SP404 mkII: Making a Chill Lofi Beat

Creating a Chill Lo-Fi Beat on the SP 404 Mark II

In this video, the presenter outlines their objectives and strategies for creating a chill Lo-Fi beat on the SP 404 Mark II. They aim to create a song with multiple sections, structure it for live performance, and show various ways to use the SP 404 Mark II.

Objectives and Strategies

• Create a song with multiple sections like verse and chorus.

• Structure the song in a way that would allow it to be performed live.

• Use layering of looped samples over simple drum patterns.

• Come up with ideas early in the process to keep in mind while developing your song.

• Start by establishing tempo meter and rhythm using drums.

• Copy and edit patterns to create variation in energy between different sections of the song.

Creating Drum Patterns

• Set tempo at project level by pressing shift + pad 11, rotating control knob 1 to select project, then rotating value knob to set BPM at 80 before pressing exit when finished.

• Import kick and rim shot samples via SP 404 app on computer before creating pattern using step sequencer (TR Rec mode).

• Place strong kick on first beat of measure (downbeat), weak kick just before second measure starts, weak kick just before backbeat, and rim shot sample on backbeat. Repeat for next measure.

• Copy pattern created earlier and edit it to create variation in energy between different sections of the song.

Layering Samples

• Use loops instead of one shots for samples to emphasize rhythm and add melody with live performance in mind.

Setting up the SP-404 Mark II

This section covers how to set up the SP-404 Mark II for recording.

Connecting Equipment

• Connect headphones or speakers.

• Connect XLR cable to microphone and adapter.

• Insert adapter into input on front of SP.

• Flip input switch to mic.

• Press external source button.

Testing Microphone

• Tuck into mic to test it.

Adjusting Input Gain

• Increase input gain by rotating input gain knob clockwise.

• Press pattern select so it's unlit.

• Press record.

• Rotate control knob 1 so it's at 80 BPM.

• Press and hold shift then press pad 9 to turn on metronome.

• Press and hold shift then press Pad 10 to add a count in of one measure before recording starts.

Recording Shaker Sample

• Use nsnap feature when making loops using the device.

• Saves time in editing timing of samples.

• Automatically sets end point of sample to last beat recorded.

• Make sure to press record right after next measure starts.

Press start/end button to engage nsnap feature. Select a pad to save the sample, then press record to start count-in and recording. Play shaker, then press record when finished.

Recording Variation on Rhythm

With microphone still set up, record a variation on rhythm and save another sample.

Strategy Behind Using Sample Loops

This section discusses the strategy behind using sample loops with the SP-404 Mark II.

Looping Everything But Drums

The strategy is creating loops for everything but drums, allowing patterns and loops to be used together without triggering each other. Advantages include:

1. Allows performance by selecting and playing samples in real-time

2. Allows loops to have lengths independent of pattern's length

3. Allows for minor differences in timing between loops, making performance less rigid

4. Allows creation of polyrhythms by using different time signatures in each loop

Checking Loop Timing

• Play a loop against a simple 4/4 pattern to check timing.

• Let the sample play for multiple measures.

• If the loop stays in time with the pattern, move on.

• If the sample drifts away from the beat over time, its length needs to be edited.

Editing Loops

A loop has three points: start, end, and loop. As you edit loops, all three points may need to be adjusted. The sample begins at the start point and plays to the end point then it repeats at the Loop point and plays to the end point staying in this cycle most of the time.

Creating Loops and Recording Instruments

This section covers the process of creating loops and recording instruments using the SP 404 Mark II.

Creating a Loop with a Sample

• Repeat the second measure until you stop the loop.

• Select the first maker sample.

• Press the start end button.

• Rotate control knob 2 so that the loop point is the same as the start point.

• Adjust endpoint by rotating control knob3.

• Play sample on downbeat and let it play for several measures.

• Repeat this process until loop stays in time with pattern.

Recording Synth Chords

• Connect synth to line input using a two quarter inch TS to eighth inch TRS cable.

• Press external source button so it's lit.

• Play notes on synth to test signal.

• Press record, select pad to record to, and press record again to start counting and recording.

• Test sample against pattern.

Applying Effects to Synth Input

• Press and hold shift then press external source button.

• Press value knob to select input effect.

• Press value knob again to select effect type.

• Rotate value knob to select an effect.

• Adjust parameters of effect if desired.

Recording Guitar or Bass Performance

• Connect guitar or bass using a quarter inch mono instrument cable.

• Flip switch on front of SP 404 Mark II to guitar mode.

• Press external source button so it's lit.

• Play notes on guitar or bass to test signal.

• Adjust input gain with knob next to input.

• Record by pressing record, selecting pad, and pressing record again after count-in timer starts.

Resampling Techniques

This section covers resampling techniques for recording instruments while patterns play.

Resampling Guitar or Bass Performance

• Press pattern select so it's lit.

• Press resample.

• Press record setting button.

• Rotate control knob 2 to set routing to external input.

• Press start end button to engage and snap.

• Select pad to save sample to.

• Select pattern playback and recording will start immediately.

Note on Resampling

Resampling technique is difficult when recording guitar because the count-in timer isn't enabled in this mode. It would be great if the count-in feature could be an option during resampling.

Introduction

This section provides an introduction to the SP 404 Mark II and its features.

Features of SP 404 Mark II

• Portable sampler with built-in effects processor

• Can be used as a standalone instrument or integrated into a larger setup

• Comes with a variety of preloaded samples and effects

• Can import user samples via SD card

Basic Sampling Techniques

This section covers basic sampling techniques using the SP 404 Mark II.

Sampling from External Source

• Connect external source using RCA cables or quarter inch cables.

• Press external source button so it's lit.

• Adjust input gain with knob next to input.

• Record by pressing record, selecting pad, and pressing record again after count-in timer starts.

Editing Sampled Audio

• Use start end button to adjust sample length.

• Use fade in/out button for smoother transitions.

• Normalize sample volume using normalize function.

Using Effects

This section covers how to use effects on the SP 404 Mark II.

Applying Effects

• Press effect select button so it's lit.

• Use control knobs to adjust parameters of selected effect.

Creating Patterns

This section covers how to create patterns on the SP 404 Mark II.

Creating a Pattern

• Press pattern select button so it's lit.

• Use control knobs to adjust parameters of selected pattern.

Conclusion

This section provides a brief conclusion and summary of the SP 404 Mark II tutorial.

Summary

The SP 404 Mark II is a portable sampler with built-in effects processor that can be used as a standalone instrument or integrated into a larger setup. Basic sampling techniques include sampling from external sources, editing sampled audio, and normalizing sample volume. Effects can be applied using the effect select button and control knobs. Patterns can be created using the pattern select button and control knobs. Resampling techniques allow for recording instruments while patterns play.

Editing Sample Start Point

This section covers how to edit the start point of a sample before the guitar begins.

Adjusting Sample Start and Loop Points

• Press the samples pad, press gate so it's unlit, then loop so it's lit.

• Press start end and rotate control 1 knob to get the start point to the beginning of the guitar playing.

• You can zoom in and out using the value knob.

• Adjust the loop point with control knob 2 so it's the same as the start point.

Skip Back Sampling

This section covers how to use skip back sampling to capture a performance without recording.

Capturing Performance with Skip Back Sampling

• By default, the last 25 seconds of playback is stored in memory and can be turned into a sample.

• Set routing to external inputs so that only the guitar is captured and not the pattern by pressing and holding shift then pressing external source.

• Rotate control knob 2 to set routing to external input.

• Add an effect to input by pressing value knob, selecting input effect, selecting effect type, rotating value knob to select an effect, adjusting parameters as needed, then pressing exit twice.

• Play a pattern and jam over it. When something happens that you want to capture press mark button.

Recording Guitar Amp with Microphone

This section covers how to record a guitar amp using a microphone for different tone and character.

Recording Guitar Amp with Microphone

• Connect microphone using XLR cable and other end into XLR adapter. Plug adapter into front input on SP404 Mark II.

• Flip switch on mic.

• Connect guitar amp using quarter inch instrument cable.

• Adjust input gain with knob next to the input and mic placement to taste.

• Adjust settings of built-in noise gate to account for any noise captured by the mic by pressing and holding shift then pressing pad 12.

Regular Sampling Technique

This section covers how to use regular sampling technique for simplicity.

Using Regular Sampling Technique

• Press record, press start n to engage and snap, select a pad to save the sample to when ready, then press record.

• Press gate so it's unlit and press loop so it's lit as before.

• Check the sample against a pattern and adjust the start and end loop points as needed.

Creating a Song with Different Sections

In this section, the speaker explains how to create a song with different sections using the SP-404SX. They go through the recording process and explain how to use variations on each sound for each section.

Recording Process

• To create a song with different sections, it is important to have variations on each sound for each section.

• The speaker created a chart to help them keep track of sounds and how they can use them in each section of the song.

• The chart inventories sounds noting their pads in red and suggests a basic form for the arrangement.

Using Pattern Chain Feature

• The pattern chain feature connects drum patterns and serves as a basic arrangement of the song.

• Press pattern select so it's lit, press and hold the hold button, then press a pad to select a pattern chain.

• Press the pads to create a sequence. For example, if you want one pattern with rim shots that repeats eight times then another pattern without rim shots that repeats four times.

• With the pattern chain selected, press subpad to start it.

Performing the Song

• There are lots of options when performing the song. Start by playing the pattern chain then trigger samples in real-time while it plays.

• Press subpad to start the pattern chain, press pattern select to leave the screen, play loops in time.