This machine is definitely a step up from the sp1200. The fact that you can get the same sound signature and modern connectivity and for a 3rd of the price of a rossum1200 or original sp1200. That's amazing value.
Step up? You've never owned a 1200 to make that assertion. This is a 24-bit native machine with a "12-bit mode" that doesn't even have the actual 12-bit ring mod as the real thing. Isla has fooled a lot of people with this poser machine. As a generic drum machine, it's decent. But the marketing is predatory to people who have never owned a SP-12 or SP-1200. It should have just been called something else but Isla was trying to ride the SP wave. If this was a real 12-bit machine then identify the DAC on the PCB. There is non. They're using DSP and created a 12-bit emulation mode, and they say it sounds the same. You must have some terrible ears or have never owned the real thing. It's close but good enough for hip-hoppers who just sample old records from the thrift store and then add a back beat and then call it their own. It's good enough for them. A studio 440 or SP1200 or MPC-60 are real 12-bit machines with real 12-bit DACS. This is not a real 12-bit drum machine.
Then they exacerbate the situation and they develop a 16-bit / 24-bit DSP effects card for it. What a slap in the face. Which is actually fine because there isn't a real 12-bit DAC in the unit. Hilarious.
Mine arrived a few weeks ago. It's good to see you using it like I will be using it, Espen, which will be for vintage kits like the DMX, LINN, CR-78, Studio-440, TR-series.. and then some occasion ambient and synth samples in multi-mode. There's a huge user base of people doing hip-hop and boom bap. That's great to check out, but it's refreshing to see you using it like I will.. My serial number is 140x. It's truly a well-crafted instrument.
Where can I download wav files for rage drum machines mentioned above.I ‘m thinking of buying one of these but cannot get any info on what sounds are supplied on internal memory and any links for downloads
Thanks for the review I had previously watched one where the guy claimed it was a pain to use but know I now he was just frustrated that it didn’t work exactly as ‘he’ thought it should. Now there is no doubt the Isla will be mine! Think a lot of pride nd passion went into designing this and the company seem to be standing behind it and listening to users wants and needs and churning out updates. Which is always a good sign 👌
This thing looks familiar. 😉 Like you, mine has replaced numerous drum machines that I've now sold and it's perfect for that. Especially with all the ways you can manipulate the sounds that you often can't on the drum machines that you sample into the S2400. But the sampling stuff is really where the magic is to be found. I just chuck stems or bits of my old songs into it and turn them into something else. Great way to work in totally different way. I'm just finishing up the USB audio tutorial video, so to answer your question, there currently isn't a dedicated driver for windows. I'm using Asio4All too. Works great, but I did need to change the buffer a little. Macs are class compliant so it just works straight away. I even had it going from my ipad. I can hear the smug users already. 😉
I can certainly see why people would want that sampling engine and workflow, just like on the 1200. I don't use samples or sampling like that, but someone like you really does it well! I wish they would indeed program a dedicated driver for it as the latency/buffer leaves something to be desired, but it's workable none the less. I gave up on MACs years ago and even if PCs are annoying as well, I'll never go back to Apple for a DAW. ;-)
@@EspenKraft The s2400 can be used like a rack mount sampler (such as emax II), with the samples being externally triggered from a keyboard. There is rumor that they are going to have the capability of looping the sample until released, then a dedicated loop end point, for instruments such as choir or strings. There is a folder of short cycle waveforms built into the unit which I've been tinkering with. I have other means of sampling in my studio, but this would be fun.
@@AlexBallMusic Does it have the ability to loop in the middle and then upon release, carry on until the end of the sample like Akai and EIII's do? I honestly don't know. This is what im referring to.
Espen, indeed I noticed it in your recent videos. I have (#264), and LUV IT. I was glad to see the notification in reference to it. Knowing that you'll use it in ways that I plan to as well. Lots of vintage gear to run through it. Many sonic adventures to enjoy ahead. Good Stuff.
if you get a macbook you can make the isla an aggregate device with your normal soundcard. So say you had an 8 input audio interface you would pair that with the isla and now you have 18. I was a PC user since 1998 for music DAW but recently switched to a m2 macbook and I dont think ill ever go back to PC now because of that aggregate device alone.
Does utilization of USB for transferring sounds in and out of the machine still impart all of the coloration as if you were to physically plug in a source and sample it? Isn't a huge part of the desire for these machines due to the input and output AD/DA converters, and the filter? I assume the filter can be used with the USB audio but are there not certain circuits that require the sounds to pass through the inputs and /or outputs to get the full effect? Honest question.
Yes, if you're going to use it as a SP1200 your comment is spot on. However, that's not how I use it, hence the video title. I use this only as a replacement drum machine so I can load in all my custom samples, samples I've made on other old samplers.
Beautiful piece of kit: looks like the perfect blend of old skool and modern, and sounds fantastic. The interface and control layout sort of remind me of the Oberheim DX or the Emu SP1200. Really like it.
Congratulations, I've been thinking about getting one for a while. I'm mainly after a drum machine but its got alot of options. Brad clearly puts a lot of effort and love into the device
There's at least 20-30 different drum sounds in this video, taken from various sources of mine. Can't remember what is what so long after. ;-) I know for sure there are some from my Casio FZ-10M because I used that kit in a commercially released song from earlier this year.
How would you compare it to the MPC Live II? I originally bought the Live II to replace Maschine because I didn’t want to have to be linked to a computer when working (this was before the stand alone). The workflow on the Live II can be a little tedious at times and doesn’t feel fluid. And you have to update it from time to time when they release a new software. I want something I can get a workflow down and not have to constantly be relearning something when an update is released.
One thing I can not seem to find anywhere, is a MIDI drum pad controller with say 8 pads all in a row that are made of rubber with a nice feel and action. Everything I have found for sale usually has stiff plastic type rubber pads, with a bad action that requires too much force for fast finger drumming and cause missed notes. Some are too light in action and cause double triggered notes, that required editing out. Many controllers only have a 16 pad in a 4 x 4 row arrangement, which is not good for playing in a acoustic kit style with runs down the toms etc. The closest thing I have found that works well is the old Yamaha PSS-790 keyboard, but the pads are not velocity sensitive.
Maybe you just lack dexterity, or patience, when not a single manufacturer can get it right. It needs some getting used to with all the pads out there. Took me a whole month to like the beatstep, but after getting a feel for it I was glad to have bought it. I totally get what you don't like about the compact 4x4 array, as a drummer, it's counter-intuitive. But also just a matter of getting used to it. (I just didn't want to^^)
@@couchcamperTM I've been complimented many times about my finger drumming technique, although that was on a keyboard. However I remember how more relaxed and natural my drumming was on the PSS pads. Just a shame they were not velocity sensitive, plus Yamaha dropped pads from their keyboards right after that. Also doing say double kick drumming is nigh impossible on pads that are stiff and do not trigger easily, e.g. I like to use two fingers of my left hand on one pad, and the rest for snare, hi-hats etc. I like the pads to be rubber, so your fingertips can sink into them a little, providing a bit of grip and tactile feedback.
@@EspenKraft Thanks Espen, sounds like it might be worth buying and seeing what I think. One last question, I read something that made me think the custom presets could function as a kind of macro feature, e.g. press a pre-programmed pad and it would then carry out a short sequence of instructions.
@@EgoShredder Not sure what you mean by presets? There are no presets here. There are some demo samples internally, from various artists, but you must make your own banks of sounds in this. From scratch. I haven't seen any macro functionality here, but I don't use this as a sampler, like I say in the video. ;-)
Is that a Korg sdd3000 i see in your rack because I acquired the pedal version they did and can’t recommend it enough, it’s got the preamp multiple delays and lfo types. Love it!
It's a SDD2000. I got it for the sampling engine. It's not like the SDD3000 that you'd get for the preamp and LFO's really. Still one great machine though.
Great video! Great drum machine! Great hat! (Go Diamondbacks!) And great alternate version of The Golden Boy for the outro! I haven't heard that before. Hope you're doing well, man.
Thanks man, and for the hat as well! The C64 version of the Golden Boy is part of my big C64 video and I make it in that video. It's also released commercially. ;-)
This is undoubtedly a great machine. Maybe I'll buy one 20 years from now when I'm done having fun with my Boss DR 550 MK1 I bought for 60€. I don't want to miss out on the fun I can have with cheap crap from the eighties by blowing $1500 on a device that eats the budget for a JV2080, Yamaha EX5, and a rack full of U Romplers with room left for a used PC and a Cubase AI license included. That being said - have fun and have a great experience using the ISLA S2400 :) I'm waiting for more videos on it.
Yamaha RX5 is the GOAT! Some call it the cheaper Linndrum, but I call the Linndrum the expensive RX5! If you’re patient, they can be had for a good price. Sometimes you can get IU romplers for peanuts.
@@huntergalloway3944 I bought some U Romplers and cards for peanuts :) And it's not the RX5, it is the EX5 (called the "blue beast"). You can get so much value for so little money when you are patient.
@@patrikknoerr9777I sometimes tend to read a bit too fast, lol! The EX5 is an amazing machine as well! I'd scored one off Craigslist in deplorable condition for 25$ a couple years ago. It came with a cheapo Crate amp too! I replaced the internal battery, cleaned the layers of dirt off, and restored it to factory settings. Unfortunately, I tried to sell it a few months ago, and UPS absolutely trashed it. The buyer was very angry, understandably, and sent it back. Luckily, Yamahas are built like tanks and it was only cosmetic damage, but the experience left a bad taste in my mouth and its pretty much been left unused on a stand in my bedroom. I really should spend more time with it. It's an amazing centerpiece for a studio with all its MIDI connections and capabilities. I wish I had room for it in my living room/studio.
Get on the forum for some help. This should work for you. It’s also just a tad tricky to find it in the menu to set up USB audio out and monitoring out. I had to fiddle a bit.
@@EspenKraft for years i have been making stuff from scratch in the box using vsts but come from a hardware back ground going back to the 90s and just getting back in to hardware got my self a nice akai s950 with mods that came with 300 floppy disks on usb stick got my self a nice pair of adam a8h monitors
Hardware can be a lot of fun and I use lots of it when I make my own music, but hardware is totally unusable in a working client environment with quick turnarounds and revisions.
Hello, I've seen on the Isla Website, The Sp 2400 is out of stock, the production is finish or continue ? Thank you for an answer , cool video here, thank's ! ;)
I didn't use it to its full potential and all things considered I wanted a Roland TR-8S instead. That suits me better as I gravitate more towards a TR-styled programming when doing demos, which is the only thing I use drum machines for now.
Congratulations Espen, given how much you enjoy sampling I can see why you’d get one. Not my personal cup tea, but it really is great to be in a era where people are putting the time and effort into making these this technology a reality, what a great musical tool!
The layout is one thing, but the guts of those machines are very different. You can't record (sample) on the TR-8S. The Isla is meant to be a modern SP-1200 which is of course far from any Roland TR drum machine.
@@EspenKraft thats correct Isla is a different beast, i am only mentioning layout here/similar editing parameters i.e pitch eq comp bit rate. Despite not sampling into the tr8s one can drop files on an sd for it. Its basically the closest one can get with out paying a huge price.
I have to disagree with you here. The sound, features and tactile experience are totally different between these machines. I have a TR-8S and I've used both a lot. Both are great, but for very different reasons.
It was a trade where three persons were involved, but I got rid of the Sequential TOM in the process. I've sub-sequentially sold off three other drum machines as well. I'm in the process of stacking up all the sounds from all the drum machines I've ever owned, and that's many, into the S2400. I've sampled/recorded every piece of gear I've ever owned, almost from the start so I have a TON of original drum samples in my library.
@@EspenKraft I've seen a new, never used Korg DDD-1 in original package with all papers and patch cassette online but it's expensive all most as ISLA s2400, but I've been thinking if I should buy it. The S2400 is more advanced (ofcourse).
That's way too much. $200 tops for a DDD-1. It's very limited in comparison, you can't even compare them. An insult to the S2400. The DDD-1 is vintage though and if you're a collector (I'm not) it's going into the collection, but again, not for more than 200 tops. TOPS.
@@EspenKraft I know, have listened demos. But P2002 can sound better ( I never learnt to use well mine and sold it 22 years ago or so), I use samplers to sample my tons of synths as a drum machine, not to "play" with the keyboard. Listen to this 90's masterworks ruclips.net/video/LTvC9lVf2k4/видео.html&ab_channel=OscarMuleroPoleGroupFansClub
@@SPAZZOID100 Some people stated the same about those pesky midi connectors, and I can still hook up my JX8P to my Win7 PC in 2021. There is a chance even in 2040 there will be USB ports around.
Completely different workflow. 8S cannot even sample or do anything that useful with breaks or sample manipulation. I have the S2400 on order to compliment my 8S 🙂 Hands on workflow you say - have you seen the Tubedigga demos?
Not sure. I've been using it for about a month now and it's been good enough for my master keyboard duties so I decided to use it as that for a little longer. Having the Alpha turned on for 10 hours every day is probably not the best option either and the Nektar has more octave +/- buttons too. I still prefer the keys of late 80s Rolands tough.
@@EspenKraft You mentioned your Roland's aftertouch is broken. Is it not fixable or do you not need aftertouch for your usage? Also why is it bad to turn on the Roland for ten plus hours?
I don't use after touch in my daily work so I don't bother fixing it. The Alpha Juno which I usually use is from 1986 so daily use 10 hours straight is just pushing it a little. Much better to use a dedicated master keyboard of a newer date really.
Thanks! That's not a recorder, that's the Steinberg Houston controller for Cubase. I have a video about that coming. It's already available on Patreon of course. ;-)
but why do you prefer usb audio on windows? as far as I know there is no way to have more than one asio device.... so in that case it is the only audio interface you got...
No, I have 4 different audio interfaces installed and hooked up on my main DAW, a windows machine. No problem at all. I just can't use more than one at the time. Which is fine. I have my workflow depending on what I do.
@@ISLAInstruments true, but I have a funny feeling using a "go between" driver instead of proper drivers from the hardware manufacturer. But ASIO is also a third party development anyway. The driver stuff on windows is a mess. Core audio is much better on a mac, but I hate almost everything else about macs....
Absolutely. I could even just drag and drop samples to the timeline as before. But that's missing the point, as I show. I want to finger drum my patterns, old school workflow, but with this I can now just sync/record it into the timeline exactly as in the patterns I play. I can make all the patterns in the drum machine WITH the actual samples, all put into their separate tracks in the DAW, ready to be mixed.
Great video. The Isla really takes me back to the glory days of 1987 and 1988 when both the MPC60 and SP1200 were the ultimate drum machines and sequencers. Does the Isla load just one bank of 8 sounds, or can it load more than that? I remember the SP1200 could load 4 banks of 8 sounds, and I could play any of the loaded 32 sounds from any of the 4 banks, albeit only 8 voices at the same time (8 voice polyphony).
Thanks! It's exactly the same. 4 banks of 8 samples. 8 channels. More banks for MIDI sequencing too. It's designed exactly like the 1200, but with a lot more options.
@@EspenKraft That is great, so you are now very focused with your drums.Did you sample your old machines before giving them away? I think you had quite a few.
@@lab-by-the-sea I've sampled all the gear I've ever had. Started doing that back in the 80s, so I have a vast original sample library. I didn't give away my drum machines though. I sold them. ;-) Well, not everyone though.
It has 3 different midi ports that can all be used concurrently. DIN, USB Host, USB Device. You can, if you wish, connect a USB class compliant midi interface to the USB port if you need more MIDI DIN sockets.
@@EspenKraft I'm still on Win 7 myself. As long as plugin makers support it (and they mostly do), I see no reason to upgrade. Why change it if it's working? 🙂
That's why I have 4 different systems. Win XP, Win 7, Win 10 and Atari STs. The first two are for older 32bit OS and DAWs, the Win 10 is for 64bit systems which I need more and more and this will soon become my main DAW workstation now as I'm migrating my workflow over to that for various reasons. The Atari is for the occasional break-up of workflow (for inspirational reasons) and videos.
I want one so bad ! It's seems so fun to worl with, really fast and really pratical with all the usb features and all... Definitely my most desired piece of gear !
I'm not jealous! Not at all. What, because you now have ALL of my dream gear? Don't be silly. CONSUMED with envy?? Absolutely not! ...is it really hot in here? 🥵
I'm not trying to convince anyone of anything. Just telling why I got one. It's a modern SP-1200 if you know that one. Even if I don't use all the features of that, others do, so it's a lot more than I show in THIS video.
@@EspenKraft well im sorry, I think it came across way meaner then I wanted it to. I was just unsure why there is so much hype for it right now, thats all
Sure, no harm done. It is really an incredible tool with that old school workflow and sound, if you use it like that. It can also be very modern and fast. Best of both worlds really. ;-)
A lot of ppl were following it for years but the biggest backers stop posting about it and they raised price almost 70%. Mpc one only raised the price like 15%
I aint really much of a hardware guy anymore, especially when it comes to synths / samplers / drum machines etc, except for midi controllers. In saying that, this does look like something that even someone with my workflow might find useful. Interesting...
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
This machine is definitely a step up from the sp1200. The fact that you can get the same sound signature and modern connectivity and for a 3rd of the price of a rossum1200 or original sp1200. That's amazing value.
That Rossum is expensive
Step up? You've never owned a 1200 to make that assertion. This is a 24-bit native machine with a "12-bit mode" that doesn't even have the actual 12-bit ring mod as the real thing. Isla has fooled a lot of people with this poser machine. As a generic drum machine, it's decent. But the marketing is predatory to people who have never owned a SP-12 or SP-1200. It should have just been called something else but Isla was trying to ride the SP wave. If this was a real 12-bit machine then identify the DAC on the PCB. There is non. They're using DSP and created a 12-bit emulation mode, and they say it sounds the same. You must have some terrible ears or have never owned the real thing. It's close but good enough for hip-hoppers who just sample old records from the thrift store and then add a back beat and then call it their own. It's good enough for them. A studio 440 or SP1200 or MPC-60 are real 12-bit machines with real 12-bit DACS. This is not a real 12-bit drum machine.
Then they exacerbate the situation and they develop a 16-bit / 24-bit DSP effects card for it. What a slap in the face. Which is actually fine because there isn't a real 12-bit DAC in the unit. Hilarious.
@@SamplingPercussion but it is a dope machine period. No one cares, about the rant! Because the machine is dope and sounds great and is fun to use.
@@SamplingPercussion shut up you toxic narc your talking nonesense
Well this was the video that pushed me over the edge to buy one. I love 80s drum machines, and I think this'll be a lot of fun to play.
ISLA instruments will be pleased. And you too. ;-)
Mine arrived a few weeks ago. It's good to see you using it like I will be using it, Espen, which will be for vintage kits like the DMX, LINN, CR-78, Studio-440, TR-series.. and then some occasion ambient and synth samples in multi-mode. There's a huge user base of people doing hip-hop and boom bap. That's great to check out, but it's refreshing to see you using it like I will.. My serial number is 140x. It's truly a well-crafted instrument.
Cheers!
huge user base? how many he sold???
Where can I download wav files for rage drum machines mentioned above.I ‘m thinking of buying one of these but cannot get any info on what sounds are supplied on internal memory and any links for downloads
Thanks for the review I had previously watched one where the guy claimed it was a pain to use but know I now he was just frustrated that it didn’t work exactly as ‘he’ thought it should.
Now there is no doubt the Isla will be mine!
Think a lot of pride nd passion went into designing this and the company seem to be standing behind it and listening to users wants and needs and churning out updates.
Which is always a good sign 👌
I wasn’t crazy about the workflow with mine when I first got it but now I love it.
This thing looks familiar. 😉
Like you, mine has replaced numerous drum machines that I've now sold and it's perfect for that. Especially with all the ways you can manipulate the sounds that you often can't on the drum machines that you sample into the S2400.
But the sampling stuff is really where the magic is to be found. I just chuck stems or bits of my old songs into it and turn them into something else. Great way to work in totally different way.
I'm just finishing up the USB audio tutorial video, so to answer your question, there currently isn't a dedicated driver for windows. I'm using Asio4All too. Works great, but I did need to change the buffer a little.
Macs are class compliant so it just works straight away. I even had it going from my ipad. I can hear the smug users already. 😉
I can certainly see why people would want that sampling engine and workflow, just like on the 1200. I don't use samples or sampling like that, but someone like you really does it well!
I wish they would indeed program a dedicated driver for it as the latency/buffer leaves something to be desired, but it's workable none the less.
I gave up on MACs years ago and even if PCs are annoying as well, I'll never go back to Apple for a DAW. ;-)
Wow ..it will work with an iPad 🤯 Now that makes me want one
@@EspenKraft The s2400 can be used like a rack mount sampler (such as emax II), with the samples being externally triggered from a keyboard. There is rumor that they are going to have the capability of looping the sample until released, then a dedicated loop end point, for instruments such as choir or strings. There is a folder of short cycle waveforms built into the unit which I've been tinkering with. I have other means of sampling in my studio, but this would be fun.
@@station2station544 You can already loop samples with defined points and set the pad mode to gated so that it behaves as you're describing.
@@AlexBallMusic Does it have the ability to loop in the middle and then upon release, carry on until the end of the sample like Akai and EIII's do? I honestly don't know. This is what im referring to.
Espen, indeed I noticed it in your recent videos. I have (#264), and LUV IT. I was glad to see the notification in reference to it. Knowing that you'll use it in ways that I plan to as well. Lots of vintage gear to run through it. Many sonic adventures to enjoy ahead. Good Stuff.
Cheers!
Love the layout of this, very good homage to the SP1200. Brad and the team at ISLA are geniuses. Fantastic!
if you get a macbook you can make the isla an aggregate device with your normal soundcard. So say you had an 8 input audio interface you would pair that with the isla and now you have 18. I was a PC user since 1998 for music DAW but recently switched to a m2 macbook and I dont think ill ever go back to PC now because of that aggregate device alone.
Wow don't need one want one tho now.. Now why can't my MPC X have usb audio this is quick and easy routing
I do like that drag and drop audio though.
Does utilization of USB for transferring sounds in and out of the machine still impart all of the coloration as if you were to physically plug in a source and sample it? Isn't a huge part of the desire for these machines due to the input and output AD/DA converters, and the filter? I assume the filter can be used with the USB audio but are there not certain circuits that require the sounds to pass through the inputs and /or outputs to get the full effect? Honest question.
Yes, if you're going to use it as a SP1200 your comment is spot on. However, that's not how I use it, hence the video title. I use this only as a replacement drum machine so I can load in all my custom samples, samples I've made on other old samplers.
Very tempted to get one... Great demo, thanks!
Beautiful piece of kit: looks like the perfect blend of old skool and modern, and sounds fantastic. The interface and control layout sort of remind me of the Oberheim DX or the Emu SP1200. Really like it.
It’s heavily inspired by the SP1200
Looks like a very interesting complement to get for the studio!!!
@def creator it actually was named the SP2400 initially. I think they had to change it for legal reasons.
Congratulations, I've been thinking about getting one for a while. I'm mainly after a drum machine but its got alot of options. Brad clearly puts a lot of effort and love into the device
Cheers!
If I had the budget for this, I would buy it in a heartbeat!
One is for sale now in Germany for 800 €.
@@M80- Tempting, however I have no money! 🤑
Looks great sounds great, never heard of it. Thanks!
They did an amazing job with this machine, great investment no doubt.
@5:35 are those factory sounds that come with the drum machine????
Nope. I don't use any factory sounds in my video.
@@EspenKraft please 🙏🏽 help me out can I purchase those sound from you ?
These sounds used here are not for sale. They're custom made for a track I have released commercially.
@@EspenKraft 😩😔
Sample it br9
Great machine thanks is a discovery,very beautiful
Hi Espen tks for the vid. Would you mind sharing from which drum machines you sampled the sounds used in this video?
Cheers ✌🏻
There's at least 20-30 different drum sounds in this video, taken from various sources of mine. Can't remember what is what so long after. ;-) I know for sure there are some from my Casio FZ-10M because I used that kit in a commercially released song from earlier this year.
@@EspenKraft tks for the reply:)
How would you compare it to the MPC Live II? I originally bought the Live II to replace Maschine because I didn’t want to have to be linked to a computer when working (this was before the stand alone). The workflow on the Live II can be a little tedious at times and doesn’t feel fluid. And you have to update it from time to time when they release a new software. I want something I can get a workflow down and not have to constantly be relearning something when an update is released.
Great video! 🔥💣🧨🎧👀 Super fast 💨 transport of sounds.
5:03 What a snare! 😮👌✨✨
Nice piece of kit.
One thing I can not seem to find anywhere, is a MIDI drum pad controller with say 8 pads all in a row that are made of rubber with a nice feel and action. Everything I have found for sale usually has stiff plastic type rubber pads, with a bad action that requires too much force for fast finger drumming and cause missed notes. Some are too light in action and cause double triggered notes, that required editing out. Many controllers only have a 16 pad in a 4 x 4 row arrangement, which is not good for playing in a acoustic kit style with runs down the toms etc. The closest thing I have found that works well is the old Yamaha PSS-790 keyboard, but the pads are not velocity sensitive.
Maybe you just lack dexterity, or patience, when not a single manufacturer can get it right. It needs some getting used to with all the pads out there. Took me a whole month to like the beatstep, but after getting a feel for it I was glad to have bought it. I totally get what you don't like about the compact 4x4 array, as a drummer, it's counter-intuitive. But also just a matter of getting used to it. (I just didn't want to^^)
The pads on this is really great. Pretty soft rubber/spongy-like. Velocity as well, although I turn that off myself. ;-)
@@couchcamperTM I've been complimented many times about my finger drumming technique, although that was on a keyboard. However I remember how more relaxed and natural my drumming was on the PSS pads. Just a shame they were not velocity sensitive, plus Yamaha dropped pads from their keyboards right after that. Also doing say double kick drumming is nigh impossible on pads that are stiff and do not trigger easily, e.g. I like to use two fingers of my left hand on one pad, and the rest for snare, hi-hats etc. I like the pads to be rubber, so your fingertips can sink into them a little, providing a bit of grip and tactile feedback.
@@EspenKraft Thanks Espen, sounds like it might be worth buying and seeing what I think. One last question, I read something that made me think the custom presets could function as a kind of macro feature, e.g. press a pre-programmed pad and it would then carry out a short sequence of instructions.
@@EgoShredder Not sure what you mean by presets? There are no presets here. There are some demo samples internally, from various artists, but you must make your own banks of sounds in this. From scratch.
I haven't seen any macro functionality here, but I don't use this as a sampler, like I say in the video. ;-)
Is that a Korg sdd3000 i see in your rack because I acquired the pedal version they did and can’t recommend it enough, it’s got the preamp multiple delays and lfo types. Love it!
It's a SDD2000. I got it for the sampling engine. It's not like the SDD3000 that you'd get for the preamp and LFO's really. Still one great machine though.
Great video! Great drum machine! Great hat! (Go Diamondbacks!) And great alternate version of The Golden Boy for the outro! I haven't heard that before. Hope you're doing well, man.
Thanks man, and for the hat as well! The C64 version of the Golden Boy is part of my big C64 video and I make it in that video. It's also released commercially. ;-)
@@EspenKraft Ah, good to know. I'll find it. And you're welcome! A small token of my appreciation.
Great video. Thank you for the details
Cheers!
This drum machine looks very impressive! I love the inspiration of the Linndrum and DMX for the visual layout. Great demo!
...what about the SP1200?
@@mrcrumb4302 to be fair it looks just as much like a Linn or a DMX as it does an sp12
And I found out there’s a new Sp1200 which is Black and looks like the original. Almost 4 grand though
Sound great
Can you send the usb audio out to your SSL Big Six for mixing? I just got a Big Six and this might be useful to me me for adding effects.
I have no idea. I only have the SiX.
This is undoubtedly a great machine. Maybe I'll buy one 20 years from now when I'm done having fun with my Boss DR 550 MK1 I bought for 60€. I don't want to miss out on the fun I can have with cheap crap from the eighties by blowing $1500 on a device that eats the budget for a JV2080, Yamaha EX5, and a rack full of U Romplers with room left for a used PC and a Cubase AI license included. That being said - have fun and have a great experience using the ISLA S2400 :) I'm waiting for more videos on it.
Yamaha RX5 is the GOAT! Some call it the cheaper Linndrum, but I call the Linndrum the expensive RX5! If you’re patient, they can be had for a good price. Sometimes you can get IU romplers for peanuts.
I get what you're saying. I got this in a trade so can't complain. ;-)
@@huntergalloway3944 I bought some U Romplers and cards for peanuts :) And it's not the RX5, it is the EX5 (called the "blue beast"). You can get so much value for so little money when you are patient.
@@EspenKraft I wondered you got it all. I suppose they are sold out at the moment?
@@patrikknoerr9777I sometimes tend to read a bit too fast, lol!
The EX5 is an amazing machine as well! I'd scored one off Craigslist in deplorable condition for 25$ a couple years ago. It came with a cheapo Crate amp too! I replaced the internal battery, cleaned the layers of dirt off, and restored it to factory settings. Unfortunately, I tried to sell it a few months ago, and UPS absolutely trashed it. The buyer was very angry, understandably, and sent it back. Luckily, Yamahas are built like tanks and it was only cosmetic damage, but the experience left a bad taste in my mouth and its pretty much been left unused on a stand in my bedroom. I really should spend more time with it. It's an amazing centerpiece for a studio with all its MIDI connections and capabilities. I wish I had room for it in my living room/studio.
I haven’t any luck getting the usb audio to function properly. I think I’ll have to eat up mixer slots to use this properly.
Without USB audio I would use this a lot less. Fantastic feature imo.
Get on the forum for some help. This should work for you. It’s also just a tad tricky to find it in the menu to set up USB audio out and monitoring out. I had to fiddle a bit.
what kind of tools do you need to get the cheeks off i see they have not used standard screws ?
I have no idea. I bought mine with the wooden cheeks and now I've sold it.
@@EspenKraft why did you sell it thought you got it to replace your other drum machines ?
I ended up not using it much. I now only have a Roland TR-8S left. I use samples in my productions anyways.
@@EspenKraft for years i have been making stuff from scratch in the box using vsts but come from a hardware back ground going back to the 90s and just getting back in to hardware got my self a nice akai s950 with mods that came with 300 floppy disks on usb stick got my self a nice pair of adam a8h monitors
Hardware can be a lot of fun and I use lots of it when I make my own music, but hardware is totally unusable in a working client environment with quick turnarounds and revisions.
its saying no sd card inserted yet i have one in any ideas ?
Check in with the maker.
Hello, I've seen on the Isla Website, The Sp 2400 is out of stock, the production is finish or continue ? Thank you for an answer , cool video here, thank's ! ;)
Thanks! I have no clue what's happening with the Isla. I suggest you contact the directly. Cheers :)
we now have a pre-order running for the next batch which is scheduled to ship in November.
What Room At The Top Studio said!....
Is that by Usb or midi connecting all your tracks and can i use Protools
Big ups to seeing the Len and Rin figures in your studio! Didn't expect to see em there!
I've shown them quite a few times, and others. ;-)
Good video! (Looking forward to mine arriving soon.) btw - Does the USB out bypass the 6:30 analog filters on the outputs?
Thanks! I don't know actually. I don't really use those anyways.
Yes it does, check our channel shortly as we are uploading all about USB audio as I type this.
All the 8 channel are Mono??
Does it have track mute where you can mute a whole track during a song then bring it back in and also does it have the tape scratch effect?
Check out the manual or go to the Isla S2400 forum through their website. I've sold this some time ago.
@EspenKraft out of curiosity if you don't mind me asking why did you sell it ?
I didn't use it to its full potential and all things considered I wanted a Roland TR-8S instead. That suits me better as I gravitate more towards a TR-styled programming when doing demos, which is the only thing I use drum machines for now.
@@EspenKraft yeah thats cool. Whatever floats your boat.
How’s it hold up to a tempest for drum machine use?
A no-brainer as the Tempest can't import samples. That's what I use the S2400 for. My own samples in an old school drum machine environment.
Very interesting !! Love it !! :)
The owner of ISLA really is an incredible guy. I follow him on Facebook. Very switched on and down to earth
What a Cool drum machine.Great vid again Espen.Cheers from oz.
Cheers!
do the door tracks sound as good as physical outputs ?
Congratulations Espen, given how much you enjoy sampling I can see why you’d get one. Not my personal cup tea, but it really is great to be in a era where people are putting the time and effort into making these this technology a reality, what a great musical tool!
Not going to use this for sampling, but thanks!
@@artisans8521 As I don't care about what people think of my workflow. ;-)
One of the best crowdfunding projects ever seen before 😬💯 the 24 rulez ¡
How many sounds it has, factory presets and how many banks? Thanks for the video.
There are no presets here. You must put in your own sounds. Check out the ISLA website for specs. Cheers
@@EspenKraft Thanks!
00:10 Hi Espen, is that a nektar midi controller?
At 10:00 at the right you mean? That's the Steinberg Houston controller for Cubase.
@@EspenKraft no, at 00:10 😅
roland t r 8s is pretty much same build / sliders etc why paying 1000s for this ?
Two very different machines.
@@EspenKraft totally agree but for similar set up via sliders one can get some what close to this layout of the Isla
The layout is one thing, but the guts of those machines are very different. You can't record (sample) on the TR-8S. The Isla is meant to be a modern SP-1200 which is of course far from any Roland TR drum machine.
@@EspenKraft thats correct Isla is a different beast, i am only mentioning layout here/similar editing parameters i.e pitch eq comp bit rate. Despite not sampling into the tr8s one can drop files on an sd for it. Its basically the closest one can get with out paying a huge price.
I have to disagree with you here. The sound, features and tactile experience are totally different between these machines. I have a TR-8S and I've used both a lot. Both are great, but for very different reasons.
very cool piece of gear indeed. definitely has his own sound and character.keep up the nice work espen
Many thanks man!
Can you do this on fl studio
Sure.
May I ask which gear(s) did you let go of to replace it with the S2400 and why? Btw, I liked the Tape sync video nice!
It was a trade where three persons were involved, but I got rid of the Sequential TOM in the process. I've sub-sequentially sold off three other drum machines as well. I'm in the process of stacking up all the sounds from all the drum machines I've ever owned, and that's many, into the S2400. I've sampled/recorded every piece of gear I've ever owned, almost from the start so I have a TON of original drum samples in my library.
@@EspenKraft Did you let go the Korg DDD-1?
Of curse, that was the plan all along. ;-) No need for that.
@@EspenKraft I've seen a new, never used Korg DDD-1 in original package with all papers and patch cassette online but it's expensive all most as ISLA s2400, but I've been thinking if I should buy it. The S2400 is more advanced (ofcourse).
That's way too much. $200 tops for a DDD-1. It's very limited in comparison, you can't even compare them. An insult to the S2400. The DDD-1 is vintage though and if you're a collector (I'm not) it's going into the collection, but again, not for more than 200 tops. TOPS.
Love your set-up chief!
I also want one. But I also want to buy back my SCI 2002, now that you got both, what can you tell me? I do Detroit 90´s techno.
Totally different machines, workflow and sound. I don't do any sampling on the S2400. I'm also not into techno, I only make melancholic 80s synthpop.
@@EspenKraft yes I know, but both do sampling in 12 bits ( also in 16 if chosen in the Isla)
I'm sure the S2400 will do nicely of you chose to sample into it.
@@EspenKraft I know, have listened demos. But P2002 can sound better ( I never learnt to use well mine and sold it 22 years ago or so), I use samplers to sample my tons of synths as a drum machine, not to "play" with the keyboard. Listen to this 90's masterworks ruclips.net/video/LTvC9lVf2k4/видео.html&ab_channel=OscarMuleroPoleGroupFansClub
You should watch my P2000 tutorial if you don't know how to use it then. ;-)
You've sold me on it. The USB audio steals the deal :D
Yes but that will not work forever. The analog outputs will.
@@SPAZZOID100 true. It has analogue too so the option is there, thankfully
@@SPAZZOID100 Some people stated the same about those pesky midi connectors, and I can still hook up my JX8P to my Win7 PC in 2021. There is a chance even in 2040 there will be USB ports around.
Great video! I like the machine, but I will stick to my Roland Tr8s - more hands-on controls is what I want.
Cheers!
Completely different workflow. 8S cannot even sample or do anything that useful with breaks or sample manipulation. I have the S2400 on order to compliment my 8S 🙂 Hands on workflow you say - have you seen the Tubedigga demos?
@@project-95 I havent, but will tomorrow
Waiting for this to change/color this channel's feel.😁. Great PCBway segue!
Don't expect that to happen. Thanks. :)
so what are you going to do with your old replaced drummachines my friend....hihi
I've sold most of them now.
@@EspenKraft I thought so already - after checking some info on that new tool you have
Making a new comment because different question. Is the Nektar now your main keyboard instead of your old Roland?
Not sure. I've been using it for about a month now and it's been good enough for my master keyboard duties so I decided to use it as that for a little longer. Having the Alpha turned on for 10 hours every day is probably not the best option either and the Nektar has more octave +/- buttons too. I still prefer the keys of late 80s Rolands tough.
@@EspenKraft You mentioned your Roland's aftertouch is broken. Is it not fixable or do you not need aftertouch for your usage? Also why is it bad to turn on the Roland for ten plus hours?
I don't use after touch in my daily work so I don't bother fixing it. The Alpha Juno which I usually use is from 1986 so daily use 10 hours straight is just pushing it a little. Much better to use a dedicated master keyboard of a newer date really.
Really cool as always. But what is that recorder next to it?
Thanks! That's not a recorder, that's the Steinberg Houston controller for Cubase. I have a video about that coming. It's already available on Patreon of course. ;-)
Hi Espen, would you provide/sell your drum samples?
I already have sample packs available and one of the packs is this:
ruclips.net/video/SI3r2Ue1w3k/видео.html
@@EspenKraft Okay, I have this pack. But you don't have a dedicated "Drum Pack", right?
Thanks! No, a pack of ONLY drums I don't have, but I'm working on one right now. ;-)
@@EspenKraft Great news!
Solidly built? Did you ever see the video where Brad dropped one onto the concrete garage floor from about four feet?
Didn't I say "Don't drop it" ? ;-) It's solidly built in terms of using it. Buttons etc. So far at least.
2 for sale used locally, must be a flop?
Define flop.
@@EspenKraft anything being sold second hand apparently 😂
i will wait for the berhinger version lol
wrrrrrrrd
but why do you prefer usb audio on windows? as far as I know there is no way to have more than one asio device.... so in that case it is the only audio interface you got...
No, I have 4 different audio interfaces installed and hooked up on my main DAW, a windows machine. No problem at all. I just can't use more than one at the time. Which is fine. I have my workflow depending on what I do.
@@EspenKraft well that's exactly what I meant. I don't want to reconfigure my I/O in the DAW depending on what am I doing.
Sure, I understand. We do what we feel is the right move. We're all different.
@@repasiv asio4all let's you create aggregate devices so you CAN use multiple audio interfaces as 1 large multi i/o
@@ISLAInstruments true, but I have a funny feeling using a "go between" driver instead of proper drivers from the hardware manufacturer. But ASIO is also a third party development anyway. The driver stuff on windows is a mess. Core audio is much better on a mac, but I hate almost everything else about macs....
I'll just wait for behringer's sp1200 version bec it's cheaper
Is this actually something that is happening?
yussssss
Microphone check. Great video.
Cheers!
couldnt you just directly load all those samples from sdcard to your cubase 8 tracks? and use them as you would wish..
Absolutely. I could even just drag and drop samples to the timeline as before. But that's missing the point, as I show. I want to finger drum my patterns, old school workflow, but with this I can now just sync/record it into the timeline exactly as in the patterns I play. I can make all the patterns in the drum machine WITH the actual samples, all put into their separate tracks in the DAW, ready to be mixed.
@@EspenKraft sorry for being a bit bothersome, but you may use any midi controller with pads you'd like to fingerdrum😀
I use as little midi as possible and besides I wouldn't get the samples over either. I want to work like this. ;-)
oooh I have been thinking of getting this....
Hola Espen Excelente video como siempre... saludos
Cheers!
Why record audio when you could just record the MIDI?
Everything I do is recorded as audio. Midi has no place in a mixing session.
Can you sample flip per step like elektron or novation?
I have no idea. I didn't get this to do any sampling. ;-)
Great video. The Isla really takes me back to the glory days of 1987 and 1988 when both the MPC60 and SP1200 were the ultimate drum machines and sequencers.
Does the Isla load just one bank of 8 sounds, or can it load more than that? I remember the SP1200 could load 4 banks of 8 sounds, and I could play any of the loaded 32 sounds from any of the 4 banks, albeit only 8 voices at the same time (8 voice polyphony).
Thanks! It's exactly the same. 4 banks of 8 samples. 8 channels. More banks for MIDI sequencing too. It's designed exactly like the 1200, but with a lot more options.
@@EspenKraft Thank you for your reply, Espen
What a machine!
was thinking about one but the final price of $2.100 to get it over here was to much... would i live in the us i would have bought it at the start ;-)
Yes, it's a lot of money for sure. I got mine in trade of sorts so it was an easy call. ;-)
@@EspenKraft That is great, so you are now very focused with your drums.Did you sample your old machines before giving them away? I think you had quite a few.
@@lab-by-the-sea I've sampled all the gear I've ever had. Started doing that back in the 80s, so I have a vast original sample library. I didn't give away my drum machines though. I sold them. ;-) Well, not everyone though.
So glad to hear your thoughts on this. Thank you.
Cheers!
Wonderfull!!!!!!!!!! we need you to sample something!!!!!!
Not using it for sampling.
@@EspenKraft Iam going to buy one , thanks
Another great video! Really tempted to get an Isla 2400 after watching this :)
Cheers!
I just wish this had two midi outs.....
It has 3 different midi ports that can all be used concurrently. DIN, USB Host, USB Device.
You can, if you wish, connect a USB class compliant midi interface to the USB port if you need more MIDI DIN sockets.
Did you upgrade your main computer to Win 10?
That PC is Win 10, but that's not my main computer. ;-)
@@EspenKraft Good to hear. I would've been very upset if you'd upgraded your main rig 😜
Haha.. I upgrade if I see a benefit in doing it.
@@EspenKraft I'm still on Win 7 myself. As long as plugin makers support it (and they mostly do), I see no reason to upgrade. Why change it if it's working? 🙂
That's why I have 4 different systems. Win XP, Win 7, Win 10 and Atari STs. The first two are for older 32bit OS and DAWs, the Win 10 is for 64bit systems which I need more and more and this will soon become my main DAW workstation now as I'm migrating my workflow over to that for various reasons. The Atari is for the occasional break-up of workflow (for inspirational reasons) and videos.
Sometimes .......if the software drum machine/s or synth or other device, sounds same and better .......why i should by the hardware type ???
You should do exactly what you want, use the gear you want and not be concerned with anything else but making good music.
I want one so bad ! It's seems so fun to worl with, really fast and really pratical with all the usb features and all...
Definitely my most desired piece of gear !
Reminds me of the Oberheim DX
I'm not jealous! Not at all. What, because you now have ALL of my dream gear? Don't be silly. CONSUMED with envy?? Absolutely not! ...is it really hot in here? 🥵
Envy will destroy the soul. ;-)
I don’t get it. So it is a digital sample Player / interface / controller for 1500? That seems unnecessary and expensive.
I'm not trying to convince anyone of anything. Just telling why I got one. It's a modern SP-1200 if you know that one. Even if I don't use all the features of that, others do, so it's a lot more than I show in THIS video.
@@EspenKraft well im sorry, I think it came across way meaner then I wanted it to. I was just unsure why there is so much hype for it right now, thats all
Sure, no harm done. It is really an incredible tool with that old school workflow and sound, if you use it like that. It can also be very modern and fast. Best of both worlds really. ;-)
@@EspenKraft haha yeah... I think im on the exact opposite end of the isle right now. I do pretty much everything with the Ipad ;D
Whatever fires up that inspiration, that's the most important thing. ;-)
thx bro Merci ! ;)
Cheers!
Wow, what a nice piece of gear. Im seriously considering, getting one
Very interesting review and I'm really thinking of trying one out. Right know it's many about plugins and an 808.
Cheers!
A lot of ppl were following it for years but the biggest backers stop posting about it and they raised price almost 70%. Mpc one only raised the price like 15%
I never buy anything based on price, high or low. I get what I feel is the best tool for my work. ;-)
@@EspenKraft I hope u like it. I lIkE the layout but for that price I need a modern display.
I'll take 4 of them
Love the gear. USB Audio for the win
Nice piece of kit, so did you sell ALL your other drum machines??? Great video as usual, only problem is I now want one of these!!
Thanks! No, I still have someone left. ;-)
Ok... yes I want one.. 🤔😲
it looks well sized , no small pads - nice buy
Top!👍👏🤗thx espen
I aint really much of a hardware guy anymore, especially when it comes to synths / samplers / drum machines etc, except for midi controllers. In saying that, this does look like something that even someone with my workflow might find useful. Interesting...