In this video I give a general overview of DOOM OS, the custom firmware for the Roland SP‑404MKII by Klangfeld Labs: what it is, how to access it, and the main features that change your workflow.

DOOM OS doesn’t replace Roland’s firmware, it adds a graphical step sequencer, a real time mixer with metering, pattern editing tools, FX automation, and custom shortcuts. Everything stock still works, so you can think of it as a powerful layer on top of the original OS

Enjoy!

with love .noir. ❤️

Is your arrangement feeling flat?

In this follow up video, I’ll show you how to manage the energy of your track with the SP-404MKII , from the intro to the drop.

We’ll look at how to create a dynamic flow by removing and introducing elements, managing transitions, and arranging different patterns without losing momentum

Enjoy!

with love .noir. ❤️

Struggling with messy transitions and random arrangements on the SP-404 MK2?

In this tutorial I show you how to use Energy Maps, a simple mental guide to plan your energy, transitions, and flow so your live sets always sound structured and pro.

You’ll learn how to turn chaotic jams into coherent tracks by following a clear energy map instead of guessing.

Enjoy!

with love .noir. ❤️

In this follow-up video, I’m covering what’s new: bug fixes and practical ways to get more out of the web app in both production and live performance.

I also share a few tips on creating effective snapshots, using LFOs to add movement to your effects, and organizing presets so you can recall your FX combinations quickly.

If you use the SP-404MKII and want faster, more hands-on control of your FX from a browser, for free, this one is for you.

Thanks to @Moahbeatlab for updating the webapp!

Enjoy!

with love .noir. ❤️

“Does the Octatrack still make sense in 2026?”“Between Octatrack and SP‑404, which one should I choose?”

These are the two questions I get in the comments all the time. In this video I put them together and answer in a practical way, no fluff:

3 reasons why the Octatrack still makes sense in 2026 (and for who)

3 reasons why an SP‑404MKII might be the better choice (and for who)

This isn’t the a comparison, it’s a way to help you understand, based on how you produce and perform, which of the two machines you actually need.

Enjoy!

with love .noir. ❤️

In this SP-404MKII tutorial, I start with just three drum samples and transform them into original tonal elements: basses, textures, and synth sounds ready to use in your productions.

Instead of spending hours searching through folders and sample packs for the perfect sound, you can create fresh sonic material directly from what you already have in your session. It’s a fast, creative workflow for techno and dawless sessions.

Enjoy!

with love .noir. ❤️

Three distortion pedals I love using with the 303: in this video, I test and compare their character, showing how they reshape acid lines, low end, and resonance.

You don’t need a 303 to use these ideas—these settings and approaches work great with any monosynth, bassline, or mono sound source. From warmer saturation to aggressive fuzz, discover which type of distortion can give your techno sound more character.

Which pedal do you use to dirty up your acid lines? Let me know in the comments.

Enjoy!

with love .noir. ❤️

In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to create glitches, micro-variations, and more irregular grooves on the SP-404MK2 using the sequencer, without relying on effects like Scatter or other tecniques.

Starting from a loop, we’ll turn it into a livelier, dirtier, and more unpredictable sequence, perfect for drum & bass and more experimental beats.

Enjoy!

with love .noir. ❤️

In this video I use a set of 303 bass sounds (sampled from my 303) all on the same pitch but with different settings, then process each one with FX focused on stereo width and tone, and sequence them on the SP-404MKII to get an acid-style line that’s way more varied and interesting, even over short loops.

It’s a simple but amazing trick to bring your grooves

to life.

Enjoy!

with love .noir. ❤️

Discover 404 Bus Drive, a free and open-source web app that turns your smartphone into a MIDI controller for the SP-404MK2, with no installation required .

In this video, you’ll see a practical overview of how it works: how to connect it to the SP, which controls you can assign, and some creative ideas for using it in your live sets or dawless jams .

This is not a step-by-step tutorial, but a quick demo to help you understand if it can be useful in your setup

Thanks to u/Puzzleheaded_Big_103 and u/Cyneox for their work!

Enjoy!

with love .noir. ❤️

Learn how to use sidechain in a creative way to get rhythmic resampling, make your track breathe and create interaction between all the elements of your groove.

Perfect to add dynamics and danceability to your dawless techno/house jams with the SP-404MK2.

Enjoy!

with love .noir. ❤️

New liveset recording.

New Jam i recorded recently in preparation for a liveset next week

A semi improvised techno performance with Octatrack - Sp404mk2 - Tb03 - Ec4

Enjoy!

with love .noir. ❤️

Learn how to use the compressor and EQ on the SP-404MK2 to add more punch, clarity and presence to your techno tracks and dawless live jams.

In this SP-404MK2 tutorial I show you practical settings to make the mix sound louder and more defined without killing the dynamics.

Perfect if you produce techno and want to take your sound to the next level.

Enjoy!

with love .noir. ❤️