Yo, long time no see. recently digging through my PC found a large image of a possible mod for the 404 which would make it better than it is now. so there you go I resized it a bit but the key functions are visible non the less. Enjoy!
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MAJOR IMPROVEMENTS:
OCTAVE FUNCTION (Pitching samples)
1. OCTAVE BUTTON = Maps last played(-ing) sample (also last sample pressed with REMAIN button) across all 12 pads to form an octave of various sample pitches. 9 is the lowest but 4 is the highest pitched pad. Octave button is lit when it is on - press it again and pads will return back to normal mode of triggering different samples. Note: Sample tune (pitch) is recorded into pattern.
2. OCTAVE + PLUS/MINUS BUTTON = Octave together with plus or minus button will shift all pads one octave up or down.
IMPROVED SAMPLE/PATTERN BANKS
1. Up to 1024 pattern/sample banks can now be created and stored onto CF card.
2. When you turn on the SP-404 automatically 5 banks are created. 1-4 are the internal memory banks. 5th is the empty bank stored on CF card.
3. To add a new bank press BANK ADD. It will be created immediately and will become the current bank. When new bank is created LCD displays current bank number for 4 seconds then it will return back to previous functions.
4. Press and hold DEL and hit BANK DEL to remove the current bank along with all it's samples. Note: This process can take some time depending on sample data length.
5. To select a different bank simply press BANK SELECT and while holding it turn knob 3 to scroll through all banks. You can also precisely increase or decrease current bank number by pressing BANK SELECT and PLUS or MINUS button.
VALUE ENTERING SYSTEM
1. Now along with knobs values can be changed using PLUS or MINUS key for precise increments. This includes all changeable values like BPM, LENGTH, VOLUME, FX CONTROLS etc.
IMPROVED PATTERN RECORDING
1. Now with included pitched sample data pattern is also saved with it's last changed temo (beats per minute) value.
2. As stated earlier pattern banks are accessible through pattern select button and along with sample banks can now reach a maximum value of 1024 (limited only by CF card size).
IMPROVED DATA MANAGING
1. Now to copy samples or patterns you just need to press and hold pattern/sample pad you wish to duplicated and hit PLUS button. Empty pads will start to blink. Hit the destination pad and your pattern or sample will be instantly copied.
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If Roland instead of 555 would add these features to SP-404 ... I'ma definitely gonna buy me a new one.
Post what you think about this? I know there are many other things that can be added, but these can be actually added with a little mod of the OS by Roland and some small changes in the design of casing. Other than that it is the same good ol' 404.
