Sp404m2 vs TE EP133 KOII

Goodevening everyone,

I've been looking for a portable sampler as of lately. I spend alot of time commuting and having a portable sampler would be nice, also for evenings on the couch and stuff... holidays. You know. So far the most promising options are the sp404mk2 and the KO II.

I've worked exclusively on MPCs the last decade, but I did try a OG 404 before and I hated that thing with a passion. It would suit me best to have a workflow that sorta approaches the MPC workflow (I'm still on OS 2.10 on my One).

Now I've read up on both and watch some YouTube videos, but those things are kinda hard to compare to my workflow.

So what is my workflow? I make boombap. Most times I start out with a sample that I pitch and then chop. Sequence that in a 2 bar loop, add drums to it, and sometimes add a bassline (I'm a lazy bastard so a subkick or some lowpassfiltering will do alot of times). Make some variations of the mainloop and thats about it. Further work I do in Reaper when I need to send it to a rapper or something.

Now, as stated above, the original 404 didnt do it for me. The sequencer sucked. The effects were dope, but in my workflow effects mostly only come into play when mixing a beat, not during the actual beatmaking. So effects arent as big a deal to me as the sequencer is.

Any one who has both and can sum up the biggest practical differences for me? What would you guys recommend me? I'm kinda leaning towards the KO II because of its form factor (it's flatter), the look of it and the price (its a good 100 euros cheaper over here), but perhaps a 404mk2 is a better idea.

Thanx for all the input!

Tough decision. None of those are similar to each other nor to an MPC. The workflow and characteristics are completely different. The 404 is a deep machine with a lot of possibilities and features but you won't like it until it clicks with you. It took me some time to understand and get used too. A lot of key combis to access its functionality.
The KO2 is immediate, very fun from the get go, but it is a very simple machine with very limiting set of features.
If I had to choose one and FX are not a feature I'd need I'd pick the KO2, plus its cheaper. But I cannot live without any of them.
Also both are portable, but the KO2 is more portable. Duh!.
Hope it is somewhat helpful

That's actually really usefull input, thanx!

Anyone else has some input?

the combo sp404 + koala sampler is killer imho, if you have an ipad in particular. i have it also on my android phone but that's an old model and doesnt properly connect to the sp. i mainly use it for sampling stuff on the streets (birds, noises...) or for when i dont have anything else with me.

I'd say, if you can stretch the budget, go for the 404 - as it could end up being much more useful in combination with the MPC - the main big drawback with the SPs has always been the lack of a good full sequencer with song mode, but with an MPC that wouldn't be an issue as you can sequence it from there. It does appear to be a bit more durable in build quality than the TE, I remember a lot of people complaining about broken parts when the KOII came out. It does look like a fun unit to play around on though, so I see the appeal!

The P-6 could be another option also, unless you ruled that out already, cheaper & smaller than both & has some of the SPs FX + the granular engine too.

since u hated the 404 SX; some aspects of the SX workflow have been carried forward to the MK2, with the addition of some menu diving, perhaps it would be best to look at the KO2.

The KO2 is one of my fav samplers, so quick and fun to use, the interface encourages fast beat creation, and muscle memory kicks in very quickly.

also as there is not much on the screen it makes u listen more then looking at the screen

Thanx for all the input guys!

What are you going to do finally?

Not sure yet, both have their pros en cons but im kinda leaning towards a KOII.

Maybe it's also worth it to check out the Roland P6. I hate sequencing beats on the 404's, but the P6 feels a bit more MPC-like in this department while having some of the 404FX. Adjusting params for each sample on the P6 also feels similar to an MPC, with pitch and filter and envelope and even reverb and delay send FX.

Menco wrote:Maybe it's also worth it to check out the Roland P6. I hate sequencing beats on the 404's, but the P6 feels a bit more MPC-like in this department while having some of the 404FX. Adjusting params for each sample on the P6 also feels similar to an MPC, with pitch and filter and envelope and even reverb and delay send FX.

Thanx for the input. Will also look into this one.

Yes, there are some portable samplers out there that look tasty, like the P6, the LoFi12 XT, the new box from 1010 music, etc...
Better you look those others too.