wanted to send yall this template that might be useful
it works with ableton and allows you to trigger sp-404 pads via midi using the QWERTY keys from any standard computer keyboard.
DOWNLOAD LINK: https://www.mediafire.com/?wie0y8rtqp4d0v9
each card bank of the 404 has it's own channel in the ableton temp file. the 12 pads are arranged throughout the QWERTY keyboard as so:
- W: pad #1
- E: pad #2
- T: pad #3
- Y: pad #4
- A: pad #5
- S: pad #6
- D: pad #7
- F: pad #8
- G: pad #9
- H: pad #10
- J: pad #11
- K: pad #12
you might have to mess around with some input/output options as I have different audio interface gear, but it should be straight forward for anyone who (like me) is very inexperienced with computer programs.
what you need:
- midi interface (or usb>midi cord)
- sp-404 (duh)
- ableton live (should work with 8 and above)
steps:
1. open up attached ableton template file
2. make sure you've correctly set all the bank channels to the proper midi out interface once the file is open
3. hold down pad #1 while turning on your 404
4. enable KEY in ableton (so you can use QWERTY keys inside ableton live)
5. arm one of the bank channels for recording
6. lower your keyboard octave all the way down by pressing z repeatedly until you've gone as far as you can go (c-2)
7. start controlling your 404 with yer QWERTY keys doggie
this is helpful for me in many ways, I hope you guys can fuck with it and have this temp open up new relationship frontiers with our beloved sp-404. also, if there's anything to change to make it easier/better please upload it or share and give back to the community!

peace fam