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Writer's pictureSunwarper

SP404 MKII Sampling & Live Instrument Workflow

Updated: Jun 26, 2023

This week, my Youtube subscribers voted for me to use some warped samples of the Roland Juno-60, TR505 and more given to me by my friends Stilhed and ​⁠@Kh3rtis. With this awesome collection of one shots, I figured it would be perfect to go over my SP404 MKII sampling and live instrument workflow, testing out how far we can go using just chromatic mode, some samples and a synth (Behringer MS-1) to make some chill lofi house.


Watch along as I make a full track (sampling, pattern sequencing, mixing/master and jam) live:

My main workflow consists of using the pattern sequencer to make a collection of loops within a single pattern. Once I've got pretty much everything I can imagine needing, I begin copying the pattern and using a new 3.0 update feature (selective copying) to make different variations of the pattern with different loops. This creates a series of patterns that slowly expand and consistently introduce new melodies and sounds to keep the track fresh. From there, I figure out the most natural flow of the patterns and use fx like djfx, stopper, filter and reverb to assist in transitioning between the patterns.


Below I've also listed a few of my favorite workflow tips for the SP404 but this applies to samplers in general:

Samples as Puzzle Pieces

Using Patterns for Live Performance on SP404 MK2

I'm often asked what my #1 tip for beatmaking on the SP404 is and I always say: Consider each sample (drums, melody, rhythm) as a part of a whole. With the whole being the mix/track. What this means is each sample must fit together and have its own place among the rest. Largely, this is done with mixing, volume and eq; however, another fundamental piece is pitch (especially when working in a sampler). Repitching drums to fit around each other and the samples can drastically alter how the track sounds.


Using a Single Sample to Make Chord Progressions

Using Chromatic Mode on SP404 MKII
Make Your Own Synths On SP With Chromatic Mode

A powerful tool in the sampler arsenal is chromatic mode, or the ability to play a sample across a range of notes. Most samplers also have scale modes to play the sample in a specific scale. With chromatic mode, you can turn a single guitar note into a chord, and a single chord into a chord progression. This is the sampler equivalent to a synth VST in a DAW. Another fun experiment is taking a one shot of a chord, and playing that on chromatic mode. You can get some incredible vibes using just a single chord and experimenting with chromatic mode.


Don't Be Afraid of Mistakes

Sampling on SP404MKII

Mistakes can often lead to some of the best discoveries. In the video above, I kept on effects I intended to bypass when making a pad and the end result was FAR better than the original sound I was aiming for.

Sometimes these happy accidents may become your favorite part of the track!

 

Links to the gear I use:

Novation Circuit Tracks: https://amzn.to/41kgtmD

Roland SP404 MKII: https://amzn.to/3SrqlqC

Behringer MS-1: https://amzn.to/3KsYjsS

Korg Minilogue: https://amzn.to/3Zf9adV

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