2 and a half years ago... Well I wanted to save my money for an MPC 500, too but someone on an other forum told me that that wouldn't really be worth the money so I did some research and found out about the 404. I think this here was the first place where I got some more info about the machine. I bought one off ebay, it came with a black plate, two memory cards and stank off cigarette smoke like hell It arrived at home when I was at a friends place 150km away. I told my mom to call me should the package arrive and I instantly took the next train home to try it out. I think the first thing I did with it was deleting the shitty samples the guy before me left on the cards and putting some chops of Beck's 'loser' on it. Good times, good times
first i really liked it, then i didnt understand what to do to make a song with samples, then i figured that out but didnt understand how to use the sequencer (which requires diff adjustments than playing it live, bpm, loop off, etc), then i thought i really hated it and made the wrong choice with it, then i got more accustomed to it mainly by constant experimentation and entering some forum batttles, which i cant stress enough as good practice and learning, even if you're beat sucks and no one votes for you, you will see in progression in yourself and push your limits. also because you cant "see" any of the music or patterns, the 404 really makes you visualize/understand what a 4x4 grid is and learn all about diff timed notes (4/8/16) rather than just pluggin in notes on a step sequencer. (which i still like doing anyway tho ha).....just stick with it , once you know the machine its easy
i didnt understand shit. i thought i could put my ipod headphones in without the jack lol, i got scared cuz there was no sound, then i realized in need to buy a headphone jack, then i was happy lol. i got samples and didnt use it for like 3 weeks, then, i started getting samples, now i turn it on mostly 6 out of the 7 days.
allready had the mpc and a 202, 404 has a pretty easy learning curve imo, made a beat that night. i think once you know terminogloy and have basic beat making skills, most machines are easy to learn. plus i can't put things down, 404 is my main machine, if i had another i doubt i would use the mpc at all.
I was already a fan of the SP202, so I was only mad about having to learn new ways to stutter and reverse because the new technology handled these ideas quite differently. Now I think it's the most amazing unit EVER (aside from the incredible Kaossilator Pro, which is more than just a sampler), and even with the new changes and limitation, the SP404SX has been a welcome upgrade.
The MPC series will allow you to approach samples and sequencing from a very traditional perspective, where as the 404 is a bit more of a tweakers box, where you find effects you like and build techniques that work for you. Some users on the board do not even touch the effects section though, and I personally don't see why they chose this over an MPC of some kind, since the MPC has bigger buttons and even the smaller versions are more robust in construction and have more elaborate sequencing methods.
All I'm saying is that the 404 definately has advantages for experimentalists and those seeking to resample and crush sounds with strange effects...that's my thoughts.
It arrived at home when I was at a friends place 150km away. I told my mom to call me should the package arrive and I instantly took the next train home to try it out.
