When working with DAWless gear like the SP404 MK2, finishing tracks can pose a mixing challenge. Unlike DAWs, where you can manipulate individual stems, recording live performances on hardware results in a stereo two-track file (unless your gear has multi track audio over USB... Most don't unfortunately). This limitation makes mixing tricky since you can't isolate individual elements for detailed mixing and adjustments.
For my latest album, I've been making my tracks on the SP404 MK2, then recording the live jam as the foundation for the finished track, but I ran into the issue of having limited control over the final mix. However, through trial and error, I discovered several mixing techniques that help optimize a stereo two-track recording, some done directly on the hardware and one crucial step in the DAW to polish the final product.
Mixing Methods Within the SP404 MK2 (and other DAWless Gear
Thinking in Layers
When building a track, I consider each element as a puzzle piece. A key approach is to structure sounds based on their octave range:
Drums sit across various frequency ranges, from low kicks to mid-range snares and high hats.
Basslines occupy the low-end, while sample layers sit in the mid-range.
Leads and additional melodic elements should be an octave higher than the main sample.
By organizing sounds in this way, elements naturally fit together without relying too much on EQ or filters. This makes it easier to create a balanced mix from the start. If you still find the mix needs more work, you can turn your sample programs into loops with resampling.
Creating Stems from Patterns
One powerful trick in any sampler, like the SP404 MK2, is isolating individual elements from a pattern to create stems. Here’s how to do it on the SP:
Copy a pattern to an empty pad.
Use the Remain button to select specific elements from the pattern.
Copy and paste them into a new sample pad, isolating just that layer.
This technique allows for better control when mixing in the SP or exporting stems to a DAW.
You can also do Pattern Multi-Pad Export, but that isn't done in real time and for me slows down the creative process. If you'd like a tutorial, let me know and I'll cover it as well.
Once you've created stems, you can do more nuanced mixing of individual sounds by moving it into the DAW or using your hardware's internal effects.
Using Built-In Effects for Mixing
The SP404 MK2 has built-in effects that can shape sounds in creative ways:
Bus Routing: Assign different elements to separate FX buses to apply unique processing.
Isolator EQ: Instead of the traditional equalizer, the isolator is a great way to clean up the low end or boost high frequencies.
Vinyl Sim & Lo-Fi FX: Add subtle saturation and warmth to create a cohesive, textured mix.
For more SP404 MK2 tips and tricks, check out the Cheat Sheet & Quick Start Guide:
If you're using the SP, resample the stems with the added effects, then put the new stem into the pattern by doing a live record pattern setting, with 100% 1/4 Quantize and input the new sample at the start of the track.
While this stem process works wonders, the workflow can slow down the flow of making hardware jams. So if you prefer staying in the zone while making the main Dawless "outline" of the track, I found this next method incredibly helpful.
The Final Touch: Stem Split
While I strive to do as much as possible within hardware, one final step in the DAW has significantly improved my mixes. Instead of simply working with the hardware jam stereo two-track, I apply stem separation to open the 2 track up into 4 separate stems of: Drums, Bass, Vocals and Melodic sounds. From here you can get more detailed into the mixing and even add fx like Side Cahin Compression that you could not do in the SP404 MK2
EQ & Side Chain Compression: Helps carve out space between frequencies and balance the mix.
Stereo Widening: Creates depth and separation between elements.
Tape Saturation: Maintains the warmth of the SP404 while adding polish.
This minimal DAW intervention retains the live feel of the performance while providing just enough control to refine the final sound.
What’s your approach to finishing DAWless tracks? Let me know in the comments & check out my new album, where I used these exact techniques to shape the final mix!
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