Thanks for the GAS talk tucked into a gear vid, I needed it. 😅 I still run with the SP202, and squint at Koala on a tiny iPhone SE but I love it. Create more than you consume and die happy!
That's an elaborate setup. Although I like the idea of routing everything into Koala the way it has been executed is a bit too complicated for my taste. Also, I can't help wonder that in many videos like these the SP404 MKII typically just ends up as an FX device. For what it can do people seem to always prefer other samplers to take the main stage.
That’s true, but I definitely have plenty of days when I just use the SP. I still really enjoy the workflow on there and with the new looper it will definitely see some more use! 👍
I remember me being negative about this device to you and to be honest.... back then it was kinda justified because the updates have added lots of features i was missing from day 1. I own the 404 now for a couple of days and the more i understand the thing the more i leave koala alone.... and i think this is a shift i didnt expect and it has boosted my creativity so i did a whole 180 on the 404 and im kinda blown away by it!
ive just bought a few of your sample packs.. I do aim to use them but it was also as a way of saying thankyou for the great content and delivery. Nice one my friend
great video! totally agree about the koala integration: I t s a good start, but it is not quite there yet. using my old nano kontrol for controling koala is so much more flexible..
If you haven't found a comfortable setting for your mk2 pads try this. "Set it to LOG. Threshold 1, gain 10, and i can't remember the name of the last setting, but set it to 5" taken from a thread on reddit i've always had to go back to after reformatting.
Great video bro! I got a similar set up, minus the mixer, turntable and the little box in the middle that changes the channels, what is the name of that i need one. And i would love to see that wiring diagram drawing if you have it? Thx!
glad you stuck with the SP that's my choice as well... i have the Ik multimedia iloud micro monitors, they been good to me... for the price... i'm looking at the ATOM SQ to control ableton, may be my last piece for the set up...
Hey man! I hope you're well? Throat sounds better. I'm happy you chose to lose the MPC. Well done! Sell it asap! Your reasoning was sound and I agree. You don't need it as such. Your skill set provides instrumental loops and chops, you don't need the bait & trappings of the Akai MPC world! You have plugins in Live if you need. And the sequencer grid in Koala is like Logic or a proper DAW, whilst the sequencer grid in the MPCs are definitely fiddly. I believe the only argument is between the longevity of a device with a lithium ion battery versus one with mains power! 😉 15:41 "Audio out" is meaning from the stereo minijack to two stereo jacks, yeah? Just wondered if you pointed to the Kingston and I wasn't sure if that's possible. GAS syndrome, in the description, says syndrome twice! 😁
Hey man, it’s feeling a lot better now thank you! I have bitten the bullet and put the MPC up for sale. I think to play devils advocate again I do have concerns about the battery but also the fact that every iOS device becomes obsolete at some point. Those old MPC’s are still going strong. There is talk about how much the new MPC’s will need to be updated via a computer though too so nothing is guaranteed I guess. As for the hub, yes, but with the Kingston it doesn’t have a 3.5 jack but two USB C ports, so I’m using a USB C to 3.5 adapter then a 3.5 to RCA cable to get it in the SP. I’ve also amended the description 😂 thanks for the heads up! Good to hear from you 👍
@@nervouscooksAh, so it was the audio out of the iPad I was questioning not however it gets to the SP. Words are strange sometimes! Are you using the analogue audio out from the iPad, the minijack , going to the Behringer as l/r phonos? AND also using the USB into the iPad from Live/the iMac?
@@thekeysman6760 so the audio out of the iPad is via the usb c port to the usb hub (kingston) and then usb c to 3.5 adapter from one of the hubs usb c ports to the sp. That’s the audio out of the iPad, it doesn’t have a headphone jack etc. Connected to the same usb c hub (Kingston) is the Behringer UCA 222 which is being used to send multiple audio signals into the iPad via the rca switching box. My turntable, iMac, and my tape player are all connected to the switching box inputs and the switching box out (rca) is going to the Behringer rca input. I hope that makes sense, I think I’ve confused myself just trying to type it out 😂
@@nervouscooks Oh! I see now! I understand it. Thank you! I think it's really cool. All that versatility without a mixing desk with auxiliary sends. I didn't realise USB C to analogue audio existed! 😮And how does the Kingston hub know what is audio to send it back out? Is there software on the iMac? Either way, you've just helped me with something! Well done! Thanks.
Ive been playing with the sp404 koala integration and its kind of fun, but i still feel my workflow is better and less redudant if i just share audio between them with the usbc.... maybe the integration became to be because the koala community is always in the eternal search for the perfect controller and interface, so here you go, you have it plus al the goods of becoming a sp404 owner.... at the end its almost the same, you have two samplers hooked sharing audio, but you can play pads for koala because, apparently people hate touch screens.
Awesome video. Just subbed. I am complete beginner and looking to settle on the Live II or SP404. I plan on running it with Logic through the iPad. You mentioned you used Ableton a lot, due to the investments made in plugins. Have you considered keeping a complete mobile setup with Logic on the iPad? Have you heard of any big cons running the 404, with Koala, and Logic on iPad?
I haven’t used the SP with logic on the iPad yet. I can’t see any reason it would be an issue. I’ve just been sending audio from Koala as you only have to switch apps. I’ve had Ableton for a long time and I don’t necessarily need it for mixing and mastering as I could use the iPad but I love a lot of Ableton’s features and workflow. Logic on the iPad is great too though and you wouldn’t need both.
404 supports Koala, and Koala supports Ableton export (ATM iOS only). Perfect setup in my opinion. PS: I have NAS access on my Android tablet, so Koala can use my complete (!) sample library. Highly recommended. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on workflow considerations and choices. Why isn’t the iPad routed to the SP through USB? Is it because of the inputs routed through the analog circuit? And for pads velocity, (how) did you adjusted the sensitivity?
It’s so I can keep the connection to my iMac. I know I could run the stereo out to the iMac but then I loose the connection to my cassette deck. Also I like have the USB C to the Mac so I can take advantage of the midi sync capabilities when I want to track out. I can set it up to launch with Ableton. I’m sure there are other workarounds with cable splitters etc but for now while I wait on further updates, this just works well for my needs. 🙂
Settings for the pads, I followed the settings SP vids suggested but it still isn’t right for me. It doesn’t matter what I do I just seem to have a big drop in volume even if I’m pounding on the pads which I don’t like. Any suggestions are more than welcomed!! 👍
@@nervouscooks no other suggestions, just wondering 😉 And yes, the pads are a bit to get used to, where some other devices (like my M+, BeatStep, HydraSynth, Push 2) need way less pressure or ‘beat up’ force.
@@nervouscooks ah okay 👍🏻 didn’t consider they iMac connection. Otherwise I would use a decent but simple USB switch to have both the iPad and computer connected. The reason why I’m asking is the audio routing between the iPad (or computer) and the SP, so it could work as a lossless connection between the two. In that case only the analog connections from your mixer would go in and out of the SP, cancelling out the need for an extra audio interface. Or did I miss something here…?
Hi bro, I have a question. I saw that it is possible to use the sounds of my Sp404mk2 by going on the E/J banks in koala mode, but is it possible to use the effects of the Sp while in this mode ? How can i do that ? Thanks!
yea, you need to understand that the SP is in controller mode. So its just sending out midi to koala BUT if you use banks with samples the you have to see it as a instrument that sends out midi and sound. So if you want FX then use BUS 1 or 2 do apply on your pads before recording them into koala.
Nice video I also think only buy the gear that you really want to use and sell all the gear that you don't use I make all my music on two Android devices, a Korg NanoKey Studio and Lauchpad Mini.
Absolutely I prefer money in the bank and less things to dust! 😂 Sounds like a good setup. I’ve said it before but it honestly doesn’t matter what you use. As long as the end product is what you want and you enjoy the process, then that is all that matters. It’s way too easy to get wrapped up in hype over new gear. 🙂
Thanks, so I went into my Amazon account to find it but I guess they don’t sell that particular one anymore. It recommended this which is essentially the same albeit with only 4 inputs. I’ll keep searching and if I find my version I’ll let you know. Here’s the link: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0BBPN3QP8?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
Unfortunately when I went into my Amazon account to check my orders, that particular model isn’t available now but it recommended this one. It’s the same but dials on the front and 4 inputs instead of 6. If I find the og one I’ll let you know. www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0BBPN3QP8?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
I think i would like Koala more if i had a Ipad, however i have a Google Pixel 7 phone and i just always came out uninspired with the program - i do understand why u opted to use Koala though :)
Yeah I definitely think the iPad makes a difference. I felt constrained on my phone but as I said, maybe we’ll see more functions of Koala being mapped to the SP. I’m excited to see where it goes because I do prefer pads to screens.
Yes, Koala users from android vs iOs are not the same and i blame the lack of AuV3 support etc so making new sounds is hard to do unlike on iOs devices where you can load up some apps in AUM and get going. But that 404 on that next level since its also a audio interface.
Love your vids. Question: Why not use USB to connect to the SP? Using the audio out of Ipad into the audio of the SP means that you run the signal through two DACS. No matter what you do, this will introduce side effects and latency. Unless that is part of the sound you are looking for....
Cheers for sharing the latest set-uo. Would love to see a set-up vid....
Thanks for the GAS talk tucked into a gear vid, I needed it. 😅
I still run with the SP202, and squint at Koala on a tiny iPhone SE but I love it.
Create more than you consume and die happy!
Cool Set Up- straight forward, so nice workflow rivers to manage, what we all love: sounds, handmade Thank you for sharing all the best from berlin
That's an elaborate setup. Although I like the idea of routing everything into Koala the way it has been executed is a bit too complicated for my taste. Also, I can't help wonder that in many videos like these the SP404 MKII typically just ends up as an FX device. For what it can do people seem to always prefer other samplers to take the main stage.
That’s true, but I definitely have plenty of days when I just use the SP. I still really enjoy the workflow on there and with the new looper it will definitely see some more use! 👍
this set up made me tear up with how beautiful it is
The less gear I have the more music I make. It’s a crazy paradox.
Limitation breeds creativity. 👍
For sure
Trying to learn new gear every few months leaves one in a perpetual state of learning instead of creating. Use what you have imo
I remember me being negative about this device to you and to be honest.... back then it was kinda justified because the updates have added lots of features i was missing from day 1. I own the 404 now for a couple of days and the more i understand the thing the more i leave koala alone.... and i think this is a shift i didnt expect and it has boosted my creativity so i did a whole 180 on the 404 and im kinda blown away by it!
A device is a physical thing. The iPad, in this instance. Or the SP. Koala isn't a device.
ive just bought a few of your sample packs.. I do aim to use them but it was also as a way of saying thankyou for the great content and delivery. Nice one my friend
Nice info ℹ️
Oh wow! Where did you get that Koala/404 backdrop? Love that matching.
Koala on the Mac book air is 🔥🔥🔥 too I like my iPad because touch features
Yeah for sure, and free if I remember correctly. 👍
great video! totally agree about the koala integration: I t s a good start, but it is not quite there yet. using my old nano kontrol for controling koala is so much more flexible..
Wild setup my brother. I like it!
If you haven't found a comfortable setting for your mk2 pads try this. "Set it to LOG. Threshold 1, gain 10, and i can't remember the name of the last setting, but set it to 5" taken from a thread on reddit i've always had to go back to after reformatting.
Great video bro! I got a similar set up, minus the mixer, turntable and the little box in the middle that changes the channels, what is the name of that i need one. And i would love to see that wiring diagram drawing if you have it? Thx!
glad you stuck with the SP that's my choice as well... i have the Ik multimedia iloud micro monitors, they been good to me... for the price... i'm looking at the ATOM SQ to control ableton, may be my last piece for the set up...
I’ve heard good things about those iLouds! 👍👍
I have a similar setup. Dope ish!
Thank you 👍
Hey man! I hope you're well? Throat sounds better. I'm happy you chose to lose the MPC. Well done! Sell it asap! Your reasoning was sound and I agree. You don't need it as such. Your skill set provides instrumental loops and chops, you don't need the bait & trappings of the Akai MPC world! You have plugins in Live if you need. And the sequencer grid in Koala is like Logic or a proper DAW, whilst the sequencer grid in the MPCs are definitely fiddly. I believe the only argument is between the longevity of a device with a lithium ion battery versus one with mains power! 😉 15:41 "Audio out" is meaning from the stereo minijack to two stereo jacks, yeah? Just wondered if you pointed to the Kingston and I wasn't sure if that's possible. GAS syndrome, in the description, says syndrome twice! 😁
Hey man, it’s feeling a lot better now thank you! I have bitten the bullet and put the MPC up for sale. I think to play devils advocate again I do have concerns about the battery but also the fact that every iOS device becomes obsolete at some point. Those old MPC’s are still going strong. There is talk about how much the new MPC’s will need to be updated via a computer though too so nothing is guaranteed I guess. As for the hub, yes, but with the Kingston it doesn’t have a 3.5 jack but two USB C ports, so I’m using a USB C to 3.5 adapter then a 3.5 to RCA cable to get it in the SP. I’ve also amended the description 😂 thanks for the heads up! Good to hear from you 👍
@@nervouscooks Oh! Thanks for explaining the adapter to me! I was baffled! 😂👍 Good to hear from you mate.
@@nervouscooksAh, so it was the audio out of the iPad I was questioning not however it gets to the SP. Words are strange sometimes! Are you using the analogue audio out from the iPad, the minijack , going to the Behringer as l/r phonos? AND also using the USB into the iPad from Live/the iMac?
@@thekeysman6760 so the audio out of the iPad is via the usb c port to the usb hub (kingston) and then usb c to 3.5 adapter from one of the hubs usb c ports to the sp. That’s the audio out of the iPad, it doesn’t have a headphone jack etc. Connected to the same usb c hub (Kingston) is the Behringer UCA 222 which is being used to send multiple audio signals into the iPad via the rca switching box. My turntable, iMac, and my tape player are all connected to the switching box inputs and the switching box out (rca) is going to the Behringer rca input. I hope that makes sense, I think I’ve confused myself just trying to type it out 😂
@@nervouscooks Oh! I see now! I understand it. Thank you! I think it's really cool. All that versatility without a mixing desk with auxiliary sends. I didn't realise USB C to analogue audio existed! 😮And how does the Kingston hub know what is audio to send it back out? Is there software on the iMac? Either way, you've just helped me with something! Well done! Thanks.
Thank you for sharing. Please draw a diagram because my head goes crazy keeping the track of how its wired
wiring setup video please!! i beg of you
Ive been playing with the sp404 koala integration and its kind of fun, but i still feel my workflow is better and less redudant if i just share audio between them with the usbc.... maybe the integration became to be because the koala community is always in the eternal search for the perfect controller and interface, so here you go, you have it plus al the goods of becoming a sp404 owner.... at the end its almost the same, you have two samplers hooked sharing audio, but you can play pads for koala because, apparently people hate touch screens.
Awesome video. Just subbed. I am complete beginner and looking to settle on the Live II or SP404. I plan on running it with Logic through the iPad. You mentioned you used Ableton a lot, due to the investments made in plugins. Have you considered keeping a complete mobile setup with Logic on the iPad? Have you heard of any big cons running the 404, with Koala, and Logic on iPad?
I haven’t used the SP with logic on the iPad yet. I can’t see any reason it would be an issue. I’ve just been sending audio from Koala as you only have to switch apps. I’ve had Ableton for a long time and I don’t necessarily need it for mixing and mastering as I could use the iPad but I love a lot of Ableton’s features and workflow. Logic on the iPad is great too though and you wouldn’t need both.
404 supports Koala, and Koala supports Ableton export (ATM iOS only). Perfect setup in my opinion. PS: I have NAS access on my Android tablet, so Koala can use my complete (!) sample library. Highly recommended. 🙂
@@towerrunner4675what is NAS please? )
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on workflow considerations and choices.
Why isn’t the iPad routed to the SP through USB? Is it because of the inputs routed through the analog circuit?
And for pads velocity, (how) did you adjusted the sensitivity?
It’s so I can keep the connection to my iMac. I know I could run the stereo out to the iMac but then I loose the connection to my cassette deck. Also I like have the USB C to the Mac so I can take advantage of the midi sync capabilities when I want to track out. I can set it up to launch with Ableton. I’m sure there are other workarounds with cable splitters etc but for now while I wait on further updates, this just works well for my needs. 🙂
Settings for the pads, I followed the settings SP vids suggested but it still isn’t right for me. It doesn’t matter what I do I just seem to have a big drop in volume even if I’m pounding on the pads which I don’t like. Any suggestions are more than welcomed!! 👍
@@nervouscooks no other suggestions, just wondering 😉 And yes, the pads are a bit to get used to, where some other devices (like my M+, BeatStep, HydraSynth, Push 2) need way less pressure or ‘beat up’ force.
@@nervouscooks ah okay 👍🏻 didn’t consider they iMac connection. Otherwise I would use a decent but simple USB switch to have both the iPad and computer connected. The reason why I’m asking is the audio routing between the iPad (or computer) and the SP, so it could work as a lossless connection between the two. In that case only the analog connections from your mixer would go in and out of the SP, cancelling out the need for an extra audio interface. Or did I miss something here…?
Would you ever go back to maschine?
Hi bro, I have a question.
I saw that it is possible to use the sounds of my Sp404mk2 by going on the E/J banks in koala mode, but is it possible to use the effects of the Sp while in this mode ? How can i do that ?
Thanks!
yea, you need to understand that the SP is in controller mode. So its just sending out midi to koala BUT if you use banks with samples the you have to see it as a instrument that sends out midi and sound. So if you want FX then use BUS 1 or 2 do apply on your pads before recording them into koala.
Thanks for Sharing
You’re welcome! 👍
Nice video
I also think only buy the gear that you really want to use and sell all the gear that you don't use
I make all my music on two Android devices, a Korg NanoKey Studio and Lauchpad Mini.
Absolutely I prefer money in the bank and less things to dust! 😂 Sounds like a good setup. I’ve said it before but it honestly doesn’t matter what you use. As long as the end product is what you want and you enjoy the process, then that is all that matters. It’s way too easy to get wrapped up in hype over new gear. 🙂
@@nervouscooks 🙂
I have an sp303, sp404sx, sp808, and koala. Do you recommend picking up the sp404mkii?
fantastic vid whats the name of that audio switcher?
Thanks, so I went into my Amazon account to find it but I guess they don’t sell that particular one anymore. It recommended this which is essentially the same albeit with only 4 inputs. I’ll keep searching and if I find my version I’ll let you know. Here’s the link: www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0BBPN3QP8?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
Hi thank you for this video ) Can I please ask, how can I get audio from ableton on my Mac Studio into koala on iPad? Thanks )
Dear God I hope you reply lol 🙏🙏🙏
I’m on an iPhone 15 pro max and I have no problems at all
Great Video! could you maybe provide a list with all gear used? Would be awesome :D Thanks!
What’s the model for the sub and the turntable?
The sub is a Mackie CR8S XBT and the turntable is a Vestax PDX MKII 👍
Can you post a link to the switching box you use?
Unfortunately when I went into my Amazon account to check my orders, that particular model isn’t available now but it recommended this one. It’s the same but dials on the front and 4 inputs instead of 6. If I find the og one I’ll let you know. www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aw/d/B0BBPN3QP8?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_asin_title
I think i would like Koala more if i had a Ipad, however i have a Google Pixel 7 phone and i just always came out uninspired with the program - i do understand why u opted to use Koala though :)
Yeah I definitely think the iPad makes a difference. I felt constrained on my phone but as I said, maybe we’ll see more functions of Koala being mapped to the SP. I’m excited to see where it goes because I do prefer pads to screens.
Yes, Koala users from android vs iOs are not the same and i blame the lack of AuV3 support etc so making new sounds is hard to do unlike on iOs devices where you can load up some apps in AUM and get going. But that 404 on that next level since its also a audio interface.
Love your vids. Question: Why not use USB to connect to the SP? Using the audio out of Ipad into the audio of the SP means that you run the signal through two DACS. No matter what you do, this will introduce side effects and latency. Unless that is part of the sound you are looking for....
-- never mind.... saw the rest of the video.....
Nice setup. Flip seems much better as an app sampler, but Koala Sampler looks good, too.
Mpc?
@nervouesCook$ Koala has stems.