That's a good shout. I genuinely keep forgetting about that. I don't use it that much in my workflow as I've found myself using the pattern seq for pretty much every beat I make with the MK2 atm
Skipback rules. I listen to most music + TV / films through the MK2 now just in case I come across a golden audio nugget. Then hit skipback and create a sample from it. I've been building up my sample library fast!
I recently started using it, messing with different chops or effects and realize it already is recorded through skip back. Chop up the skip back and I’m dialed in. It is a really killer feature
two more 303 special features: marked samples don't restart but continue playing when unmarked (on 404 the sample restarts when unmarked). On 303 you can also resample the internal audio, line in AND mic in at once. loved this one yo, thanks for the insight and shiny light
Fantastic video, maybe "Special Features" could have been "Uniqueness" or "Character"? As in something special that the device has that really makes it unique. That would make the 202 and 303 absolute 10/10 while the MK2, while being clearly the best for getting beats done, would be a 0/10 because it really doesn't have anything like the vinyl sim or the lo-fi grades of the 202 that make them shine. It's just a good, honest-to-god, greatly engineered and expertly crafted beatmaking machine to churn out beats without any hassle, while sacrificing some of the "soul" of the older ones. Regardless, fantastic comparison, I hope this video gets a million views because it would make other people's choice much easier.
SP! Love this video man and all of your thoughts. I think similarly: • SP202-awesome for effects and textures. No sequencer, no mixer, and no resample make it very hard to make complete beats • SP303-awesomer for effects and textures. MFX are super warm and addition of a pattern sequencer help--8 pads make the housekeeping of chops tough and the functions are SUPER slow (delete, truncate, resample, etc) • SP404SX-I just got one so I’m still learning. I used the OG 404 forever and the pattern sequencer, effects, and functionalities are quick and timely. I look forward to getting into my SX! • SP404MK2-I don’t have my own yet but have worked on one--it is a super SP and is so quick as far as workflow. I can’t wait to get my own!
Cool I love my sp404sx not in big rush to get the mk2 , on other hand I have mc101 Which is a amazing machine which I hope roland updates soon it's been a year, I have 32gig sd card with sounds from all my other gear n computer doesn't sample directly but that's why I got sp404sx great video man!
In regards to the 404 MKII, we have the ability to resample with the ext in, which was something that wasn't available on the previous generations of the 404. The 303 was able to do this, and it always bothered me why Roland did away with it on the 404. Also, the MKII has native velocity sensitivity, while the other iterations only had that for MIDI. Another thing worth mentioning is polyphony. If I recall correctly, the SX could only run four samples at a time, or two stereo samples. I forget the actual number for the MKII, but essentially, polyphony isn't an issue now. One of the issues I have with the MKII is the chopping feature. Chopping on the MKII is rather clunky, and I say that as an avid MPC user. While it is definitely smoother than the old way of chopping on the previous 404s, it's really not where it should be in terms of modern production. The idea was there, but the execution wasn't. I hope that Roland updates the chopping feature to a point where it is unparalleled with chopping samples on an MPC (I come from the Renaissance era).
Out of interest what is it that the chopping feature lacks? I actually find it pretty intuitive and can't think of much more I'd want from it. The polyphony on the MK2 is 32 voices now which is definitely something I could have mentioned! Its almost overwhelming how many features it has now, I think thats why I ended up defaulting to the fact that the special thing about it is just the fact it can do so much!
@@spvidz Chopping on the MKII is less intuitive when it comes to setting chopping points. You can do lazy chopping, but moving the markers around is kind of a pain when you're trying to be more surgical. Whenever I need to edit the markers, the screen will jump back and forth, and the marker jumps depending on the position of the knob. The limited real estate of the screen emphasizes the annoyance of this problem, making it harder to find the intended chopping point. Some of my frustration could be chalked up to user error, but these inherent flaws definitely create some setbacks in terms of work flow.
I'm surprised you don't rate the aesthetic of the MK2 more highly. I think it's a great piece of design! It retains the layout of the OG/SX 404, but is way more sleek and modern. I actually think that the OG 404 is the worst looking of the bunch, closely followed by the SX. They look toyish to me - something about the cheap metal enclosure and the kind of the bubble over the display. I agree with you about the 202 though, the black and orange colour scheme just looks so cool, the 303 looks killer as well
Have you considered getting the SP - 808? it was released just after the 202 (in 1999) it's amazing. It features mute groups, audio track recording, vari pitch, resampling, realtime effects and D Beam. It is still one of my favourites it's only been bested by the introduction of the mk2 in my opinion.
Cop the grandfather MS-1. The crunch on Long 2, custom midi mapping, footswitch triggering are all dope. Glad I skipped all the SPs inbetween the MS-1 to the SP404MK2. All the SP404MK2 needs now is the MS-1's custom midi mapping to trigger from an MPC.
Looking at getting an SP-404 Mk2 now that it finally has a step sequencer. The SP range was always interesting to me but my musical timing isn't very good and while It's something I work on gradually I ultimately couldn't use a machine that depended on it. The step sequencer is a big win.
The sp202 does pair with the dr202 using it as a pattern sequencer...I have both but have never got round to trying it out, I got them both last year, I only got the sp202 for the pitch and then the mk2 was announced and I got one so the sp 202 and dr202 haven't really been used, I wish there was more tutorials for the dr202 I have no idea what I'm doing with it, only switched it on 2 or 3 times since I got it
I had the drum samples from that machine once I hope I still have them somewhere. It would be cool to have those two as a combo. I think verysickbeats has a couple of videos as I know he has both. I find the demand for 202 videos very low on my channel!
DR202 has a pretty comprehensive manual, if you can print it off it's a useful thing to grab when you're unsure, otherwise can just have it as a PDF in your phone 📱
The advantage of the DR-202 as a sequencer for SP-202 is they pair perfectly over MIDI, they were designed with that in mind. When you're choosing sounds on the DR-202, as well as the internal sounds you can select MIDI and each pad on the DR-202 corresponds to a different pad on the SP-202. Then you can sequence as normal, that's pretty much all there is to it! It's actually a better sequencer than the inbuilt one on the 303 and 404
@@doppelganger8659 mpc way more faster and fun in every way even the fx has air flavor low fi, the SX was better then the mk2 by far had a real lowfi button and the new workflow is way harder then needed to me they also took the mic 🎙 away and the lowfi button just why ? it’s kinda really only good for a fx box to me most just use it for that, that no undo redo button was a killer for me when I had the SX drove me nuts I lost so many beats, think the mk2 added it but took away what made the old sp special to me, and mpc has dedicated buttons a iPad is not even the same all touchscreen on mpc it’s touch screen or buttons you choose option is what makes it nice can do one thing several ways, what works best for you and I work in stand-alone so iPad ya need internet and updates device gets outdated where is people still using mpc from the 80s but a iPad would never last that long
I had it briefly and I never used it. I really didn’t like the controls being on the left (being right handed) but it’s a pretty good unit. If you already have other SPs I don’t think there is much point but it does have a few nice features like velocity pads. Overall it has quite a nice sound as well
Depends on which 404 you get but to be honest I don't think you need a 404 if you have the 555, unless you just want another unit to record beats on to and add some extra spice with the MFX.
Fair comment yeah could be in there. Like I say though I think just the fact it has so many features including this. That’s the special thing about it. It’s like the complete package!
Skip back should have made the special feature list, it's one of the best features of the mk2 in my opinion
Most definitely, the skipback and 8 step undo push this to 9/10 for me :)
That's a good shout. I genuinely keep forgetting about that. I don't use it that much in my workflow as I've found myself using the pattern seq for pretty much every beat I make with the MK2 atm
Skipback rules. I listen to most music + TV / films through the MK2 now just in case I come across a golden audio nugget. Then hit skipback and create a sample from it. I've been building up my sample library fast!
I recently started using it, messing with different chops or effects and realize it already is recorded through skip back. Chop up the skip back and I’m dialed in. It is a really killer feature
two more 303 special features: marked samples don't restart but continue playing when unmarked (on 404 the sample restarts when unmarked). On 303 you can also resample the internal audio, line in AND mic in at once. loved this one yo, thanks for the insight and shiny light
Yeah they brought that back for the MK2 which is nice. Dont know why they ever got rid of it!
Fantastic video, maybe "Special Features" could have been "Uniqueness" or "Character"?
As in something special that the device has that really makes it unique.
That would make the 202 and 303 absolute 10/10 while the MK2, while being clearly the best for getting beats done, would be a 0/10 because it really doesn't have anything like the vinyl sim or the lo-fi grades of the 202 that make them shine. It's just a good, honest-to-god, greatly engineered and expertly crafted beatmaking machine to churn out beats without any hassle, while sacrificing some of the "soul" of the older ones.
Regardless, fantastic comparison, I hope this video gets a million views because it would make other people's choice much easier.
SP! Love this video man and all of your thoughts. I think similarly:
•
SP202-awesome for effects and textures. No sequencer, no mixer, and no resample make it very hard to make complete beats
•
SP303-awesomer for effects and textures. MFX are super warm and addition of a pattern sequencer help--8 pads make the housekeeping of chops tough and the functions are SUPER slow (delete, truncate, resample, etc)
•
SP404SX-I just got one so I’m still learning. I used the OG 404 forever and the pattern sequencer, effects, and functionalities are quick and timely. I look forward to getting into my SX!
•
SP404MK2-I don’t have my own yet but have worked on one--it is a super SP and is so quick as far as workflow. I can’t wait to get my own!
Forgot about the lack of volume control on the 202. That’s such a weakness!
I kept trying to “Like” this video several additional times. Among your best vids ever! 🔥
Much appreciated man!
Great video man! You should do a feature tier list next across all devices!
Thanks for the idea man! I will definitely have to do seperate vids for that one haha!
Cool I love my sp404sx not in big rush to get the mk2 , on other hand I have mc101
Which is a amazing machine which I hope roland updates soon it's been a year, I have 32gig sd card with sounds from all my other gear n computer doesn't sample directly but that's why I got sp404sx great video man!
Good to hear your SX is still getting used! Got a lot of love for that device
In regards to the 404 MKII, we have the ability to resample with the ext in, which was something that wasn't available on the previous generations of the 404. The 303 was able to do this, and it always bothered me why Roland did away with it on the 404. Also, the MKII has native velocity sensitivity, while the other iterations only had that for MIDI. Another thing worth mentioning is polyphony. If I recall correctly, the SX could only run four samples at a time, or two stereo samples. I forget the actual number for the MKII, but essentially, polyphony isn't an issue now.
One of the issues I have with the MKII is the chopping feature. Chopping on the MKII is rather clunky, and I say that as an avid MPC user. While it is definitely smoother than the old way of chopping on the previous 404s, it's really not where it should be in terms of modern production. The idea was there, but the execution wasn't. I hope that Roland updates the chopping feature to a point where it is unparalleled with chopping samples on an MPC (I come from the Renaissance era).
Out of interest what is it that the chopping feature lacks? I actually find it pretty intuitive and can't think of much more I'd want from it. The polyphony on the MK2 is 32 voices now which is definitely something I could have mentioned! Its almost overwhelming how many features it has now, I think thats why I ended up defaulting to the fact that the special thing about it is just the fact it can do so much!
@@spvidz Chopping on the MKII is less intuitive when it comes to setting chopping points. You can do lazy chopping, but moving the markers around is kind of a pain when you're trying to be more surgical. Whenever I need to edit the markers, the screen will jump back and forth, and the marker jumps depending on the position of the knob. The limited real estate of the screen emphasizes the annoyance of this problem, making it harder to find the intended chopping point. Some of my frustration could be chalked up to user error, but these inherent flaws definitely create some setbacks in terms of work flow.
That was a super fair assessment! Funny how close they all are, it really shows just how much more there is to gear than specs.
Thanks man and yeah I thought the MK2 would have destroyed the rest but when I added up the results the sx wasn't far off. Pretty interesting!
I'm surprised you don't rate the aesthetic of the MK2 more highly. I think it's a great piece of design! It retains the layout of the OG/SX 404, but is way more sleek and modern. I actually think that the OG 404 is the worst looking of the bunch, closely followed by the SX. They look toyish to me - something about the cheap metal enclosure and the kind of the bubble over the display.
I agree with you about the 202 though, the black and orange colour scheme just looks so cool, the 303 looks killer as well
Thanks for the thoughts man!
Have you considered getting the SP - 808? it was released just after the 202 (in 1999) it's amazing. It features mute groups, audio track recording, vari pitch, resampling, realtime effects and D Beam. It is still one of my favourites it's only been bested by the introduction of the mk2 in my opinion.
I have looked at those in the past they look like a lot of fun. Maybe one day I can get my hands on one!
That beat was dope mate!
Cop the grandfather MS-1. The crunch on Long 2, custom midi mapping, footswitch triggering are all dope. Glad I skipped all the SPs inbetween the MS-1 to the SP404MK2.
All the SP404MK2 needs now is the MS-1's custom midi mapping to trigger from an MPC.
That does look fun. There are a few old samplers like that which I would like to own at some point 👍
Looking at getting an SP-404 Mk2 now that it finally has a step sequencer. The SP range was always interesting to me but my musical timing isn't very good and while It's something I work on gradually I ultimately couldn't use a machine that depended on it. The step sequencer is a big win.
Great video!
Glad you enjoyed it man! Thanks
The sp202 does pair with the dr202 using it as a pattern sequencer...I have both but have never got round to trying it out, I got them both last year, I only got the sp202 for the pitch and then the mk2 was announced and I got one so the sp 202 and dr202 haven't really been used, I wish there was more tutorials for the dr202 I have no idea what I'm doing with it, only switched it on 2 or 3 times since I got it
True. Don’t have them anymore but they are a great pair. Run the DR through MKII and add effects = some awesome beats.
Underrated Team. The DR is dirty AF! Worth to get into.
I had the drum samples from that machine once I hope I still have them somewhere. It would be cool to have those two as a combo. I think verysickbeats has a couple of videos as I know he has both. I find the demand for 202 videos very low on my channel!
DR202 has a pretty comprehensive manual, if you can print it off it's a useful thing to grab when you're unsure, otherwise can just have it as a PDF in your phone 📱
The advantage of the DR-202 as a sequencer for SP-202 is they pair perfectly over MIDI, they were designed with that in mind. When you're choosing sounds on the DR-202, as well as the internal sounds you can select MIDI and each pad on the DR-202 corresponds to a different pad on the SP-202. Then you can sequence as normal, that's pretty much all there is to it! It's actually a better sequencer than the inbuilt one on the 303 and 404
Enjoyed this while smoking one ☝️,I think 🤔 the mpc live 2 or mpc one would score 38 to 40 if it was in the loop 🔁
Side note 📝 if the 303 had the 202 color scheme that be sick !
that would look dope you're right!
Maybe. But add “fun” as a category and MPC gets crushed again.
If I want a clunky ass touchscreen DAW I’ll buy an iPad
@@doppelganger8659 mpc way more faster and fun in every way even the fx has air flavor low fi, the SX was better then the mk2 by far had a real lowfi button and the new workflow is way harder then needed to me they also took the mic 🎙 away and the lowfi button just why ? it’s kinda really only good for a fx box to me most just use it for that, that no undo redo button was a killer for me when I had the SX drove me nuts I lost so many beats, think the mk2 added it but took away what made the old sp special to me, and mpc has dedicated buttons a iPad is not even the same all touchscreen on mpc it’s touch screen or buttons you choose option is what makes it nice can do one thing several ways, what works best for you and I work in stand-alone so iPad ya need internet and updates device gets outdated where is people still using mpc from the 80s but a iPad would never last that long
what do you think about sp555?
I had it briefly and I never used it. I really didn’t like the controls being on the left (being right handed) but it’s a pretty good unit. If you already have other SPs I don’t think there is much point but it does have a few nice features like velocity pads. Overall it has quite a nice sound as well
@@spvidz thanks!! I have one 555, I love it. but I never had a 404... and Iwas wondering what the differences would be. thanks for your time! Hug 🙌🏽🌴
Depends on which 404 you get but to be honest I don't think you need a 404 if you have the 555, unless you just want another unit to record beats on to and add some extra spice with the MFX.
should I have a sp 404sx in a very good used condition for 300Chf? I'm a beginner and I want to make beats.
You wouldn’t consider polyphonic chromatic mode to be special enough? It’s the only SP that does it
Fair comment yeah could be in there. Like I say though I think just the fact it has so many features including this. That’s the special thing about it. It’s like the complete package!
@@spvidz Well then I would say that warrants a "10" ;) great vid btw
14:28 I think you can read the wav file from SD card as well?
Oh I see, you are talking about exporting from the pattern sequencer
first time being first :) much love
ayyy congrats! :)
I bought a 404SX because of your channel 🫡 really enjoy it. I will get a MK2 when I can find one 🥸..
I got one from Guitar Centers website and it was delivered within a week, just this past week actually. You might check there, maybe I was lucky.
Thats awesome to hear I've been inspiring people to pick these units up! Hope you're having a blast with it!
@@ChumpyDumps thank you I will check that out. I didn’t think of outlets like Guitar Centre 👍