CHECK OUT THESE SAMPLERS HERE: Sp-404 mkII US: bit.ly/PCrolandSP EU: www.thomann.de/se/roland_sp_404mkii.htm?offid=1&affid=623 Digitakt US bit.ly/DigitaktPC EU thmn.to/thoprod/409950?offid=1&affid=623 Circuit Rhythm US: bit.ly/circuitRhythmPC EU: thmn.to/thoprod/521290?offid=1&affid=623 affiliate links support the channel regardless of what you buy

@goodnota

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the great comparison, I think it's especially gold for the workflow comparison, guess many would base their choice decision from that (some are not up to watching 100 YT clips to find out what's up to their brainwiring). Could you please explain just in a few words what's the difference between Circuits appeared recently vs the Original one ? Thanks again for your work! Cheers

@ronaldeatman6603

2 жыл бұрын

Would you be able to compare sound shaping possibilities between the *Digitakt to the MPC Live or MPC One* by any chance?

@TheQrstOne

2 жыл бұрын

@@ronaldeatman6603, same thought here, as the Digitakt and the MPC One cost about the same. It's price honestly caught me by surprise compared to the other two.

@1dkappe

2 жыл бұрын

These devices are very different when compared by genre. If I’m putting together a set of blues/funk with many chord and key changes, the circuit rhythm is the clear winner. One chord EDM vamps are more in line with your review.

EXTREMELY well put together video. Loved to hear the difference in fidelity between each sampler. It must have taken quite some time to put this all together. I really hope people understand how useful this is to a person interested in buying one. This is very helpful!

@BoBeats

2 жыл бұрын

thanks buddy!! pushing myself to make even better content!! glad it shows

@cresshead

2 жыл бұрын

@@BoBeats quality work there Bo, apprerciated.

@kipblake1619

2 жыл бұрын

💯

@seancraig5373

2 жыл бұрын

could not agree more-exceptionally helpful video Bo! Way to go Bo!

@grandrapidsvoiceover1040

2 жыл бұрын

Lol all these samplers are at least 16 but 44.1, they all sound the same . It’s what you sample into them.

SP is by far the most fun, most unique workflow, and best overall sound. Once you grasp the workflow of "sample, resample, rinse, and repeat" it opens up your creativity immensely.

This is fantastic and super in depth. After using both, I tend to view the Digitakt as a grown up version of the Circuit Rhythm, although I still very much prefer the Rhythm's faster, more immediate workflow. Looking forward to trying the SP, it seems like a super interesting change of pace.

@SonicVibe

2 жыл бұрын

want to hear your thoughts on the sp

@h2o1969

2 жыл бұрын

Honestly I did not think much of the rhythm for some reason, but this video really changed my thoughts 180. I will be stopping by your channel with a new mind set to check out your videos on the rhythm.

@vincentdelmas2792

Жыл бұрын

you're everywhere !

i was wrong about ya Bo. This is a unique yet useful idea for a video I’m sure many many people will not only find entertaining but also very damn helpful. Thank you for all your time as I’m sure you took far more than just 42 minutes to make this video. We appreciate you. :)

@BoBeats

2 жыл бұрын

thank you! Means alot

This is one of the absolute best comparison videos I’ve seen. Thank you for putting in the time to create this. 🎆

Another wonderfully informative and exceptionally produced video. For a novice such as myself, its always good to view your channel as you put everything across in ways I can understand. Thanks for uploading

This was a beast of a video! I can’t imagine the amount of time and effort behind this one💪🏼 this a great resource for anyone looking at these machines, bravo!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Already got the Circuit Tracks, the first "synth" that I've almost mastered, aside from my OP-1. Just purchased a mini Launchkey from Novations because of their commitment to giving more for less. They to their credit also kept pricing down even with the price increases across the board. Mainly though I'm here because after a particurly bad week, listening to Bo is therapeutic. Like hanging out with your buddies at a local eatery.

Thanks for this, Bo! This is a really deep and informative comparison of those trio!

Seriously excellent comparison.. Super balanced and informative.. Wish more KZread videos were like this.. Actually helpful..Thank you..

Very helpful video Bo! Thank you for taking the time to make this!

Thanks Bo. Hope you and the family are happy and healthy. Much love from this one.

@BoBeats

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! All good on my end ♥️

I find how you remember the buttons and workflow of each device just amazing. There’s a lot going on in these sampling tools and you rock it.

Hi BoBeats, thanks for doing all these amazing videos I really appreciate your hard work. Cheers buddy.

@BoBeats

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks John!!

Awesome looking hoodie! And good content as always. Or even better with all the new titles and colorful comparison of specs and so on. Very well done.

I use both the Digitakt and the SP404SX regularly and love both. I actually use the parameter-lock chopping workflow all the time on the Digitakt and I find it really inspiring. However, while the Digitakt plays well with midi gear, I find it tedious when working with cassette loops or other non-quantized accompaniments. The SP with its audio-centric resampling workflow works perfectly in that environment because you can just fingerdrum a beat by ear and you dont need to fiddle for ages trying to get the tempo settings right.

I often find myself in a situation where I just want to multi-track separate parts created on other devices. Got the feeling that the SP might be a good buddy for those things, given the FX, time stretch, sample memory... Super clever btw to recreate the same beat on each device. Soo helpful to pinpoint audible differences instead of judging a device by its workflow alone 💚

Appreciate the work gone into making this video!

Damn! Bo put in work for this video. Great job 👏

Super useful Video, well done! Surprisingly, for me the Rhythm seems the right one. I just love its immediacy and clean workflow.

OMG BO! Thats the clash of epic devices I was waiting for!!

While I really appreciate these kinds of comparison videos, the things I feel almost every KZreadr fails to include are the emotional aspects that go beyond the facts and spec sheets. How fun are the devices to use? Which one of them inspire you to make music that you wouldn't otherwise have made? Which one of them would you grab if you were going over to a friend for a jam? How many songs did you create when evaluating it? The videos are always about how the sequencer works, whether they sample in mono or stereo, or which one has the best portability or build quality. But in the end, we're here to make music. So, which one makes you smile?

@BoBeats

2 жыл бұрын

thats a good point David. And honestly looking back at the video adding such a part would have been great. So thank you for reminding me. I did want to keep it fairly ’objective’ as its pretty obvious to most of my viewers which one makes me most happy and creative (the digitakt) but the video could have included such a segment for sure.

@DopamineOverload

2 жыл бұрын

Excellent point. The answer being... all of them? haha.

@sinewaymusic

2 жыл бұрын

@@BoBeats I can definitely see why keeping things neutral makes it easier. How about making another video that goes into detail about how you're using portable samplers/grooveboxes to enhance your music? It's not even about which one you like the most, it's more about how they become a part of your production workflow, what you enjoy about them, and examples of songs/ideas that came out as a result of playing around with them. Meaning, it's less about which machine "wins" in your opinion, and more about showcasing the unique creativity that each of them inspired. That would be an enjoyable video to watch!

@danpreston564

2 жыл бұрын

Specs are objectively true. How it makes you feel is not. I don’t care if Bo tells me something makes him feel good any more than I would eat something because he told me it tastes good. To understand the emotional feeling a synth gives you, you have to play it yourself.

@heatherperkins9737

2 жыл бұрын

Yeah, I’m mixed. I do love hearing reviewers let us know how it felt to play, how fun it is, etc., but those things are also so personal and subjective.

Big thumbs up man, new to the channel but this is high quality, clear, detailed, not biased. Interesting throughout the video, thanks for the effort!

Thanks for putting together such a comprehensive comparison with so much direct sound-to-sound comparison. FWIW, I watched the whole thing and it re-confirmed my sense that the Digitakt is the right choice *for me*, even though it came in third in a lot of your areas of comparison. I already know that the Elektron sequencer and I get along (this machine will sit next to a Digitone), and sound-design-ish re-rinsing of samples into weird stuff is way more of what I like to do than chopping up a drum fill, for example. Now I will not lose sleep wondering if I shouldn’t have gone for a 404 mk2 though, which is great!

what a great video bo. I now know what's best for me. thanks again.

This is exactly what I was looking for actually! A comparison of the SP vs Digitakt. What an impressive production. That was a lot of time, work and love put into that video. I commend you. Najs att även få dessa positionerade gentemot Deluge och övriga.

@magnuseriksson8081

2 жыл бұрын

Vissa jämför dessa med Koala sampler. Är Koala så bra? Jag måste nog testa lite mer för jag var inte så imponerad

I'm going to add here that this video is so extraordinarily useful--as it points out different strengths and weaknesses--that It leaves me thinking (HOPING!) that Bo has more of this sort of thing in store!! SUPER SUPER. helpful comparison! Would be dynamite to compare synths at similar price points this way as well--from the stand point of MAKING music, and the pros and cons of the "workflow" as well as strengths of the sequencer, effects, etc.

@BoBeats

2 жыл бұрын

thanks Sean! I will make more versus videos. They just take so much time =)

@seancraig5373

2 жыл бұрын

@@BoBeats Understood-- Always enjoy your posts, so no worries. I can only imagine how long these videos take, but I'd say they are the MOST helpful (as so few people actually give BAD reviews for products we consumers are always left guessing which "would be better")!

You probably have the best gear to sell that I’ve seen on KZread anywhere for that matter! The sweaters hoodies/ coffee cups

Brilliant video as always Bo!

Having both a Digitakt and a 404sp in my set up, they perform totally different roles in the work. The 404 is a sample player. Great for long textures. For effecting other stuff. The Digitakt is, for me at least, a drum machine. I know, in Hip Hop at least, that beat making with the 404 is a huge thing, but I always hated using it like that. The MK2 certainly seems more versatile, but for me they were never in competition with each other. I think the versatility of the 404 is shown in gigs that I used to go to back in the days PC. I remember being at a gig where there were 3 acts playing, all very different styles, but there were a total of 6 404s on the stage between the 3 acts. It can fill in so many roles in live music.

I'm a 'takt dude but I must say these 404 updates have me GASsing - fun workflow and some powerful effects and sampling capability!

Very good job Bo!!!

Thanks for this. I just picked up a Rhythm and had an SP404 on Pre-Order...which I will now Cancel. Going to stick with Circuit since I prefer a Step Sequencer workflow. Great Video!!!

Thank you a was looking forward to this video as I am about to buy one on them but couldn't decide...

Fabulous comparison video, I've been thinking of adding a sampler/sample player to my set up. I know the Circuit well so learning it would be a shallow learning curve, but, having heard how good the Digitakt sounds compared to the others- despite the learning curve it wins hands down!

This makes me feel happy that I have a Digitakt and don’t need to buy the other two hahaha thanks ☺️🙏🙌

Oh man, I want them all! Thx 4 the great Video! 🤖🎧

Great video Bo 😃 I am going to have to start saving for a 404 microfreak hoodie first lol

awesome informative comparing! would love to see an sp/digi jam :)

Hi, This is one of your better videos. Valuable insight in here! In a perfect world, the Polyend Tracker would be in the mix :)

One year on, and I just had the Circuit Rhyth delivered. So now I have all three of these. And here's how I'm planning to use them together: SP-404 for longer stems, Digitakt for drums, Circuit for melodies. I agree with most of the criticisms here. Even after all three had serious updates, they're workhorses for different parts of the process really. I love each one. The Digitakt really opened my eyes though. The 8 sequencer channels really open it up for use alongside synths and other grooveboxes.

@excitationofstereocilia2103

9 ай бұрын

Thanks for this comment man I just got the tracks and ordered mini so stoked never played anything but vinyl

Great vid Bo! Can’t wait to see your thoughts after the latest huge update to SP-404 and DT.

@Hakucho64

2 ай бұрын

Yep, a lot has changed on both the Digitakt (song mode, auto-slicing, timeshifting) and the SP404 (better sequencer, looper, etc)

Digitakt is right for me because... I already own it! Thanks for the thorough comparison. Good for me to catch-up on what has come out in the last year or two

Really great video Bo! Really enjoyed it as I do all your vids…I was contemplating buying the Digitakt for my setup and flow but after watching that the SP404 is definitely on my list.

Digitakt is one of the most incredible pieces of hardware I have ever laid my hands on. While it’s a bit lacking in traditional “FX”, it makes up for that with its vast sound shaping capabilities. It is truly an incredible sound design tool, drum machine and so much more. Also, parameter locking truly changed the game for my workflow. I would buy is 100 times over.

Hey Bo, this is one of your best gear videos. Really comprehensive stuff.

Awesome! My late drops into large close outs at Jordan R, were worth it lol

Glad this video didn't make me want to sell my digitakt. SP mkII is a pretty fantastic upgrade though and those effects are something special. Great video

Such a helpful video!

Wow outstanding education. Thank you. I bought out of this clarification the Sp404 due to its portability and mic jack to record on the fly.

@BoBeats

Жыл бұрын

Also check the new 2.0 update! I have a vid on it. Makes it even better!!

Fantastic video. I think all these devices are great in their way. Personally for me , the Circuit wins out - it’s the weakest device of the 3 in some ways , but has the quickest easiest workflow .

been waiting for this vid

@SonicVibe

2 жыл бұрын

even though model samples does not sample directly i still think it beats the rhythm and sp with its sequencer

This time Roland did an Amazing job

Digitakt being the oldest of the three seems to hold up well. Love the yellow top!

Casio SK-1 (1985) had 8-bit sampling for 1.4 second lenght. Gravis Ultrasound (1992) had 16-bit 256 (upgradable to 1024) kB RAM sampling. The progress since this era has been amazing!

Lots of love for the SP404 in the comments (unsurprisingly)! I tried to get on with the 404SX, I really did, but I just couldn't work with the workflow. It made me want to NOT make music rather than inspiring me. Then I tried the Digitakt and OH BOY! There's no going back. The power in the sound designing capabilities, the sequencer with all its trigger options, the vast MIDI options and of course... the clicky clacky buttons! It's a beauty.

Great video, with Overbridge and the Midi/Sequencing capabilities, this video shows how unique the Digitakt is,

Very interesting. Each of these devices is a complete sequencing sample player. So much more than just a sample.

There is a reason I own all (or will shortly) all three. I have the SP404sx, but ordered the MkII.

Eggcelent Video Smithers ! 😀

Oh! I'd love to see you combine the SP404 and Digitakt. Asking for a friend.

27:05 vs 29:08 - this is where stereo sampling really is an advantage. The chorus on the synth chords sounds dramatically different on the SP-404 (stereo) vs the Digitakt (mono).

excellent comparison an review!

Bravo ! A beautiful comparison of three devices. You have convinced me to buy,... Another Electron device ! :-)

Great friggin video bo! Just pre ordered the sp a couple days ago! Only downside is musicians friend said it may not ship til January 😣 can’t wait to watch this video again once I get it!

@BoBeats

2 жыл бұрын

Dont miss the review i did also of the SP. It also works well as a tutorial

Very well put together and very in depth video. I found you looking up reviews of the Novation Circuit Rhythm and I am very impressed with your dedication.

@BoBeats

2 жыл бұрын

thank you

I've got the Rhythm and the SP404 mk2. I use the Rhythm for sequences and the SP for triggering single sounds and samples. Now I want a Digitakt for its sounds generating abilities!

Thanks Bo, very helpful

My favorite is the Digitakt. Already have one and it’s really have a ton of possibility. But the effects on the 404 are amazing 😬. Clear and pedagogic video, thanks Bo.

Great video, Bo. I think the novation is the machine for me. As my next step up from the volca sample I think it makes sense to go for this. plus I like a fast work flow. Thanks again!

@BoBeats

2 жыл бұрын

Definitely a big step up from the Volca!

I have an RC-505 Looper, and the SP-404 mk2 is very very tempting. Roland unleashed both the RC-505 mk2 Loopstation and the SP404 mk2 to makers months ago, with the plan to create expectations, and build a Christmas market. Well, we were excited, until the supply fiasco of chips and the huge backup at the US ports happened. So now, both are not gonna be in the US until no sooner than Feb 2022. Waaaah! No Christmas for me this year.

I wouldn't be surprised if Roland enacts some of your suggestions (ie, adjustable send levels to bus fx) in future firmware updates.

Very helpful. I currently have a Digitakt and have been considering a second sampler. I think the video shows that the Digitakt + SP404 would make a great combination. I was also considering an Akai MPC One before the new Roland appeared. The Akai feels more like a dedicated PC and I'm not sure how much extra it brings if you already have the MPC Software other than a degree of conveniaence, obviously it has it's own ADC, interpolation and DAC but I'm not sure what else.

Is there a shift function or something that would allow me to raise and lower volumes of a pad in a live setting on the SP404 MKII, without having to choose the pad and causing it to retrigger? I was also thinking about incorporating a midi controller with an encoder, assigned to a designated pad to bring in melodies. Raising and lowering the volume on the fly. I haven't found anything on that. Any info in that would be awesome.

Thanks for this and please consider doing a review on the Polyend Tracker.

Your videos are mesmerizing

What would you suggest for vocal samples? I want to throw in movie samples into my live performances but can’t find anything that talks specifically about using longer quotes

good comparison thanks

I have digitakt and an old Roland sp 404. I used the digitakt to trigger loops on the sp 404 via midi and it worked extreemly well. I was surprized at your comments about the sp 404 mk2's midi prowess. I would think if it worked well on a twenty year old machine it should be much improved on the mk2.

The Digitakt is best for me because of the style of music I like to make with it. Short samples, 2 LFOs, and the trig options are just my main love of the unit. The sequencer feels and sounds great to me too. With that said I did however preorder the Sp 404 MK2. I have a feeling it’s gonna get me back into down tempo trip hop style music again. I miss chopping beats. Plus It just looks more fun to preform and sample on the fly. I can’t wait to get it. I can see my self using both for a lot of different reasons.

my next invest for my studio is the Sp 404 MKII...I think that Roland have done an currently good job and maybe there is space for future updates on base of that hardware..

Very interesting how you cover their strengths/weaknesses, and not being biased to one brand/device.

@BoBeats

2 жыл бұрын

thanks! Trying my best. Its no secret that I love Digitakt the most. But SP is actually a close second personal favorite

@sawtooth808

2 жыл бұрын

@@BoBeats The SP is also worth a very good look, due to the feature of it can be used as a sub mixer/sound card (I still want to get a Circuit Rhythm though {my OG Retro Circuit needs a buddy}).

This must have taken quite a bit to set up and sort out for filming and editing..well done, excellent video!

@BoBeats

2 жыл бұрын

thanks! yes it was a bit of work :)

hands down on the SP! As a effects tool for vocals, looping, one shots and just all the live performance goodness!

@JJ-vp3bd

2 жыл бұрын

vs the Digitakt???

@floydartx

2 жыл бұрын

@@JJ-vp3bd I'd be very curious to see the digitakt as a live looping and fx tool for vocals, if even possible. Hmmm.

@dancingclair

Жыл бұрын

@@floydartx I mean the compressor is nice on live vocals…..

@floydartx

Жыл бұрын

@@dancingclair Somehow I just ended up with a Voicelive, which is super for vocals and live performances. Effects are decent tho. I'd still be really interested in exploring vocal performances on this. I do punk/deathrock, so clean high end effects are not always desired on that front :)

@dancingclair

Жыл бұрын

@@floydartx that sounds interesting! I have not heard any punk bands use vocal effects live.

Thanks for making this video. I use a PolyEnd Tracker, Nord Lead module, and a Hydrasynth Explorer. I’m looking for that last device that can do sequencing/sampling/live fx manipulation. Tough choices, but better than no choice!!

Well I’m settled in on the Octatrack but seeing what Roland did with the new 404, is something that really makes me curious to use it one day just to say I did.

I'll say it before and I'll say it again, the Polyend Tracker should be involved in these comparisons, it's amazingly powerful!

@PB-vi1oj

2 жыл бұрын

It’s so looked over it’s crazy. I think the workflow once mastered gives you an advantage from an arrangement perspective

@JamesRamboPearce

2 жыл бұрын

@@PB-vi1oj honestly it's so fast and fun, I really found it instant to use and great to use with other external synths

@BoBeats

2 жыл бұрын

I really need to check it out

@albedo0point39

2 жыл бұрын

You could add the 1010 BlackBox too, if you’re considering that!

@JamesRamboPearce

2 жыл бұрын

@@BoBeats I think you'll love it, the tracker layout really doesn't take long and having a per-step sample slot makes each track a lot bigger than just a single instrument!

Great Video and finaly the SP404MK2 is on the Table, i would definitly Rank the SP404 Nr.1 in portability - i love that Roland did not put a fixed battery in it, these things wear out and u carry it arround for nothing - what i would love more than AA-Batterys would be 18650, but hey u cant have everything. So just put in your SP404 6x AA Batterys and for Emergency a Powerbank - love it ! And for me personaly there is no way i would encourage a Beginner to buy a Circuit Rythm instead of a SP404 - learn the Workflow its just 100bucks more and you get a serious sampler, put some time in it u wont regret it, otherwise the digitakt is another animal and depending on your needs it could be the nr.1 pick.

I’m wondering that for live performance / jamming (not just FX) how do they rank? i.e. pad playing / sequencer trigs/ loading songs etc? p.s. tight, coherent vid ta++

Hi, I need help I’m searching a way to sync two samples together on the sp 404 mkii from weeks and I don’t have it. Do you know how to quantize perfectly to play some samples at the same time ? The only quantization I found is in the resample rec mode but no way to have perfect loops. Best regards, Eliott

What a great video - this is going to get so many views. I don't think anyone else has done a comparison like this. I already have the Circuit Rhythm, my first dedicated sampler, and absolutely love it. I also have a Deluge and a Roland Verselab MV-1 but sampling on the Deluge is not very intuitive and it is quite limited on the MV-1. Because I'm enjoying the Circuit Rhythm so much, I have ordered an SP-404MKII and think it probably has fewer limitations than the Circuit Rhythm although I'd be surprised if the workflow is as intuitive. As you said in your previous SP-404MKII video, they are their own devices and I don't think having both is necessarily a bad case of GAS 😜.

I own a Digitakt and a Polyend Tracker. Still probably going to get the SP too when it becomes available here. All of them have different advantages and different limitations and I really like how each pushes me to different directions. I want the SP mainly for Boom Bap style sample chopping which while can be done on either of my existing devices isn't really best on them. I got Digitakt originally for sampling, but ended up using it more as a drum machine where it is an absolute killer. Tracker shines as chopping and rearanging samples, especially breakbeats and such.

@naomisalama430

2 жыл бұрын

Oh also important note: I use my gear together with a computer, not as much stand-alone song making. Digitakt (and I suspect SP) is super easy for that as it streams tracks directly to the computer. Tracker is a bit harder: I'll either record audio output directly to the computer or bounce tracks to SD card and use that to transfer stems. Also goddamn how much do I wish Digitakt supported SD card! :D

Thanks for this comprehensive overview! One minor editing note... from 37:30 to 37:35, the instruments change positions but the rankings don't. The meaning is still clear though.

@BoBeats

2 жыл бұрын

thanks! always difficult keeping everything tidy over a 40+ min video

What sort of control does the SP-404 have via MIDI? I assume you can use CCs to control parameters, notes to trigger samples, PCs to load banks etc, as is standard on Roland products. I can’t seem to find a PDF of the manual though with a MIDI CC chart…

Great video, Bo! I think the elephant/s in the room might be laughing though?

Well…. That was a fantastic breakdown. It seems that if Elektron added sdcard streaming and stereo sampling it would run away with the prize. I went with the black box for my sampler BUT I use a kurzweil k2661 as my initial staging ground. There just isn’t much available that offers as much processing ability especially as you say for “sample as oscillator.” That all said a huge reason I quit music for nearly 2 decades was because I’d get lost in sample editing and lose the inspiration for the song. These newer devices are fantastic. Now I can get something I mostly like and then finish sound design on the kurz. I think of these I’d be most likely to get the electron as the black box has so much covered and I have plentiful options for effect processing. (If I need Roland effects I have a VF-1).

Really excellent

Looking at the Deluge as it seems to fulfill many of these features in a comprehensive and intuitive package.

Electribe 2 sampler is 4 voice paraphonic/polyphonic per part. It has stereo sampling and sample playback. It does have total voice limitations that are easy to run into is you're just stacking sounds.