Roland just announced a new firmware for SP404mk2 and it adds some SUPER USEFUL new features. Watch my video about it: th-cam.com/video/fNm_EUhj29k/w-d-xo.html If you want to support the channel check out the SP404 in stores here: EU: www.thomann.de/se/roland_sp_404mkii.htm?offid=1&affid=623 US: imp.i114863.net/ZdKA6X US: bit.ly/PCrolandSP *Affiliate links supports the channel regardless of what you buy
Exactly. Those are awesome boxes to tick. And it sure comes in handy, love the AA battery option. This is one of those things that will really be used a lot i think, like the calculator. And if i could operate this muscally with the same tactile semi-automatic muscle memory flow as i used to with the calculator, then wow.. This could quickly become central i my little home studio, and it would probably join me in bed. Yea I know it. I see a beautiful lovestory about to happen :)
I always liked the SP workflow and I missed my SP 303 since I let it go many years ago. This is a huge step up for the SP’s and the dark layout and oled display are superb. Roland done it right this time.
This is such a high quality video. Tons of information with examples and still getting my attention. Just because its long, don't see it as a problem. 10 minute videos are nice but I'd love to see more videos like this from you. Excited for the 100k
Me: "Oh cool, a new BoBeats video!" (looking at the timetable) "Okaaaaaaayyyyy" (edit: this device absolutely deserves such a detailed video - great work. This sounds super Hi-Fi, jusst as you'd expect from one of the big three)
Finally got mine after eight months. Prolly have to watch this several times because it seems this vid is one of the best tuts of this device on the net. And I’m still looking.
The MKII comes with some PC software (perhaps for Mac/iPad as well?) that makes it super fast & easy to load new samples/beats directly to the MKII pads. Just connect the unit to the PC using a USB-C cable and it's instant sample loading.
I had the older one. We're talking COMPACT FLASH. It was worthless, unless you were making lo-fi beats (and I know plenty who used it super well). But this is about to replace my DJS-1000 because it finally has everything I ever wanted and needed in a sampler!
Glad this product wasn't a myth. I didn't gel with the 404SX, but I'm hoping the screen and extra pads do it for me. So excited that you were able to check it out early.
Thankyou for a great review. I always find your style has natural rapport. I think that I just enjoy watching you build up the review. Thankyou for giving us that dedication. Great 'creative sampler' punchline and resume for an MC707 / Verselab user here.....but it still turns my head.
I use my 404A essentially as a bank and I control it via a MIDI channel from my Elektron devices, essentially giving the 404 the Elektron sequencer! I know it’s a pretty simple idea but the 404/Elektron combination (especially the digitone) is like having superpowers. I am so fired up for the MK2 update all of the additional features are going to make my current setup even better which I really didn’t think was possible
@@BoBeats did they tell you anything about midi cc implementation? Being able to control effect parameters and the envelopes with midi cc would make this the undisputed must have piece of gear for 2021/22
As of right now the SP-404A costs more than preordering this lol. It’s kind of funny but also that is seriously rad of Roland to make this so affordable.
I feel like the Digitakt would be the ideal partner to the SP-404. I often yearn for a separate sampler that’s a little more live-friendly when playing out. The Digitakt, as much as I love it, isn’t the greatest live instrument when it comes to improvisation or resampling. The addition of the SP-404 mkII for longer sample playback would allow the Digitakt to shine as what it is at heart: a drum computer.
I’ve watched some of your long form videos and they have been informative. This one is no exception. Finally getting mine this week, so for sure I will watch again. Thanks for this, and congrats on getting past 100K!
@@BoBeats Tons of great tricks, hitting roll to play the end of the loop was sick, sample chopping in general is big brain...I could go on about the smart lazy chop, or how exciting it is that it exists at all, and my jaw dropped when you scrolled past the effects for 303 vinyl sim, this is clearly a sequel based on user feedback. **I’m a big fan of tutorials baked into an overview, especially for something like this. The details of a workflow might be what makes it click for someone, what makes it clear that it can be a good fit for them and their setup. More of that gets my vote. ** It’s clear that you spent a lot of time with it, really comes off, well done on all fronts. Great stuff Bo, now I’m thinking about emailing Roland myself. LOL
Really good video Bo. You are right to point out the limitations. The SP workflow is new to a lot of us so to highlight the strengths and also point out the limitations with the sequencer is important. For me any products like these exist within the Digitakt universe. I see application for quick sampling and realize at least in its current firmware the sequencer is limited. You obtained very musical results which is inspiring. You take it into instrument territory where the music lives. Always appreciate your take.
To be fair though, the musicality comes from Bo sampling from previously made songs that are already musical. This is in no way meant as a criticism of Bo's musicality, it's a criticism of the SP-404. You can't play chromatically or play chords without a LOT of work/workarounds. It looks like a fun sampler, but it's clearly no MPC or a sample-based groovebox.
@@sinewaymusic you can sample good material all day long but you need an ear to bring it together and the taste to know you've got something worthwhile to pursue. Otherwise your point is well taken.
@@scottharris7222 Absolutely, and I should have been clearer probably. Bo was sampling his own songs, so clearly he already qualified as having both the ears and the taste to create musical results. My point was that it isn't really thanks to the 404, in the same way as a true artist can pick up a cheap Bic pen and draw a masterpiece and no one would point out the quality of the Bic pen.
A great nice way to have upgraded an iconic piece of hardware - feels like they've really delivered on this one! Also like what you're doing with it Bo some cool jams on here and your insta rn
Awesome tutorial and review! I'm amazed. Well done Bo and Roland! It may be quirky but it sure seems brilliantly made. The possibilities, wow.. for what it is, exactly :) Think I'll just have to tacke that learning curve, the land beyond seems to promising... I appreciate the work that went into this. Thank you! I want one :)
So funny you made this video. In your discord I mentioned it and the other members didnt seem so stoked so I kind of assumed you also werent into it so it's a pleasant suprised to see this video
Hey Bo, please make that comparison video. Im looking for a sampler and now am between the 404 MKII and the Circuit Rhythm. Id love to see what you think.
Isn't it annoying that the tempo keeps springing into the display? It's probably the least useful thing, especially when externally synced. In contrast, to discover the name of the current pad's sample, you have to hit 'Remain'. I'm forever accidentally adjusting what I thought were FX parameters on mine only to notice I wasn't quite quick enough and the display has shifted.
Thanks for pointing out the inability to sequence the chromatic mode notes. I think that might be a deal breaker for me. I really like the idea of having a bunch of 1-shot synth sounds and being able to sequence different lines from a single 1-shot. Personally, it seems like the Polyend Tracker is a nice alternative.
Thanks for the video. I love the new features, but I don't understand few things: 1)) Is the "project" include both what samples are loaded on each bank and pad AND some other saved settings ? I would assume "yes". 2)) What type of envelopes are supported? Volume envelope? Filter envelope? Other? Thanks (I had 2 more questions, but Roland just answered them)
Projects retain samples and settings for samples and the bpm. + seq data ofc. but settings for fx are global. I think thats about it. Its an amp envelope only. Nothing else from what I know. Yes sample panning is available and you can set stereo samples to mono
Stereo or Mono Samples? Keeping in mind, Novation Circuit line is mono with limited memory for long sample clips. Currently, moved to iPad solutions--- Koala and Flip but love my Circuit Tracks with Modal Skulpt and Moog Minotaur for no-DAW fun
I had the same thought bro. I have an akai mpd218 with 16 pads and 6 knobs to map to Koala... Think AUM could use the midi routing to control tracks and effects using a keystep or launchpad as the brains or the main controller
holy sh!t.... that went from "ah yeah, some happy-ish sounding chords being played on a pad" to "really distressed Boards of Canada-esque but somehow attention grabbing and immersive" that's some good resamplin!
I used to watch your channel a wihle ago back when you had ~10k subscribers. I stopped for a while bc I just haven't been doing a lot of music, then this video came up on my recommended. Man your beat making/producing skills have really improved, the tracks in this video sound really good.
After swinging between the new sp 404 mk 2 and the Circuit Rhythm, I have decided to acquire an sp (as fans of this call it), for a personal, sad reason. 7 years ago attending my Grandmother’s funeral, my younger brother and I were discussing music equipment, and him being a hip hop fan (particularly lofi underground hip hop) loved the MPC. I looked at my younger brother and said “Isaac, you do not need an MPC, there’s a unit called the sp 404, that’s portable, well known artist have used to knock out albums, best example J Dilla” used while he had lupus” (J Dilla used an sp303 to produce “Donuts” but..), he looked at me in amazement, I then replied “you could put this thing in a back pack and make music from a bus station, coffee shop, where ever” my brother looked at me and went “Huh?…” 7 years later my brother then passed away due to tragic events, so my next purchase, will be to honor him, and that conversation we had in December 7 years ago (trying not to cry as I type). Sorry for the long post.
Thanks for the video! Wouldn't the 1010music blackbox be the closest alternative to compare to? Perhaps consider that when doing a comparison video. cheers
Q. ''Bus FX'', just to clarify if i'm understanding this right, a bus effect mean all or nothing you can't dial in 10% fx reverb on a bus for a hi hat and 90% for snare... it's what ever the bas is and all or nothing ie use it or dont per pad. So bus effect is not a 'send effect'
as far as I know its either/or for fx to the buses, but buses themselves can have their levels set (a bit different on different effects). So yeah, its not send effects (tho I say ”send to the effects on one or two occasions out of bad habit). Could be wrong here but nowhere did i spot a level for the fx buses per sample
I've only had the SP-404SX for a few months and got a decent price so I don't think I'll feel any remorse for upgrading. The MKII addresses much of my disappointment with the SX. I think a comparison between the Digitact and 404 would be quite appropriate because they both have quirky workflows that have developed a sort of cult following as a result.
The Digitakt has a killer sequencer, can sequence midi devices, has more limitations on effects and sample length, pretty sure not able to do multiple chops to a sample, you can play different parts of a sample per step but assigning a sample into multiple parts not so sure. It has clicky computer key like buttons for the sequencer so if you want velocity sensitivity pads the sp has you.
Hey Bo, one thing to correct you - Yes, the sequencer has never been a strong point in any SP. But the SP culture was never about the sequencer. Just like on the MPCs, the SP culture is all about the sampling, the live play and the effects, also some people use it to play something real long and just apply fx on top. So you said you are not familiar with the old SPs much, just keep that in mind - it was never about the sequencer.
Yepp. I know. But to a potential buyer (a non SP fan) looking at this its not wrong to say its weak. The sequencer is technically very limited to anything else on the market. Doesn’t make it bad, just not as useful as many other sequencers. For example not being able to quantize after the fact. Some clear room for improvement.
the bpm sync for samples seems real nice. In theory could you use them for backing tracks or “clip launching” and run midi clock out to say a synth to play lines on top?
Currently have an OG Circuit and I'm missing the ability to sample/re-sample. Looking at one of these new 404s, a Deluge, or a MPC One. Decisions, decisions! Thanks for the in depth video review BoBeats.
Same here, add MC-707 to the mix. I thing the main difference is that SP demands that you play the music live more or less (on easy mode since you have unlimited re-tries) and the others let you sequence everything as midi and infinitely tweak it, fix mistakes etc. I see SP as an instrument and the others as tools to arrange music. I hope I get this right :) I will probably go with the SP.
Here's a shot in the dark: now that there's a quasi-VCA for the samples themselves, do any of the filter effects come with any sort of cutoff envelope? EDIT: the manual is up online, and it looks like there is via the Super Filter effect! Hopefully we can whip up some SCWF pluck basses with it. EDIT 2: turns out it cycles, which makes it less useful for sustained notes but might still work well for plucks and percussion!
My imagination is going crazy thinking of ways this can be combined with an mc101 for endless crazy portable fun. Feed mc101 patterns into the sp, chop/effect/resample, chain together; layer synth sounds. I could get lost for eons...
Yes but how would you make the actual song? Back to the MC-101 after the SP? Starts to get messy. I wish for blend of MC-101 and SP in one machine. So...faders and song mode, but also sampling and a screen in small battery-operated device.
@@kerosene6317 I definitely see what you're saying. I'd probably record a live jam from the sp404 chops samples onto an empty pad (also on the sp404) using the resample method. I think each pad holds up to 16 minutes of sample time, which will likely be enough, or split it over 2-3 pads if needed. It's not a true song mode, and doesn't really allow for DAW multi track recording, but if you mix as you go before printing to audio, it will still sound good. Very old school workflow, but I get that it's not for everyone.
@@GeorgeL909 Fair enough. I have an MC-101 but find it a bit frustrating and slow to use. I'm still learning it all. Sometimes I wish I got the MC-707 instead of 101. I will get SP404 for sampling, and try to prepare samples for later use in MC-101 for arranging. It seems the SP404 is good for smaller sections, but not really layers, tracks and whole songs.
@@BoBeats This is my plan with preordering this guy. I’ve built my eurorack towards the goal of live performance but there are of course always limitations in eurorack that make live gigging difficult. I think with the DJ mode on this, it could be a fantastic companion to a modular system just for live performance, uploading songs made on my modular and mixing between them on the fly.
Later on in the coming weeks or month I guess ;) . The Circuit Rhythm is very much like an SP 404 mk 1 (no graphic waveform display, you really have to use your ears)
Tack för en grym video! Mkii ser ut som om den kan bli en kultklassiker med tiden. Gilla! Nu ska jag se vad Jade Wii tycker. Hon verkar vara expert på originalet. Därefter Loopop. Men din "vidjio" var den första jag kollade. 😁👌🏻
Even if you would love stronger sequencing abilities or workstation like features there are other reasons why the MC-707, Digitakt or M+ might not cut it and the SP still is your best bet: The MC-707 has not enough sample memory for playing stems in a live set, the Digitakt only is mono and the M+ isnt't exactly the most stable device on the market.
Yepp! SP definitely got its place. Unique sampler! Tho Maschine+ crashed one single time on me during my vacation when I used it every single day. So i recon its pretty stable now
@@BoBeats I know someone who ordered the M+ already 5 times, after every update again (because he really wants it so much) and just recently got a unit again from the store and it cannot even play the demo projects it ships with without major problems. Maybe he just is unlucky or something... Yet I heard he's not the only one experiencing problems. I'm sure having a more simple/ less complex device has its advantages regarding the stability, though. And I'm sure that once Intel get their manufacturing problems sorted (they found out way too late that they really need a new factory to keep up with the competition) the M+ will get way more powerful. I wanted an SP-404 for many years but even after the 404A was released I thought this was not exactly the update I was hoping for. Now I pre ordered the MK2 virtually the second Thomann put up the order page. I will look at the M+ again and again, however it might take a major hardware update of the M+ as well to fully convince me, finally. While it is less limited than other devices, it's exactly the absence of those limits that would make me beg for more processing power (if that makes any sense LOL).
Thanks for your videos Bo. Love the way you explain about gear. I have a question, I’m looking for some hardware that I can trigger synth layers, drums, spoken words, etc, while I play guitar and my friend sings. Would you recommend the 404? I’m trying to not use the computer. Thanks!
I believe the pads are all midi accessible. Meaning this thing can be played like an old sampling unit with great performance features. Digitakt at 160 bpm and sp404 FX will be fun.
Roland just announced a new firmware for SP404mk2 and it adds some SUPER USEFUL new features. Watch my video about it: th-cam.com/video/fNm_EUhj29k/w-d-xo.html
If you want to support the channel check out the SP404 in stores here:
EU: www.thomann.de/se/roland_sp_404mkii.htm?offid=1&affid=623
US: imp.i114863.net/ZdKA6X
US: bit.ly/PCrolandSP
*Affiliate links supports the channel regardless of what you buy
Great job sir! You did an excellent job as usual. The video production you did was top notch. Total pro. Keep up the great work. Cheers!
Been awhile since I watched a BoBeats video. SHECKING in! ;)
why
This ticks all my boxes, especially my quirky want of a musical gizmo that looks like a comically oversized ‘90s Casio calculator.
we all need a calculator in our lives
It comes in handy as a portable seq with batteries, afaiac.
Exactly. Those are awesome boxes to tick. And it sure comes in handy, love the AA battery option.
This is one of those things that will really be used a lot i think, like the calculator. And if i could operate this muscally with the same tactile semi-automatic muscle memory flow as i used to with the calculator, then wow..
This could quickly become central i my little home studio, and it would probably join me in bed.
Yea I know it. I see a beautiful lovestory about to happen :)
@@muphlus good thing they god rid of the RCA holes and replaced them with bigger jacks
I am the operator of my SP calculator.
Literally looks like a WinAmp skin brought to life. Pretty cool
Haha yes
That is so spot on! I felt it, but couldn't quite put my finger on it. Thank you, haha :)
WhineyMeanyGoofENmowMazedENct!!
Lol 😆
I remember the early days. I was born in 89. Haha
The time that went into this video is insane. This is a beautiful demonstration.
Thanks Courtney!!
Indeed 🙏
I always liked the SP workflow and I missed my SP 303 since I let it go many years ago. This is a huge step up for the SP’s and the dark layout and oled display are superb. Roland done it right this time.
*As I have gotten older, I don’t really get excited about new gear releases. The SP-404 MK2 is an exception!*
Same.. I'm jaded haha. But yeah this one has got me excited too
The Korg Opsix is also something to get excited about 😉
The Korg Opsix is also something to get excited about 😉
I’m drooling over this, this is everything the original was missing it’s practically perfect now
Your groove there after the 16 minute mark is so dope. Probably the most useful and least ear ripping video on this device I've ever seen. Thanks.
This is the best calculator ever.
Texas Instruments and Casio you guys can welcome the new king.
Torq
This is such a high quality video. Tons of information with examples and still getting my attention. Just because its long, don't see it as a problem. 10 minute videos are nice but I'd love to see more videos like this from you. Excited for the 100k
This is why I get up early in the morning. Thanks Bo !!
Me: "Oh cool, a new BoBeats video!" (looking at the timetable) "Okaaaaaaayyyyy" (edit: this device absolutely deserves such a detailed video - great work. This sounds super Hi-Fi, jusst as you'd expect from one of the big three)
:D haha
Cuckoo, ‘Tinez and BoBeats?
Finally got mine after eight months. Prolly have to watch this several times because it seems this vid is one of the best tuts of this device on the net. And I’m still looking.
Great stuff here. Thanks bo
I’ve watched a few tutorials now since getting my SPmkii (after 6 months of waiting!) and yours was the most clear and helpful to me… thank you bo!
Mr.Bo is pretty clear on his tutorials, his background as a teacher helps in this department.
The MKII comes with some PC software (perhaps for Mac/iPad as well?) that makes it super fast & easy to load new samples/beats directly to the MKII pads. Just connect the unit to the PC using a USB-C cable and it's instant sample loading.
This tutorial is absolutely outstanding. I also got answers that I had not been able to find on other channels. Thanks.
Thanks for watching!
What an amazing device and video! Literal goosebumps at 7:40! Can’t wait to get my hands on one! Thanks Bo!✌🏻
You will like it for sure! I watched your recent sp vid and i feel many drawbacks are improved upon
@@BoBeats it definitely looks like it! Cheers my friend!
I was surprised you didn’t get one ahead of time. Love your SP series :)
@@I.O.M. thank you so much! Hopefully someday I’ll be there on release day as well haha👍🏼 really appreciate the support✌🏻!
@@MidlifeSynthesist You'll get there soon. Your videos are always a joy to watch. 🌟
I think this is your best review/tutorial yet, and the most professional in terms of videography. Really like the graphic overlays and colour/tone.
Thanks!! Worked tirelessly to get it right :-)
What a lovely device. I totally don’t need it but it looks like it is a lot of fun to use it.
Ditto.
I had the older one. We're talking COMPACT FLASH. It was worthless, unless you were making lo-fi beats (and I know plenty who used it super well). But this is about to replace my DJS-1000 because it finally has everything I ever wanted and needed in a sampler!
Glad this product wasn't a myth. I didn't gel with the 404SX, but I'm hoping the screen and extra pads do it for me. So excited that you were able to check it out early.
What a fantastic, in-depth review for such an amazing piece of kit. Thanks Bo. Good to seeing you looking so well.👏👏🔥🔥🔥
I've had a Digitakt for a few years now and I'm still in love with it. I'm not even sure if I want this MKII or need it, but damn it looks cool.
Thankyou for a great review. I always find your style has natural rapport. I think that I just enjoy watching you build up the review. Thankyou for giving us that dedication. Great 'creative sampler' punchline and resume for an MC707 / Verselab user here.....but it still turns my head.
Most informative and creative tutorial for SP I’ve seen so far. Thanks a lot🙏👌
I use my 404A essentially as a bank and I control it via a MIDI channel from my Elektron devices, essentially giving the 404 the Elektron sequencer! I know it’s a pretty simple idea but the 404/Elektron combination (especially the digitone) is like having superpowers. I am so fired up for the MK2 update all of the additional features are going to make my current setup even better which I really didn’t think was possible
thats a cool setup idea!
@@BoBeats did they tell you anything about midi cc implementation? Being able to control effect parameters and the envelopes with midi cc would make this the undisputed must have piece of gear for 2021/22
Best balanced review Ive watched on this , cheers Bo
As of right now the SP-404A costs more than preordering this lol. It’s kind of funny but also that is seriously rad of Roland to make this so affordable.
I agree with this
7:25 instant vaporwave tbh. btw some instant GAS came real rn. shout out to everyone for a making a review of this. real dope
The machine has got a feeling between BoC and Esprit :3
Best video on this unit so far!
Love what you did with it!
I feel like the Digitakt would be the ideal partner to the SP-404. I often yearn for a separate sampler that’s a little more live-friendly when playing out. The Digitakt, as much as I love it, isn’t the greatest live instrument when it comes to improvisation or resampling. The addition of the SP-404 mkII for longer sample playback would allow the Digitakt to shine as what it is at heart: a drum computer.
I already have a digitakt, just ordered a SP-404 and was wondering if coupling those two would do any good..
Thanks for taking the time, Bo.
I’ve watched some of your long form videos and they have been informative. This one is no exception. Finally getting mine this week, so for sure I will watch again. Thanks for this, and congrats on getting past 100K!
Thank you! Appreciate it!!
Great machine, hope for a step sequencer, scales and polyphony in the next update. :-)
BO YES LETS GO! I'm cozying up for the whole hour, thrilled by this.
Let me know what you think about the vid and my approach
@@BoBeats Tons of great tricks, hitting roll to play the end of the loop was sick, sample chopping in general is big brain...I could go on about the smart lazy chop, or how exciting it is that it exists at all, and my jaw dropped when you scrolled past the effects for 303 vinyl sim, this is clearly a sequel based on user feedback.
**I’m a big fan of tutorials baked into an overview, especially for something like this. The details of a workflow might be what makes it click for someone, what makes it clear that it can be a good fit for them and their setup. More of that gets my vote. **
It’s clear that you spent a lot of time with it, really comes off, well done on all fronts.
Great stuff Bo, now I’m thinking about emailing Roland myself. LOL
Thanks for the feedback!! Spent like 3 weeks getting into it and more than a week on the vid
@@BoBeats it turned out great, and was a good choice to put in the work for, we're gonna see these everywhere, no doubt.
Awesome video! Lots of great tips on how to use it. I'll be watching this vid again once I get my SP404.
Thank you BoBeats for taking the time to do this.
Great Review! Comprehensive and in-depth, as one would expect from you. Good that you really take your time for it.
Really good video Bo. You are right to point out the limitations. The SP workflow is new to a lot of us so to highlight the strengths and also point out the limitations with the sequencer is important. For me any products like these exist within the Digitakt universe. I see application for quick sampling and realize at least in its current firmware the sequencer is limited. You obtained very musical results which is inspiring. You take it into instrument territory where the music lives. Always appreciate your take.
To be fair though, the musicality comes from Bo sampling from previously made songs that are already musical. This is in no way meant as a criticism of Bo's musicality, it's a criticism of the SP-404. You can't play chromatically or play chords without a LOT of work/workarounds. It looks like a fun sampler, but it's clearly no MPC or a sample-based groovebox.
@@sinewaymusic you can sample good material all day long but you need an ear to bring it together and the taste to know you've got something worthwhile to pursue. Otherwise your point is well taken.
@@scottharris7222 Absolutely, and I should have been clearer probably. Bo was sampling his own songs, so clearly he already qualified as having both the ears and the taste to create musical results. My point was that it isn't really thanks to the 404, in the same way as a true artist can pick up a cheap Bic pen and draw a masterpiece and no one would point out the quality of the Bic pen.
Drinking game - take a shot every time Bo says “vibey” 😉😂
Love the feel of this comment. Very vibey.
Yeah, I’d be blackout halfway through this video!
EDmacs!
@@tr1co0 eUnutz
@@aaronpermen5430 why if 0ffizFaaNeeChar!!
A great nice way to have upgraded an iconic piece of hardware - feels like they've really delivered on this one! Also like what you're doing with it Bo some cool jams on here and your insta rn
Awesome tutorial and review! I'm amazed. Well done Bo and Roland!
It may be quirky but it sure seems brilliantly made. The possibilities, wow.. for what it is, exactly :)
Think I'll just have to tacke that learning curve, the land beyond seems to promising...
I appreciate the work that went into this. Thank you!
I want one :)
Mostly stoked for this to snag an OG 404 for cheap 😅
In love with this device. Will buy it when I have the spare money😅.
This upgrade has me tempted
Really enjoyed the music you created with this
So funny you made this video. In your discord I mentioned it and the other members didnt seem so stoked so I kind of assumed you also werent into it so it's a pleasant suprised to see this video
Good vid . . . thanks Bo ! And the comparison vid vs the Novation Rhythm or the MC 101 would be great !
Hey Bo, please make that comparison video. Im looking for a sampler and now am between the 404 MKII and the Circuit Rhythm. Id love to see what you think.
Isn't it annoying that the tempo keeps springing into the display? It's probably the least useful thing, especially when externally synced. In contrast, to discover the name of the current pad's sample, you have to hit 'Remain'. I'm forever accidentally adjusting what I thought were FX parameters on mine only to notice I wasn't quite quick enough and the display has shifted.
Thanks for pointing out the inability to sequence the chromatic mode notes. I think that might be a deal breaker for me. I really like the idea of having a bunch of 1-shot synth sounds and being able to sequence different lines from a single 1-shot. Personally, it seems like the Polyend Tracker is a nice alternative.
Important limitations to know about. I have told Roland I would really like to see improvements there to just widen the audience this is great for
Good find
Yeah, I was almost in a hurry to but this, but...
Very refreshing review Great music choices!
super in-depth coverage, thanks Bo
Excellent review it's really not too long to cover what you covered it's perfect, thanks very much want muchly❤
Amazing video, thanks for taking so much time and achieving such excellent video !
Awesome video Bo! Would definitely like to see a comparison to the digitakt and circuit rhythm... all 3 have kind of been on my radar haha
Finally, I thought it was a photoshop job!. this is great!
This is very intriguing, if I already had an MPC one I'd probably want one of these next.
Mcu/mpu patch0ffEN2suites?
It's an incredible technology indeed 💯
Thanks for the video. I love the new features, but I don't understand few things:
1)) Is the "project" include both what samples are loaded on each bank and pad AND some other saved settings ? I would assume "yes".
2)) What type of envelopes are supported? Volume envelope? Filter envelope? Other?
Thanks (I had 2 more questions, but Roland just answered them)
Projects retain samples and settings for samples and the bpm. + seq data ofc. but settings for fx are global. I think thats about it.
Its an amp envelope only. Nothing else from what I know.
Yes sample panning is available and you can set stereo samples to mono
Stereo or Mono Samples?
Keeping in mind, Novation Circuit line is mono with limited memory for long sample clips. Currently, moved to iPad solutions--- Koala and Flip but love my Circuit Tracks with Modal Skulpt and Moog Minotaur for no-DAW fun
Stereo and mono samples
You could use the tracks for sequencing or sp for fx either way🔥💀
Awesome! I'm looking forward to explore the iPad & SP-404 MKII combo. What you can do from there seems virtually limitless..
@@muphlus similar
I had the same thought bro. I have an akai mpd218 with 16 pads and 6 knobs to map to Koala... Think AUM could use the midi routing to control tracks and effects using a keystep or launchpad as the brains or the main controller
holy sh!t.... that went from "ah yeah, some happy-ish sounding chords being played on a pad" to "really distressed Boards of Canada-esque but somehow attention grabbing and immersive"
that's some good resamplin!
Thanks!!
I used to watch your channel a wihle ago back when you had ~10k subscribers. I stopped for a while bc I just haven't been doing a lot of music, then this video came up on my recommended. Man your beat making/producing skills have really improved, the tracks in this video sound really good.
Good overview & tutorial Bo, thank you
you did a really awesome job with this vid
One of the best videos so far!
thank you!
I like that beginning track!
BoVibeBeats looks like you really enjoyed making this video. Great review and tutorial!
It was alot of work and also good fun!
@@BoBeats it's epic! You covered so much and created some cool sounds to boot.
Great Review! Sad that it has no basic step sequencer without live recording…
Wow, super helpful workflow breakdown. I'm sure I'll re-watch when my unit arrives. Thanks Bo
Thanks!
Thank you!
After swinging between the new sp 404 mk 2 and the Circuit Rhythm, I have decided to acquire an sp (as fans of this call it), for a personal, sad reason. 7 years ago attending my Grandmother’s funeral, my younger brother and I were discussing music equipment, and him being a hip hop fan (particularly lofi underground hip hop) loved the MPC. I looked at my younger brother and said “Isaac, you do not need an MPC, there’s a unit called the sp 404, that’s portable, well known artist have used to knock out albums, best example J Dilla” used while he had lupus” (J Dilla used an sp303 to produce “Donuts” but..), he looked at me in amazement, I then replied “you could put this thing in a back pack and make music from a bus station, coffee shop, where ever” my brother looked at me and went “Huh?…” 7 years later my brother then passed away due to tragic events, so my next purchase, will be to honor him, and that conversation we had in December 7 years ago (trying not to cry as I type). Sorry for the long post.
Sending my best wishes your way. Thank you for sharing your story. ♥️
@@BoBeats you are very welcome, (again trying not to cry as I type) his funeral was last Thursday
Ok I just started the video, but just wanted to say that I LOVE the sound of your track at 1:30. :)
How was a not subbed? Great work dreams do come true lol!
great overview, very practical, nice one.
That footwork at 15:14 was crazy
Great work bo. You know your stuff, thanks for sharing. 🙏👌
Lots of info. Thanks for the rundown.
All your videos should come with a warning that says "prone to cause gas" specially with how you play with this makes me really want one now!
Thanks for the video! Wouldn't the 1010music blackbox be the closest alternative to compare to?
Perhaps consider that when doing a comparison video.
cheers
Its possible that it would be, absolutely! I might include that. I have not had any experience with it hence I couldn’t say
Q. ''Bus FX'', just to clarify if i'm understanding this right, a bus effect mean all or nothing you can't dial in 10% fx reverb on a bus for a hi hat and 90% for snare... it's what ever the bas is and all or nothing ie use it or dont per pad.
So bus effect is not a 'send effect'
as far as I know its either/or for fx to the buses, but buses themselves can have their levels set (a bit different on different effects). So yeah, its not send effects (tho I say ”send to the effects on one or two occasions out of bad habit). Could be wrong here but nowhere did i spot a level for the fx buses per sample
@@BoBeats thanks for the fast reply, just looking thru the online reference manual... which is web based not a pdf.. so not the best of fun to use!
Honest review, liked it. This machine probably is more appropriate for American market, but here a Digitakt is very hard to beat. Regards
Another sampler that I am gonna have to purchase....this thing looks dope, especially for the cost....
I've only had the SP-404SX for a few months and got a decent price so I don't think I'll feel any remorse for upgrading. The MKII addresses much of my disappointment with the SX. I think a comparison between the Digitact and 404 would be quite appropriate because they both have quirky workflows that have developed a sort of cult following as a result.
The Digitakt has a killer sequencer, can sequence midi devices, has more limitations on effects and sample length, pretty sure not able to do multiple chops to a sample, you can play different parts of a sample per step but assigning a sample into multiple parts not so sure. It has clicky computer key like buttons for the sequencer so if you want velocity sensitivity pads the sp has you.
Magical vaporwave machine!
Lazy Chop like the MP, definitely gotta snatch it up, that cassette simulation is something serious, Great Video💯
Hey Bo, one thing to correct you - Yes, the sequencer has never been a strong point in any SP. But the SP culture was never about the sequencer. Just like on the MPCs, the SP culture is all about the sampling, the live play and the effects, also some people use it to play something real long and just apply fx on top. So you said you are not familiar with the old SPs much, just keep that in mind - it was never about the sequencer.
Yepp. I know. But to a potential buyer (a non SP fan) looking at this its not wrong to say its weak. The sequencer is technically very limited to anything else on the market. Doesn’t make it bad, just not as useful as many other sequencers. For example not being able to quantize after the fact. Some clear room for improvement.
yeah but Ive always wished the SPs had better sequencers. And MPCs are known for their sequencers!!
i thought they updated the sequencer??
the bpm sync for samples seems real nice. In theory could you use them for backing tracks or “clip launching” and run midi clock out to say a synth to play lines on top?
Currently have an OG Circuit and I'm missing the ability to sample/re-sample. Looking at one of these new 404s, a Deluge, or a MPC One. Decisions, decisions! Thanks for the in depth video review BoBeats.
That’s my dilemma. I was about to pull the trigger on the MPC one and then I find this beauty.
Same here, add MC-707 to the mix. I thing the main difference is that SP demands that you play the music live more or less (on easy mode since you have unlimited re-tries) and the others let you sequence everything as midi and infinitely tweak it, fix mistakes etc. I see SP as an instrument and the others as tools to arrange music. I hope I get this right :) I will probably go with the SP.
Same... I have a mpc500 and the sp303 and love both work flows... the mpc live II retro looks so crisp... so does the new 404... hard
Very nice job Bobeats as usual ✌☮
Here's a shot in the dark: now that there's a quasi-VCA for the samples themselves, do any of the filter effects come with any sort of cutoff envelope?
EDIT: the manual is up online, and it looks like there is via the Super Filter effect! Hopefully we can whip up some SCWF pluck basses with it.
EDIT 2: turns out it cycles, which makes it less useful for sustained notes but might still work well for plucks and percussion!
My imagination is going crazy thinking of ways this can be combined with an mc101 for endless crazy portable fun. Feed mc101 patterns into the sp, chop/effect/resample, chain together; layer synth sounds. I could get lost for eons...
You have advanced my music producing ulter ego, beat making skills when I'm down the pub😎😁😎
Yes but how would you make the actual song? Back to the MC-101 after the SP? Starts to get messy. I wish for blend of MC-101 and SP in one machine. So...faders and song mode, but also sampling and a screen in small battery-operated device.
@@kerosene6317 I definitely see what you're saying. I'd probably record a live jam from the sp404 chops samples onto an empty pad (also on the sp404) using the resample method. I think each pad holds up to 16 minutes of sample time, which will likely be enough, or split it over 2-3 pads if needed. It's not a true song mode, and doesn't really allow for DAW multi track recording, but if you mix as you go before printing to audio, it will still sound good. Very old school workflow, but I get that it's not for everyone.
@@GeorgeL909 Fair enough. I have an MC-101 but find it a bit frustrating and slow to use. I'm still learning it all. Sometimes I wish I got the MC-707 instead of 101. I will get SP404 for sampling, and try to prepare samples for later use in MC-101 for arranging. It seems the SP404 is good for smaller sections, but not really layers, tracks and whole songs.
The vibey version of the first beat is one of the best things I’ve heard from you. Maybe this is your machine!
i must say it has done something for me creative wise
@@BoBeats I can tell. Seriously, everything sounded fantastic. I hope to see more from you on the SP!
i will be using it with my eurorack i think
@@BoBeats This is my plan with preordering this guy. I’ve built my eurorack towards the goal of live performance but there are of course always limitations in eurorack that make live gigging difficult. I think with the DJ mode on this, it could be a fantastic companion to a modular system just for live performance, uploading songs made on my modular and mixing between them on the fly.
It WOULD be nice to have a comparison video between this and the Circuit Rhythm. Great job, as always Bo! :-)
Later on in the coming weeks or month I guess ;) . The Circuit Rhythm is very much like an SP 404 mk 1 (no graphic waveform display, you really have to use your ears)
Wow. Thank you sooo much for the clear and helpful video.
Sadly I can't find it in stock anywhere. (including your affiliate links)
Tack för en grym video! Mkii ser ut som om den kan bli en kultklassiker med tiden. Gilla! Nu ska jag se vad Jade Wii tycker. Hon verkar vara expert på originalet. Därefter Loopop. Men din "vidjio" var den första jag kollade. 😁👌🏻
tack!! kul att du gillade videjon!
Even if you would love stronger sequencing abilities or workstation like features there are other reasons why the MC-707, Digitakt or M+ might not cut it and the SP still is your best bet: The MC-707 has not enough sample memory for playing stems in a live set, the Digitakt only is mono and the M+ isnt't exactly the most stable device on the market.
Yepp! SP definitely got its place. Unique sampler! Tho Maschine+ crashed one single time on me during my vacation when I used it every single day. So i recon its pretty stable now
@@BoBeats I know someone who ordered the M+ already 5 times, after every update again (because he really wants it so much) and just recently got a unit again from the store and it cannot even play the demo projects it ships with without major problems. Maybe he just is unlucky or something... Yet I heard he's not the only one experiencing problems. I'm sure having a more simple/ less complex device has its advantages regarding the stability, though. And I'm sure that once Intel get their manufacturing problems sorted (they found out way too late that they really need a new factory to keep up with the competition) the M+ will get way more powerful. I wanted an SP-404 for many years but even after the 404A was released I thought this was not exactly the update I was hoping for. Now I pre ordered the MK2 virtually the second Thomann put up the order page. I will look at the M+ again and again, however it might take a major hardware update of the M+ as well to fully convince me, finally. While it is less limited than other devices, it's exactly the absence of those limits that would make me beg for more processing power (if that makes any sense LOL).
Thanks for your videos Bo. Love the way you explain about gear.
I have a question,
I’m looking for some hardware that I can trigger synth layers, drums, spoken words, etc, while I play guitar and my friend sings.
Would you recommend the 404?
I’m trying to not use the computer.
Thanks!
I believe the pads are all midi accessible. Meaning this thing can be played like an old sampling unit with great performance features. Digitakt at 160 bpm and sp404 FX will be fun.
btw - Can pads be Muted in Seq? (If you want to make a full pattern, but slowly un-mute parts)