Japan method for the free expedited shipping.
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The sequencer is probably the worst part of the 404 and yet I donât think they will ever make a ânormalâ step sequencer on it! âŚeven if theyâd leave the current workflow beside it as an option
Just get something else then!
This is kind of like saying âTheyâll never add a normal analog synth to the Octatrack.â
- If oneâs trying to use it that way, thatâs a sign of misunderstanding the workflow,
- itâs not clear itâs even possible to add it, and
- they already offer a few different, amazing boxes dedicated to just that concept one could use instead.
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Could also be the best part depending how you think. Makes you more of a musician than a step programmer 
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Or a great musician who is a wizard on the 404 already could expand and improve his or her workflow and performance by incorporating a step sequencer/programming aspect if it were available.
This same 404 wizard and mega performance god could also be completely unaffected by the inclusion of a step sequencer by never using it.
I get your point but you could build a drum kit into a guitar and someone would make great music on it. For most people though youâd just end up with a shitty guitar. They put step sequencing in the MPC and I literally never use it because itâs a clunky implementation. It seems all good to think well just donât use it if you donât need it but ultimately everything added takes development time and resources. Every feature is another thing that has to be maintained and work alongside everything else, and eventually you reach a point where something else has to be left out to have it. but first and foremost they have to actually do a good job of it to start with. Realistically as a device never designed for step sequencing itâs likely that theyâd throw in a barebones novelty version and then leave it at that. Better off to just get one of the tons of more capable step sequencers available than hope for that
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Quantisation is vastly overrated
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Itâs another example of the value of approaching the SP as an instrument rather than an environment. I treat the sequencer primarily as a support for resampling - if you absolutely have to have certain elements on the grid, or want to capture something you canât play in one take, the sequencer is there to help. Ultimately, it all ends up as samples, which I think is what the SP wants.
Itâs not an all-in-one wonder tool like the MPC, and itâs likely to disappoint if you approach it like that, but an SP and a sample source can be all you need if you come at it from the right direction.
Much as I enjoy the MPC One, I do wonder if its influence has a sinister potential to make anything around its price point appear to be lacking if it doesnât throw in everything but the kitchen sink. Itâs nice to have devices that offer a bit of specialisation, be it the pure sequencing focus of the Pyramid or the sample-or-be-damned ethos of the SP. Itâs also nice to have affordable mini-studios like the One, but not everything needs to do everything,
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I like all the other features of the 404, im just missing a better sequencer and ability to move notes in time and chromatically and to edit them afterwards, like velocity! Thatâs it! Nothing much!
Itâs a digital system; itâs probably very possible to implement those features on the existing platform. Im not asking much! âŚLike adding analog synth voice to OT! (That was a weird comparison! @jemmons)
And whatâs that else that i should use? @brucegill What else looks like the 404, does what it does, is relatively small and portable, uses batteries AND has a usable sequencer that offers at least some usual basic sequencing options? MPCs are too big (and only Live uses batteries)! And I donât need a portable DAW.
Im just saying⌠not many options on the market! Afaik
This is as good as itâs gona get unfortunately, Roland isnât AKAI regarding updates. Your best option is to get another device with a better sequencer.
Until Roland gets serious competition in the SP404 space, theyâll always do the minimum.
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Is there anything else similar to the 404 in features and similar in size and portability but with better sequencer? I already have OT but thatâs another animal!
Itâs not either/or imo
And id just like to have additional 2% in the direction of programming 
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I guess thatâs what im waiting for 
Where did you order it from?
The 404âs strengths are being able to sample directly, the variety of effects, and being able to have entire stereo songs in a single pad.
There are tons or sampler and groove box options if you want to prioritize a sequencer. If you donât care for the 404âs effects you can look at the Rolandâs MC-101 or a novation circuit tracks. Even an iPad with koala sampler.
Or if you have an OT you can just sequence the 404 over midi.
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Its like autotune though. Trying to make every note perfect.
I use that every day. I love it.
I do that with my Akai Force. Itâs a great workflow. I also do that in Koala, along side itâs step sequencer. Really fun!