MPC 2500 + SP 404sx combo?

Hello everybody,

I already use a MPC 2500 and i am pretty happy about it but i heard lots of good stuff about the SP 404sx. Espacially the effects are interesting for me. On the other side I also heard that it isnt really possible to pitch samples on the SP and the sequencer isnt good aswell.

So my idea is to use the strength of both gears and combine them.

Is it possible to connect them in a way that i can pitch samples in the MPC, put them into the SP, use the effects of it on the samples and put them for sequencing and mixing back on the MPC? Maybe per MIDI ?

Thanks in advance!

I forget if the SP can import samples through MIDI. But transerring samples through MIDI would take a long time anyway. Your only choice is to resample from the MPC into the SP, then back to the MPC. Use the assignable outputs on your MPC going to the SP's record inputs, and connect the outputs of the SP to the MPC's inputs. Use the Input Thru function on the MPC.

Thanks for answering!
After some more research i found this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rltf-Cpm-xk
This guy explains how to setup a mpc midi prgm for a sp.

Now my idea is to connect everything like that: turntable --> dj-mixer --> mpc (record in)
mpc (stereo outs) --> amplifier
mpc (midi out) --> sp 404 (midi in)
mpc ( assignable outs) --> sp 404 (record in)

Maybe with this setup i can pitch my samples in the mpc, put and edit them in the sp and trigger them again with the mpc for sequencing and mixing.
But i fear that i will have no sound during the step pf editing on the sp...

What do you think of this now?

It seems like more work, since if you're keeping the pitched down samples on the SP, you'll have to trim them there, which can be more time consuming than resampling back the the MPC where you can trim them more quicker and more precisely. Try both suggestions for yourself and see which is more suitable for your workflow. That's really the best way to know for sure.

As far as being concerned with having no sound from the SP, run the output into the line input of your DJ mixer which is connected to your MPC's inputs and activate the Input Thru feature, which you should have if you're running the JJ OS.

I use a 1K and a 404 together often. Usually, I will sample to the MPC first. Chop and apply main filter then to the 404 for more effects & MIDI sequencing from the MPC.

If I am leaving the MPC at the studio, I will chop/pitch/filter on it then sample to the 404 & head out to the park or where ever.

An SP and an MPC are great together I feel. Compliment each other very well.

Thanks for ya help guys!
For the moment i prefer the way medearis discribed. Sounds good...

So, Medearis could you maybe portray how your setup is looking like in the same way i did in my last post (... --> ... ? Or is it almost right?

That's cool. Nothing wrong with chopping by ear on the SP. It gets the job done and it'll increase your skill. I also prefer medearis's way when I wanna take my SP-404SX somewhere with me, since my MPC2000 isn't portable.

julianchick wrote:Thanks for ya help guys!
For the moment i prefer the way medearis discribed. Sounds good...

So, Medearis could you maybe portray how your setup is looking like in the same way i did in my last post (... --> ... ? Or is it almost right?

My setup is pretty modular and changes regularly depending on the situation but, when I'm making "beatz", it generally flows like this...

AUDIO
Mixer/Turntable outputs >> MPC record inputs
[main chop/pitch/filter/edits here]
MPC stereo outputs >> SP404 line inputs
MPC assignable outputs >> Saffire 40 inputs
SP404 outputs >> Audient iD22/Saffire 40 (to DAW) or Akai CS-702DII (to tape deck)

MIDI
MPC MIDI output "A" >> SP404 MIDI input (:lol: )
(or DAW MIDI output >> MPC MIDI input "A" >> SP404 MIDI input but I have only run this for experimenting/learning DAW shizza)

Currently, I'm not sequencing much right now and my flow feels like a strange jazz quintet and that's with just me in the room...
Trying to get away from sampling records currently. Usually I find it hard to be emotive when sampling other people's stuff - but many of you seem to have zero issue with that. (ya bastards! )

EDIT: Forgot to add that most of the time I'm making beatz or what ever I stick to 2-trk. So I have my MPC main outs going into the SP404 that way I can put effects on the whole mix if desired. Keeps it clean, no bullshit, and I never have to unhook things to do other things with just the stereo outputs.