Agreed! It took me awhile (a couple of months actually) before I took it seriously and sat down with it to get the juices flowing, ever since then, its been really a joy to work with and experiment on!
A video that needed to be made. Nice job. I’m getting a lot of use from my blackbox and I’m very happy with it overall. The one area where if feel a little 404 envy is being able to drum on the pads. I guess that’s nothing a midi controller can’t fix.
Thank you thank you! If you've never owned an sp before, I suppose I could ease your envy by saying... the pads......... are nothing to write home about haha.. I may even look into some mpcstuff alternative pads later down the line as im not "playing" on the 404 right now, but if i was... the pads would my least favorite thing about it!
Great video, thanks for sharing! I have an SP404 SX but haven’t used it much due to to challenges of chopping samples just right for using on other gear and have been considering the Blackbox. I can see a use for both - if I can make the space on my desk! Keep up the great works, and thanks again!
Real nice break down! I also own the blackbox but like you said the lack of eq on the blackbox as well as mastering effects has kinda turned me off on it! Over all I still think 💭 it’s a cool piece of gear, but I prefer my mpc x and mpc one over the black box, when they add the linear eq on the black box like the blue box as well has mastering effects then the blackbox will be on a level of the newer Mpc’s!! Good job on this comparison 👍🏾👊🏾🔥
Firstly, Thank you for the affirmation and kind words! I can say the lack of fully fledged features really put me into a "box" that has made me re think how i make music, specifically with this device. My challenge for myself now is to push myself to explore "work arounds" to get what im looking for and find a workflow that yields results without stress, before we get any major updates, i want to accomplish that goal, and once new firmware comes out, i'll be bale to fully master the device as updates come, its my little swiss army knife, and i feel like i can take down any task, not as straight forward as other gear, but the work we'll put in together will hopefully show!
@@THATSTREAL like I said great comparison! I’m completely standalone so I don’t use a DAW! And not being able to truly master what you’ve created directly within the blackbox is irritating 😠 if they fix the major aspect it would truly be on par with the newer MPC’s.. If you get a chance stop by my channel 👊🏾🎹
It seems like they've Addressed a few of your cons for the blackbox with the 2.0 update. Do you have any plans to do an updated version of this video? Maybe blackbox 2.0 update vs the new sp404 mk2
I cant say for sure if i'll do another comparison video exactly like this one, but I do think I'll attempt a more "talking head" version discussing the two, I still need a little more time with them right now before I can give any solid accounts between them!
I just subscribed, want to support your channel. I also own the blackbox. And look forward to see more on how your using it and getting around the mixing and mastering what you create on it! That’s where I’m not happy with the blackbox! I’m a totally standalone creator, meaning I don’t use a DAW at all. So I’m still trying to find the best method for me to be able to take what I’ve created on the blackbox and really mix and master the final production.
Thank you for your support! That means a lot to me! When it comes mixing and mastering the music i make, I've never been savy in that field, I tend to just jam and release, although, I do see the benefit in having a nice mix and master, I can say one day I'll take that aspect of it all more seriously, but for now, its all about the jam and release
@@LewisSales I got the Digitakt and wanted to love it. Manipulation of samples in mono killed it for me. I had both at the same time and traded away the Digitakt. Also, in the time since this video, several of the things that were missing from the BlackBox are now there. The EQ that is in the BlueBox is now in the BlackBox. Just one example.
Really fantastic overview. Literally ordered a 404 SX an hour before I'd seen this video, haha. The Blackbox is such a cool device, but I just can't get over the touch screen. It's why I've never been too interested in the MPC Live, I'm sure it's an amazing device, but I can't stand touch screens in music making.
Thank you very much! The SP I hope will do wonders for you, for it does, it does it well! I've had many iterations of them over the years and I've always tend to come back to them if I don't have one at any given point in time! As for the blackbox and the touch screen! It definitely takes some getting used to, but that fade fairly quickly when you start to get immersed into it! Congrats your new pick-up! I hope you make some cool stuff!
What are you saying about the latest update? The Blackbox is an umatched box imho. It has also modular level which 404 hasn‘t. I use Blackbox and the bitbox micro in my rack. Absolutely minb blowing boxes.for the eq stuff you need the bluebox right beside bx. If you have that, the Blackbox is unbeatable.
I sold the blackbox a couple months about a year ago, so I wasn't able to check out how the recent update functioned. I will say though, I loved the blackbox, and I think about it often! I made some really cool stuff on it! But the more I think about it, the more I wish it had an Internal rechargeable battery, or even an OEM 3d printed base plate that allowed for an external powerbank to sit under it. I agree with all your sentiments about the BB, and I've even considered picking up another one, but I think I'll be waiting to see if 1010 produces a MK2 or maybe a bottom case for powerbank storage.
This was a nice breakdown. In the end you conclude that if you had to keep one you would opt for the Blackbox. I'd be interested to hear if that would still be the case with the SP404 mkII.
This is great. I think I would buy today if it had a free running LFO you could apply to various things, and also it needs basic Lo-Fi effects like bitcrush, vinyl sim, etc.
Id say hold out, the forums are pretty active with feature requests, and the Dev. just hired anew a software engineer, so I think there will be some pretty cool updates in the future for those aspects *fingers crossed
The fact that it has a designated FX button on a device with very few buttons hopefully means they intend to expand upon it. Because yeah, as is it’s definitely underwhelming in that department.
I think you're right about one being appropriate for production, the other being appropriate for performing, and the two together being quite useful. I'm really happy you made the comparison because I was looking at each one and wondering which would suit my purposes better. As a result I ordered the 404.
Thats awesome! The 404 is a super capable box that will hopefully guide you to your musical journey! It was an awesome tool for me for years! Its good to see people still seeking it out! Have fun and make some cool stuff!
I dont mean to be so off topic but does someone know a method to log back into an instagram account..? I was stupid lost my password. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me.
@Branson Brendan i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and im trying it out atm. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
I recently sold my 404MKII because I just couldn't get into it. It was too complicated and was NOT fast to use. I just got the Blackbox and wow, it was so easy to figure out and it travels so easy. The 404 may have more effects but what good are they if you can't remember how to use then if it sits for a few weeks?
@@THATSTREAL thanks. I only ask because “they” added the mixer from the BlueBox to the BlackBox. It was a shortcoming you listed. I’d like to see with the changes how it hangs versus the MKII. Thank you for doing this.
Cool - great deep dive. I'm looking for something sample based to go with my MC-101. The MC-101 is great for one shot triggering, but the resampling implementation isn't the best. I was thinking of the BlackBox but not sure of the touch-screen way of working. I have an MPC Live but hate it cos I can't get the same muscle memory from a touch-screen (I regret selling the old MPC500). Too much GAS!
Thank you thank you! I'll say for my workflow, the blackbox and MC-101 are pretty beastly combo, with the MC in the pair taking over the main bulk of the production weioght as i sample whatever sequences i've made on the MC into the black box, and use the black box to "perform" the clips i sampled into the blackbox, as well as some sample pitching potentially and one shot implantation as well from samples i have in the blackbox itself.. I really dig the two together, and fell like with them, you can pretty much do anything musically, in the palms of your hands!
@@THATSTREAL Yea - I've seen some of your other videos! It really gets around the limited tracks of the MC-101 and the limited sample time! Look forward to hearing what else you come up with!
I have important question - Using autosampler feature on Black Box, once complete, can you copy or transfer individual note files to other devices like computer or other hardware? I would want to load the keygroups/multisamples onto my other hardware keyboard.
@@asantecarter7013 mmm, that's a good question! Its outside of my use case for the blackbox so I don't have an answer but the 1010music Forums house a lot of blackbox users who would probably have a better insight for you!
Ahh... In my case, I pre-ordered the MK2 the second I saw it listed on sweetwater. I really truely loved my sp404's (i've since sold the 404sx that was in this video, about a week after I made the video actually) but as I was saying, the 404sx models were beautiful exploration machiones for me, but they ultimately fell victim to time and technology restraints for where I was trying to go sonic-ly, which lead me to really falling in deep with the blackbox and going that route., Im not made of money at all, but I am of the camp that would spend my last dollar to fuel my curiosities and creative hunger (sometimes to fault I admit) so I pre-ordered the MK2 and will be keeping the blackbox aswell (which works perfectly as a tool in my small eurorack setup) I had a drema the other I had my MK2, and I was exploring and making tracking while sitting on the couch, I was happy, I was excited. The dream alone makes the purchase worth it.
New Sub just got Mines last week My goodness it's a Amy Swiss Knife! And coming from a MPC LIVE2 , Maschine + & SP404 Mk2 Owner the Blackbox 3.1.2 Man!! The Size and power is 👌🏽😎 as a Film and TV Foley Composer it fits right in my Studio' can't wait until the next Firmware Updare.
Great vid i was debating black box, polyend tracker, or sp 404 you got me thinking black box and damn that pitch was nasty and granular earned a sub this way
AHH! Good choice if you ask me! I had the polyend tracker for about a week and ultimately returned it, though, I did make some pretty cool stuff on it, in the end, it just felt like something "cool" to play on, rather than a "life or death" box that id use to really make some stuff I can really mesh well with. I hope you and your blackbox work well together! Definitely suggest putting on your lap somewhere and just getting lost in mangling sounds!
Hmm, I'd say there is definitely a noticeable delay between switching preset banks, whether or not that will improve over updates I cant say, but it would be a welcome upgrade!
after having both, and recently selling the blackbox after owning for 2years and a previous multi year owner of the sp404 sx and brief MK2 owner.. I'd say, with its most recent updates, and potential future updates, the sp404mk2 in my eyes starts to look more like the winner every day that passes.. one thing i can point out that gives it a leg up, is that w/ the blackbox, I really needed to have a separate midi device connected to it, for it to be "fully" functional for how I produce/explore. But the 404 has the pads built in already.. that's just one big factor for my decision
@@TwinCitiesOxygen Thank you for your question! I'd say, on a scale from 1- 10, the learning curve for the 404MK2 is about a 5.5, About 80% of the functionality is labeled and present on the face of the unit, and the 20% of the functionality/ Shift functions aren't too convoluted and can be mastered within a couple weeks of regular use..
you should make a video on pairing the two together. idea: sample you audio into the 404. put the audio out into the audio in of the blackbox, and sample your fx processed sample. chop it on the blackbox. make drums on the blackbox, then sample the full track onto the 404 that you just made on the blackbox. add vinyl sim and compression. export to your laptop. there ya go
There’s lots of boxes that blow away the 404 feature wise, but none of them have the form factor and live playability as an instrument vibe that the 404 has.
100% agree, the 404 has a magic about it, that, once you have it your hands, immediately makes you want to play and jam! Most definitely a legend in the game!
Ah yes! Its fairly infamous in the community of owners! Some units shipped out that way (crooked screens) and if you contact 1010 Directly, they would simply have you ship it back to them and they would correct the screen issue, I had my own cringe about it for a short period, but ultimately, let that feeling pass, as it doesn't effect functionality or touch sensitive space of the touch screen in any way.
@@allthingsaudio4610 yes indeed it is! Of all the hardware pieces of music i've ever owned, its in my top 3! Dare I even say my 'desert island' device!
Ive used a handeful of pedal effects with the blackbox and they worked out pretty nicely! but I more recently ditch the pedal effects and went the eurorack modular route, best decision i've made creatively speaking. the modular world opens up so many cool and creative possibilities! Very exciting stuff!
@@benjamindemers2115 I believe they do, if not an actual physical fx unit, there is a firmware switch that can turn one of their modules into an fx unit, I haven't tried either out yet, but I think the company was primarily a eurorack company first and the blackbox was their first step into desktop hardware
A friend of mine has an MPC one, and the time I spent doodling around on it was pretty fun! Especially cool was the ability to chop a sample to the pads while recording in the sample in real time, super useful tool!
I can understand the resistance, and for me, it was "learning" curve coming from tactile machine that give instant feedback, but like anything, it was only a matter of time and jamming, that the touch screen and lack of feedback became an after thought, i will say, the responsiveness is top class, no different than what you would have on a smartphone. Very nice indeed!
First off good video and I like your breakdown of some of the pros and cons. But I don’t see this as a 404 killer at all. You can get perfect loop points if you use free software “bankrobber.” 404 is basically the tool/sound of an entire genre “la beat scene” and the now larger spinoff “lo-fi hip hop” to an extent. There are years and years worth of videos of artists doing entire 40 minute or longer sets on just a single 404. Dibiase, Teebs, Samiyam, Dripping Gems/Floods, Ras G I think, and many more. From what I’ve seen so far I don’t anticipate a lot of people using just a blackbox for a live set. More likely a blackbox with something else like with a 404,synth, drum machine, elektron ______ . The 404s fx, especially the dj looper, and having access to all the different banks like you mentioned are likely a big reason for that imo. I would have liked to know if the sequencer on the blackbox has Independent track length. Does it have a built in synth or drum synth? Also does it have multiple output? Even multiple outputs alone would be a “game changer” to a 404 imo, because I feel like a lot of people bypass the sequencer completely and use “resample method”
Beautifully said and completely true! the 404's workflow has spawned numerous legacy producers from its workflow and form factor, If i'm not mistake, J dilla used a 303 for a bunch of his released music, which is the 404 predecessor, which should be a HUGE thumbs up for anybody thinking about diving into the sp ecosystem! As for the blackbox, in my personal case, ive grown extremely attached to its limitations and used them to my creative advatage,m the same way the 404 pushed me to think and expand in terms of its functionality and loopholes, I definitely see the blackbox as my "new" 404, not that its exactly the same, but it makes me "feel" and "create" with it in the same spirit, just with an updated cpu and unique features. Regarding your questions on the blackbox, the sequencer does have independent tracks lengths that can be set to your desire up to I think 128 bars? No built in synth or drums, but a pretty useful granular synth engine that does some pretty funky stuff when you play around with it. It has 3 separate outputs as well as a "master" headphone out (all 3.5mm) All in all, the 404 and myself have made some really beautiful music in our history together, and I would recommend it to anybody without question, its an amazing tool that can take you to some awesome places, and I truly feel the blackbox, in my eyes, is worthy successor for my journey, and my current sword of choice in the quest through uncharted sonic plains!
I’ve used the black box on live sets and love it. It’s actually probably the one piece of kit I’d keep if I were to get rid of everything else. I’ve let friends borrow it for non music applications too as they needed to be able to quickly have on hand long snippets from news broadcasts and interviews and stuff.
Ah! I do admit, the title and thumbnail were my attempt at youtube algorithm hacking! Which I attempted to repent for in the intro of the video! But the contents of the video remain true for me, Even more so as time goes on, the Blackbox being years ahead as far as processing power and functionality goes, is a no-brainer for me if choosing between a 404 or Blackbox, If that means an extra $100 to make that choice, I'd say its $100 well spent for what you get in such a small package.
@@THATSTREAL uw I'm digging for infos on the BBox compared to a new school mpc. For the bucks, seems to be a win for AKAI but... I don't know, i wanna trust this tiny tool.
@@showbread9366 I agree! That $600 could be spent elsewhere and give you some really cool results! I'd say thus far I've gotten my monies worth, and Its still kicking along! So let hope I get another $600 worth of it for a double or nothing!
The missing EQ is a big con. But fortunately they added one through an update just a few months after your video: ruclips.net/video/nZ7OEXfAJLA/видео.html
Oh man! It definitely has some outdated mechanics I can agree there, but there HAS to be a worse choice out there haha, there just has to be! It does have its good parts though as well!
@@city3015 Completely agree! if it doesn't aid the production of good music, throw it in the trash!! *metaphorically of course! what did you end up going with after getting rid of the sp?
I had a Blackbox for a few months before I sold it to a friend. I still miss it. It is so capable at what it sets out to do.
Agreed! It took me awhile (a couple of months actually) before I took it seriously and sat down with it to get the juices flowing, ever since then, its been really a joy to work with and experiment on!
thanks for your wonderful in sight...my brother nicely done.
Anytime friend! Its my pleasure! Thank you for the love and response!
A video that needed to be made. Nice job. I’m getting a lot of use from my blackbox and I’m very happy with it overall. The one area where if feel a little 404 envy is being able to drum on the pads. I guess that’s nothing a midi controller can’t fix.
Thank you thank you! If you've never owned an sp before, I suppose I could ease your envy by saying... the pads......... are nothing to write home about haha.. I may even look into some mpcstuff alternative pads later down the line as im not "playing" on the 404 right now, but if i was... the pads would my least favorite thing about it!
Great video, thanks for sharing! I have an SP404 SX but haven’t used it much due to to challenges of chopping samples just right for using on other gear and have been considering the Blackbox. I can see a use for both - if I can make the space on my desk!
Keep up the great works, and thanks again!
Thank you friend! Im happy the video could be of some use for you!
Real nice break down! I also own the blackbox but like you said the lack of eq on the blackbox as well as mastering effects has kinda turned me off on it! Over all I still think 💭 it’s a cool piece of gear, but I prefer my mpc x and mpc one over the black box, when they add the linear eq on the black box like the blue box as well has mastering effects then the blackbox will be on a level of the newer Mpc’s!! Good job on this comparison 👍🏾👊🏾🔥
Firstly, Thank you for the affirmation and kind words! I can say the lack of fully fledged features really put me into a "box" that has made me re think how i make music, specifically with this device. My challenge for myself now is to push myself to explore "work arounds" to get what im looking for and find a workflow that yields results without stress, before we get any major updates, i want to accomplish that goal, and once new firmware comes out, i'll be bale to fully master the device as updates come, its my little swiss army knife, and i feel like i can take down any task, not as straight forward as other gear, but the work we'll put in together will hopefully show!
@@THATSTREAL like I said great comparison! I’m completely standalone so I don’t use a DAW! And not being able to truly master what you’ve created directly within the blackbox is irritating 😠 if they fix the major aspect it would truly be on par with the newer MPC’s.. If you get a chance stop by my channel 👊🏾🎹
Really good content here. Thanks for this!
Thank you! I appreciate the affirmations :)
Now you have to run it back black box vs sp 404 mk2, good video
Absolute fact! Put in my pre-order the moment they went live!
You so made me want one now.
The second hand market has been pretty stable with good deals (at least in my area), if you haven't already, Id say now is a good time to look!
It seems like they've Addressed a few of your cons for the blackbox with the 2.0 update. Do you have any plans to do an updated version of this video? Maybe blackbox 2.0 update vs the new sp404 mk2
I cant say for sure if i'll do another comparison video exactly like this one, but I do think I'll attempt a more "talking head" version discussing the two, I still need a little more time with them right now before I can give any solid accounts between them!
I just subscribed, want to support your channel. I also own the blackbox. And look forward to see more on how your using it and getting around the mixing and mastering what you create on it! That’s where I’m not happy with the blackbox! I’m a totally standalone creator, meaning I don’t use a DAW at all. So I’m still trying to find the best method for me to be able to take what I’ve created on the blackbox and really mix and master the final production.
Thank you for your support! That means a lot to me! When it comes mixing and mastering the music i make, I've never been savy in that field, I tend to just jam and release, although, I do see the benefit in having a nice mix and master, I can say one day I'll take that aspect of it all more seriously, but for now, its all about the jam and release
MPC ONE!!!
About to add a Digitakt or Blackbox to the setup
@@LewisSales I got the Digitakt and wanted to love it. Manipulation of samples in mono killed it for me. I had both at the same time and traded away the Digitakt. Also, in the time since this video, several of the things that were missing from the BlackBox are now there. The EQ that is in the BlueBox is now in the BlackBox. Just one example.
New subscriber here! Great job man! Thumbs up for nice video quality. Good luck with your channel! Respect!
Hey! Thank you friend! I really appreciate the feedback! Im glad you enjoy the videos :) !
sick video definitely gonna look into the blackbox more. I need whatever song you sampled for the pitch shifting!!
Excellent presentation! Thank you!
Thank you friend! Im glad it was helpful!
Really fantastic overview. Literally ordered a 404 SX an hour before I'd seen this video, haha. The Blackbox is such a cool device, but I just can't get over the touch screen. It's why I've never been too interested in the MPC Live, I'm sure it's an amazing device, but I can't stand touch screens in music making.
Thank you very much! The SP I hope will do wonders for you, for it does, it does it well! I've had many iterations of them over the years and I've always tend to come back to them if I don't have one at any given point in time! As for the blackbox and the touch screen! It definitely takes some getting used to, but that fade fairly quickly when you start to get immersed into it! Congrats your new pick-up! I hope you make some cool stuff!
What are you saying about the latest update? The Blackbox is an umatched box imho. It has also modular level which 404 hasn‘t. I use Blackbox and the bitbox micro in my rack. Absolutely minb blowing boxes.for the eq stuff you need the bluebox right beside bx. If you have that, the Blackbox is unbeatable.
I sold the blackbox a couple months about a year ago, so I wasn't able to check out how the recent update functioned. I will say though, I loved the blackbox, and I think about it often! I made some really cool stuff on it! But the more I think about it, the more I wish it had an Internal rechargeable battery, or even an OEM 3d printed base plate that allowed for an external powerbank to sit under it.
I agree with all your sentiments about the BB, and I've even considered picking up another one, but I think I'll be waiting to see if 1010 produces a MK2 or maybe a bottom case for powerbank storage.
This was a nice breakdown. In the end you conclude that if you had to keep one you would opt for the Blackbox. I'd be interested to hear if that would still be the case with the SP404 mkII.
You and I both friend!! I have my MK2 on pre-order, so once it comes in, I'll some insight on that for sure!!!
This is great. I think I would buy today if it had a free running LFO you could apply to various things, and also it needs basic Lo-Fi effects like bitcrush, vinyl sim, etc.
Id say hold out, the forums are pretty active with feature requests, and the Dev. just hired anew a software engineer, so I think there will be some pretty cool updates in the future for those aspects *fingers crossed
They just added an LFO recent update! Not sure about more affects thoi that would definely be good to have.
The fact that it has a designated FX button on a device with very few buttons hopefully means they intend to expand upon it. Because yeah, as is it’s definitely underwhelming in that department.
I think you're right about one being appropriate for production, the other being appropriate for performing, and the two together being quite useful. I'm really happy you made the comparison because I was looking at each one and wondering which would suit my purposes better. As a result I ordered the 404.
Thats awesome! The 404 is a super capable box that will hopefully guide you to your musical journey! It was an awesome tool for me for years! Its good to see people still seeking it out! Have fun and make some cool stuff!
I dont mean to be so off topic but does someone know a method to log back into an instagram account..?
I was stupid lost my password. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me.
@Nico Draven Instablaster :)
@Branson Brendan i really appreciate your reply. I got to the site through google and im trying it out atm.
Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Branson Brendan It worked and I now got access to my account again. Im so happy!
Thank you so much you saved my ass :D
Thank you! Well done
Ah! Thank you very much = D
I recently sold my 404MKII because I just couldn't get into it. It was too complicated and was NOT fast to use. I just got the Blackbox and wow, it was so easy to figure out and it travels so easy. The 404 may have more effects but what good are they if you can't remember how to use then if it sits for a few weeks?
May I request an updated video that compares BlackBox 2.0 software to the SP-404?
Absolutely! Its on the top of my list once my pre order comes in hand
@@THATSTREAL thanks. I only ask because “they” added the mixer from the BlueBox to the BlackBox. It was a shortcoming you listed. I’d like to see with the changes how it hangs versus the MKII. Thank you for doing this.
Can bb do unquantized? Ive read a few places that it cant, and thats kind of a turn of for me, tho im loving everythig else about it
Dope review here, subbed already
Thank you friend! I appreciate the the sub and and kind words!
Cool - great deep dive. I'm looking for something sample based to go with my MC-101. The MC-101 is great for one shot triggering, but the resampling implementation isn't the best. I was thinking of the BlackBox but not sure of the touch-screen way of working. I have an MPC Live but hate it cos I can't get the same muscle memory from a touch-screen (I regret selling the old MPC500). Too much GAS!
Thank you thank you! I'll say for my workflow, the blackbox and MC-101 are pretty beastly combo, with the MC in the pair taking over the main bulk of the production weioght as i sample whatever sequences i've made on the MC into the black box, and use the black box to "perform" the clips i sampled into the blackbox, as well as some sample pitching potentially and one shot implantation as well from samples i have in the blackbox itself.. I really dig the two together, and fell like with them, you can pretty much do anything musically, in the palms of your hands!
@@THATSTREAL Yea - I've seen some of your other videos! It really gets around the limited tracks of the MC-101 and the limited sample time! Look forward to hearing what else you come up with!
Try koala sampler. I sold my mpc1000 after trying it!
Did you forget converter quality?
MKII is only 16 bit. It's not entirely impossible for Black Box to add a bit rate effect to mimicked 16 bit either.
I have important question - Using autosampler feature on Black Box, once complete, can you copy or transfer individual note files to other devices like computer or other hardware?
I would want to load the keygroups/multisamples onto my other hardware keyboard.
@@asantecarter7013 mmm, that's a good question! Its outside of my use case for the blackbox so I don't have an answer but the 1010music Forums house a lot of blackbox users who would probably have a better insight for you!
@@THATSTREAL yes. It's possible! I found out. Thanks.
I own and love blackbox but seriously considering flipping it in order to fund the mkii version of the SP404…
Are are your thoughts mate?
Ahh... In my case, I pre-ordered the MK2 the second I saw it listed on sweetwater. I really truely loved my sp404's (i've since sold the 404sx that was in this video, about a week after I made the video actually) but as I was saying, the 404sx models were beautiful exploration machiones for me, but they ultimately fell victim to time and technology restraints for where I was trying to go sonic-ly, which lead me to really falling in deep with the blackbox and going that route.,
Im not made of money at all, but I am of the camp that would spend my last dollar to fuel my curiosities and creative hunger (sometimes to fault I admit) so I pre-ordered the MK2 and will be keeping the blackbox aswell (which works perfectly as a tool in my small eurorack setup)
I had a drema the other I had my MK2, and I was exploring and making tracking while sitting on the couch, I was happy, I was excited. The dream alone makes the purchase worth it.
New Sub just got Mines last week My goodness it's a Amy Swiss Knife! And coming from a MPC LIVE2 , Maschine + & SP404 Mk2 Owner the Blackbox 3.1.2 Man!! The Size and power is 👌🏽😎 as a Film and TV Foley Composer it fits right in my Studio' can't wait until the next Firmware Updare.
Great vid i was debating black box, polyend tracker, or sp 404 you got me thinking black box and damn that pitch was nasty and granular earned a sub this way
Ok this vid convinced me got the black box over sp 5 mins ago now the waiting game lol excited
AHH! Good choice if you ask me! I had the polyend tracker for about a week and ultimately returned it, though, I did make some pretty cool stuff on it, in the end, it just felt like something "cool" to play on, rather than a "life or death" box that id use to really make some stuff I can really mesh well with. I hope you and your blackbox work well together! Definitely suggest putting on your lap somewhere and just getting lost in mangling sounds!
Got black box no regrets!
It will be interesing a comparision with koala sampler and dedicated controller vs sp404.
did they update the preset changes? like is it seamless now, or does is still "choke" before changing projects?
Hmm, I'd say there is definitely a noticeable delay between switching preset banks, whether or not that will improve over updates I cant say, but it would be a welcome upgrade!
Any thoughts on the blackbox vs the sp404 mkii?
after having both, and recently selling the blackbox after owning for 2years and a previous multi year owner of the sp404 sx and brief MK2 owner.. I'd say, with its most recent updates, and potential future updates, the sp404mk2 in my eyes starts to look more like the winner every day that passes.. one thing i can point out that gives it a leg up, is that w/ the blackbox, I really needed to have a separate midi device connected to it, for it to be "fully" functional for how I produce/explore. But the 404 has the pads built in already.. that's just one big factor for my decision
@@THATSTREAL thanks for your reply. Is there a tough learning curve on the 404?
@@TwinCitiesOxygen Thank you for your question! I'd say, on a scale from 1- 10, the learning curve for the 404MK2 is about a 5.5, About 80% of the functionality is labeled and present on the face of the unit, and the 20% of the functionality/ Shift functions aren't too convoluted and can be mastered within a couple weeks of regular use..
you should make a video on pairing the two together.
idea: sample you audio into the 404. put the audio out into the audio in of the blackbox, and sample your fx processed sample. chop it on the blackbox. make drums on the blackbox, then sample the full track onto the 404 that you just made on the blackbox. add vinyl sim and compression. export to your laptop. there ya go
definitely have some workflow ideas in mind, and will for sure document them for another video! I hope you stick around to check them out =D
The blackbox is great for grabbing clips from things like the MC-101 and SP-404
There’s lots of boxes that blow away the 404 feature wise, but none of them have the form factor and live playability as an instrument vibe that the 404 has.
100% agree, the 404 has a magic about it, that, once you have it your hands, immediately makes you want to play and jam! Most definitely a legend in the game!
i returned my 404, got crazy with handling it.
I see you put a lot of work into this video. Respect Tattoo Sir👍🏽
Thank you friend! I have tremendous love and good music with the 404 so I wanted to be sure I gave its respect it deserved!
Why does the blackbox screen look crooked?
Ah yes! Its fairly infamous in the community of owners! Some units shipped out that way (crooked screens) and if you contact 1010 Directly, they would simply have you ship it back to them and they would correct the screen issue, I had my own cringe about it for a short period, but ultimately, let that feeling pass, as it doesn't effect functionality or touch sensitive space of the touch screen in any way.
@@THATSTREAL besides that issue it seems like a very useful machine.
@@allthingsaudio4610 yes indeed it is! Of all the hardware pieces of music i've ever owned, its in my top 3! Dare I even say my 'desert island' device!
Could you get a multi effects pedal and use it with the BlackBox?
Ive used a handeful of pedal effects with the blackbox and they worked out pretty nicely! but I more recently ditch the pedal effects and went the eurorack modular route, best decision i've made creatively speaking. the modular world opens up so many cool and creative possibilities! Very exciting stuff!
@@THATSTREAL 1010Music actually makes one right?
@@benjamindemers2115 I believe they do, if not an actual physical fx unit, there is a firmware switch that can turn one of their modules into an fx unit, I haven't tried either out yet, but I think the company was primarily a eurorack company first and the blackbox was their first step into desktop hardware
You can basically buy a MPC One for the cost of the backbox and have basically a portable daw with an amazing sampler
A friend of mine has an MPC one, and the time I spent doodling around on it was pretty fun! Especially cool was the ability to chop a sample to the pads while recording in the sample in real time, super useful tool!
That Black box looks pretty cool, but not convinced by a touch screen.
I can understand the resistance, and for me, it was "learning" curve coming from tactile machine that give instant feedback, but like anything, it was only a matter of time and jamming, that the touch screen and lack of feedback became an after thought, i will say, the responsiveness is top class, no different than what you would have on a smartphone. Very nice indeed!
Don’t knock it till you try it!
It’s pretty nice
First off good video and I like your breakdown of some of the pros and cons. But I don’t see this as a 404 killer at all. You can get perfect loop points if you use free software “bankrobber.”
404 is basically the tool/sound of an entire genre “la beat scene” and the now larger spinoff “lo-fi hip hop” to an extent. There are years and years worth of videos of artists doing entire 40 minute or longer sets on just a single 404. Dibiase, Teebs, Samiyam, Dripping Gems/Floods, Ras G I think, and many more. From what I’ve seen so far I don’t anticipate a lot of people using just a blackbox for a live set. More likely a blackbox with something else like with a 404,synth, drum machine, elektron ______ . The 404s fx, especially the dj looper, and having access to all the different banks like you mentioned are likely a big reason for that imo.
I would have liked to know if the sequencer on the blackbox has Independent track length. Does it have a built in synth or drum synth? Also does it have multiple output? Even multiple outputs alone would be a “game changer” to a 404 imo, because I feel like a lot of people bypass the sequencer completely and use “resample method”
Beautifully said and completely true! the 404's workflow has spawned numerous legacy producers from its workflow and form factor, If i'm not mistake, J dilla used a 303 for a bunch of his released music, which is the 404 predecessor, which should be a HUGE thumbs up for anybody thinking about diving into the sp ecosystem!
As for the blackbox, in my personal case, ive grown extremely attached to its limitations and used them to my creative advatage,m the same way the 404 pushed me to think and expand in terms of its functionality and loopholes, I definitely see the blackbox as my "new" 404, not that its exactly the same, but it makes me "feel" and "create" with it in the same spirit, just with an updated cpu and unique features.
Regarding your questions on the blackbox, the sequencer does have independent tracks lengths that can be set to your desire up to I think 128 bars? No built in synth or drums, but a pretty useful granular synth engine that does some pretty funky stuff when you play around with it. It has 3 separate outputs as well as a "master" headphone out (all 3.5mm)
All in all, the 404 and myself have made some really beautiful music in our history together, and I would recommend it to anybody without question, its an amazing tool that can take you to some awesome places, and I truly feel the blackbox, in my eyes, is worthy successor for my journey, and my current sword of choice in the quest through uncharted sonic plains!
I’ve used the black box on live sets and love it. It’s actually probably the one piece of kit I’d keep if I were to get rid of everything else. I’ve let friends borrow it for non music applications too as they needed to be able to quickly have on hand long snippets from news broadcasts and interviews and stuff.
I can't see how it's a 404 killer when it cost over 500
Ah! I do admit, the title and thumbnail were my attempt at youtube algorithm hacking! Which I attempted to repent for in the intro of the video! But the contents of the video remain true for me, Even more so as time goes on, the Blackbox being years ahead as far as processing power and functionality goes, is a no-brainer for me if choosing between a 404 or Blackbox, If that means an extra $100 to make that choice, I'd say its $100 well spent for what you get in such a small package.
@@THATSTREAL They seem aimed at very different uses.
Are you a tinez clone ?
Jus kidding about the looks.
Nice review.
Thank you friend!
@@THATSTREAL uw
I'm digging for infos on the BBox compared to a new school mpc. For the bucks, seems to be a win for AKAI but... I don't know, i wanna trust this tiny tool.
4:40 is just dirtyyyy
pure filth! blackbox will take you there for sure!
1010 has eq with release 3.0
I would just get the IPad or IPhone and it has touch screen. Then buy Koala Sampler and you have the best of both worlds.
Koala Sampler is awesome! The developers really created something special with that app! I would 10/10 recommend that app to anybody!
Yeah 1010 is a big waste of $
@@showbread9366 I agree! That $600 could be spent elsewhere and give you some really cool results! I'd say thus far I've gotten my monies worth, and Its still kicking along! So let hope I get another $600 worth of it for a double or nothing!
@@THATSTREAL whatever works for you ultimately so maybe $600 well spent 🤷♂️
@@showbread9366 fingers crossed! Lets hope its the train that keeps on running forward!
The missing EQ is a big con. But fortunately they added one through an update just a few months after your video:
ruclips.net/video/nZ7OEXfAJLA/видео.html
Absolutely! That update was so nice and much needed to give the blackbox some new ground to cover!
effects and bl a bla bla thats the issue of cpu power and memory. and finally the box will get hot like a i7 macmini.
Worst of the worst samplers in existance
Oh man! It definitely has some outdated mechanics I can agree there, but there HAS to be a worse choice out there haha, there just has to be! It does have its good parts though as well!
@@THATSTREALI respect your experience, however this model just give me a headache and bad taste in my mouth.
@@city3015 Completely agree! if it doesn't aid the production of good music, throw it in the trash!! *metaphorically of course!
what did you end up going with after getting rid of the sp?