I think maybe related to audio interface. I had Logic running and when I switched the SP on (before the frozen screen) I got some audio glitches.
Ah ha! I also run Logic Pro. Besides a bunch of bug fixes, one of the really nice things about the 4.05 firmware as well as the updated 4.05 version of the App, is that I can now run the App as a plugin within Logic Pro. I couldnāt get the App to work at all with the 4.04 version of the App.
1 Like
Okay thanks, I went ahead and did the update.
Using the SP-404 as a plugin, I can send audio from the SP into Logic - but can I go the other way? Or do I still need to use it as an audio interface?
As far as I can tell, whether you use the plugin via a DAW or use it as a standalone App, or even none of the above (you donāt have to install the App) when it comes to USB audio, itās the same thing.
Which way to choose depends on personal workflow. I like running things standalone and avoiding a DAW altogether ā unless I need it. Options are nice. The advantage of using it within the DAW as a plugin is that it allows routing options for your DAW tracks.
From version 4 the manualā¦
Inputting Audio from a Computer or Mobile Device (USB AUDIO)
The SP-404MK2 can receive audio input from a computer or mobile device (such as a smartphone or tablet).
Configuring the OS audio settings
You must make the appropriate settings on your computer when inputting audio from a computer to the SP-404MK2.
For macOS
- Open the System Preferences.
- Click the [Sound] icon.
- Click the [Output] tab and select [SP-404MKII-OUT].
- Close the System Preferences.
So it appears that Roland really wants us to use it as the audio interface. Unless you had a different audio interface and connected it to the SP-404ās inputs and outputs instead.
I found itās possible to route audio in/out of Ableton Live to the SP on my MBP over USB-C by setting up an Aggregate device in Audio MIDI Setup. Iām assuming itās possible in Logic too. I use it all the time 
Iām not sure how it would interact running the 404 plugin in the DAW though, I only ever used the app standalone and since working the above out havenāt used it hardly at all since, especially now with fixed bar length sampling etc!
3 Likes
Thanks for sharing this again. I didnāt catch it in the original (now locked) thread.
Itās increasingly rare to search for an audio topic in a search engine and then have it return a well written result, but it just happened.
2 Likes
I blame the click bait nature of the internet 
yes! my setup now is an aggregate device: tascam 2x2 and SP. The tascam is my stereo out / monitoring / mic & guitar inputs , and the SP is for resampling and FX.
It sounds like using the SP as a plugin doesnāt really offer any added flexibility
3 Likes
I set this up a while ago, for a couple of headphones, laptop speakers and monitors. Works like a charm
2 Likes
posted about my experience with aggregate device in og thread
3 Likes
sp as an audio interface, dropping onto the looper for fun
8 Likes
Good workflow tip from Nonjuror.
10 Likes
So I realize the 404 can so so much more, but did anyone use it as a basic kind of replacement for a Zoom to record full tracks from other gear, at home, in the field or whatever?
It feels like the audio quality would be decent enough for a live set? And it can run it on batteries
1 Like
At one point I had my older SX recording tracks off my mixer. It worked really well except the SX was a tad noisy. So yeah, I think it would be good to record jams and such. As long as they donāt go over the 16 minute sample limit.
2 Likes
Itāll work fine as long as you just want to record and be done with it. Listening back to anything other than the whole thing will be a nuisance and Iād have more faith in a dedicated recorder like a Zoom H-whatever. If I was recording a long piece of audio to the SP Iād spend a lot of time making sure I had everything set up correctly, and Iād probably be looking at it nervously every five minutes. And of course with the MK2 youāre not recording straight to card, which could be an extra hassle. But it is small and portable.
6 Likes
*Occasionally, the UNDO function malfunctions, removing the original recording instead of the overdub. The overdub continues to play independently, which contradicts my previous understanding how the the looper and its buffer works. Regardless, this appears to be a clear bug.
reddit post.
for the first time iāve just ended up with the original loop and the last overdub separated between UNDO/REDO, both can COPY to pad.
not sure if exploit or bug or known feature, not sure how i got thereā¦
something related to recording a longer loop over a shorter loop i thinkā¦
anyone come across? would love to replicate!
had a nice period where they were playing together, now can have both to layer and arrange.
1 Like
UNDO copy CAT to pad
2 Likes
This is exactly what I do!
I have it on the end of my chain. So I can quickly record jams from my elektrons. Then if I donāt wanna mess with a daw, I just transfer the track through the sp 404 app using export sample.
Sometimes itās get tough to handle the volumes tho, which I found out when I put the tracks together on my last beat purge!
3 Likes
For almost everything I do, the SP-404 Mk2 has replaced my 2x2 audio interface. The sheer utility that it offers as well the ability to run on batteries (as a portable, multi-track recorder) far outweighs any presumed deficiencies of its technical specs.
If the thought of 16-bit linear recording with a 48 kHz sample rate gives one pause (as if that was the limiting factor of their creativity), Iād encourage them to listen to the results with their own ears. I think it sounds fantastic and am having too much fun to care either way.
12 Likes
This is the way!
Itās really encouraging to learn about everyones positive experiences!
Tried to look it up, but is it possible to record the inputs of for example a groovebox playing a track/set, while triggering one shot samples from the 404, having that included in the recording? Perhaps using resample? Adding master FX to the mix would be a nice bonus :))
1 Like