Trying to Love the SP-404 MKII 

To each their own, obviously, and sometimes workflows just don't "click" with people. I absolutely love my SP-404 mk2 because I can just turn it on and play around endlessly; it just feels really intuitive and inspirational to me.

Great Bad Gear reference 😀

I think a big part you are missing is taking your different tracks, so have your drums, bass, chords, leads, etc all set up within the pattern sequencer, then resample these to pads but ONLY select the individual sample pads you want to bounce. That way you will have a whole bank of a 4 bar bass line, synth part 1, synth part 2, drum pattern 1 drum pattern 2, etc. From there you have a ton of options depending on what direction you wanna take. - You could simply save them onto your SD card then continue working on them in your DAW or another device. - You can control each clip and mute them in a way you are more used to in a pattern based device, or use mute groups for each instrument part and change up the way the pattern plays by switching samples. - You can route your drums to bus 1, synths to bus 2, put it in parallel mode, then control FX per bus (even bypassing the first two busses entirely for say your bass). - You could resample the same 4 bar pattern a bunch and create crazy layers with the FX and motion recording. - You can run one long chain of your melody in One Shot mode over a 1 bar loop and kinda 'freestyle' it, even using chromatic mode in real-time or even hooking up a midi keyboard to do so. The problem with the 404 is none of this is obvious in the workflow, but once you understand those capabilities, it really opens up the whole device. Also, I would suggest you try chaining say your Novation Circuit or MC-101 to it and just use the 404 to resample patterns or even as an FX processor cause some of them really are amazing.

The Mc101 and sp404 combo creatively unlocked something for me unique to that combo. For example, you can compose complex 8bar polyphonic leads on the mc101, sample them into the sp404, and use resampling with live tweaking effects to create tons of variety. Imagine a lead that adds distortion gradually over time, but starts reverby and transitions into dry as the distortion increases, then delay occurs at the beginning of each bar of an 8 bar lead but only for the first few notes. By resampling that lead a few times you can add all these fx in live and that's something very unique with a longform or phrase sampler. I like to build with the mc101, then *sculpt* with the sp404.

The limitations allow you to be more creative outside of the box, it’s not the tool it’s the user

First off, I really like what you made on all of these examples! I understand why some people don't like the SPs. They can be agitating haha. It took 9 years for me to click with my SX beyond just for effects. The trick, I realized, to getting the most out of sequencing songs is use the pattern sequencer, be prepared to commit to FX, but DON'T COMMIT TOO EARLY. This enables you to develop sections to expand arrangements using the pattern sequencer. On my SP404SX and MK2, I love sound designing and developing textures, new angles on chord progressions or melodies I've written, drum sample processing, experimental glitch sounds, etc. I chose an SP404MK2 as my portable companion because it has very little overlap with a DAW. It's like a high tech tape recorder with dope effects and a pretty cool sequencer. I treat the sequencer on the SP like a synth sequencer (but it doesn't have to be quantized!!) in that I use it to develop phrases and often resample those phrases and re-sequence that. Overall I treat any sampler/sequencer like a synth and it all goes into my DAW for arranging.

There is project mode and DJ mode. This little beat machine packs a punch. The point of the SP404 is to make gritty, dusty, and analog-sounding music.

I have an MPC One and I just got the SP404 and it’s been a game changer for me. The SP unlocked so much creativity, I run my MPC through it, run effects, and send that to my Ableton and it’s been amazing. On my down time I even love running my Spotify playlists through it and playing w the effects just vibing DJ style. DJ mode on the SP is cool but it bugs for me sometimes but I am an effects junkie so I push the limits.

I have owned the Sp404Mk2 for a while. For me it is great. It can be a loop maker, a beat maker, a song maker, an fx box (e.g. send/return from daw) or just a sampler. Imo for beat making and song making you really need to commit to the resampling workflow.... sure it can do patterns and get daw-like, but I think that if you approach it like you are making a painting... layering paints on top of each other to cover mistakes :) it is more fun. Imo my favorite use of patterns is actually to get the levels and eq of all the sounds correct before I create anything... I think ppl also struggle with this... the better setup your sounds are to use together... the happier your result (imo).

You have to embrace the whole underground Lofi Hip Hop culture. DJs use this a lot for one shot samples. Others like me, just hate using a DAW for music. It's Hella powerful. Once I figured it out, I love it.

I’ ve been going back and forth about getting this machine for more than a year now😅 great video

I have the SP404 MK II and MPC ONE. The MPC is so much easier to work with but I think SP 404 sounds better live. The 404 is also just portable enough, compared to the MPC that I end up taking it to practice more often.

I use mine as FX for my xone96. I occasionally run my tracks/stems through it for added texture. I love how the 404 sounds, but it can’t compete with my Force for workflow.

I’m pissed 😤

I think you would love the SmplTrek.

You mentioned that people use this as a live performance tool, and I think that's kind of the key (and between you and SPvids, I think the community at large is starting to come to grips with this): the SP-404 in all forms is not an ideal songwriting tool. People use it during performances to trigger samples or play their songs and backing tracks while messing around with the FX, but make no mistake, most of them did the lion's share of work on those songs in a DAW. Some people do make full songs on the 404, sure. Some people make entire albums with a Zoom recorder and an acoustic guitar. Depending on your level of ambition, though, you might want a little more to work with.

I saw somewhere that if you can example-play a sample that won`t load, while having the scratchpad running, it will be on there and can be copied to a pad.

In my experience the sp404 mk2 is annoyingly addictive. You start off hating it but the more you use it you end you loving it

Have you used the stem export function that they added in the new firmware? It's definitely the wrong box for people who want to load in samples. It's almost always better/easier to sample into it.

P.s. I know exactly what you mean as far as how you interact with the instrument just based on how your brain works! MPC just didn't mesh for me, but the first day I ever used Ableton even just with a Launchkey Mini it clicked IMMENSELY! Haha. I still wanna try an MPC Live 2 some day.

The most relatable Sp404 video for me, however I love to put my setup through the its Fx.

Do you know about Wavosaur? It's a freeware audio editor that will do batch convert. It'll convert bit depth and stereo to mono or the reverse, which I needed to convert some wavs for my Akai MPX8.

I straight up love the SP-404, even if it's one of the more infuriating machines I own. And I get that it's not for everybody. The main gripe I have with it is the fact that you have to stop the sequencer often to get from one setting to the next. And that adding effects to single hits amounts to resampling and replacing. However, it's the thing I pick up the most for quick ideas. It's reasonably small and battery powered, the pads are fab, and you have to be very deliberate about things, which helps you to think. Funny: this one and the Digitakt will never leave my collection, while I think you already sold your Digitakt and will probably sell this one too.

hes a 101 he should buy/review mc707 wich is more robust and more spacey sp404 is experimental sampler its not a groove box but makes the cut

After getting the MKII I really liked it and was about to ditch my MPC One. Liked the portability and battery power. Synced the SP with the Syntakt to trigger samples. But it kept feeling cumbersome for my likings. Over time, I never exceeded a sketch status. Never liked the feeling/velocity of the pads though. SP software is annoying, as it won't let you move multiple existing samples via drag & drop. Then I hooked the MPC to the Syntakt and it worked like a charm. Tried new approaches on the MPC (i.e. chop to pads while recording a sample, use a touch screen pen tip in grid view) and I am happy to have kept it:) But the SP has to go now.

nice one bro. cant wait to try one myself/ guy in my band has one but never really used it personally

I’m sorry everything that is done with the Mark2 I can do with my MPC LIVE and waaaayyy more

As a SP404MKii user, I appreciate all it can do. The generously storage and architecture (Projects,Banks, Pads, Patterns etc) all beg for a capability to support creation and editing of text labels, to really achieve efficient use of all this organization power and storage, e.g. Projects should have text names not just "1"-"16" labels, and labels should be allowed to document the current roles of all the other elements (Banks, Pads, Patterns). Then when you come back to something developed days or weeks earlier, you can instantly know where you left off. The PC App for the SP404MKII is one place this basic metadata (format, sample duration, etc) and labeling could first be supported, if not on the device itself.. just IMHO.

I still have my spmk2 but the reason it has less usage because of the my live 2 and force. In minutes I can make a song. While the sp404 you have to think on what to sample and resample again. Although its easy to sample, the process of putting all the sounds is time consuming and if the samples doesnt vibe, you have to sample again.

Hey, thanks for sharing your experience. I have the same problem with the 404. Sampling is fun and I find some inspiration but its reaaallly hard to do real improv Sessions. My process is starting with a Sample and then improvise the rest around it (only using hardware). And i keep getting back to the Model Samples and most often to Koala on the iPad because they seem to be more intuitive and more suited for live creation. Has anybody here tipps for Live Setups with the 404? I am sure I am missing something 😅

If the MkII had been around when the MPC One was launched I might have gone that way but the Mk1 was looking too end-of-life. Now having gone up the MPC learning curve it's too late.

Damn gabe definitely feel you it’s a love/hate relationship with the sp/404 I find using it in combination with the Mpc one is the best way to get the most out of it for me at least.

I use it as a effects box for my synths the 303 sim and the Juno chorus specifically are amazing

It seems like a fun way to make beats. Not so great for making songs, but sort of a fun cross between a drum machine and a looper.

Still makes me think ,, it sounds like a record with a finger on top slowing it down … it would do me in … I’m sure it’s a real cool machine it’s really well made but it’s about same price as a technic 1210 … what would u pick . ( don’t tell me u wouldn’t buy a second hand 1210 or 1200 ).

Made for people who don't know any better. Ignorance is bliss.

Sold mine. Didnt like it for beats. More as effect box. Better get a digitakt or mpc.

I know you're sending it back but aiff 24 bit is great for it. I had to learn the hard way

I got mc101 and SP and I loathe I cannot record stuff on the fly. There is always the hard stop after the record and it always kick me out of the vibe. Smpltrek has the live looper, built it speaker and microphone, but I just can't stomach the tiny knobs and cramped screen. Maybe firmware 4.0. Maybe.....Maybe.

i appreciate the review, good points

It’s 1000% easier to just sample your splice samples in live via usb. I made a video on that two hours ago.

Oh, it’s 16 bit. The price makes sense now. It’s the same bit rate as the Electribe 2.

The transcript had you talking about little melonic chops. What Up Melon? Or maybe Canta Lope.

So it's fair to say the MPC ONE is still your go-to? I might snag an MPC ONE used for $300 if it's not a scam. Thanks man. The next versions of "these" need to be a sound card interface with XLR in AND recording so you can use this with Zoom and Teams type calls.

After buying an MPC One I can't help but compare other samplers to it and they lose every time.

I hope you are looking to explore SH-4D. If you love MC-101 you would adore the SH-4D

I love your approach 😂😂

If there is no song mode on something like this I’m turned off, I’m sorry

At 0:54 'No pun intended'? Well, obviously it was intended and I expected some image of @AudioPilz and some weird memes over there :-)

3:06 That kick dont work at all pitched down like that, sounds like it would ruin My speakers.

I'm thinking about picking one up Just to make drum loops. its just about as much stand alone as I want or need.

😂😂 also at the begining i couldnt with the sp, and actually im ending my tunes in Maschine plus but... all samples, synthesizers, voices, all stuff is processed before in the Sp404 mk2, The fx and the sound on this machine is amazing, give it another chance!

It's time for an Update

Mine has unfortunately been collecting dust.

Ok, so this device doesn't work for you on your holy grail groovebox quest. Any plans yet for trying out the Push 3?

You just made a better version of the SP-404 MKII I had envisioned doing myself before selling it. I could just point to your video and sell it right away. It's just not for me because my brain works similarly like yours. Whatever I create with this flattening resampling workflow needs to be carefully isolated to something that can fit within one track of a bigger production, or it'll stay within the SP garden. It's useful for making textures, fillings and ear candy for productions, but I could achieve similar results in the DAW more easily and with more flexibility. So, it's definitely not a keeper for me either.

the workflow of the older sx was better to me it needed an update of subtle things, they did too much and it is to menu heavy now i feel

All those 404 beats sound so 404ie 😅 It's like a less polished version of Flying Lotus's Los Angeles record

5:38 sounds a bit like Chvrches 👍

I really think the sp mk ii is trash for making beats but is amazing for performance just my 2 cents of course. I hope they keep updating it because the last update was awesome and brought it closer to making it a true beatmaking machine

I have to say, as a very much supporter of gabe Miller music, I think you are so seriously underestimating this beast. And it is a beast, but if you commit totally, it invites you to find your path. You never found yours. It can do synthwave and every genre based on how you use it. For once, I'm afraid I'm disappointed with you because I don't think you've embraced this peace of musical art as it should be embraced. Independent and with no preconceptions. It's not an Mpc it's not a dirtywave m8. It's not an elektron, and the list goes on and on. But it is versatile. I own all listed, and naturally, I'm a rock musician, but the sp404mk2 was so intuitive. Yes, you need to learn and deep dive, but if you do, it can write whatever you imagine. I also own mpc live 2, and I love both equally. The only thing missing for me on the sp404mk2 is plugins, but outside of that, it's a total beast. You are awesome gabe but my personal opinion, you've never given the 404mk2 the respect it deserves because you're not willing to change your workflow. There is no point reviewing an item if you are unwilling to adjust your brain. Sorry, my man, but it's true. Your review ends up overly negative but purely because, as you admit, you can't adjust your workflow or your brain. That's not fair, dude. Not fair at all. I love my mpc live 2, but the sp404 is so capable. Sorry, but I had to say it.

Its a dirty machine with limitation kind of like how the vintage sp1200 etc.. it gives you the basics to be creative after that, its mpc land for me.

It sounded great until the 4th bar.. that chord is just, awful. It doesn't fit. The lead brass thing is also out of key.

Looks like a giant calculator

Generic lo-fi beat be like: exaggerate lo-fi & vinyl sim FX + use the scatter every 5sec ;)

At the end of the day the mk2 kind of sucks

I don't feel life or something else in your music, that beat is just deadborn, poor sampling skills came to bad review results. You've tried to love SP but spend 0 time to do so. Lack of skills and music taste came to result of this video. P.s. also try to work on your video editing skills, better for you to upskill them

I've never had an issue with loading samples from splice, or any other sample library apps or websites..and that would be a big issue for me as I'm still pretty much a beginner when it comes to beat/electronic music production. Having to convert the file format for samples would have definitely turned me off of the 404

I hate it because it looks like a big dumb calculator.