nsfw
4 Likes
Hey all!
Needing a little help with some trouble shooting and can’t seem to find online. So I’m syncing the sp-404 mk2 to my AR to have it follow the AR’s tempo/clock. So far so good except the longer samples (loops) aren’t time stretching. In other words I’m watching the bpm change on the 404 as I’m making tempo adjustments on the AR but the samples aren’t following. I’m able to make bpm changes to the audio samples in DJ mode within the 404 but the AR is doesn’t catch the transport start (only seems to in pattern sequence mode.) From here using the 404 as the master clock would be suitable work around only I’m unable to adjust the bpms on the 404.
Ideally I’d like to sync the 404’s bpm to the AR’s clock, and have the patterns/sample bpm time stretch (vinyl mode) as I adjust the bpm on the rytm. This seems like and incredibly basic function yet I’m unable to get it working. Any suggestions are super appreciated, thanks!
Does realtime time stretch work if you quickly change the tempo of the beat on the SP404 while it’s playing? I’m not that familiar with time stretch on current hardware samplers, but had only even considered it for getting my samples to work well together at a static BPM because it seems like a lot of processing power. Pretty amazing if you can get it to work like you are envisioning.
The sample tempos/pitch are able to be adjusted in real time through sample playback, also in DJ mode so it’s definitely capable. The assigned tempos to each sample being able to be adjusted through a global bpm setting, via midi output from the AR would be what I’d hope to accomplish. Standalone this machine is capable through DJ mode so I’d think it should be possible. Again, I’m unable to get start/stop to work with the rytm unless in pattern sequence mode on the 404. So essentially I’m looking for sometime of global tempo setting in pattern sequence that time stretches samples to the set bpm.
1 Like
It’s great to hear it’s not a processing power issue! Good luck!
1 Like
So start stop doesnt work if you wanted to sync it to record in time with the OT? Thats a massive bummer if so.
Start/stop works when the 404 is in pattern sequence mode. Having the samples time stretch (the way they would on an OT) when syncing to and adjusting the tempo via the AR is what I’m having difficulty with.
Ok nice. I get what you are saying now.
So you can time sync record and slave the 404? If so I am surprised that the time strech wont work when you change the BPM. It may be a bug?
Possibly. It seems like there should be an “enable time stretch upon master bpm changes”. Again no issues with one shots, the tempo adjusts with the bpm changes sent from the AR, samples just don’t seem to be able to follow. Which seems odd to me as the 404 seems capable of that type of processing as indicated by ability to alter the time / pitch during the sample edit as well as in DJ mode.
Has anyone managed to accomplish this?
Is the BPM SYNC of the loop sample turned on? If It’s On, the loop will sync to an external master tempo. and if you need time stretching, set VINYL MODE to No.
3 Likes
Well damn that’s embarrassing.
Thanks! That really should’ve been obvious. I suppose I didn’t think it’d have a dedicated button and was looking elsewhere. I’m actually fine with vinyl mode for this particular usage; I’d trade the pitch and speed deviation for the lack of artifacts.
I’m noticing the midi clock isn’t too solid (AR directly into). I haven’t had this issue with syncing the AR to anything prior, wandering anyone else’s experience with receiving an external clock on the 404?
2 Likes
Don’t know if you’ve seen these… but these are some pretty out there Sp404mk2 jams…
1 Like
Not in stock, but the best price in europe is probably at justmusic:
https://www.justmusic.de/Keys/Synthesizer/Sampler/Roland-SP-404MKII
It´s 430€ instead of 499€.
1 Like
No, I think it’s Bax : 389€
1 Like
OMG, thanks! That´s a good price!
I’m curious whether thomann will match the price. These two are generally aligned.
Awfully quiet here 
I’m eager to read more impressions, first or next ones, from people using one now.
1 Like
still waiting to buy one
1 Like