loving this little machine. But I'm having a little trouble integrating it with my computer.

First off, I figured out how to get sounds into the machine by connecting a cable going from the line-outs of my 404 into the line-in jack in the back of my computer. So that works, but the only problem is I have to unplug my speakers to do that because normally I would have them plugged into the line-in jack, rather than the 404. Which makes it a hassle to have to keep plugging and unplugging the two.

Secondly, how do I record out into my computer through Ableton Live?
I would like to sample from my computer ---> sequence beats on my sp -->
then send the beat into ableton live to further tweak some things.

I have a lot of cables so that shouldn't be a problem, just not sure how to route everything...

And if there's an easier way to do this with midi cables, I also have an mpd32 that I have hooked up to ableton.

Hpefully one of you guys can help me out. I'm guessing I need an audio interface, but I have no idea how they work.


Cheers,
Lux

[TheDingo]

+1, I also would like to see if/how this can be done

[locnes]

I have a similar setup at my house.

I run RCA to 1/4 cables from the output of the SP404 into my DJ Mixer. I then run RCA to 1/4 cables from the output of my DJ mixer into my computer's audio interface (in my case a Presonus FireStudio mobile).

That should take care of getting audio from your SP404 into your computer (I'm assuming you have a mixer and an audio interface for your computer).

To get audio from your computer into the SP404 just do the opposite. Run a cable from the output of the audio interface into the inputs of your SP404.

I know I've assumed a lot in regards to gear that you may or may not have. hopefully this helps.

Peace

[locnes]

Oh snap. just realized I didn't read your whole post. i missed the part when you mentioned that you didn't have an audio interface. I think most computers come with an audio input (I think it's usually 1/8 jack like on an iPhone/iPod).

You can get 2 cables that have stereo RCA on one end and an 1/8 inch jack on the other end.

[asdfghjkl]

Thanks for the reply locnes,

I do have some RCA to 1/4 cables lying around, so that takes care of that. But unfortunately I don't have a mixer or an audio interface... Would it still be possible to make this work without a mixer? I plan on grabbing an audio interface pretty soon, but I didn't know I would need a mixer as well.

And also, say I did have a mixer and an audio interface, and I did as you said (ran RCA to 1/4 cables from the output of the SP404 into my D mixer. Then ran RCA to 1/4 cables from the output of my mixer into my computer's audio interface) Could I then run a cable from the output of the audio interface into the inputs of my SP404 without having to unplug the other ins/outs? I've heard that can cause a circuit loop and fry your hardware. But I'm guessing this isn't the same case.

Thanks,
Lux

[asdfghjkl]

Loc I just saw your other reply,

I do have some cables that have stereo RCA on one end and an 1/8 inch jack on the other end like you mentioned, but the only problem is I have to unplug my speakers from the line-in jack in order to plug my 404 into the line-in jack. Would getting an audio interface take care of this problem?

Lux

[locnes]

Yeah, an audio interface should take of this. You'll want one with multiple outputs and inputs.

i.e. One set of outputs can go to your speakers. The other set of outputs can go to the inputs of your SP404.

Maybe an interface like this: http://global.focusrite.com/usb-audio-i ... arlett-2i4 (i'm not saying that's the one you should get, do your research but this one illustrates an audio interface with multiple outputs). I think there are set up diagrams there as well.

Peace.

[asdfghjkl]

Thanks for all the help loc. Big ups!

[locnes]

Glad I could help. Good luck!

[DESERT_HEAD]

best way is an interface man. what i would do is use a midi to usb cable to trigger the 404. what i did then was have the sp 404 come into a channel on ableton. i then made my drums on ableton. but i would have BOTH my drums and the chops running into one channel, that would be routed back into the 404. (vinyl sim son!) i then made a blank midi channel routed into the 404. where i would edit the pattern for the chops. NB you can also make your drums on the 404 and program via midi. i just found it easier to chop breaks into patterns on ableton. so i kinda barely even use the 404 in a sense for functionality. only its sound. cos i love the stretching effect and compression. oh and another sidenote. once i was happy with the beat id then send it back into ableton in a single audio channel just for recording. hope this kinda helps!