i've been wanting to pick up a 404 for a couple years now. had a blast with one in a guitar center awhile back, but couldn't really justify needing one. that's not really changed. i don't really need one (i'm perfectly happy with Ableton and Guru), but the want trumped the need i guess.
Some of the things that are left out stick out the most. ability to do anything other than 4/4, step sequencing of any sort...basically a few things available on most other roland/boss products. That said, there are alot of things going for it. Because its so complicated to do certain things it makes you focus and strip down things to their essentials which is kinda what i'm looking for.
As much as i'm looking at it, wondering why it can't do certain things, i can't stop playing with it. i mostly got it as a live sampler and effects machine to accompany my Elektron boxes. now i wonder what other things i want to do with it.
I might just have to enter the arena battle. it'll give me a chance to learn the machine better.
---brett

