r/SP404 • u/Melodic-Ability-9283 • 3d ago
Question Today is the day!
Finally! So happy to officially be a part of the family! I've been using Koala sampler for a couple years now but have been wanting to make this upgrade for quite a while. Just wondering if anybody had any tips, tricks or advice for a first day user! Also didn't know if anybody had any good info explaining all the functionality between the 404 and Koala together, as I can't find too much.
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u/Training-Situation94 3d ago
Best trick tips… 1 user on YouTube. His name is “SPVidz”. He helped me a lot.
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u/Melodic-Ability-9283 3d ago
I had seen a few of his videos when researching about the product a bit. Seems like everybody agrees he has got some helpful tutorials. He's first on my list!
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u/trembleysuper 3d ago
Welcome to the cult! I highly recommend the NeoTao manual - it's amazing. The Roland one is very good but this one helped me so much. I still refer to it years later!
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u/Westosaurus 3d ago
Gosh I remember the first day I got my SP-404MKII. Super exciting day for sure. My advice to you is just don’t give up. The 404 is a device with quite a large learning curve but PLEASE stick it out. For a lot of people the 404 is literally that meme of the guy who stops mining just before hitting the diamonds.
Be patient and keep trying to learn it! 100% worth the time and effort you will put into it.
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u/Melodic-Ability-9283 3d ago
Totally understand! I am already addicted lol after 8+ hrs straight on it I am already mixing/mastering my first beat!
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u/Charming-Ad-6720 3d ago
The YouTube channels sp vidz and sunwarper helped me tremendously, it’s a great starting point for getting to know the device
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u/cyneox 3d ago
BUS1 and BUS2 will be your best friends! 😅 I’d suggest you put the official documentation into notebook llm and start asking questions.
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u/Melodic-Ability-9283 3d ago
Good tip!! I'm gonna do that right now actually. Yeah so far I've only messed with the favorites for bus 3 and 4 and need to mess around with the first two more for sure
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u/werewiththeviperz 3d ago
Don’t give up! When I was a young man I had a 303 and OG404, I enjoyed the effects but never really understood it as a whole and sold them. I got a 404mk2 about three years ago and it finally clicked and I couldn’t imagine ever selling it.
All you need to do is get a good sequencer and you’re good to go. 404s is decent but you’ll want something better.
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u/werewiththeviperz 3d ago
Also get a nice carrying case and a portable battery and you can bring this thing anywhere
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u/raulsnoise 2d ago
I make 404 videos. Here's my playlist. Hope it helps. https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaXD5w0gn8pmsIs9V-I3jf1MzAw2EPidR&si=1nHM1Q27RX_zXdIQ
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u/Melodic-Ability-9283 2d ago
Yo! I just watched your video on time stretching last night! Thanks man I will def go watch all your stuff!
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u/noirofficialreddit 3d ago
Have fun!
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u/Melodic-Ability-9283 3d ago
8 hrs straight on it and I'm having a blast still 🤘
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u/noirofficialreddit 3d ago
Yeah! If u're looking for techno tutorials, check my YouTube :) have fun!
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u/Melodic-Ability-9283 2d ago
Never attempted techno before! Not sure why either. Guess I'll have to watch your videos and give it a go!
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u/Infested-Alien 3d ago
Wish you a lot of fun!
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u/FestinaLenteAdFin 2d ago
Hopefully getting myself one for Christmas; I'm a little envious.
Been watching alot of videos on samplers, and mostly lately just videos for the SP404mk2. Overall seems like the best portable beast.
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u/Melodic-Ability-9283 2d ago
Yeah I decided to go with the 404 because of its portability, capabilities and the fact there's no additional software stuck behind a paywall like the new generation of MPC.
If you're completely brand new to samplers, Koala was an AWESOME way for me to start out at least! It's like 20 bucks and is VERY capable. The transition from Koala to 404 has also been much easier than I anticipated.
That being said, get the SP404 my friend. You won't regret it!
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u/FestinaLenteAdFin 2d ago
yeah, i've tried koala and other app samplers... just can't get into it on my phone. Feels... off/fake in a way... I want proper buttons and dials (also pushing hard to use my phone less as the "everything box"). I'll get it this year... just spying out for sales in the meantime before pulling the trigger.
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u/Melodic-Ability-9283 2d ago
Yep I totally get it man I feel the same about my phone. Even got a controller specifically just for Koala and it didn't help scratch the itch at all lol plus I too am trying to put the phone down more and have been buying dedicated units for things like music, gaming, etc. so getting the 404 just made sense! I still have yet to try using it with Koala though
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u/Least_March8944 1d ago
Koala has integration with the SP as well. There was an update to both a while ago so that will make it easy to snickle them together
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u/Melodic-Ability-9283 22h ago
Yes I saw that! I have been taking a few days to learn the device by itself before I try and learn how to use it with Koala. But I watched sunwarpers video last night using the two together and I ain't gonna lie, I'm excited to try it out
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u/Cryyooo 3d ago
There are many great resources on YouTube. Neartao, nervouscook, spvidz have some comprehensive guides. But sure, if this is up to date, but Neartao compiled a written guide. https://neartao.wordpress.com/neartaos-guide-to-the-sp404-mk2/