Hello all,

So, I'm trying to do a couple of data backups, and the only sample banks being saved are A and B (the internal ones). When I load a saved backup, only these two banks (A and B) change samples. The rest of the sample banks (C-J) just stay the same. Is this correct? Am I doing something wrong? It seems that the 'data backup' would save ALL the data, internal and card data, as the manual seems to imply. Any thoughts or guidence is much appreciated.

p9000

What does the manual say about the data backup function?

well...under "Saving Backup Data," it says, "Here's how to save backup data (all of the SP-404's data including sample banks and pattern banks) to a memory card. You can save up to twelve sets of data." (p.40).

hmmm, therein lies my confusion...it says ALL of the data, yet it only backs up A and B...

Believe me, I've pored over the manual...

Aha I see what you're confused about, the answer is indeed plain and simple, the backup function only saves the 404 internal memory (aka banks A+B) to the memory card, all the other banks are located on your cf memory card, that's why Roland doesn't deem it interesting to have those backed up as well. I hope this clarifies it a bit.

Yah, thanks , it does clarify the issue for me... I eventually surmised as much, but had a hard time wrapping my head around it for some reason. It's good to get another perspective, just to be sure I'm not missing something...

Cheers!

The only way to really back up your whole card is just to dump all the info on your computer.

Yep, make a new folder for that particular card on your computer and copy it all in. Don't mix other cards in the same folder. To restore, format a card in the 404 and copy all in the folder to the card. Say "yes to all" when the computer warns there is already the same file on the card.

The 404 backup to CF is the only way to get in and out of the onboard banks, so you'd do a backup first before copying the card on the computer.

The fact that the 404 only backsup/restores banks A & B is how the pattern copy trick works. Backup to card. Do a Pad Exchange to swap the A or B pattern to a card bank, Restore the back up and you now have the pattern back in the A or B bank and a copy on the card.

Exactly, we should be happy that the 404 only makes backups of Banks A and B otherwise there would be no sample and or pattern copy.

jim y,
i don't even reformat the card. i just erase all (or exchange files!)and stick the backup file there. works fine!!

Yeh, that will work - I say Format so people can't make the mistake of using a card that might have been formatted different by something else.

yes, i use the same way......and i format the cf too....because i have now 3 backups (all diferents sets) and i use one backup in diferents performances....work fine!