I'm looking to buy my first hardware sampler. I'm really anxious to break out of the very non-musical pc workflow, but I'm not so sure about which sampler is best for me. At first, I was dead set on an MPC. But those things are so grossly overpriced considering the tech they use and the out-of-box limitations. Spending over a grand on one piece of gear is painful enough, but even worse when there are still necessary upgrades to be bought (HD, RAM, JJOS).

When I first noticed the SP series, the toy-like look of the newer models initially turned me off. But I have since then realized what the SP series is capable of, and that some of my favorite producers even use them. (J Dilla used an SP? WHAT?! That's awesome.)

So basically, I'm down to the 404 and the 555. I thought it would be an easy choice. Get the latest, greatest model right? Well apparently there are pros and cons to each.

I've heard that the effects on the 404 sound warmer and "more effective" than the 555. How true is this? I've heard bad things in particular about the vinyl sim/lo fi on the 555 (which is an effect/mode I would love to take advantage of). Warmth could be a deciding factor for me. I love old school, analog sounds. The warmer and scratchier the better. Also, am I nuts or does the DJFX effect (also an important effect to me) work better on a 404? I've never seen either piece of gear in person, only in vids and pics.

Of course I also hear that the 555 effects sound better than the 404, so I could really use some help on this one.

The 555 looks like a really nice piece of gear (on the inside haha), and definitely an upgrade from the 404, but is it worth 300 extra bones? The loop mode looks like fun, but since I will be using the SP for production and not live play, I don't exactly need it. The roll and swing features of the 555 are pretty big selling points for me, but I've heard that there are workarounds on the 404 to get roll and swing-like effects. How much of a pain in the ass are these workarounds?

The iBeam feature seems gimmicky and useless. I don't need an onboard synth, I have a MicroKorg for that.

The USB capabilities of the 555 seem really useful. There's no need for a card reader (which I don't own) and it can be used as a controller. But why would I want to control a virtual sampler using my crappy pc soundcard if I have a dedicated hardware sampler? Unless the 555 acts as the soundcard??? I need help on this one too haha.

Also, if there is a 404 vs 555 comparison chart, or anything of that nature anywhere on the net, can you please point me in that direction?

Basically, I need to know these things:

Are the workflows of the 404 and 555 the same, except for the extra pads/sample time/loop mode of the 555?

Do the 404's effects drastically outshine the 555's?

Are the USB capabilities really all that useful? Or would I end up just using the 555 alone?

Does being able to use a 2gb card, instead of just 1gb (Where would I find a reliable one of these anymore anyway?), make a big difference?

My understanding as of now is this: 404=$400 with better effects, 555=$700 with more features

Sorry for the long-winded post.

I'm going to post this in the 555 forum too, in order to get more responses from users of both machines.

THANKS!

EDIT: I almost forgot. If I mess with the fx knobs while recording on the 404, will the movement of the knobs be recorded as well? I've heard yes and no to this same question, so I'm still unsure. It sure would be a shame if you couldn't even record the cool things you can do live with the fx.

If money is no problem then get the 555, otherwise get that 404 it is a very capable machine.

I've heard that the effects on the 404 sound warmer and "more effective" than the 555. How true is this? I've heard bad things in particular about the vinyl sim/lo fi on the 555 (which is an effect/mode I would love to take advantage of).

In my opinion the vinyl sim sounds even better on 555 ( I've recently bought this, previously had 404 )

The 555 looks like a really nice piece of gear (on the inside haha), and definitely an upgrade from the 404, but is it worth 300 extra bones? The loop mode looks like fun, but since I will be using the SP for production and not live play, I don't exactly need it. The roll and swing features of the 555 are pretty big selling points for me, but I've heard that there are workarounds on the 404 to get roll and swing-like effects. How much of a pain in the ass are these workarounds?

To me, the biggest pain in the ass is "Copy pattern" workaround - it demands some time to get it done. 555 has dedicated copy pattern/sample button - saves a lot of time, trust me

The USB capabilities of the 555 seem really useful. There's no need for a card reader (which I don't own) and it can be used as a controller. But why would I want to control a virtual sampler using my crappy pc soundcard if I have a dedicated hardware sampler? Unless the 555 acts as the soundcard??? I need help on this one too haha.

yep, it acts like a soundcard when u plug it into your pc. However card reader would be rather obligatory if u want to e.g. chop ur samples on your pc and then import em all into your 555.

Also, if there is a 404 vs 555 comparison chart, or anything of that nature anywhere on the net, can you please point me in that direction?

check this out:
viewtopic.php?t=4379

but in general, like pt3r said - get 404 if you dont want to spend significantly more money. If you get used to the workflow and shit, just sell it and upgrade to 555.