CHECK OUT THESE SAMPLERS HERE: Sp-404 mkII US: bit.ly/PCrolandSP EU: www.thomann.de/se/roland_sp_404mkii.htm?offid=1&affid=623 Digitakt US bit.ly/DigitaktPC EU thmn.to/thoprod/409950?offid=1&affid=623 Circuit Rhythm US: bit.ly/circuitRhythmPC EU: thmn.to/thoprod/521290?offid=1&affid=623 affiliate links support the channel regardless of what you buy
Thanks for the great comparison, I think it's especially gold for the workflow comparison, guess many would base their choice decision from that (some are not up to watching 100 YT clips to find out what's up to their brainwiring). Could you please explain just in a few words what's the difference between Circuits appeared recently vs the Original one ? Thanks again for your work! Cheers
@@ronaldeatman6603, same thought here, as the Digitakt and the MPC One cost about the same. It's price honestly caught me by surprise compared to the other two.
These devices are very different when compared by genre. If I’m putting together a set of blues/funk with many chord and key changes, the circuit rhythm is the clear winner. One chord EDM vamps are more in line with your review.
SP is by far the most fun, most unique workflow, and best overall sound. Once you grasp the workflow of "sample, resample, rinse, and repeat" it opens up your creativity immensely.
EXTREMELY well put together video. Loved to hear the difference in fidelity between each sampler. It must have taken quite some time to put this all together. I really hope people understand how useful this is to a person interested in buying one. This is very helpful!
This is fantastic and super in depth. After using both, I tend to view the Digitakt as a grown up version of the Circuit Rhythm, although I still very much prefer the Rhythm's faster, more immediate workflow. Looking forward to trying the SP, it seems like a super interesting change of pace.
Honestly I did not think much of the rhythm for some reason, but this video really changed my thoughts 180. I will be stopping by your channel with a new mind set to check out your videos on the rhythm.
i was wrong about ya Bo. This is a unique yet useful idea for a video I’m sure many many people will not only find entertaining but also very damn helpful. Thank you for all your time as I’m sure you took far more than just 42 minutes to make this video. We appreciate you. :)
While I really appreciate these kinds of comparison videos, the things I feel almost every RUclipsr fails to include are the emotional aspects that go beyond the facts and spec sheets. How fun are the devices to use? Which one of them inspire you to make music that you wouldn't otherwise have made? Which one of them would you grab if you were going over to a friend for a jam? How many songs did you create when evaluating it? The videos are always about how the sequencer works, whether they sample in mono or stereo, or which one has the best portability or build quality. But in the end, we're here to make music. So, which one makes you smile?
thats a good point David. And honestly looking back at the video adding such a part would have been great. So thank you for reminding me. I did want to keep it fairly ’objective’ as its pretty obvious to most of my viewers which one makes me most happy and creative (the digitakt) but the video could have included such a segment for sure.
@@BoBeats I can definitely see why keeping things neutral makes it easier. How about making another video that goes into detail about how you're using portable samplers/grooveboxes to enhance your music? It's not even about which one you like the most, it's more about how they become a part of your production workflow, what you enjoy about them, and examples of songs/ideas that came out as a result of playing around with them. Meaning, it's less about which machine "wins" in your opinion, and more about showcasing the unique creativity that each of them inspired. That would be an enjoyable video to watch!
Specs are objectively true. How it makes you feel is not. I don’t care if Bo tells me something makes him feel good any more than I would eat something because he told me it tastes good. To understand the emotional feeling a synth gives you, you have to play it yourself.
Yeah, I’m mixed. I do love hearing reviewers let us know how it felt to play, how fun it is, etc., but those things are also so personal and subjective.
I use both the Digitakt and the SP404SX regularly and love both. I actually use the parameter-lock chopping workflow all the time on the Digitakt and I find it really inspiring. However, while the Digitakt plays well with midi gear, I find it tedious when working with cassette loops or other non-quantized accompaniments. The SP with its audio-centric resampling workflow works perfectly in that environment because you can just fingerdrum a beat by ear and you dont need to fiddle for ages trying to get the tempo settings right.
One year on, and I just had the Circuit Rhyth delivered. So now I have all three of these. And here's how I'm planning to use them together: SP-404 for longer stems, Digitakt for drums, Circuit for melodies. I agree with most of the criticisms here. Even after all three had serious updates, they're workhorses for different parts of the process really. I love each one. The Digitakt really opened my eyes though. The 8 sequencer channels really open it up for use alongside synths and other grooveboxes.
Already got the Circuit Tracks, the first "synth" that I've almost mastered, aside from my OP-1. Just purchased a mini Launchkey from Novations because of their commitment to giving more for less. They to their credit also kept pricing down even with the price increases across the board. Mainly though I'm here because after a particurly bad week, listening to Bo is therapeutic. Like hanging out with your buddies at a local eatery.
Having both a Digitakt and a 404sp in my set up, they perform totally different roles in the work. The 404 is a sample player. Great for long textures. For effecting other stuff. The Digitakt is, for me at least, a drum machine. I know, in Hip Hop at least, that beat making with the 404 is a huge thing, but I always hated using it like that. The MK2 certainly seems more versatile, but for me they were never in competition with each other. I think the versatility of the 404 is shown in gigs that I used to go to back in the days PC. I remember being at a gig where there were 3 acts playing, all very different styles, but there were a total of 6 404s on the stage between the 3 acts. It can fill in so many roles in live music.
Digitakt is one of the most incredible pieces of hardware I have ever laid my hands on. While it’s a bit lacking in traditional “FX”, it makes up for that with its vast sound shaping capabilities. It is truly an incredible sound design tool, drum machine and so much more. Also, parameter locking truly changed the game for my workflow. I would buy is 100 times over.
I often find myself in a situation where I just want to multi-track separate parts created on other devices. Got the feeling that the SP might be a good buddy for those things, given the FX, time stretch, sample memory... Super clever btw to recreate the same beat on each device. Soo helpful to pinpoint audible differences instead of judging a device by its workflow alone 💚
27:05 vs 29:08 - this is where stereo sampling really is an advantage. The chorus on the synth chords sounds dramatically different on the SP-404 (stereo) vs the Digitakt (mono).
This was a beast of a video! I can’t imagine the amount of time and effort behind this one💪🏼 this a great resource for anyone looking at these machines, bravo!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
@@BoBeats I think you'll love it, the tracker layout really doesn't take long and having a per-step sample slot makes each track a lot bigger than just a single instrument!
@@dancingclair Somehow I just ended up with a Voicelive, which is super for vocals and live performances. Effects are decent tho. I'd still be really interested in exploring vocal performances on this. I do punk/deathrock, so clean high end effects are not always desired on that front :)
All three machines have their place. But I will never understand memory/sample storage in this day and age? It's fairly cheap and doesn't take up much space on a PCB. Yet the SP-404 is the only one that really gives you enough. In my humble opinion, anyway.
I can understand that but to be fair to the digitakt I feel like it’s main strength is being able to use one sample for a vast array of different uses and sounds. So even though it doesn’t have that much storage you can use a handful of samples for a myriad of different tones and uses. The same sound that can be a kick drum can also be mangled into a melodic synth or a lush pad or a bass line etc. So with that In mind I think it has plenty of storage. I guess it really just depends on your workflow
Great video. I own the Digitakt and after watching I feel neither of the other samplers here would be something I'd ever want. I feel kinda miffed about "no chopping" when it's a technicality. The sampling features for the Digi is very easy to use for start/end and zooming in and out of the sample. You can assign the sample to each trigger and each one has its start and end that you set by hand, and you can go even further by adjusting the start/end PER STEP, which wasn't mentioned at all. It makes drum and bass / glitch a dream on the Digi. Also, performance effects, I feel 99% of the world simply wants delay and reverb, and the rest is icing, so the Digi should have been included there as well as the effects are no slouches. Anyway, I love my Digitakt and I guess this is coming off as a fanboy post (it is). That said, I also love my MPC Live 2, but the problem with the MPCs is they don't have ANY limitations. You can do everything, and it's overwhelming. Even when I sit to do stuff like I would with my Digi, I get lost in the possibilities and never accomplish much. It's like when I'm sitting in front of my modular. I spend 10 hours futzing, 30 seconds making anything that could be called music. :/
I love the limitless of the mpc... And to create my own limits, I've decided to use my mpc like I used to use my 4 track cassette machine, so I bounce stuff to audio, and then bounce that within the 8 track limit. The mpc is DEEP, but how far you want to dive is essential up to you. Creating your own destructive limits can be very useful.
My favorite is the Digitakt. Already have one and it’s really have a ton of possibility. But the effects on the 404 are amazing 😬. Clear and pedagogic video, thanks Bo.
This is exactly what I was looking for actually! A comparison of the SP vs Digitakt. What an impressive production. That was a lot of time, work and love put into that video. I commend you. Najs att även få dessa positionerade gentemot Deluge och övriga.
Lots of love for the SP404 in the comments (unsurprisingly)! I tried to get on with the 404SX, I really did, but I just couldn't work with the workflow. It made me want to NOT make music rather than inspiring me. Then I tried the Digitakt and OH BOY! There's no going back. The power in the sound designing capabilities, the sequencer with all its trigger options, the vast MIDI options and of course... the clicky clacky buttons! It's a beauty.
One of the big benefits of the 404 is all of the updates, which address some of the differences you've mentioned, and make it a real Swiss army knife. It still a very particular workflow but much more flexible.
I own a Digitakt and a Polyend Tracker. Still probably going to get the SP too when it becomes available here. All of them have different advantages and different limitations and I really like how each pushes me to different directions. I want the SP mainly for Boom Bap style sample chopping which while can be done on either of my existing devices isn't really best on them. I got Digitakt originally for sampling, but ended up using it more as a drum machine where it is an absolute killer. Tracker shines as chopping and rearanging samples, especially breakbeats and such.
Oh also important note: I use my gear together with a computer, not as much stand-alone song making. Digitakt (and I suspect SP) is super easy for that as it streams tracks directly to the computer. Tracker is a bit harder: I'll either record audio output directly to the computer or bounce tracks to SD card and use that to transfer stems. Also goddamn how much do I wish Digitakt supported SD card! :D
I'm going to add here that this video is so extraordinarily useful--as it points out different strengths and weaknesses--that It leaves me thinking (HOPING!) that Bo has more of this sort of thing in store!! SUPER SUPER. helpful comparison! Would be dynamite to compare synths at similar price points this way as well--from the stand point of MAKING music, and the pros and cons of the "workflow" as well as strengths of the sequencer, effects, etc.
@@BoBeats Understood-- Always enjoy your posts, so no worries. I can only imagine how long these videos take, but I'd say they are the MOST helpful (as so few people actually give BAD reviews for products we consumers are always left guessing which "would be better")!
1. Sp404mkII + Digitakt for sampling, sequencing and control of external devices. 2. Circuit as the budget do-it-all swiss army knife with some limitations. For my budget and needs, Circuit wins out.
Thanks for this. I just picked up a Rhythm and had an SP404 on Pre-Order...which I will now Cancel. Going to stick with Circuit since I prefer a Step Sequencer workflow. Great Video!!!
This video is amazing. 3 years after buying the novation and a Roland VT4...I learn that I oculdve bought the SP404 and do both of the features at once. Plus, great for peple with disabilities like me due to the screen.
Fantastic video. I think all these devices are great in their way. Personally for me , the Circuit wins out - it’s the weakest device of the 3 in some ways , but has the quickest easiest workflow .
Digitakt is right for me because... I already own it! Thanks for the thorough comparison. Good for me to catch-up on what has come out in the last year or two
After watching this video 2-3 times, I think Circuit Rhythm fits best for me. It's beat-making as quick, and as mobile as possible. Also it doesn't have a display, which is refreshing when having a PC job.
I've got the Digitakt and the Rhythm. The Digitakt is far and away my favorite sampler that I've used. It just kind of suits the way that I think about music. I've really come around to chopping samples by parameter locking start points. I love the flexibility of it. That said, I like having the option on the Circuit Rhythm to just do a lazy chop and play around with some possibilities first and it would have been great if the Digitakt had that option. But I think if I had that option I'd still probably try things out on the Rhythm just because it's faster and you don't need to name things or worry about folders. I think that and the quick slice mode are why I've been doing a lot more resampling on the Rhythm. It really invites that kind of experimentation. And with respect to MIDI, I agree that the Rhythm is kind of wonky to control. It doesn't want to let you do things like parameter lock the filter cutoff or change the sample choice in a sequence from the Digitakt. But the master track works just about perfectly. So you can sequence all of the fx and the master filter from the Digitakt. There's even a secret resonance parameter on the master filter.
The rhythm needs an overbridge type thing or the ability to record separate audio tracks over usb. I would get it over others with that capability based on the price.
@@teddybearasaurus Yeah, I'd go further than that and say it needs a Transfer. Components is just plain not made to work with a sampler. If I want to put a sample I recorded on my computer I have to send the whole pack, which takes a lot longer than it should. I get the feeling that it works like this because on most of their other devices a pack is just patch and sequence data so it's quick to go back and forth. But yeah, the way it talks to the computer is probably the weakest part of it.
@@BoBeats The SP is also worth a very good look, due to the feature of it can be used as a sub mixer/sound card (I still want to get a Circuit Rhythm though {my OG Retro Circuit needs a buddy}).
Another wonderfully informative and exceptionally produced video. For a novice such as myself, its always good to view your channel as you put everything across in ways I can understand. Thanks for uploading
Thanks for putting together such a comprehensive comparison with so much direct sound-to-sound comparison. FWIW, I watched the whole thing and it re-confirmed my sense that the Digitakt is the right choice *for me*, even though it came in third in a lot of your areas of comparison. I already know that the Elektron sequencer and I get along (this machine will sit next to a Digitone), and sound-design-ish re-rinsing of samples into weird stuff is way more of what I like to do than chopping up a drum fill, for example. Now I will not lose sleep wondering if I shouldn’t have gone for a 404 mk2 though, which is great!
Casio SK-1 (1985) had 8-bit sampling for 1.4 second lenght. Gravis Ultrasound (1992) had 16-bit 256 (upgradable to 1024) kB RAM sampling. The progress since this era has been amazing!
my next invest for my studio is the Sp 404 MKII...I think that Roland have done an currently good job and maybe there is space for future updates on base of that hardware..
Owning an MPC One already, I'm not really looking at another sampler. That being said, I'd be leaning towards the 404 as it seems it would work best for me if I was in the market for a compact sampler.
I’m looking at one for its FX to pair with my MPC Live. As a guitarist, I’m particularly excited about the amp sim for quickly making guitar samples. It’s gonna be a bit as I’m looking at a Hydra Explorer purchase before the SP.
@@JakeSweeper Don't get me wrong, it's an insanely good FX box, but if its just guitar amp simulation you're after, there are better cheaper options out there for sure that work better. I don't think any of these samplers ever simulate impulse responses. They're not amps obviously. Also, the SP-404 mkii is probably one of the best companions to an MPC One or MPC Live you could get.
The Digitakt is best for me because of the style of music I like to make with it. Short samples, 2 LFOs, and the trig options are just my main love of the unit. The sequencer feels and sounds great to me too. With that said I did however preorder the Sp 404 MK2. I have a feeling it’s gonna get me back into down tempo trip hop style music again. I miss chopping beats. Plus It just looks more fun to preform and sample on the fly. I can’t wait to get it. I can see my self using both for a lot of different reasons.
Digitakt seems to have a lot more detail, the circuit more warmth, and suprisingly the sp404 sounds pretty dull. I think this machine would be best used set up with a large bank of pre processed one shot samples and loops to jam or play a rehearsed show such as if one where playing in a band with other musicians, whereas the others are more exploratory especially with the digitakt.
@@waltercheng5707 It's sound design is made for resampling and so if it had as much detail in the sound as the others, it would become muddy. It's made for creating samples within the unit using the device's effects. In the case of this demonstration it would take a few more steps to hear the SPs better sounds using resampling.
Digitakt and a 404 is the best combo for me. You get the sequencer and sound design capabilities of the Digitakt, with the more powerful sampling, resampling, and effects of the 404.
@@Kaleil This is what I plan on doing with my Circuit tracks. I was debating either the SP404 or rhythm but ultimately chose the SP. Pre ordered it at 425 and think it will bring in an extra layer to my live music.
I have an RC-505 Looper, and the SP-404 mk2 is very very tempting. Roland unleashed both the RC-505 mk2 Loopstation and the SP404 mk2 to makers months ago, with the plan to create expectations, and build a Christmas market. Well, we were excited, until the supply fiasco of chips and the huge backup at the US ports happened. So now, both are not gonna be in the US until no sooner than Feb 2022. Waaaah! No Christmas for me this year.
Great Video and finaly the SP404MK2 is on the Table, i would definitly Rank the SP404 Nr.1 in portability - i love that Roland did not put a fixed battery in it, these things wear out and u carry it arround for nothing - what i would love more than AA-Batterys would be 18650, but hey u cant have everything. So just put in your SP404 6x AA Batterys and for Emergency a Powerbank - love it ! And for me personaly there is no way i would encourage a Beginner to buy a Circuit Rythm instead of a SP404 - learn the Workflow its just 100bucks more and you get a serious sampler, put some time in it u wont regret it, otherwise the digitakt is another animal and depending on your needs it could be the nr.1 pick.
Glad this video didn't make me want to sell my digitakt. SP mkII is a pretty fantastic upgrade though and those effects are something special. Great video
Great friggin video bo! Just pre ordered the sp a couple days ago! Only downside is musicians friend said it may not ship til January 😣 can’t wait to watch this video again once I get it!
Thanks for this comprehensive overview! One minor editing note... from 37:30 to 37:35, the instruments change positions but the rankings don't. The meaning is still clear though.
Electribe 2 sampler is 4 voice paraphonic/polyphonic per part. It has stereo sampling and sample playback. It does have total voice limitations that are easy to run into is you're just stacking sounds.
What would you suggest for vocal samples? I want to throw in movie samples into my live performances but can’t find anything that talks specifically about using longer quotes
My favorite sampler I’ve owned is the MPC1K with JJ/OS. I ended up getting rid of that and got a Digitakt years later. I think the DT is great, and you can end up getting results that you would never dream up with a different workflow. However, my issues with the Digitakt when I sold it were that the file management was terrible (hopefully this is fixed, as Elk Herd never worked right for me) and I never found it to be an immediate device (I found the Elektron workflow better suited for careful programming rather than playing like an instrument). I’m looking forward to trying out the new SP as I think it might be closer to how I was making stuff on the MPC1K back in the day and I don’t need a midi brain for my setup. I make most of my tracks in Logic these days as I really like working with deeply multisampled and modeled instruments. What I’ll probably end up doing is sampling instruments and stuff of Logic into the SP, and using the SP to do live arrangements and shape the sound. I think this combination should be able to do everything I want without having to have a ton of gear. I’m also looking forward to recording bass and guitar into the SP. That’s definitely not something that the Digitakt handles well.
Fabulous comparison video, I've been thinking of adding a sampler/sample player to my set up. I know the Circuit well so learning it would be a shallow learning curve, but, having heard how good the Digitakt sounds compared to the others- despite the learning curve it wins hands down!
Well…. That was a fantastic breakdown. It seems that if Elektron added sdcard streaming and stereo sampling it would run away with the prize. I went with the black box for my sampler BUT I use a kurzweil k2661 as my initial staging ground. There just isn’t much available that offers as much processing ability especially as you say for “sample as oscillator.” That all said a huge reason I quit music for nearly 2 decades was because I’d get lost in sample editing and lose the inspiration for the song. These newer devices are fantastic. Now I can get something I mostly like and then finish sound design on the kurz. I think of these I’d be most likely to get the electron as the black box has so much covered and I have plentiful options for effect processing. (If I need Roland effects I have a VF-1).
I know we’re talking hardware here, but Koala sampler on iOS outperforms the 404 in both workflow and features for a fraction of the price. I’ve never looked back. Great video though!
@@magnuseriksson8081 give it a try and see for yourself. You can sample, resample, sequence, step sequence, combine samples, effect with internal effects and auv3 effects and you have the option of simply using the touchscreen or external midi controllers. It has a keyboard function with scales that makes composing very simple. Endless possibilities and a very simple 404esque layout as well. No SD cards, sample directly from RUclips or Spotify…what’s not to like?
Honestly, Flip is way better. Though, I think it’s like 8$ instead of 3$. I have both, and while Koala is really great, Flip is a couple notches above it. The main reasons being an actual, editable envelope, being able to play samples chromatically, and much better mixing/FX…really, it’s better in every way the more I think about it.
I've only owned one of these machines, the Digitakt, and I have to say it's one of the most overpriced machines on the market. I mean, I get why it's priced the way it is because it has an amazing build quality, an amazing sequencer and an amazing sound. But at the core, it's a very limited mono sampler that is about as intuitive to use as a Texas Instruments graphical calculator. The Circuit Rhythm is extremely similar, but without the amazing build quality, without the screen, but with a built-in battery instead. The SP-404 is an entirely different thing. Personally, it would drive me nuts with its obvious workflow limitations (I mean, come on - no chromatic recording into the sequencer?!) and the way it forces you commit to "printing" everything to audio, but I can see how it's appealing to sample-based music makers and/or DJs who love to mangle up their songs live. Each have their place and fanbase, but I'd personally say that the Digitakt is by far the most overpriced of the three.
@@fanofhumidity I owned it for months but had the epiphany even before buying it. Still enjoying the Digitone thanks in part to those p-locks and conditional trigs. However, in my opinion the DT is still overrated and you can achieve similar things with the MPC and its very powerful recordable automation across its range of 40+ effects. If the DT had the ability to play chords (let's say 4 notes per track), stereo sampling, proper undo, song mode and, crucially, the ability to record the live manipulations as song automations, it would be easier to justify the cost for a producer. If I were a live performer, I'd easily justify the cost as it is but I'm a producer, not a live performer.
If your want to get inspired and create original stuff that sound amazing you need the Digitakt. It does have more shaping tools in its arsenal,but it’s real power is that sequencer.Man that sequencer…
Great video, Bo. I think the novation is the machine for me. As my next step up from the volca sample I think it makes sense to go for this. plus I like a fast work flow. Thanks again!
I really wish you could do something about the ever improving Akai MPC One and it's other more expensive siblings. Much more capabilities, every SW revision. A true DAW with excellent sampling, great add one syntgs and MIDI controls.
I have digitakt and an old Roland sp 404. I used the digitakt to trigger loops on the sp 404 via midi and it worked extreemly well. I was surprized at your comments about the sp 404 mk2's midi prowess. I would think if it worked well on a twenty year old machine it should be much improved on the mk2.
i think the blackbox seems really cool. unfortunately I dont have one, and getting one and learning it in time for this video project wasn't a possibility. As someone with limited knowledge about it I would say: offers alot of features in a small package, could absolutely be a contender.
I would get the SP404 MK2 out of these, because it's overall a great package with a nice workflow, plus it's not menu divey like the Digitakt. The FX seem pretty nice and hope they expand it more in the future.. like FX specifically made for different types of electronic music, Roland said catered FX for singers and guitars is planned so I hope there's more variety in the future!
I have just purchased the SP404Mk2 I want a versatile and quick sampler to start and the process of resampling, and create tracks, and put vocals and effects over the top. I want to then make time to save those tracks and use them in a live set, and add live one shots while singing.
CHECK OUT THESE SAMPLERS HERE:
Sp-404 mkII
US: bit.ly/PCrolandSP
EU: www.thomann.de/se/roland_sp_404mkii.htm?offid=1&affid=623
Digitakt
US bit.ly/DigitaktPC
EU thmn.to/thoprod/409950?offid=1&affid=623
Circuit Rhythm
US: bit.ly/circuitRhythmPC
EU: thmn.to/thoprod/521290?offid=1&affid=623
affiliate links support the channel regardless of what you buy
Thanks for the great comparison, I think it's especially gold for the workflow comparison, guess many would base their choice decision from that (some are not up to watching 100 YT clips to find out what's up to their brainwiring). Could you please explain just in a few words what's the difference between Circuits appeared recently vs the Original one ? Thanks again for your work! Cheers
Would you be able to compare sound shaping possibilities between the *Digitakt to the MPC Live or MPC One* by any chance?
@@ronaldeatman6603, same thought here, as the Digitakt and the MPC One cost about the same. It's price honestly caught me by surprise compared to the other two.
These devices are very different when compared by genre. If I’m putting together a set of blues/funk with many chord and key changes, the circuit rhythm is the clear winner. One chord EDM vamps are more in line with your review.
SP is by far the most fun, most unique workflow, and best overall sound. Once you grasp the workflow of "sample, resample, rinse, and repeat" it opens up your creativity immensely.
EXTREMELY well put together video. Loved to hear the difference in fidelity between each sampler. It must have taken quite some time to put this all together. I really hope people understand how useful this is to a person interested in buying one. This is very helpful!
thanks buddy!! pushing myself to make even better content!! glad it shows
@@BoBeats quality work there Bo, apprerciated.
💯
could not agree more-exceptionally helpful video Bo! Way to go Bo!
Lol all these samplers are at least 16 but 44.1, they all sound the same . It’s what you sample into them.
This is fantastic and super in depth. After using both, I tend to view the Digitakt as a grown up version of the Circuit Rhythm, although I still very much prefer the Rhythm's faster, more immediate workflow. Looking forward to trying the SP, it seems like a super interesting change of pace.
want to hear your thoughts on the sp
Honestly I did not think much of the rhythm for some reason, but this video really changed my thoughts 180. I will be stopping by your channel with a new mind set to check out your videos on the rhythm.
you're everywhere !
i was wrong about ya Bo. This is a unique yet useful idea for a video I’m sure many many people will not only find entertaining but also very damn helpful. Thank you for all your time as I’m sure you took far more than just 42 minutes to make this video. We appreciate you. :)
thank you! Means alot
While I really appreciate these kinds of comparison videos, the things I feel almost every RUclipsr fails to include are the emotional aspects that go beyond the facts and spec sheets. How fun are the devices to use? Which one of them inspire you to make music that you wouldn't otherwise have made? Which one of them would you grab if you were going over to a friend for a jam? How many songs did you create when evaluating it?
The videos are always about how the sequencer works, whether they sample in mono or stereo, or which one has the best portability or build quality. But in the end, we're here to make music. So, which one makes you smile?
thats a good point David. And honestly looking back at the video adding such a part would have been great. So thank you for reminding me. I did want to keep it fairly ’objective’ as its pretty obvious to most of my viewers which one makes me most happy and creative (the digitakt) but the video could have included such a segment for sure.
Excellent point. The answer being... all of them? haha.
@@BoBeats I can definitely see why keeping things neutral makes it easier. How about making another video that goes into detail about how you're using portable samplers/grooveboxes to enhance your music? It's not even about which one you like the most, it's more about how they become a part of your production workflow, what you enjoy about them, and examples of songs/ideas that came out as a result of playing around with them. Meaning, it's less about which machine "wins" in your opinion, and more about showcasing the unique creativity that each of them inspired. That would be an enjoyable video to watch!
Specs are objectively true. How it makes you feel is not. I don’t care if Bo tells me something makes him feel good any more than I would eat something because he told me it tastes good. To understand the emotional feeling a synth gives you, you have to play it yourself.
Yeah, I’m mixed. I do love hearing reviewers let us know how it felt to play, how fun it is, etc., but those things are also so personal and subjective.
I use both the Digitakt and the SP404SX regularly and love both. I actually use the parameter-lock chopping workflow all the time on the Digitakt and I find it really inspiring. However, while the Digitakt plays well with midi gear, I find it tedious when working with cassette loops or other non-quantized accompaniments. The SP with its audio-centric resampling workflow works perfectly in that environment because you can just fingerdrum a beat by ear and you dont need to fiddle for ages trying to get the tempo settings right.
One year on, and I just had the Circuit Rhyth delivered. So now I have all three of these. And here's how I'm planning to use them together:
SP-404 for longer stems, Digitakt for drums, Circuit for melodies.
I agree with most of the criticisms here. Even after all three had serious updates, they're workhorses for different parts of the process really.
I love each one. The Digitakt really opened my eyes though. The 8 sequencer channels really open it up for use alongside synths and other grooveboxes.
Thanks for this comment man I just got the tracks and ordered mini so stoked never played anything but vinyl
Already got the Circuit Tracks, the first "synth" that I've almost mastered, aside from my OP-1. Just purchased a mini Launchkey from Novations because of their commitment to giving more for less. They to their credit also kept pricing down even with the price increases across the board. Mainly though I'm here because after a particurly bad week, listening to Bo is therapeutic. Like hanging out with your buddies at a local eatery.
Having both a Digitakt and a 404sp in my set up, they perform totally different roles in the work. The 404 is a sample player. Great for long textures. For effecting other stuff. The Digitakt is, for me at least, a drum machine. I know, in Hip Hop at least, that beat making with the 404 is a huge thing, but I always hated using it like that. The MK2 certainly seems more versatile, but for me they were never in competition with each other. I think the versatility of the 404 is shown in gigs that I used to go to back in the days PC. I remember being at a gig where there were 3 acts playing, all very different styles, but there were a total of 6 404s on the stage between the 3 acts. It can fill in so many roles in live music.
Digitakt is one of the most incredible pieces of hardware I have ever laid my hands on. While it’s a bit lacking in traditional “FX”, it makes up for that with its vast sound shaping capabilities. It is truly an incredible sound design tool, drum machine and so much more. Also, parameter locking truly changed the game for my workflow. I would buy is 100 times over.
I often find myself in a situation where I just want to multi-track separate parts created on other devices. Got the feeling that the SP might be a good buddy for those things, given the FX, time stretch, sample memory...
Super clever btw to recreate the same beat on each device. Soo helpful to pinpoint audible differences instead of judging a device by its workflow alone 💚
I'm a 'takt dude but I must say these 404 updates have me GASsing - fun workflow and some powerful effects and sampling capability!
27:05 vs 29:08 - this is where stereo sampling really is an advantage. The chorus on the synth chords sounds dramatically different on the SP-404 (stereo) vs the Digitakt (mono).
I find how you remember the buttons and workflow of each device just amazing. There’s a lot going on in these sampling tools and you rock it.
Absolutely the most indepth tutorial I've seen so far on any of these devices! You leave no stone in turned.
This is one of the absolute best comparison videos I’ve seen. Thank you for putting in the time to create this. 🎆
I'd like to make a groovebox with the interface of the Digitakt, with the portability and memory of the SP!
If you do id buy ha
This was a beast of a video! I can’t imagine the amount of time and effort behind this one💪🏼 this a great resource for anyone looking at these machines, bravo!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
This time Roland did an Amazing job
I'll say it before and I'll say it again, the Polyend Tracker should be involved in these comparisons, it's amazingly powerful!
It’s so looked over it’s crazy. I think the workflow once mastered gives you an advantage from an arrangement perspective
@@PB-vi1oj honestly it's so fast and fun, I really found it instant to use and great to use with other external synths
I really need to check it out
You could add the 1010 BlackBox too, if you’re considering that!
@@BoBeats I think you'll love it, the tracker layout really doesn't take long and having a per-step sample slot makes each track a lot bigger than just a single instrument!
hands down on the SP! As a effects tool for vocals, looping, one shots and just all the live performance goodness!
vs the Digitakt???
@@JJ-vp3bd I'd be very curious to see the digitakt as a live looping and fx tool for vocals, if even possible. Hmmm.
@@floydartx I mean the compressor is nice on live vocals…..
@@dancingclair Somehow I just ended up with a Voicelive, which is super for vocals and live performances. Effects are decent tho. I'd still be really interested in exploring vocal performances on this. I do punk/deathrock, so clean high end effects are not always desired on that front :)
@@floydartx that sounds interesting! I have not heard any punk bands use vocal effects live.
All three machines have their place. But I will never understand memory/sample storage in this day and age? It's fairly cheap and doesn't take up much space on a PCB. Yet the SP-404 is the only one that really gives you enough. In my humble opinion, anyway.
I can understand that but to be fair to the digitakt I feel like it’s main strength is being able to use one sample for a vast array of different uses and sounds. So even though it doesn’t have that much storage you can use a handful of samples for a myriad of different tones and uses. The same sound that can be a kick drum can also be mangled into a melodic synth or a lush pad or a bass line etc. So with that In mind I think it has plenty of storage. I guess it really just depends on your workflow
One could argue for and against this. However i do agree limitation is the faerie godmother of creativity.
There is a reason I own all (or will shortly) all three. I have the SP404sx, but ordered the MkII.
Great video. I own the Digitakt and after watching I feel neither of the other samplers here would be something I'd ever want. I feel kinda miffed about "no chopping" when it's a technicality. The sampling features for the Digi is very easy to use for start/end and zooming in and out of the sample. You can assign the sample to each trigger and each one has its start and end that you set by hand, and you can go even further by adjusting the start/end PER STEP, which wasn't mentioned at all. It makes drum and bass / glitch a dream on the Digi. Also, performance effects, I feel 99% of the world simply wants delay and reverb, and the rest is icing, so the Digi should have been included there as well as the effects are no slouches. Anyway, I love my Digitakt and I guess this is coming off as a fanboy post (it is). That said, I also love my MPC Live 2, but the problem with the MPCs is they don't have ANY limitations. You can do everything, and it's overwhelming. Even when I sit to do stuff like I would with my Digi, I get lost in the possibilities and never accomplish much. It's like when I'm sitting in front of my modular. I spend 10 hours futzing, 30 seconds making anything that could be called music. :/
I love the limitless of the mpc... And to create my own limits, I've decided to use my mpc like I used to use my 4 track cassette machine, so I bounce stuff to audio, and then bounce that within the 8 track limit. The mpc is DEEP, but how far you want to dive is essential up to you. Creating your own destructive limits can be very useful.
My favorite is the Digitakt. Already have one and it’s really have a ton of possibility. But the effects on the 404 are amazing 😬. Clear and pedagogic video, thanks Bo.
This is exactly what I was looking for actually! A comparison of the SP vs Digitakt. What an impressive production. That was a lot of time, work and love put into that video. I commend you.
Najs att även få dessa positionerade gentemot Deluge och övriga.
Vissa jämför dessa med Koala sampler. Är Koala så bra? Jag måste nog testa lite mer för jag var inte så imponerad
Thanks Bo. Hope you and the family are happy and healthy. Much love from this one.
Thanks! All good on my end ♥️
Lots of love for the SP404 in the comments (unsurprisingly)! I tried to get on with the 404SX, I really did, but I just couldn't work with the workflow. It made me want to NOT make music rather than inspiring me. Then I tried the Digitakt and OH BOY! There's no going back. The power in the sound designing capabilities, the sequencer with all its trigger options, the vast MIDI options and of course... the clicky clacky buttons! It's a beauty.
One of the big benefits of the 404 is all of the updates, which address some of the differences you've mentioned, and make it a real Swiss army knife. It still a very particular workflow but much more flexible.
I own a Digitakt and a Polyend Tracker. Still probably going to get the SP too when it becomes available here.
All of them have different advantages and different limitations and I really like how each pushes me to different directions.
I want the SP mainly for Boom Bap style sample chopping which while can be done on either of my existing devices isn't really best on them. I got Digitakt originally for sampling, but ended up using it more as a drum machine where it is an absolute killer. Tracker shines as chopping and rearanging samples, especially breakbeats and such.
Oh also important note: I use my gear together with a computer, not as much stand-alone song making. Digitakt (and I suspect SP) is super easy for that as it streams tracks directly to the computer.
Tracker is a bit harder: I'll either record audio output directly to the computer or bounce tracks to SD card and use that to transfer stems.
Also goddamn how much do I wish Digitakt supported SD card! :D
I'm going to add here that this video is so extraordinarily useful--as it points out different strengths and weaknesses--that It leaves me thinking (HOPING!) that Bo has more of this sort of thing in store!! SUPER SUPER. helpful comparison! Would be dynamite to compare synths at similar price points this way as well--from the stand point of MAKING music, and the pros and cons of the "workflow" as well as strengths of the sequencer, effects, etc.
thanks Sean! I will make more versus videos. They just take so much time =)
@@BoBeats Understood-- Always enjoy your posts, so no worries. I can only imagine how long these videos take, but I'd say they are the MOST helpful (as so few people actually give BAD reviews for products we consumers are always left guessing which "would be better")!
1. Sp404mkII + Digitakt for sampling, sequencing and control of external devices.
2. Circuit as the budget do-it-all swiss army knife with some limitations.
For my budget and needs, Circuit wins out.
which one would be best for house music (as a "standalone" instrument)?
@@SmartSleeper digitakt
OMG BO! Thats the clash of epic devices I was waiting for!!
Thanks for this. I just picked up a Rhythm and had an SP404 on Pre-Order...which I will now Cancel. Going to stick with Circuit since I prefer a Step Sequencer workflow. Great Video!!!
This video is amazing. 3 years after buying the novation and a Roland VT4...I learn that I oculdve bought the SP404 and do both of the features at once. Plus, great for peple with disabilities like me due to the screen.
Fantastic video. I think all these devices are great in their way. Personally for me , the Circuit wins out - it’s the weakest device of the 3 in some ways , but has the quickest easiest workflow .
You probably have the best gear to sell that I’ve seen on RUclips anywhere for that matter! The sweaters hoodies/ coffee cups
Digitakt is right for me because... I already own it! Thanks for the thorough comparison. Good for me to catch-up on what has come out in the last year or two
Great vid Bo! Can’t wait to see your thoughts after the latest huge update to SP-404 and DT.
Yep, a lot has changed on both the Digitakt (song mode, auto-slicing, timeshifting) and the SP404 (better sequencer, looper, etc)
This makes me feel happy that I have a Digitakt and don’t need to buy the other two hahaha thanks ☺️🙏🙌
After watching this video 2-3 times, I think Circuit Rhythm fits best for me. It's beat-making as quick, and as mobile as possible. Also it doesn't have a display, which is refreshing when having a PC job.
Mobile or portable beatmaking is better with a display screen.
@@spectralknights2 OK. So you need a display for chopping samples? Which mobile device do you suggest?
@@towerrunner4675 maschine, mpc one, koala, beatmaker 3, etc...
@@spectralknights2 Maschine and MPC One are not mobile. Using an app is OK.
Exactly why I went with the Rythm.
Seriously excellent comparison.. Super balanced and informative.. Wish more RUclips videos were like this.. Actually helpful..Thank you..
Oh! I'd love to see you combine the SP404 and Digitakt. Asking for a friend.
Super useful Video, well done! Surprisingly, for me the Rhythm seems the right one. I just love its immediacy and clean workflow.
I've got the Digitakt and the Rhythm. The Digitakt is far and away my favorite sampler that I've used. It just kind of suits the way that I think about music. I've really come around to chopping samples by parameter locking start points. I love the flexibility of it. That said, I like having the option on the Circuit Rhythm to just do a lazy chop and play around with some possibilities first and it would have been great if the Digitakt had that option. But I think if I had that option I'd still probably try things out on the Rhythm just because it's faster and you don't need to name things or worry about folders. I think that and the quick slice mode are why I've been doing a lot more resampling on the Rhythm. It really invites that kind of experimentation. And with respect to MIDI, I agree that the Rhythm is kind of wonky to control. It doesn't want to let you do things like parameter lock the filter cutoff or change the sample choice in a sequence from the Digitakt. But the master track works just about perfectly. So you can sequence all of the fx and the master filter from the Digitakt. There's even a secret resonance parameter on the master filter.
The rhythm needs an overbridge type thing or the ability to record separate audio tracks over usb. I would get it over others with that capability based on the price.
@@teddybearasaurus Yeah, I'd go further than that and say it needs a Transfer. Components is just plain not made to work with a sampler. If I want to put a sample I recorded on my computer I have to send the whole pack, which takes a lot longer than it should. I get the feeling that it works like this because on most of their other devices a pack is just patch and sequence data so it's quick to go back and forth. But yeah, the way it talks to the computer is probably the weakest part of it.
@@CoolDougLove i would literally mute and record midi synced to logic and arrange my loops🥲
Very interesting how you cover their strengths/weaknesses, and not being biased to one brand/device.
thanks! Trying my best. Its no secret that I love Digitakt the most. But SP is actually a close second personal favorite
@@BoBeats The SP is also worth a very good look, due to the feature of it can be used as a sub mixer/sound card (I still want to get a Circuit Rhythm though {my OG Retro Circuit needs a buddy}).
Another wonderfully informative and exceptionally produced video. For a novice such as myself, its always good to view your channel as you put everything across in ways I can understand. Thanks for uploading
Thanks for putting together such a comprehensive comparison with so much direct sound-to-sound comparison. FWIW, I watched the whole thing and it re-confirmed my sense that the Digitakt is the right choice *for me*, even though it came in third in a lot of your areas of comparison. I already know that the Elektron sequencer and I get along (this machine will sit next to a Digitone), and sound-design-ish re-rinsing of samples into weird stuff is way more of what I like to do than chopping up a drum fill, for example. Now I will not lose sleep wondering if I shouldn’t have gone for a 404 mk2 though, which is great!
Casio SK-1 (1985) had 8-bit sampling for 1.4 second lenght.
Gravis Ultrasound (1992) had 16-bit 256 (upgradable to 1024) kB RAM sampling.
The progress since this era has been amazing!
On the current OS of SP404mk2 they added parameter automation features (and polyphonic sample playback, btw)!
Yepp! Its awesome. Made an update vid on it too
Thanks for this, Bo! This is a really deep and informative comparison of those trio!
Very helpful video Bo! Thank you for taking the time to make this!
Digitakt being the oldest of the three seems to hold up well. Love the yellow top!
I wouldn't be surprised if Roland enacts some of your suggestions (ie, adjustable send levels to bus fx) in future firmware updates.
my next invest for my studio is the Sp 404 MKII...I think that Roland have done an currently good job and maybe there is space for future updates on base of that hardware..
Owning an MPC One already, I'm not really looking at another sampler.
That being said, I'd be leaning towards the 404 as it seems it would work best for me if I was in the market for a compact sampler.
I’m looking at one for its FX to pair with my MPC Live. As a guitarist, I’m particularly excited about the amp sim for quickly making guitar samples. It’s gonna be a bit as I’m looking at a Hydra Explorer purchase before the SP.
@@huntergalloway3944 heh.. wonder if the sim does Impulse Responses. That'd be be pretty sweet. :)
@@JakeSweeper Don't get me wrong, it's an insanely good FX box, but if its just guitar amp simulation you're after, there are better cheaper options out there for sure that work better. I don't think any of these samplers ever simulate impulse responses. They're not amps obviously. Also, the SP-404 mkii is probably one of the best companions to an MPC One or MPC Live you could get.
The Digitakt is best for me because of the style of music I like to make with it. Short samples, 2 LFOs, and the trig options are just my main love of the unit. The sequencer feels and sounds great to me too. With that said I did however preorder the Sp 404 MK2. I have a feeling it’s gonna get me back into down tempo trip hop style music again. I miss chopping beats. Plus It just looks more fun to preform and sample on the fly. I can’t wait to get it. I can see my self using both for a lot of different reasons.
Digitakt seems to have a lot more detail, the circuit more warmth, and suprisingly the sp404 sounds pretty dull. I think this machine would be best used set up with a large bank of pre processed one shot samples and loops to jam or play a rehearsed show such as if one where playing in a band with other musicians, whereas the others are more exploratory especially with the digitakt.
sp404 sounds not good, the difference is huge why...
@@waltercheng5707 why?
@@waltercheng5707 It's sound design is made for resampling and so if it had as much detail in the sound as the others, it would become muddy. It's made for creating samples within the unit using the device's effects. In the case of this demonstration it would take a few more steps to hear the SPs better sounds using resampling.
Digitakt is tight/metronomic
Circuit is fun/playful
404 is expressive/art-not-science
Good insight!
@@HanjoSynth I want em all 😩
Great comparison Bo! Hopefully this helps people figure out which box is closest to their goals.
@@Two-Eyed_Boy Hahaha me too, I want to jump on the SP mkII, but will wait to 2022 when gas has cooled down a bit,...
Digitakt and a 404 is the best combo for me. You get the sequencer and sound design capabilities of the Digitakt, with the more powerful sampling, resampling, and effects of the 404.
Even moreso maybe a Digitone and sp404 combo. You can trigger the 404 with the sequencer from Digitone, have a synth and a sampler.
@@Kaleil This is what I plan on doing with my Circuit tracks. I was debating either the SP404 or rhythm but ultimately chose the SP. Pre ordered it at 425 and think it will bring in an extra layer to my live music.
I have an RC-505 Looper, and the SP-404 mk2 is very very tempting.
Roland unleashed both the RC-505 mk2 Loopstation and the SP404 mk2 to makers months ago, with the plan to create expectations, and build a Christmas market. Well, we were excited, until the supply fiasco of chips and the huge backup at the US ports happened. So now, both are not gonna be in the US until no sooner than Feb 2022. Waaaah! No Christmas for me this year.
Damn! Bo put in work for this video. Great job 👏
Big thumbs up man, new to the channel but this is high quality, clear, detailed, not biased. Interesting throughout the video, thanks for the effort!
Great Video and finaly the SP404MK2 is on the Table, i would definitly Rank the SP404 Nr.1 in portability - i love that Roland did not put a fixed battery in it, these things wear out and u carry it arround for nothing - what i would love more than AA-Batterys would be 18650, but hey u cant have everything.
So just put in your SP404 6x AA Batterys and for Emergency a Powerbank - love it !
And for me personaly there is no way i would encourage a Beginner to buy a Circuit Rythm instead of a SP404 - learn the Workflow its just 100bucks more and you get a serious sampler, put some time in it u wont regret it, otherwise the digitakt is another animal and depending on your needs it could be the nr.1 pick.
Great video, with Overbridge and the Midi/Sequencing capabilities, this video shows how unique the Digitakt is,
Glad this video didn't make me want to sell my digitakt. SP mkII is a pretty fantastic upgrade though and those effects are something special. Great video
Digitakt is incredible, the most amazing piece of hardware, you can get crazy with it, and the best sounding sampler i ever listened
Very interesting. Each of these devices is a complete sequencing sample player. So much more than just a sample.
Great friggin video bo! Just pre ordered the sp a couple days ago! Only downside is musicians friend said it may not ship til January 😣 can’t wait to watch this video again once I get it!
Dont miss the review i did also of the SP. It also works well as a tutorial
Wow outstanding education. Thank you. I bought out of this clarification the Sp404 due to its portability and mic jack to record on the fly.
Also check the new 2.0 update! I have a vid on it. Makes it even better!!
Thanks for this comprehensive overview!
One minor editing note... from 37:30 to 37:35, the instruments change positions but the rankings don't. The meaning is still clear though.
thanks! always difficult keeping everything tidy over a 40+ min video
Electribe 2 sampler is 4 voice paraphonic/polyphonic per part. It has stereo sampling and sample playback. It does have total voice limitations that are easy to run into is you're just stacking sounds.
Awesome looking hoodie! And good content as always. Or even better with all the new titles and colorful comparison of specs and so on. Very well done.
Hi BoBeats, thanks for doing all these amazing videos I really appreciate your hard work. Cheers buddy.
Thanks John!!
What would you suggest for vocal samples? I want to throw in movie samples into my live performances but can’t find anything that talks specifically about using longer quotes
Appreciate the work gone into making this video!
My favorite sampler I’ve owned is the MPC1K with JJ/OS. I ended up getting rid of that and got a Digitakt years later.
I think the DT is great, and you can end up getting results that you would never dream up with a different workflow. However, my issues with the Digitakt when I sold it were that the file management was terrible (hopefully this is fixed, as Elk Herd never worked right for me) and I never found it to be an immediate device (I found the Elektron workflow better suited for careful programming rather than playing like an instrument).
I’m looking forward to trying out the new SP as I think it might be closer to how I was making stuff on the MPC1K back in the day and I don’t need a midi brain for my setup.
I make most of my tracks in Logic these days as I really like working with deeply multisampled and modeled instruments. What I’ll probably end up doing is sampling instruments and stuff of Logic into the SP, and using the SP to do live arrangements and shape the sound.
I think this combination should be able to do everything I want without having to have a ton of gear.
I’m also looking forward to recording bass and guitar into the SP. That’s definitely not something that the Digitakt handles well.
I've been using an ESX for many years, and I can tell you that box is magic.
Fabulous comparison video, I've been thinking of adding a sampler/sample player to my set up. I know the Circuit well so learning it would be a shallow learning curve, but, having heard how good the Digitakt sounds compared to the others- despite the learning curve it wins hands down!
Well…. That was a fantastic breakdown. It seems that if Elektron added sdcard streaming and stereo sampling it would run away with the prize. I went with the black box for my sampler BUT I use a kurzweil k2661 as my initial staging ground. There just isn’t much available that offers as much processing ability especially as you say for “sample as oscillator.”
That all said a huge reason I quit music for nearly 2 decades was because I’d get lost in sample editing and lose the inspiration for the song. These newer devices are fantastic. Now I can get something I mostly like and then finish sound design on the kurz.
I think of these I’d be most likely to get the electron as the black box has so much covered and I have plentiful options for effect processing. (If I need Roland effects I have a VF-1).
I know we’re talking hardware here, but Koala sampler on iOS outperforms the 404 in both workflow and features for a fraction of the price. I’ve never looked back. Great video though!
Lots of great software options. Tho you need an iPad… and perhaps some way of inputting audio into the iPad
Screen recording from Spotify/youtube is incredible. People still edit and load samples onto sd cards? Lol
Really?
@@magnuseriksson8081 give it a try and see for yourself. You can sample, resample, sequence, step sequence, combine samples, effect with internal effects and auv3 effects and you have the option of simply using the touchscreen or external midi controllers. It has a keyboard function with scales that makes composing very simple. Endless possibilities and a very simple 404esque layout as well. No SD cards, sample directly from RUclips or Spotify…what’s not to like?
Honestly, Flip is way better. Though, I think it’s like 8$ instead of 3$. I have both, and while Koala is really great, Flip is a couple notches above it. The main reasons being an actual, editable envelope, being able to play samples chromatically, and much better mixing/FX…really, it’s better in every way the more I think about it.
Hi, This is one of your better videos. Valuable insight in here! In a perfect world, the Polyend Tracker would be in the mix :)
what a great video bo. I now know what's best for me. thanks again.
I've only owned one of these machines, the Digitakt, and I have to say it's one of the most overpriced machines on the market. I mean, I get why it's priced the way it is because it has an amazing build quality, an amazing sequencer and an amazing sound. But at the core, it's a very limited mono sampler that is about as intuitive to use as a Texas Instruments graphical calculator.
The Circuit Rhythm is extremely similar, but without the amazing build quality, without the screen, but with a built-in battery instead.
The SP-404 is an entirely different thing. Personally, it would drive me nuts with its obvious workflow limitations (I mean, come on - no chromatic recording into the sequencer?!) and the way it forces you commit to "printing" everything to audio, but I can see how it's appealing to sample-based music makers and/or DJs who love to mangle up their songs live.
Each have their place and fanbase, but I'd personally say that the Digitakt is by far the most overpriced of the three.
The Digitakt becomes worth the $$ when you really start to understand the parameter locks. Took me months until I had the aha moment.
@@fanofhumidity I owned it for months but had the epiphany even before buying it. Still enjoying the Digitone thanks in part to those p-locks and conditional trigs. However, in my opinion the DT is still overrated and you can achieve similar things with the MPC and its very powerful recordable automation across its range of 40+ effects. If the DT had the ability to play chords (let's say 4 notes per track), stereo sampling, proper undo, song mode and, crucially, the ability to record the live manipulations as song automations, it would be easier to justify the cost for a producer. If I were a live performer, I'd easily justify the cost as it is but I'm a producer, not a live performer.
This must have taken quite a bit to set up and sort out for filming and editing..well done, excellent video!
thanks! yes it was a bit of work :)
Thank you a was looking forward to this video as I am about to buy one on them but couldn't decide...
Damn the sp404 is like King Kong getting out the beach waters, James Bond style. Such a beast...
Looking at the Deluge as it seems to fulfill many of these features in a comprehensive and intuitive package.
If your want to get inspired and create original stuff that sound amazing you need the Digitakt.
It does have more shaping tools in its arsenal,but it’s real power is that sequencer.Man that sequencer…
Great video, Bo. I think the novation is the machine for me. As my next step up from the volca sample I think it makes sense to go for this. plus I like a fast work flow. Thanks again!
Definitely a big step up from the Volca!
I really wish you could do something about the ever improving Akai MPC One and it's other more expensive siblings.
Much more capabilities, every SW revision. A true DAW with excellent sampling, great add one syntgs and MIDI controls.
I have digitakt and an old Roland sp 404. I used the digitakt to trigger loops on the sp 404 via midi and it worked extreemly well. I was surprized at your comments about the sp 404 mk2's midi prowess. I would think if it worked well on a twenty year old machine it should be much improved on the mk2.
Good comparison, thanks. Just for context, but with the latest OS update now the Digitakt does slicing and you can play the slices on the keys.
Good comparison. What do you think of the 1010Music Blackbox? Also, have you pre-ordered the M8 Tracker?
i think the blackbox seems really cool. unfortunately I dont have one, and getting one and learning it in time for this video project wasn't a possibility. As someone with limited knowledge about it I would say: offers alot of features in a small package, could absolutely be a contender.
BB is a great device ! I love mine
I would get the SP404 MK2 out of these, because it's overall a great package with a nice workflow, plus it's not menu divey like the Digitakt. The FX seem pretty nice and hope they expand it more in the future.. like FX specifically made for different types of electronic music, Roland said catered FX for singers and guitars is planned so I hope there's more variety in the future!
awesome informative comparing! would love to see an sp/digi jam
:)
Digitakt is the overall winner here for me. SP 404 looks like a cool addition though for effects and long sampling.
I have just purchased the SP404Mk2 I want a versatile and quick sampler to start and the process of resampling, and create tracks, and put vocals and effects over the top. I want to then make time to save those tracks and use them in a live set, and add live one shots while singing.
battery power and small size is the real advantage of the Roland sampler but I like my Octatrack way better.
For Electronic Music .. the digitakt rocks the boat .. effects on Sp is nice though