#145

speaking of bun
just remembered that a lofi version of one his best works w/ SP is available for free…legally!

check his shop for the 2019 remaster

3 Likes
#146

As some may have noticed Roland presented a masterclass with Dibiase some week ago. 2 hours+
I picked up some new production ideas in the first 45 minutes I’ve seen so far.

I believe some viewer made a screencast that can be found on youtube too.

(The sound of Dibiase is a bit low so better sharpen your ears)

EDIT/Update: I have now watched the whole masterclass. We’re basically sitting in watching as Dibiase makes a few different beats while answering questions from the stream-audience. There are some interesting concepts - especially in how he combines pattern sequencing with “the resampling method” in building beats. And the benefit of using another SP.

4 Likes
#147

I’ve been working with the Boss/Roland samplers for years, ever since the SP-202. The simplicity of these things and the sound design possibilities with resample function are why I love using them.

Not just a Hip Hop tool, in fact some of the best music I’ve heard from these boxes isn’t hip hop. I remember reading this Larry Gus interview from years ago about how he spent months collecting samples and using an algorithmic process to piece the album together - https://www.dummymag.com/features/technique-larry-gus-years-not-living/

Here’s an experimental ambient drone piece I made the other day using the SP-404A. Awesome tools.

12 Likes
#148

Really liked this, thanks @sonictape! And thanks for the link to Larry Gus, tbh they flew under my radar so it was really interesting reading about their process for that album (and slightly stress inducing).
I’ve looked at SP-404s for awhile now and enjoy seeing stuff like this. I don’t produce hip hop or house-based music (atm) so sometimes struggle to see how/if I could use one of these in a productive way for more ambient music.

1 Like
#149

I sampled Korg Volca Keys and Yamaha QY-10 (only drums). On my way to the woods I recorded some noises (steps, zipper, branches). This is the result. Is it too deep, stage, odd? Oh yes, I samples some noise from my modular synth to. Literally noise. I would call this deep (wood) techno.

4 Likes
#150

Thank you! I have more air horn pieces planned including a Steve Reich style phasing piece that I’ve written a graphical score for. I’m also building a series of solar powered CMOS synths and have been using the SP404A to record samples outdoors due to its portability and small size. At the moment it fits into my workflow perfectly.

Yeah the Larry Gus process is a fascinating read, there’s also this interview with Dan Lopatin about how he used the SP555 when creating Replica. It’s mentioned a fair bit in the breakdown of the album - https://www.dummymag.com/features/technique-oneohtrix-point-never-replica/

Pretty sure that machine is all over his previous releases too, especially with the live looping feature on the 555.

And then there’s the classic Animal Collective Article from SoS as well (don’t know if someone posted this already) - https://www.soundonsound.com/people/animal-collective-recording-merriweather-post-pavilion

I think as a simple device for jamming with loops they’re great machines, no menu diving apart from a few shift functions that are clearly labelled so it allows you to work fast.

2 Likes
#151

Thanks - I missed this but the YouTube screen capture is still up and available.

#152

I know it’s been mentioned here before, but last time I looked at it I was pretty sure koala was only for iOS. There’s now a free mac desktop version which I’ve been having loads of fun playing with. For those SP-less among us :stuck_out_tongue: More playable with keyboard and mouse than I was expecting tbh (also you can load samples now, not just mic in, not sure if this is desktop only but thats a big plus in my book :slight_smile: )

1 Like
#153

It’s on Android too. Michael has been posting a series of Koala Vs 404 videos on his YouTube channel that are really excellent:

5 Likes
#154

Can you point to the time in the vid where he’s demonstrating this? (I’d like to watch the whole 2hrs, but don’t have the attention span for it right now).

#155

Well, I don’t really have timestamps for it. But the masterclass is very much looking over Dibiase’s shoulder as he makes three beats. The same techniques are featured over and over. If you watch the first 40 minutes you will see the full first beat.

Combining resample with pattern seq isn’t rocket science though. For example he resamples hihats / snares - as “rolls” (multiple hits). Then the pad with the rolls get sequenced with the other drum sounds.

It’s not a very good tutorial for a beginner, but it’s a great opportunity to look at a pro at work and the workarounds he’s found to overcome the SP’s limitations.

2 Likes
#156

I’m not able to view this video in place anymore. Was this hosted on Twitch?

#157

On Facebook I believe. It was also uploaded on Youtube by a viewer so they might have missed a few minutes?

#158

Right on. Thanks. (20 characters)

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#159

Thanks appreciate the new link. The shade he throws at the start when getting the camera set-up makes it all the better.

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#160

After 7 years of SP-404lessness I’ve began to use one for noise textures and trigger additional synth parts in my noise-rock band… it feels like the best possible sampler for hectic live show environments. I’ll be running it to Echo Dream 2 and AC Noises Ama pedals for additional processing, we’ll see how this combo works out.

1 Like
#161

I love the finding bizarre sounds in my 404sx’s pitch changing effects. They are all so wonderfully broken when it comes to sounding natural, but the Voice transform in particular can just create the most wack gargle sounds when you put drums or instruments through it.

6 Likes
#162

Just joined the club after reading this very inspiring thread and the links within. I love the sp sound, particularly the lofi stuff but was never taken with the format but after reading how passionate users are about it I decided to try and find one. After waiting a few weeks none became available which reinforced my impression that users just love them… anyway, I had to buy a 404A but so far I’m really happy.
Looking forward to being more creative with my sampling workflow and taking my modular work in new directions - particularly for live sets. Thank you all for the info above

4 Likes
#163

has this been shared?

linatandem_404-555
linatandem_404-555718×1024 144 KB

10 Likes
#164

I’ve been really enjoying the reverb on my sp404sx recently because it seems to give droney source material a lush sheen without sounding too muddy. Does anyone know of any reverb pedals that have a similar character? I imagine maybe the Boss RV-3 might be since they were manufactured around the same time as the 404, but would be cool to hear anyone’s first hand experience.

1 Like