SP-404SX & Sampler Suggestions!

[eucarya]

I currently use an old SP-202 to trigger ambient loops, field recordings, and various samples, largely toward texture over rhythm. I rarely use it for drum or percussive samples. For all it's quirky limitations, I enjoy the 202 and find it a useful addition to my setup.

I am interested in something with more space, to use in addition the 202. The 404SX looks like it might be good, and with the higher quality I could expand what I sample. I do not need a sample to sequence or record patterns, only store and play back samples reliably.

I am also interested in looping, or live loops along w/ pre-recorded samples. For this I was looking at the standard loop pedal although these are fairly straight forward in what they offer. I also looked briefly at the KP3, but the sampling seems fairly limited.

I am more interested in a machine that can store a good amount of decent samples, and it is a bonus if live loops can be created.

What do you guys think? Is the 404SX the best bet for this, or is there something better?

[speak_onion]

Do you need to play more than one sample at once?

If not, something from the Digitech JamMan line might be good.

If so, the 404sx might be good (dunno, never had one), or the SP-555 has basically the same functionality as the 202 plus a simple sequencer and live looper. Might be more than you need, tho.

[Hugo76]

If you already enjoy the 202, I think the 404 probably would be a great choice. I have the 606 myself, and think it's a very enjoyable box. Good luck with your choice

[Stab Frenzy]

The 404SX is great, I have one. It's actually a much more powerful sampler than the 606, 555 or any of the other SPs, holds lots more samples, they can be longer and are better quality. The 404SX's fx are great as well, it's almost worth buying just as an fx unit.

As a looper it's not all that great, it's not really made to be able to layer stuff live like that. The KP3 is a better looper IMO, although it's still not that amazing. I was trying to decide a while ago between the KP3 and the 404SX, ended up with both and was pretty happy. The 404SX made me miss my MPC though, so now I have an MPC2500 and my bandmate's using the 404.

[blavatsky]

^ Can you expand on the 404SX vs. 555? I have an SP555 that i like but I'm on the fence about trading/selling.

[cartesia]

-a couple of the fx are changed from the OG 404/555, Some got switched for different ones, some they changed the algorithms. (the 404sx's vinyl comp is 'improved'.. but everyone seems to prefer the old one.)
-samples are not in a compressed format (quality is OK on the 555/etc anyway though, although it does make importing/etc easier.)
-16gig SD instead of the increasingly-rare 1gig CF cards

Besides this there isn't much difference.

The biggest thing you will miss from the 202 is the 'regular' pitch function... For some reason they got rid of it. For this reason many SP freaks keep a 202 on an fx loop to pitch things (and use the super awesome 202 filter)

Just remember that the SPs arent much for live looping.. the 555 has the 1 live loop bit, but you gotta put in the hard yards to trigger it on time, because theres a tiny delay which you have to adjust for in your button pressing.. also you can't resample a loop into the sampler part while things are playing.. so you cant loop one thing up, resample it, loop another thing up, without stopping the sound.

[fatjet]

The Roland SP404SX can store on SD cards up to 32gb in size. I don't know of any sampler that can hold that much data at one time on removable storage right now. Thats 120 samples at one time and you can remove it and load in 120 more. The FX are not what you get from rack gear but they are a little better than a kaoss device. For storage - and long samples - what you said you are seeking, the SP404SX would be a great option for the money.

[eucarya]

Thanks for the replies, think I'm gonna go w/ one of these. I'll let you know what I think once it gets incorporated into my setup.

[eucarya]

[OOPS UPDATE] Looks like I posted too quick. This arrived today and I was having trouble formatting the included SD card. I couldn't format it in the 404, and it wouldn't let me delete anything on my computer. I put the card in my camera and formatted it to the camera, then I was able to format in the 404.

[cartesia]

Hm that's weird.. keep an eye out for any card-related issues like samples not playing right, dissappearing, etc...

A small number of people have gotten a faulty SD card with it.

[tryan225]

I have an sp404, not the sx. I don't use it very much, to be honest. I was very excited to start sampling, but found it much less interesting to do than I thought. I also don't like the sound very much. I really want to give the sp-303 a try, and would be totally willing to trade the 404 for one, but have had no luck, locally.

[Hugo76]

I have an sp404, not the sx. I don't use it very much, to be honest. I was very excited to start sampling, but found it much less interesting to do than I thought. I also don't like the sound very much. I really want to give the sp-303 a try, and would be totally willing to trade the 404 for one, but have had no luck, locally.

Just curious... why would you want to downgrade to the 303?

[cartesia]

The 303 has crappier sample quality, that many people like.

You can get pretty close just using the effects in the 404 though if you know what youre doing.

[Trom69]

How does one pan/balance samples on the SP-404sx?
Is it even possible?

[Stab Frenzy]

How does one pan/balance samples on the SP-404sx?
Is it even possible?

Nope, gotta sample/load them pre-panned.