How do I start using my SP-404 ... (?)

bob · **Posted:** Thu Dec 02, 2010 5:30 pm

Hello, I've bought an sp 404 in late july and did not start using it as a sampler yet. Yup this might sound stupid, but until now i only used it in my old band just to modify voices with its effects. Having little time cuz of intense study, I never had time to start using it seriously. now that in xmas holidays i will have loads of time i would like to learn its basics and hopefully more..

my main question is: is the roland manual the best way to learn how to use it or are there any videos/online guides up on the web that might be better?
i have read some of the forums topics and i already found them helpful to learn some tips and tricks..
thanks guys, and sorry for the bad english! :wink:

MechaLove · **Posted:** Thu Dec 02, 2010 6:44 pm

I would say the manual is the best place to start. If it's anything like the 303, it's so easy. You can figure it out in a weekend. I'm trying to learn this Roland VS880ex and the manual is 10000000x worse. I feel like karate chopping it sometimes.

dishwater · **Joined:** Sat May 29, 2010 4:41 pm **Posts:** 262

manual is awesome... and it's a simple machine really, if you know the basics

JayLost · **Posted:** Fri Dec 03, 2010 4:54 am

may sound funny but you tube that question bro...real talk..........

fauna · **Posted:** Fri Dec 03, 2010 4:58 am

yeah mans. enter sp-404 in youtube and there are tons of how-tos.

but read the manual too :wink:

a.D. · **Posted:** Fri Dec 03, 2010 6:13 am

If i remember right, the manual has a "quick start" guide that lays out all the basics step by step, to me that's easier than following a you tube video. When I got mine I was making a beat within 5 minutes. Just follow the basic steps on how to sample,get a simple kick hat snare drum kit and lay down a pattern. From there just find a song you think would be good to sample, go through it and put all the dopest sounding parts & phrases on sepperate pads--and just start playing around with them in gate mode. From there you can start experimenting with the efx, different ways to sequence,record,resample,layer,etc...One of the best things about the 404 is the workflow & the ease of learning it- everything's simple and hands on,no complicated menus to scroll through or soundwaves to stare at.

niq names · **Posted:** Fri Dec 03, 2010 6:14 am

ive never heard "read the manual" offered so kindly * sheds tear* :cry:

a.D. · **Posted:** Fri Dec 03, 2010 6:19 am

Alright then, read the manual,asshole!

fauna · **Posted:** Fri Dec 03, 2010 4:20 pm

niq names wrote:

ive never heard "read the manual" offered so kindly * sheds tear* :cry:

that's the sp-forum steez niq!

bob · **Posted:** Fri Dec 03, 2010 5:32 pm

Ok guys, thanks! I thought the manual was really good because it is a step by step manual, but was wondering if there was anything better around...
SO THANKS!! I hope I can share some songs/sounds/etc. really soon w/ you!

Wonka · **Joined:** Sun Mar 28, 2010 9:05 pm **Posts:** 358

I found the battles to be very helpful.

jetson · **Posted:** Sat Dec 04, 2010 1:03 am

WTF IDK RTFM

Someone had to say it!

miekeye · **Joined:** Sun Dec 05, 2010 5:18 pm **Posts:** 31

Gotta get it crackin

How do I start using my SP-404 ... (?)

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