The beauty of the SP-404 is how different and inspiring music can be using multiple workflows. There are the sequencer, step sequencer, and resampling methods. You make several valid points about over processing the mixes. The Lo-Fi sound is an inherent element of most SP-404 tracks although there are musicians who make very pristine and meticulous songs with it.
I prefer the resampling method for the SP-404MK2, as it makes the sampler more like an organic instrument instead of other devices. Some samplers can be almost clinical when programming. I would much prefer step sequence on the Novation Rhythm than an SP-404. The Rhythm excels at that work process and sounds awesome.
You’ve created some great songs with the Blackbox. I was curious if you tried running loops on the SP-404 and manipulating the FX, volumes, reverse, etc. I haven’t explored that aspect much but in theory you could launch dozens of pads with 16 minute loops running on them. They could be panned, stopped, FX on and off, reversed, etc. to create live sets. And you can fire off one-shots you’ve edited on the 160 available slots.
I found a hybrid approach with the SP-404MK2 that gave me the results I was looking for. I use a 50/50 hybrid workflow where 50% is resampled and glued together in the SP-404 and the other 50% is created in Logic but still uses the SP-404 as an audio interface. For example, if I record a 6 track song, I resample the drums, guitar, and bass in the SP-404. I’m stuck with whatever that mix is. I import the track to Logic and then use the SP-404 and its effects to record vocals, synth, and atmospheric samples. The audio interface and FX work great with a synth, guitar, bass, etc. plugged in.
The benefits of this workflow include being able to maximize the SP-404 for core sounds like drums and other foundational tracks while also being able to fine tune other details like vocals and effects in Logic. I’m not a purist when it comes to samplers and synths, so this workflow appeals to me. You already have an effective and productive workflow with the Blackbox so maybe no need to use the SP-404. But one you get hooked on it, the SP-404 is difficult to put down. Not to promote my own songs, but here is an example of the 50/50 workflow I was talking about…
Yes you are correct about the resampling method. I haven’t figured out a way to perfectly sync loops using the resampling method. This also goes for the live sort of DJ on the high wire approach. I’ve manually launched a drum loop, bass, and keys, and they stay fairly in sync but may drift if you are slightly off. Technically, you could launch as many loops in sync when you start your song based on how many pads you could hit at the same time.
The developers of the new SP-404MK2 mentioned dub music a lot when launching the device. Some interviews referenced King Tubby and I think that may be an interesting way to look at the workflow with loops. If you can launch your drums, bass, and maybe a backing keys track, the rest of the loops/one shots can be fired off at whim and create a liv performance. If you record a 15 minute live set, you may be able to extract 3-5 minutes and finish that in a DAW. Or just leave it as it is. I’m finding the SP404MK2 lends itself to dub with the FX and one shots.
I’m super new to the 404mkii and never tried the older ones, but it seems like quantized loop recording should be part of the workflow of the modern 404. It would make things so much easier. Bonus if it could be done without stopping the music.
The Roland team have done an awesome job with the latest 2.0 update so there is no telling what features they may introduce in the future. If they never launched another update and this is all we had to work with, I would still be happy and feel lucky to have such a creative instrument. Having worked with the MPC One, Model Samples, Novation Rhythm, Blackbox, and other grooveboxes, I am finding the SP-404MK2 an inspiring box of magical sounds.
This is what I’d use the sequencer for. I use the sequencer just to time every thing and record it. I didn’t care where it ended because every time the sample would hit the end of the sequence it, it got cut off anyways so I never stressed over the end points. I like that they added the TR style sequencer but a step sequencer was very low on my list of demands personally cuz I used the sequencer just as a way to line my resamples up. I tended to record in “stems” where I’d build up my drums and then use the cue feature to have the sampler not listen to different elements and just resample in groups like that. This way I had more control over the elements rather than resampling into one big file.
Well, I can tell you that I thoroughly enjoyed that listen. Thank you for sharing that. It sounds amazing. I’m on my third run now.
And if anything, I’m even more convinced now that the 404 isn’t for me. I can’t even imagine how I’d reach these results with that machine, though I can conceptually see how it’s done. I just don’t see myself mastering it to that level partly because as you’ve already implying, I already got something going that works for me.
Actually, I’m much into the Circuit Rhythm as well and I’m really starting to get stuff out of it that I enjoy, but I’m still wondering how to create something more contextual with it. You don’t write complete bodies of work with 220sec of mono samples when you’re into the long ass 128 bar stereo recording business. I did use the 404 for that and see if that could help, but not quite. Blackbox is still closest to my heart for anything resembling larger bodies of work.
Thanks for the kind words and listen! You utilize two great instruments - the Blackbox which I am a big fan of and the Novation Rhythm which punches way above it weight. You’re already getting awesome results with both so probably no need to change. Keep up the great work!
The SP is very much its own thing. I was previously hoping it to be sort of my sofa studio, achieving the same stuff and workflow my regular studio does, in a smaller scale. That didn’t pan out.
But once I started thinking about it as an instrument, to be practiced and researched, it started to make a lot of sense.
Also, would not have bought a new one if it weren’t for the 2.0. Chromatic sequencing plus the step sequencer make it just capable enough to make sense for me.
So it doesn’t do all the Octa stuff, for instance. But the workflow nudges you in another direction, and that feels really refreshing.
15000$ of synths through a mixer through a 5000$ boutique 500’s channel strip through an apollo ADC through the SP404 and finally through a 2500$ RME DAC to use the SP404 reverb and effects? Genius!!!
partly because as you’ve already implying, I already got something going that works for me.
