Recommend a 202?

[Daniel James]

Hey guys,

Cut a long story short, I was originally going to get a 404sx but due to funds and
my girlfriends exspensive birthday coming up I am unable to get one. I've been watching a few 202's go
On ebay for a decent price and can afford one within mu budget. I've read a few reviews on the net and
the overall view seems Mixed. I was wondering if any of you guys uses a 202 and what
You think of it?

Sorry if the text is all over the place, I'm on my BB

Ta gents

[fauna]

202's are super limited, but fun. you can't really compare a 404sx and 202, cuz the 202 has so much less functionality.

but i still use my 202. despite the limitations it has the best filter of any SP (in my opinion) and one of the better pitch functions.

if you are using a multitracker (software or otherwise) you could build up pretty complete tracks just w/ yr 202.

hope that helps.

[finnegan]

Unless you already have a beat machine...

Don't get me wrong, I love my 202. But I don't know how I would use it if I didn't also have an MPC. They complement each other nicely. I can do all the complex sequencing/sample tweaking I want on the MPC then sample the beats to the 202. For me the best part of the 202 is that I don't have to lug my MPC around anymore. It can stay safe in the studio while the 202 gets the road wear. I love the different grades of sampling.

I personally am unimpressed by the fx. They aren't terrible, but so much out there is better.

You can find a 202 in pawnshops for 100 or less usually.

[ellaguru]

despite the limitations it has the best filter of any SP (in my opinion) and one of the better pitch functions.

100% agree.


for the rest: i had one 202 and i found it too much limited; i used it without a smartmedia so no copy samples, no resamples, no sequencing etc etc but most people forget that this machine was born to be a partner (a sound module) of the cool DR 202, just this...
so, if you like to work with samples in a old school way (sp202+sequencer or recorder) the sp202 is ok for you.
if not, take an sp303 or 404...

[boombapp28]

I have 3 202s these days. I consider myself a 202 ninja. I have my very first one, which happens to be my first sampler! Another one to use and one for parts in storage. With an external sequencer/recorder you can make bangers! You have to know the limitations and have to work around them. You can re-sample but you would need to bounce your loops to a tape deck or to a MS-1 or SU-10. Something of that nature. I use one in tandem with an MS-1 for that purpose. Also for little vocal clips or drum fills.

If you wish to use it alone, use it as an effects module. If you want to challenge yourself and make tracks, it's best to use external help. The filter and pitch are the two strong points. Also the Standard, Lo-Fi 1, and Lo-Fi 2 have to be the dirtiest settings on any Roland x0x sampler. There are workarounds!! Matching and entering in your BPMs in advance helps. The mark button works wonders. Truncate your samples for more time. Little tips and things add up!