I would like to hear how the people on this forum deal with the non-velocity sensitive pads of the SP-404.

Also, I read that you can edit the velocity manually after the pattern is recorded. Is this true? If it is, if you have only 1 kick sample does that mean you can edit each kick drum that has been laid down or just that kick drum sample corresponding to all the kicks?

Thanks so much,
Shootah

yo can use external midi gear, like a midikeyboard, a padkontrol or an external midi sequencer.

you can only change the volume of one sample.. so if you are going to have a lot oof velocity changes and you're only gonna use the internal pads you would need a bounch of kicksamples..

That's what I do for different velocities using only the 303, but I usually only do it for hi-hats and kicks, 'cause like Kristoffer1989 says you need a lot of the same sample on the pads and 303 has less pads and banks than the 404. But after 2 years of using the 303 these type of limitations make me feel comfortable like coming home to your girl after work, I already know what's going down so there is nothing new to catch you of guard like a new chick from the club just the opportunity to master the situation.

Velocity sensitivity is overhyped unless your playing keys and your a pianist On pads its a nice thing to have... but not all that usefull/effective. but, the best thing you can do is resample the same hit @ different levels and you will get a better result that way than using velocity sensitivity.

i've actually gotten use to it now, i was thinkin' about gettin' a MIDI controller, but just like yall'z i figured that gettin' your chops on point & changing the volume on each pad that i don't need velocity sensitive pads, hi hats are still a little tricky for me at times...

true...velocity is actually quite overhyped... I bought a korg padkontrol and end up using it at fixed velocity all the time. It's still great to make live triggering because it's more sensitive than the 404 pads.

talking about the 404 pads...they definitely get better/softer over time, or am I just getting used to it ?

alex

For certain beats you'd definitely want to use a less loud second hihat or bass or whatever. It gives a neat touch. Still ...nothing you couldn't do by just resampling at a lower volume.

for real? i love using the velocity-sensitive pads on the pK, gives drum beats more dynamics

Yeah for real... I prefer fixed velocity drum beats. I simply change the snare sound between the first and second beat (a great trick if you ask me). I like the kick to be full sound, and even a bit overcompressed. The hihat I do with velocity turned on, to avoid the "machine gun" effect. It's a matter of taste.

Outside hihats and specific one shots, I actually have no use for velocity on my every day music making. Now that I have a korg TR, I do all the keys and melodies on it...so that maybe explains it.

alex

Most pads with velocity usually have a terrible response curve and people end up using full velocity notes anyways.

is the timing better with an external midi controller?

Mpc's are a good external sequencer.

i think roland mv-8000 and mv-8800 are the best external sequencer!
and....velocity pads?...try one of this machines and then send me a feed back ...i use my mv-8000 since mv-8000 are in the stores in USA..and i use in my studio as a master for production, but i travel a lot...and i use my other stuff in the road (boss micro-br and sp-404) and i luv too!

all machines have to be a tool, this is my way.
kiss, vivi.