Quick note: this video was geared towards someone that has minimal experience with either platform and is looking for insights on the differences between the two platforms. There's tons of details I left out, but that's because it was a casual conversation that's not suppose to be 2 hours long. Thanks for watching 🙏❤
i have both - mpc one and sp404mkii - they work great together i use the sp404mkii as a guitar/bass sim into the mpc looper/sample page i use the sp404mkii as a vocal mic input into the mpc looper/sample page i use the sp404mkii as a vocoder into the mpc looper/sample page - along with a midi'd up keystep on channel 11 90% of my projects are completed/done inside the MPC One I have a my-volt cable and battery bank for the sp-404mkii for sketching out ideas anywhere I see my MPC as a studio in a box and really like it. - done probably 60 finished song on it. I see my roalnd sp404mkii as a sample based drum machine, fx box and sketch pad - it's really a drum machine/phrase sampler if you can - get both.
Another interesting comparison would be a Maschine plus. Maybe as a halfway house between the MPC and SP, as it has some performance features of the SP and DAW like (but still standalone) workflow of the MPC?
I have yet to try out the Maschine Plus. I'm an OG mk1 owner of the original Maschine (back in 2010). I keep waiting for the inevitable update before I jump back in 😆
Yes, I have an MPC live II and I really stopped using it as a sampler, to use it as a controller for my SP404 mk2, I love how easy the flow is made in SP404 mk2, I have 2 classic MPC's (MPC 3000 and MPC 2000XL ), rooms expanded to the maximum, with all their accessories and complete memories, with USB readers and SD cards. The old ones are similar to PS404mk2, very direct and without wasting time, I immediately do the things I want to do. Live 2 is a constant distraction, I think the midi note window distracts me a lot and I'm always tempted to change a note, but in the others I don't have that temptation, really that makes an SP404 mk2 more direct and great, in terms of performance. Fast audio capture and composition. Without a doubt I like the SP404 mk2 much more, I never thought that such a small and well designed thing would surpass or equal my MPC 3000 or MPC live 2, I seriously think about it and it is incredible the great change that Roland made with this machine . For me it is the sampler of the moment and the only one that works with batteries so I don't have to carry cables, those replaceable batteries are great, it has a shorter autonomy than that of my MPC live 2, but it is more customizable, with the rechargeable batteries, I can't have that on an MPC live 2. I am very happy to buy this wonderful little box, lately I do everything, dnb, hiphop, reggae, dudstep, 2step... the sky is the limit.
Thanks for your opinion.. Really helpful.. Looking to come away from my Daw screen a little.. Maybe only for mixing purposes. Then just have fun Externally with hardware.. The SP404mk2 sounds like a fun lightweight alternative.. Looking forward to this🎉❤
Have both. This was a very informative video. I agree with your comments on the shortcuts for the SP404. Waaaay too much menu diving. That's why I don't use it much....sad to say.
The sp404 is a sampler and effector with some rudimentary sequencer functions, It never states anywhere to be more than that. But it has so many extra features that people misconstrue it with a DAW in a box.
the bus routing is the most difficult aspect of the sp-404 to grasp imo. once you understand that (which is about as difficult as and will take you the same amount of time it would to walk 5 miles on a nice day) the rest is just finding new shortcuts/gems. he really is quite biased and has not spent a full 6 months with an updated 404 imo, more like he watched a bunch of YT comparison videos as opposed to actually going hands on. he did say he was biased but dang, its SUPER new user friendly, you will be making dope beats relativity seamlessly in your first 24 hours. highly recommended. although I have zero experience with the MPC. but.. I LOVE MY 404!
Unfortunately here in Brazil, the mpc costs 3 times the price of the SP 404 mk2, but I'm happy with the SP, especially because I record voice, guitar and synth.
@@TheChameleon2008 No, I have a studio full of gear here, I wanted a device to play live and sketch ideas, tried the 404, it wasn't for me so I sold it and kept the MPC one which does the job perfectly.
This demonstration was very helpful to me in the aspect of a user experience with the units' design features. I bought an SP-404 but wondered if I should have chosen an MPC One instead but your comparisons gave me an understanding that makes me happier I chose the SP-404 for the pad-oriented user interface compared to menus on the Akai.
I have the 404mk2 for a couple months now and it's an amazing little box, bought it straight after the previous update. It was super easy to me to learn and very intuitive to use. The only thing Ive owned before is the PO-33. Honestly I did not see any problems with the shortcuts - I just remembered them thanks to daily use and repeating the same tasks. I adore this little box to the fullest, made beats on the plane, in a traffic jam, chopped samples walking, super portable love box. Looking to get the MPC K37 now because it's got keys for the price close to the One - for sound design and actually playing melodies in the most organic way but will wait for a bit as AKAI announced the MPC Mini on their IG account a couple weeks ago. Will not shelf the SP tho ❤ P.S. love the video much love
I am in the same situation as you. I have a PO-33 that I love to death but I need a little sophistication. Would you say that the workflow of the PO translates well on the SP? I am still hesitating.
@@nyfaniloandrianjafy8171 they are different in the way of chopping samples (as you don't really chop on the KO - you set the start and end points but can't truncate) but you can also copy the whole sample over the pads in a bank, set start and end points on each pad and then truncate or not of you choose on the SP. They both have a step sequencer and live recording. I believe the SP got the step sequencer just recently with software update 3.13 or such. I find the SP much more enjoyable in live recording mode. The SP is much more advanced overall. You can set the pattern chains as well or play pad by pad on both of them. So they are quite similar in the workflow. On the sound manipulation side, the SP wins with the resampling with the MFX, filters and pitching as there is non on the KO so the SP is way more advance in this way. It also has much more effects and filters. After months on the SP I am as comfortable as it gets and the only next thing that is logical to get for me is the MPC 37 because of how advanced it is comparing to the SP and it has the keyboard. I do not feel like I needed anything else (Analog Heat would be real nice tho)
I'm on the fence on both, want both. I can find multiple pros and cons with each and have found both for relatively fair used prices. Though I've still yet to pull the trigger on buying either. I'll probably wait for Akai to re-release an MPC One++ with 1 extra GB of RAM and not a gaudy color(as opposed to their paid plugins running on free proprietary software as I am, there's just nothing better when it comes to the pads and sampling).The 404 seems great, just alottt of button combinations. I've read through both user manuals and I still can't make up my mind lol. One day...
Definitely a solid option. I didn't go over these types of setups because again video length, but also I didn't want someone walking away feeling like they had to have both instead of just one, after watching the vid.
re the sp-404mkii - key combos - could not agree more! i have plans that one of my next printed books will be about SP-404mkii and all those key combos/workflows just need to organise a good structure for the book and an extensive index so i can find anything fast.
My MPC Live was buggy, screen sometimes unresponsive, etc. My SP-404 is always rock solid. That was my deciding factor between them. Agree on all the criticism about the 404, though.
Yep, the MPC software has its bugs. They've been doing a good job of keeping consistent updates, just like Roland with the SP. But yeah, the SP feels more reliable.
I just sold my 404 mk2 for an MPC one. For my workflow coming from a DAW ( and using a lot of the older MPC's ) I just found the 404 workflow too slow with too many button combos. I get the 404 and why people would love it, but it wasn't for me. I love the MPC track mute on pads function, also the roll on the MPC destroys the one on the 404 ( especially with ratchets etc ) Flavor pro and Flex beat are both superb too. They really are 2 different machines though.
Get one lol. I have both and even though the MPC is wayyyyy more advanced, I grew to LOVE the sp. Like I use it daily and I rarely even turn my MPC on now…. The SP Is so fun once you learn it
I have enjoyed the SP and glad I chose it. I will note the Mic/Guitar Input I believe handles sound differently than the inputs on the back of the unit. I say this because I was sampling records from the Mic/Guitar Input and noticed pretty rough audio quality, pretty distorted highs. Switching to the inputs on the back was an immediate drastic difference in audio quality, so for sampling records for sure use the inputs on the back.
Yup, the line inputs on the back will be much cleaner for records and synths. The front input is for dynamic mics and guitar/bass inputs. Those signals are inherently different from line levels, which is why it sounded so different from each other.
Workflows aside, the main thing missing from the sp that the mpc has is note glides, extra octaves in chromatic mode, the ability to change the swing after recording , and a built in tuner. This is what I miss when using the sp but other than that it’s a great sounding machine, fun to use and get creative with. Once you do learn all the key combos you need, it keeps your brain sharp. Both are great to pair together and if you use Koala on an iPad it pairs great with the SP too.
Thank you - this has been the most useful comparison videos between mpc one and mkII 404 for me. I've got a One but not used a 404 and you demonstrated nicely the things i was hoping to see in others' videos i have watched orthodox (but not demonstrated!). I've had my One since 2020 and used it solidly for a year and a half, but now haven't touched it this j last year and a half as I've been trying to learn/learning the m8 tracker. The 404 still interests me for the effects side of things, but will stick to m8 and One for programming/putting full songs together.
Thanks! I've considered scooping a m8 recently. I'm not sure if I'll click with the tracker workflow though. I prefer to play the parts most of the time.
@@teftymusictech I completely understand: I am interested in modular but haven't tried much on syncing things together until recently as I had no success with pocket operator with MPC one although I'm sure midi would be different (just not tried it yet, but have had fun with TT-303 and M8). I love koala sampler for it's ease of use and effects, and the M8 for the way it's so easy to mangle hardcore jungle Breakbeat type beats and arrange things with ready to use effects and onboard Synths. Also the MPC for the sheer way you can blow it all open or if starting with MPC One how it's all blown out with separate channels tracks and instruments all in one sequence, and built in free Synths etc... I definitely at least recommend you try the M8 headless version (it'sfree). You might find some units of v1 for sale since V2 dropped recently with IMO main improvements on battery and a flush screen, but I'm still very very very happy with my v1, even with all the import tax I had to pay on it! It's by far my most favourite piece of kit I have EDIT: Although with GAS I can't help but want to try an Erica Synths Perkon HD-01
Having started out with the MPC 1000 and gravitating towards the 404 lately, this video finally made me understand the unique workflow differences of the 404, by looking at it through the MPC user's perspective. Thanks alot for that insight!
If I want to make something MK2 if I have to produce something... mpc no doubt for me mk2 is more fun and the new looping is flippin amazing but you have to beat it like an old school video game... who ever found the secrets without learning the cheat codes la
I have an MPC Live and an SP-404 mk2. The way I think of it, the MPC is a DAW-you can't just turn it on when you hear some cool sound, make a quick sample, mess with it then turn it off-you can't even plug a mic into it without attaching another audio device and changing settings first... each time. You have to load an operating system, make a project, make a drum program, sample something, mess with it, save it so you don't lose anything, and then shut the thing down. Whereas the SP isn't a DAW, it;'s an instrument: flip it on, plug a mic in, sample to a pad, mess with it, shut it off. You can do things in minutes. It's immediate. I love the MPC for making a song, but for playing with samples, the instrument-like feel of the SP wins every time. (and I love both of them!)
I use the SP-404 as a sample player and effects unit in my setup. I need the App and load the files onto the instrument... really cheap, I know. That way I don't have to learn all the shortcuts. I also looked at the Novation Rhythm before. I like the workflow on the Novation Rhythm, unfortunately it only comes out mono. MPC One is a great instrument, it actually has everything I need. But in general, I've noticed that the AKAI workflow doesn't suit me. Nevertheless, I still look at the AKAI products e.g. Illa J on the Akai MPC Key 37 - on Anderton and your channel. I will certainly try out the MPC Key 37, for me, it's primarily a synthesizer with practically unlimited possibilities. I think the AKAI community is great, unfortunately I'm not part of it.
The app is great, no harm in relying on it for shortcuts. I'm a fan of Akai products, but I totally understand the workflow not fitting for people. That's why there's multiple DAWs to choose from. Different workflows is a good thing in both hardware and software.
Thanks! Have been watching your videos - they are fantastic! I have a question - i have been eyeing at mpc one plus - but it seems like an overkill for my need which is a great drum programming machine - where i can sample / program drum loops into 4-5 song parts and use live. What would be the best solution for that? Or should I just pick up the mpc one plus and explore programming bass sections etc?
Hmmm I'd say either of these boxes could do that really well. The Sp404 will give you more performance options with the FX. The MPC One Plus will give you more room for growth in the future. Keep in mind, you don't need to use every single feature of a device to consider it a worthy buy. I basically just used the MPC as a midi sequencer in the beginning. Over time I learned more of the capabilities and workflow options.
Just hit the sample you want and press gate to go into one shot mode. No need to press the encoder. Also, if you hit shift and pad 8 you can assign any pad into a mute group and the samples will cut themselves like the mpc
So as it turns out, there's two 'one shot' modes on the SP. The traditional one is what you described, but if you want the other version that's actually called 'One Shot' on the SP software, you have to hold the enter encoder and press gate. Again, this workflow allows a 1 bar pattern to trigger longer loops without them being cutoff each time the downbeat retriggers the sample.
Hard to wrap my head around the bang for the buck issue here. $500 for SP404 MK2 vs. 699 for MPC One Plus? Yes, it's a 'lot more' if you had that tight a budget. Regardless, I see no comparison is abilities! The full touch screen alone kills the SP404 when it comes ease of use. Think you would be better with a used MPC One Plus, over a SP404. MPC One Plus evolved. SP does not! No plug ins. With version 3.0 MPC, game is changed as well with Arranger mode. MPC is worlds better IMHO. SP404 MK2 should really be a 399.99 device for what it is! If not even less. Each to their own. Your channel, your review :) I WAS NOT an MPC FAN until I got one, LOL. I've owned a lot of Roland gear. They are not user friendly!
I went for the 404 couple weeks ago and its my first real hardware instrument. I owned midi controllers and some pocket operators in the past and actually sold the pocket operators to get my new upgrade. The TE KO-133, 404 and the MPC where in the race but after playing with all 3, i ended up buying the Roland. The TE felt like a toy so im glad i went for the 404 and maybe ill get a mpc in the future.
Just hit play, but I’ll say up front that I faced this dilemma about 2 months ago and never could find a video that specifically addressed this. I chose the SP404MK2, but often wonder if it was the right choice. Look forward to seeing how I feel at the end of it.
Honestly it's tough to make a comparison like this because a detailed one will be hours long, but a short one has to leave out a bunch of features. That's why I chose to keep it high level, as if it was a chat about the two. Thanks for stopping by 🙏
@@teftymusictech I think you kept it right where it needs to be after just finishing it. If I watched this video when I was making a decision, I might have swayed more to the MPC. Almost universally people told me that the SP404 was an instrument and the MPC was a DAW, but it’s not as cut and dry as that. The 404 was tough to learn, and frustrating, but my enjoyment did increase drastically as I learned it. Where the 404 doesn’t hit the mark for me is drafting out entire songs. I get inspired and the ability to noodle and go back in time has resulted in some great pieces for me, but at some point I have to goto Ableton to do something with it. It looks like the MPC would enable me to get through an entire first draft is something. Sooooo, by the end of the video, I don’t have any regret about the 404, but I’m now feeling more compelled to try and poach a cheap MPC off Facebook Marketplace. Thanks for the video, it was well done and exactly the height it needed to be.
Thanks for the perspective! That's pretty much where I've landed with the 404 as well. The App for transferring to the computer is fantastic but I'm always a bit annoyed at having to rebuild a song in Ableton. My workflow for the MPC is to perform the arrangements into Ableton, with hardware synths, which has been more enjoyable for me. It requires more gear though. And in terms of finishing inside of the MPC, you can do it, but the plugins are limited IMO for mixing/mastering.
MPC is definitely a daw in an other box than a laptop. It can do lot of things but if you don’t like screen/software, and you need a device that can follow you everywhere, go for SP. Also I feel like SP works very well if you love playing instruments. Nice video!
*You can’t make a comparison video and be bias towards one device…it’s like being a beauty pageant judge but already deciding the winner before the pageant begins lol* Comparing the MPC One to the SP404 MK2 is like comparing a car to a motorcycle…..bottom line there two totally different machines!!!
I hear your point, but I didn't present it as a contest or even declare a clear winner. I gave real world perspective from using the SPmk2 since it was released. And yeah, they're definitely two different animals of beatmaking platforms, BUT someone who's new to the game doesn't really know that or even know WHY they're different. That's why I made the video...to share perspective for a person that has minimal knowledge of the two popular options.
@@teftymusictech fair enough thanks for breaking it down....I dont own the mpc one yet but I have all the other MPC's 3000 2000 2000xl and obviously there great. I also own the SP404Mk2 and I know it's a completely different machine than those MPC'S. Again I appreciate your explanation
