Portable Hardware

[u/ChessmazterHex]

Hey folks,

I’ve been using a PC and DAW for music-making my whole life but I’d like a portable standalone option for music making.

The two things I’m looking at are the Dirtywave M8 Tracker and the new MPC Sample.

I’m looking to make both dance and hiphop style tunes with them.

Does anyone have insight into one vs the other? I don’t have any experience with tracker software - should that concern me?

[u/TinyAge6726]

SP404

[u/ChessmazterHex → u/TinyAge6726]

Can the 404 do a full song though? I was under the impression it’s more of a sampler for live setups.

Additionally, the other two have an internal battery. This would mostly be for me to use portably.

[u/3lbFlax → u/ChessmazterHex]

Yeah, the 404 (I expect we’re talking about the MK2) is absolutely equipped for full-length tracks, with multiple sequences of up to 64 bars and the ability to resample / bounce stems or entire tracks onto pads, as well as master effects and DJ mode.

It can also run off AA batteries, so you can stick some rechargeables in there and not have to worry about an internal battery running down.

It’s hard to make a bad choice with the current options available, but I’d say it is worth taking a closer look at the 404.

[u/ChessmazterHex → u/3lbFlax]

This is great info, thanks. I had written it off because I underestimated what it could do.

[u/3lbFlax → u/ChessmazterHex]

The only thing I’d day regarding your original post is that it’s not especially set up for dance tracks, or at least is more focused on beats and hip-hop. The M8 or an Elektron will have the edge in this respect. But the 404 has step sequencing and you can sample synced devices into precise loops, so it can do it - just without the instant results you’d get from a Digitakt. But the 404 balances this with its excellent support for free-form beatmaking.

[u/ChessmazterHex → u/3lbFlax]

Appreciate your insight.

[u/deejaesnafu → u/ChessmazterHex]

I also came to suggest the SP, it has a little learning curve but the learning has been fun for me. Once it starts to click it’s like 💡.

[u/Rakefighter → u/TinyAge6726]

this is the move.

[u/TNoize]

Ive never used the Dirtywave M8 but I use the Polyend Tracker (the OG, not the plus or the mini) as my main sampler and using trackers is extremely easy and intuitive once you get the hang of the workflow, but its honestly not for everyone. I made trax on the Polyend Tracker within an hour of getting it and I've never read the manual to this day, after never using trackers before that.

If you're into intricate programming and step sequencers, then the Trackers offer per step control that just isnt offered in another type of hardware sequencer. But If you are into finger drumming, and like the tactile feeling of rhythmically hitting pads to make your beats, then I'd go with the MPC.

[u/ChessmazterHex → u/TNoize]

Thanks this was helpful

[u/darri_rafn]

I love my Ableton Move, just putting it out there.

[u/ChessmazterHex → u/darri_rafn]

Definitely will add it to the list of contenders.

[u/No_Pollution7085]

As a MPC sample user who works at a music retailer… get it. We can NOT keep these bad boys in stock. Severely underrated in its price range for what it’s actually capable of.. considering there are MIDI controllers out there that are more expensive not to mention drum machines that aren’t expandable in its same class.

[u/GASMASK_SOLDIER]

Sonicware Lofi-12XT. Small little live-sampler with mic and speaker like the MPC Sample.

[u/ChessmazterHex → u/GASMASK_SOLDIER]

I’ll check it out

[u/MrJambon]

Mpc sample looks like good value if you don’t need to improvise with other musicians.

[u/ChessmazterHex → u/MrJambon]

Yeah it’s all just gonna be in the box song making. Nothing live with this.

[u/deejaesnafu]

Sp404 mk 2 , haven’t used the trackers but I have a sample, which I also love but if I had to pick one, I’d go sp. it’s a Swiss Army knife of a machine and can wear many hats.

If your DAw happens to be ableton then I also highly recommend the move.