SP-404 MKII: 4 Reasons To Buy/Not To Buy
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 ส.ค. 2024
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I've found recently there is no amount of videos that can beat actually getting this stuff in your hands and using it to see what happens. On paper the MPCs were what I wanted. I had an MPC One for a few weeks before trading it in for Ableton and a Push 2. Since then I've had a lot less time being at the home studio.
I had an SP404SX for a long time but never did much with it. I couldn't afford getting anything new for a while, so I just started messing with the SX while away from the studio and trying to learn it. I'm actually learning what works for me through DOING IT. It turned out that I fell in love with the sound sculpting capabilites. While away from the home studio, I found myself creating crazy sounds on the SP but needing a better sequencer. I had to decide between an MPC and the SP404 MK2. I got the MPC Beats software to try it out and gave it a few weeks. Long story a little less long, I decided to get the SP MK2.
At the end of the day, you gotta know what you're trying to create and try things to find a good creative fit. I stressed about what to buy and just went with it and I'm VERY HAPPY.
There are a lot of things that are more convenient on the MPC, but nothing has been as inspiring as my two SPs and a keyboard 🤷🏻♂️
These videos were all helpful to me, but the last and most important step was getting it in my hands and getting creative. Gear won't make the music for us. If you have a musical vision, find out what musical elements are needed to achieve that and use what you have, get what you NEED, and push yourself creatively. Here's a wizard if you read this long 🧙🏼♂️
Absolutely agree, that's why I don't really like telling people what to buy, we're all so different in the way we express ourselves with these machines. Thank you for the insightful comment, I did reach the wizard at the end 😀
@@aoterou Honestly I agree even about the sequencer haha. Something about the MPC sequencer just does not work for me. Also, I would love a Digitakt for when I'm in the mood to make IDM and glitch, which is my other big interest. The SP does some of that well too.
Constraints are the mother of invention. Agree with you. You won't know til you dive in.
I just wanted to say that I really appreciate the wizard, thanks.
@@Hakucho64 Hahahaa thank you it was all for the wizard!
Thanks for mentioning the envelope and filter limitations, you're right that not many people have talked about that which is odd.
Indeed. Thank you for watching.
It's not perfect but it's charming. I had MPC One and sold it . Very powerful like you said , Way more possibilities (DAW in a box basically) but it was the first time in my life that after I left it for a couple of days untouched, I forgot how to operate it. I was literally forgetting how to do this or that.. never had such a problem with any gear. The workflow of Maschine is better than MPC and I love the workflow of SP. Bought it recently just to have some fun and to focus solely on making sampled beats. Going back to the roots. It's not made for complex music . Very valid points about the filters per pad and ADSR. There is space for improvement and I hope Roland will be updating it in the future. I would like to have some sort of Chord mode along with chromatic too . Also, 2 (at least) effects per pad would be brilliant (even some set of basic ones , Filter, reverb, compressor and leave the more sophisticated for resampling).. What kind of annoys me is ... I like my reverb or delay to work over the following patterns or samples.. this only works when using effect live . After they are resampled , the tail of the reverb is being chopped of by an upcoming pattern or sample, which is obvious as its a resampled new file with cooked-in effect.. but still would love to have that. Stems as a whioe are not a big issue but would be awesome to export the loops! Its possible to do it but not to the WAv file which is strange. Or Roland maybe could come up with a software that converts those files to WAV.... My 2 cents , Great and hones video. Big Up
Thank you and I totally agree.
I used to work on the MPC 5000, Sp-404 SX and now the MK2...MPC is good but i prefer the 404 cause its limitations and the classic effects really boost my creativity. Also the workflow of the MK2 improved so much compared to the SX. Interesting video!
Fair enough! Glad you liked the video 👊
Stopped by not because I have or use a sampler or plan to buy one but because I know there was quite a bit of hype around 404 MKII and wanted to hear your thoughts. I think how you described the counterproductive effect that equipment limitations can often have is bang on just in general.
Exactly! Thanks for stopping by bro.
Yo this video was on point! I've had mine for a few months and using it exclusively to make beats. The part about the limitations promoting creativity was definitely true as well as it being a double edged sword due to limiting capabilities and cumbersome work arounds. I do still love the little stinker though 😁
Haha facts! Glad you liked the video!
@@LowHeatBeats word up brotha, good stuff! 👊
The reasons you mentioned is why I opted for the MPC Live 2. And especially since the latest Flavor Pro plugin the MPC effects are basically on par now with the SP-404 Mk2.
Right on, Flavor Pro looks really slick.
I have both, and althou flavor pro is cool it's not the same as the FX in the SP. Workflow on the SP is faster and in a way more gratifying than the MPC. This is my first SP as I am an MPChead for years.
@@maschinelab8598 Sure, they're not the same but both have their advantages that at least make them on par, especially if you're into lofi. SP's effects are more instant but MPC's effects have way more parameters to sculpt your sound the way you want it to.
To put it this way (and to get back to the topic of this video): When you already own an MPC there's very little reason now to invest in an SP-404 Mk2. Whereas when you own an SP-404 Mk2, it still makes a lot of sense to buy an MPC.
@@Drrolfski Yes. You are absolutely right. That's why I had MPC first. I wanted the SP to try the workflow and I'm really enjoying it. If I had to choose I'd buy MPC no doubt. It is deeper. But the SP fx sound so good, no comparison. MPC fx are versatile and are not performance oriented as do the SP 's fx. It is difficult to compare the two. The MPC One is 300 more than the SP too. BTW I have the SP for 2 months now and I use one or the other. Didn't even try to hook them up together.
there is a big reason why i pick the 404 over the mpc, when it comes to creativity i do much better on a non DAW device everything that is possible on the mpc distracts to much, but thats just my opinion
I think reason #1 to *not* get it is spot on. It's very weird that it offers no proper envelopes or filters per sample. It seems like every other device out there, including even Roland's own devices like the MC-101, has this, so it's just strange that the SP-404 MKII doesn't. Proper amp and filter (and why not pitch) envelopes would open up so many creative possibilities that just not feasible today.
Yup, an LFO would be great too.
@@LowHeatBeats yeah, those are my two primary wishes actually. The assumption with the LFO is that you'd have some stuff to modulate too, such as pitch, filter cutoff but I'd also love to see some more on-sample effects like bitcrush, ring modulation etc. This is the part that the MPC and the Digitakt do really well, but they're both so much more than just samplers. There's a gap in the market for pure, but really competent samplers. I'd also love a granular synth engine in there but I'm being greedy now. 😂
Love the 404. Especially the portability. I find it works best for me as a complement to my Maschine+ mk.III rather than a replacement for it.
But some people definitely use it by itself and get great results.
I agree that it's pretty great for a portable beat making device. How does it complement the Maschine for you?
Yeah curious also to know how you get the 2 together. I got maschine+ too and just bought second hand spSX for more flexible live perf
Such a great video! well done!
Thank you!
The first video of yours I watched was how you use Maschine within Ableton. I can see why someone would opt for an SP for the same reasons of Maschine: The workflow, the healthy set of constraints, and overall 'feeling' of what they're able to accomplish. As someone who owned a Maschine (and is getting an upgrade shortly) aeons ago, I'm looking for ways to move from sketches rather quickly into editing and sequencing final songs, all while taking advantage of the VSTs I'll have within Ableton (both instruments and FXs).
I'd like to eventually perform my work with full control of each scene akin to Daedelus, so will likely get a Push 2 or Monome for Live shows. But this was a solid walk-through and helped me stick to my conviction until I find a need to introduce a new tool for what may be different results.
Appreciate you watching the videos 🫡
if it's even a question then, no. but i KNEW i needed one. i like little things that do big things and i didn't want to use the laptop so it was a no brainer coming from the SX.
i loved producing on sx tho. i like it better in some ways.
If you produced on an SX, then it's a no brainer. I'm an Ableton/Maschine guy and I mostly play keys when making beats. So sometimes I find it hard to express myself with the limitations on the 404 MKII. Still, it's a fun change of perspective sometimes, so I like having it around.
@@LowHeatBeats that works too! ableton is the best. and it's cool how they're getting the mk2 closer to ableton with the new one shot mode and improvements to pattern mode.
Hi, this thing is one of my go to midi audio cards for my mac book pro M1, and it all integrates seamlessly with logic pro.
Nothing is left out, everything is fast and intuitive, and I can sample things from my iphone 13 with the usb-c cable, and really creating this is crazy, anything like internet radios are perfect for sampling on my SP404mk2 and banks of samples to create more daring compositions.
After all it works great in logic, with the stems and routing by tracks for each sequence and sound.
You can not lose more, it is a great tool to compose any style of music.
This thing would be great to take with me to an island.
Glad that you're enjoying it.
you use it with ur iphone and make and it all works i use garage band for everthing and i have mpk mini and a Irig i wanna buy the sp too bring what ik to one machine does the sp do that for you?
dope beat
Thanks
Great video bro. I don’t think the cons you’ve mentioned are terrible, Like you mentioned early in the video the sp was geared toward performance, I do still feel that way. Developers are not savvy ppl. They watch and analyze how ppl are using their products and then make changes according to that. I think all roland did was say “hey there are ppl who really like making beats on this machine” let’s take the work arounds they’ve created and just make them features. I dont think they were trying to make a power house unit that that dominates the market at its price point, but a more use friendly experience for core Sp users.
Yeah, your take is spot on, well said!
im thinking about grabbing one of these to go with my MPC 1000 with JJOS. been looking for a mk2 used for a decent price but i can only seem to find the SX. I do think from what i've seen the mk2 would be better for me so looks like ill be buying new if i decide to go with it. im comparing it to the digitakt. but the mobile aspect makes me really want to get this first.
Yeah, it's definitely better than the SX but as far as sequencing and making beats, the MPC 1000 is much better even if it's quite old.
Appreciate your comments re: MPC work flow. I hate the work flow and effects of my MPC One, but I definitely see that other devices are drastically more limited. I'm considering selling because of the work flow issue though - just kills my creativity.
I hear you on the workflow of the MPC One, I had a similar experience with it. But many people seem to like it so that's why I mentioned it as a good alternative.
@@LowHeatBeats ha, exactly why I'm hesitant to sell. I keep thinking "what did I miss"?
Any thoughts on 404/PE Tracker or Play/digitakt as an MPC replacement keeping work flow in mind? Something else I should look at? Should mention I have external synths.
@@peadookie Idk, I'm a hardcore Maschine and Ableton/Push 2 user, these allow me to work incredibly fast. I guess you need to try Maschine+ if you're looking for standalone. The workflow i stupidly fast and fluid.
@@LowHeatBeats mm, had forgotten about machine+. Thanks for the reminder - assuming you've got Videos I'll be watching! Thanks again, brother.
@@peadookie Yup, I have plenty of videos. I use the MK3 which is exactly the same, just needs a computer to work.
just get mine a week but im soo in love
The sp workflow is convoluted no sidechain I found the circuit tracks to be much better for my needs and super easy workflow
Yeah, for me making beats on it is more trouble than it's worth it. But I still like to have it around for other purposes.
@@LowHeatBeats the fx’s alone is a reason and great for live and samples
Yup
I've got an SP-404MK2, I absolutely love it. It's a beautiful, well built device that is cheap and fun, the sound is excellent, it's super fast and performance oriented, you can easily put it in your backpack and play anywhere you want, it's easy to learn and it gets tons of updates and love from Roland and just like MPCs, that device didn't become a cult classic for no reason...
I appreciate your input, as it helps people decide if it's for them. That's why i tried to be as balanced as possible in the video and encourage people to share their experience in the comments.
I would not say the sp 404 mk2 is cheap, it maybe cheaper compared to the MPC, or Digitakt, at $793 (taxes excluded) Canadian, it is definitely not cheap
@@sawtooth808 same is true here is Aus, at $740.
I believe that pressing the EXIT button several times acts like a STOP and that any of the 16 PADS act like a PLAY button. Either a SAMPLE or a PATTERN.
Indeed, but having dedicated play and stop buttons would make for a more comfortable workflow when recording your patterns.
@@LowHeatBeatsFor sure. It is a standard in mostly all musical devices and DAW
4:33 THERE IS NO PLAY AND STOP BUTTON! (Also, no dedicated Mute or Solo, though there is a button combo to Mute now.)
Yes, indeed!
I was looking at the sp404 mk2 to pair with my mpc live 2 but having 2nd thoughts if I just buy it for effects.
Yeah, not sure if you need to pair anything with the MPC. But if it's just for the effects you can get an older SP for half price, or a Korg Kaoss Pad.
@@LowHeatBeats Ill look into it. Thanks
Has the 3.0 update fixed this?
I think only 1 thing - they added proper release for gate mode.
I just want Naming samples and merge patterns
and maybe a didechain fx
Sidechain would be great, but I just don't see it happening.
@@LowHeatBeats I still have hope!
Супер си!
Благодаря ти!
@@LowHeatBeats super happy of evening what you are sharing!!!
I trust a man who isn’t afraid to rep New Balance
Idk man, I'm just wearing my sweatshirt, it's not statement and certainly not repping them intentionally.
@@LowHeatBeats I’m just being silly. I wear new balance
Ngl shoes are pretty comfy
@@LowHeatBeats definitely, good for wide feet too
I been considering buying one for a while. I’m a reason user and I wanted to know if anybody has used both together for production
If you look at it rationally, Reason's samplers are much more capable and easier to work with. It's up to you to figure out how to use them together for your use case. Does it add anything useful and why do you actually need it?
@@LowHeatBeats facts. I just be seeing people on them going crazy tho. Looks pretty fun
Wondering if I were to get a push3, and use your sp404fx rack if I would then sell my 404mk2….
Ha! That would depend on how you use the 404 but I saw L.Dre already using the SP-404 XL rack on the Push 3 in standalone mode, so I know it works.
@@LowHeatBeats I’m currently using mk2 as fx and DJmode. Think the 404 dj mode might be the only reason I’d keep it . If only I had the money for a standalone push3 and find out!
Yup, I think as much as we're GASing over the standalone, for most of us the controller version is perfectly fine, and also Push 2 is perfectly fine too.
@@LowHeatBeats I’ve been trying DAWless since lockdown. Akai force, then mpc one and not gelled. Was contemplating maschine + then push3 came out. Push3 does look like almost perfect for me as I love Ableton workflow and want to avoid computer.
I'm have a DAW'less setup, and want to dive into sampling, I got the Synthstrom Deluge, but that's not ideal for slicing&chopping samples. The 404 seems like a more instrumental aproach and the MPC One more like a DAW. The most easiest tool to sample would that be the SP-404?
Just for sampling and chopping (not sequencing) the 404 is easy enough. Which would be the easiest is a bit subjective. For me it’s Maschine.
The small screen scares me 😮
It’s not that bad. The “scary” thing is how many button combos that aren’t labelled on the front panel you need to memorize. They added even more and more complex button combos in the 3.0 update.
I like the 404 SX better. Sometimes less is more.
I get that, it's a simpler and cleaner UI. They've crammed so much stuff into the MK2.
I dont like the fact that you cant export stems
Yeah, it would be very helpful if it could do that.
@@LowHeatBeats so , in order to transfer to DAW , would recording into DAW be only option?
I think there’s a feature in the new 3.0 update that could help with this.
@@comfortblanket in the latest version 3.0 it is possible to export stems.
the problem before we make music with Sp404 there is a lot more manipulation than Mpc live it's not the same technology!
I’m not sure I understood completely what you were trying to say.
I feel like it’s a niche product leaning towards gimmick. Every one uses dilla as an example and after reading dilla time no one actually knows if he used one anymore than just playing around. I also think the effects are overrated. The vinyl sim sounds dumb I hate hearing it. The filter drive on the mk2 sounds bad. Enough people say this to where I want to say objectively bad (I kno just opinions)
The reverb sounds like a regular digital reverb. I don’t see how the effects sound better than mpc if the mpc has effects the sp doesn’t even have. Does the mk2 have a soft clipper? Sidechain? Granulator? So no they are not better. I wish I never listened to the sp heads. It’s a basic sampler that was nice in 2009 when my mpc 2000 had 0 effects. When you couldn’t buy a used octatrack for 100 dollars more. The octa didn’t even exist in 2009. Koala didn’t exist back then. What does the sp add in 2024??
I think it’s cool as a compact package for performing beats and tweaking effects. Yeah, the effects aren’t the best in terms of quality but they have a sound of their own and are cool as performance effects. For producing though, after owning one for two years, I mostly agree that it’s a very niche device and a bit of a gimmick.
The title of your post should be: To Buy Or To Buy Two? People love it so much, not to buy is not an option
My perspective is different. I've been working with DAWs for more than 15 years and I enjoy the flexibility of computers. The SP is a fun device but it's not for everyone and I wanted to make a balanced evaluation of its pros and cons so people can decide for themselves. But I appreciate your perspective too.