SP404 MK2 & Koala Sampler have always been a great combo, but with the recent 4.04 update on the SP, this beatmaking duo just leveled up with official integration between the two! With this, a lot of the weaknesses of each sampler are fixed and turns it into what I think is one of… if not the best gear combos out there right now. Even better, we can now finally stem separate on the SP thanks to Koala’s integration! Today, we’re going to break down everything you need to get this to work, walkthrough the UI, and make a beat. Let’s get into it 🥁
Getting Started:
First things first, let’s talk about the accessories you’ll need. Here’s a quick rundown:
USB to Lightning Adapter (If using Lightning iPad/iPhone): A simple, inexpensive adapter works just fine. You don’t need the official one, but here are links to both:
USB to USBC Cable: This is essential for connecting your SP404 MK2 to your iPad.
To start, plug the adapter into your iPad and connect the USB to USBC cable from the adapter to the SP404 MK2 (using it's USB C port). Once connected, you’ll see the SP404 MK2 appear as connected on the screen. It’s that simple! Grab the cable here
Navigating the SP404 MK2 & Koala Sampler
Now that you’re connected, let’s check out how these two devices work together. The SP404 MK2’s banks A through D correspond to the Koala Sampler’s banks, allowing for seamless integration. You still have access to banks E through J on the SP404 MK2, which you can toggle by double-tapping the bank buttons.
One of the standout features of this integration is the ability to resample between the two devices. Here’s how you can do it
Resampling from Koala to SP404 MK2: Hit the resample button, choose a pad on the SP404 MK2, and start sampling. Hit resample again to stop.
Resampling from SP404 MK2 to Koala: Hold an empty pad on Koala and start playing your sound on the SP404 MK2.
This resampling feature is incredibly versatile, allowing you to blend sounds from both devices effortlessly.
You can also control each page of Koala (Sample, Sequence & Perform) using button combos and the knobs on the SP404.
For a detailed and easy to reference sheet with all of these combos and more, check out my SP404 and Koala Sampler Cheat Sheets
Advanced Features and Functions
Stem Separation
One of the most useful features of this integration is stem separation and the seamless audio transfer between the two devices. You can take a sample in Koala, separate its stems, and record them into the additional banks on the SP404 MK2. This opens up endless possibilities for remixing and creating unique sounds.
Looper and Skip Back
The SP404 MK2’s Looper and skip back features are fully functional within this new setup. You can use it as a live looper or for quick replay of sounds/patterns you've played, making the workflow even more efficient. Personally, I prefer using skip back in this workflow, but I’d love to hear what you think in the comments!
Sound Generator
You can still use the sound generator on the SP404 MK2 to create additional sounds. This feature works beautifully with the Koala Sampler, allowing you to add layers and textures to your beats. Check out my full sound generator video linked above to get the most out of this feature.
Additional Settings
Navigating Koala from your SP404 MK2 is straightforward. You can adjust various settings such as fixed velocity, MIDI velocity, headphone output, and more. These settings are easily accessible through the shift button on the SP404 MK2.
This new integration between the SP404 MK2 and Koala Sampler is a game-changer for music producers. The seamless connection, combined with the powerful features of both devices, makes for an incredibly versatile beatmaking setup. Have you tried this integration yet? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Sample Packs: https://soundsbysunwarper.bandcamp.com/
Donate: https://ko-fi.com/sunwarper