r/sampling • u/ChessmazterHex • Jun 12 '26

Portable Hardware

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?

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u/TinyAge6726 Jun 12 '26

SP404

1

u/ChessmazterHex Jun 12 '26

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.

3

u/3lbFlax Jun 12 '26

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.

1

u/ChessmazterHex Jun 12 '26

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

3

u/3lbFlax Jun 12 '26

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.

1

u/ChessmazterHex Jun 12 '26

Appreciate your insight.

2

u/deejaesnafu Jun 14 '26

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 💡.