First time posting I thought I better join up and get some decent opinions on either buying a 505 or a 404og.
I really like the fact the 505 has a sequencer but the smart media cards and age of the machines kind of worries me.
I'm looking for something to just mess around making lofi beats. I've been trying to buy either of them for a week but just cant decide haha they both seem so cool. Any help from someone who owns either and still using them would be greatly appreciated
Peace
they're different
the 404(as the 303)is more "in your face machine", while the 505 is more studio oriented (with a bit of menu diving); seq (and microediting) is surely a plus on the 505, pitch function could help sometimes (dipending on samples); sayng that , the 404 has however a useful seq (not complet, but...)
Thanks for reply! Yeah I have actually owned a sp303 2 years ago.. Unfortunately it broke and I haven't touched anything since.
Is the 505 a lot slower in terms of work flow to 404?
I should also mention I will be using either as a standalone. With possibly using ableton also down the road
i have the 505 and the 606 and even though the 606 is a faster machine, i can get things done quicker in the 505.
I've also heard that if you put a smaller Media card in the 505 it is quicker in it's operations.
workflow wise the 404 is like the 303 in operation.
the 505 is similar to the 808 in its workflow.
both machines are incredible but the 404 has more polyphony and runs on batteries.
the 505 needs a wall wort even though it's pretty lightweight.
but it has pitch banks, auto chop, and 16 pads.
both machine will do what your asking of them but the 505 is older, mine developed a high pitched whine that only goes away when i use it with my mixer.
I've heard others complain of the same thing.
finding media cards for the 505 is also difficult.
but the 505 is much cheaper.
it really going to depend on your needs.
if you go mobile you'll need the 404.
if you wanna work with more than one track you'll need the 505.
if you can afford both i would do that as bouncing down to a pad is something neither can do and you'll get pissed at the limited polyphony in these machines pretty quick.
there's a reason you see most of us with 2 sp's and a synth.
Zoom R24,
Boss RC-202,
Roland SP-606x2,
Roland SP-404MKIIx2,
Korg microSTATION,
Roland Verselab MV-1,
FLStudio 20 & Akai Fire,
Maschine MKII & MKIII,
UbuntuStudio / KXStudio, https://soundcloud.com/mr-thraz
404 is quicker for chopping . SD card alot quicker processing information .
The 505 has waveform editing . Which tbh is better in my opinion
you can do better sequences of samples on the 404 .. ie if you're playing sample into ableton . If you think how DJ Premier flips his samples .. in a very choppy manner .
The trigger response to me .. is more fluid on the 505.
whichever you choose . Check the general asthetic before buying .. it's not always about age .. but owner care , like a car.
The compression on 505 is nice. Feels solid. not so much on the 404 .. it's uncertain feeling . with that said if youre gonna mix in Ableton . Just use the plug-ins to tidy the mix.
I loved both . If i was getting another .. for use with a DAW . I'd deffo go 404.
505 is cool but vs a 404sx is slow and a pain. You won't be dissatisfied with a 404...work flow is fast and intuitive. I traded my 505 after a few months of owning it. Made some dope tracks on it, but it gave me a headache
I have a 505, but it needs repair. But I know someone who can fix it. Once I've done so, I am seriously considering getting a 404. I like how the 404 is battery operated, and more portable than my 505.
I can still use my 505, but only by sampling into the mic in. But my audio out is only through my headphone out. So I need a 404 to get more sample time.
I'd consider a 303 as well, but I know it's just the kid brother to my 505, without a screen, but the same FX.
