If you have ever watched music producers on YouTube, you have probably seen them banging out lo-fi beats on a unit with pads; it’s mostly an SP sampler.
If you have ever thought, “I want to make my own beats,” you have probably seen everyone say to start with a DAW. Then you hear all these dope tracks made on the SP 404 MK2 and get confused. Which one is better?
Why Use The SP-404MK2
The SP-404MK2 is a hands on, tactile groove box or sampling drum machine, and it’s fun.
Tap a pad, twist some knobs, do a little resampling, and you are enjoying sound and building beats by feel, not by sight.
It’s the kind of control that makes you connected to the creation, which is a big reason why so many artists say the SP-404MK2 feels like an instrument.
But it has limits. Visuals and editing are minimal, and once you have built your loops/sequences, the mixing can be tricky.
If you are leaning toward the SP, grab some sample packs from Audio Plugin Deals. Field recordings, Drums, Melodies and run them through the SP’s fx.
Download The Sample Pack Here
Why Use a DAW
They’re easy for people to use. Especially DAWs FL Studio, Reason, Reaper and Ableton Live. A DAW gives you complete control over arrangement, mixing, as well as editing. This allows you to easily move from loops and ideas to full songs.
The learning curve can be steeper, depending on the DAW, but once you clicks many have never looked back.
Why Not Use a DAW and The SP-404MK2 Together?
This would be the ideal way. Have the best of both worlds. Think of the SP Sampler, doesn’t matter which one you grab
- SP-303
- SP-202
- SP-404
Or any of the newer models. Think of these samplers as sketch pads. Then, think of the DAW as an extension, as a way to finish.
You can even use the DAW to prep samples before putting them into the SP. This would be beneficial for those who enjoy using the SP units for their fx, but not their sample chopping, or sequencing workflow.
This would be a workflow that can keep your creativity spontaneous while still giving you professional control at the end.
Another thing you can do is use your DAW to compose your own samples to re-sample into the SP-404MK2. Or simply take some of beats and compositions you’ve made over the years and sample them, repurpose them.
A lot of MPC users do this, and it works well. Especially if you’re trying to get a hold of samples that aren’t over used or you’re tied of looking for open 1 shots on records.
Conclusion SP-404MK2/DAW
If you crave simplicity and tactile fun, go ahead and grab the SP-404MK2. If you want depth, and precision, start with a DAW.
And if you work with both, that is the sweet spot. These are tools at the end of the day. And if you need more sounds, check out the latest sample packs and plugin deals at AudioPlugin.Deals
