Playing an SP-404 through an amp

[trauley102]

Hey guys,

I just bought an SP-404 and I had a question about playing it in the live context. Basically, I was just wondering if there is a way to play the sampler through an amp with a 1/4th TRS cord input. I suppose I would need a cord that on one end has a double pronged stereo speaker cord (for the sp) and on the other end has a 1/4th TRS? However, I can't seem to find this when i search online. This may be dumb question but I'm new to using a sampler and I'd appreciate any tips or suggestions.

Thanks

[Idiom]

go to guitar center/ or your local music store with your 404 and try out keyboard amps.

Im sure they will let you know which cord you need as keyboard amp inputs may vary.

[formal]

http://www.amazon.com/HOSA-STEREO-3-5mm ... B000068O3D

Then you just need a 1/4" headphone adapter.

[trauley102]

So wouldn't that just be the equivalent of using a regular 1/4th on both ends amp cord and plugging it into the 404's headphone input? I've actually tried that and it works if I also plug into my amps headphone input. The problem is that isolates the sound and makes it impossible for me to play other instruments through the amp, and the amp has like six inputs so i'd really like to be able to utilize those.

I guess generally when I play music i always run things through an amp, so the fact that theirs not an easy way to do this with the 404 seems really odd to me. Is there something I'm missing here? What do you guys usually amplify your 404's with when you play live?

[Idiom]

you can always add a mixer inbetween the 404 and the amp*. Then you will get more channels to plug into before the signal reaches the amp.

**you can adjust the levels a lot better, rather than running things directly through the 404.

yes, you can run an rca-1/4 cable through your 404 rca outs and into your amps 1/4 input. But then you can only add one more instrument through the 404's 1/4 input (no good)

[helloitabot]

It is easy. Just get a guitar cable and plug it into the headphone out of the SP, then plug it into the amp. This will cut out either the left or right channels, but if your samples aren't in stereo then it doesn't really matter. And also, unless your amp is stereo (ie not mono like most guitar amps), there is no point in using a TRS, just use a TS. Ideally you should get a keyboard amp, many of which are stereo.

[cartesia]

It is easy. Just get a guitar cable and plug it into the headphone out of the SP, then plug it into the amp. This will cut out either the left or right channels, but if your samples aren't in stereo then it doesn't really matter. And also, unless your amp is stereo (ie not mono like most guitar amps), there is no point in using a TRS, just use a TS. Ideally you should get a keyboard amp, many of which are stereo.

this

[lodger]

if you're looking to do this the most efficient way, i'd suggest using the rca out to take advantage of the full stereo output of the unit. If you have multiple instruments, you might want to consider using a cheap mixer (about 70 used at guitar center...probably cheaper on craigslist or ebay) to merge your signals.

[helloitabot]

Yeah that is the best way to do it. Stereo amps with two speakers are nice though to get a wider sound. I've been looking into keyboard amps, but I think you can get the best sound if you just buy a smallish PA system with separate speakers, especially if you have any other sound sources besides the sampler.

[Idiom]

for the expensive route, buy a Fender passport.