Roland SP-606 / First Impressions & What Makes it Different?
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- Опубліковано 28 лип 2024
- #Roland #SP606 #Samplers
So I recently got my hands on this Roland SP-606. In this video I give you my impressions and an overview of some of the features that make it different than the SP-303 and SP-404sx that I have.
This is a longer video for me but hopefully this will give you a nice idea of what this sampler can offer and what makes it unique in the Roland / Boss SP range of devices.
Likes, comments and subscribes are appreciated. Thanks for watching.
Thanks for doing this little run through, there is surprisingly little on the 606, at least compared to what’s out there for the 404 or 555 etc. I’m new to sampling so had a bit of trouble getting my head around my606 so this really helps!
Glad to hear it.
Pretty cool! Maybe i'd get my hands on one soon🙌
You should!
The 606 was launched as a tweener unit sandwiched between the minimalist SP line and Roland's flagship MV . It was enhanced stepping up from a 303 or 404 but frustratingly short of the MV's power. It shares cosmetics from both the SP and MV too. Pads from one and buttons/dials from the other. The same for LCD. A massive upgrade from the segmented LED and previous SPs but miles short of the display options on the MV. It did however give a Digital IN. Something Roland extorted MV users for.
OTOH like previous SPs it's much better suited for live or on the fly sampling/performing. This where the MVs power and complexity just gets in the way.
*** Xlnt video my man. I'm glad you resurrected this forgotten SP.
Thank you so much for excellent and interesting comment.
The SP-606 has pretty much nothing in common with the MV series actually. It's an SP, not an MV. Even when the SP-606 has a screen and sequencer with 4 audio tracks. There's a reason why the MV-8000 and MV-8800 are no SP-8000 or SP-8800. They're not even close in terms of specs and features. The MV series is a complete DAW in a box. Better than the MPC 1000, MPC 2500 series. And in my opinion the MV-8800 is better than the MPC5000. The SP-606 also does not have phono ins, so there's a trade-off there anyway. And the MV series already has more inputs / outputs anyway. The MV also _IS NOT COMPLEX_ or complicated. People really should stop saying that. They just do not know what they are talking about. Sampling on the MV is fine as well, plenty of FX to pick from and powerful resampling capabilities. I'll admit the SP-404 is a great companion to something like an MV, however this is true for an MPC 1000 or MPC 2000 just the same. Any sampler all-in-one could use an SP-404 to quickly add some FX to audio and sample it back into the MPC or MV. It's just how music production works really. Heck, people do the same even right now with MPC One or MPC Live, despite those having a whole bunch of FX in the box....
Oh and last but not least, the SP-606 is not particularly better for live play. In the MV you can set up multiple songs / beats within a single project and have them play. You can do the whole MPC 1000 style finger drumming live combination or even combining the two. You can not do that with the SP-606 in nearly the same way. And both require you to load. The MV will load all songs within a project though. And if you make heavy use of individual patterns, you can do a live gig that way. Instantly, no loading times, endless combinations for live performances. Again... the MV series is NOT an SP. It's way more like an MPC on steroids. It's easily the most underrated all-in-one sampler out there. Even when a tad slow (at loading and saving files).
@@PHeMoX so what you're saying is i should buy an MV8800?
@@PHeMoX How does the sequencer work on the sp.606?
Great video! I got one on the way! Great tutorial man!
Thanks!
I have a SP606. I’ve been using that machine for years. I bought a SP404A last month. I’ll be using that machine for my next project. Good video btw!
Thanks a lot. Congrats. Try pushing the beats you made on the 404 through the mastering effects on the 606. Very nice combo.
Matt Greer Music I actually found your video searching mastering process. I want a better audio quality.
I've got a recent video dedicated specifically to mastering through the 606. I'm demonstrating using the OP-Z but the fundamentals would be the same for any gear including the 404.
Matt Greer Music I will check it out. The gear I work with Roland SP606, SP404, BOSS DR. 880 drum machine, and Akai MPX 16
SP 606 sounds surprisingly warm.and punchy
Thanks & keep up the good work
You bet
Welcome to the 606 family. I love my 606, but the 404sx is still my fav.
Likewise. I usually construct beats on the 404 and run it through the mastering effects of the 606.
I recently added a sp-555 as well. That one's kind of somewhere in between the two.
Matt Greer Music SP555 is my fav. I’m biased of course since I have one but it’s soooo nice
@@obdeisibcirrus993 how do you like it comparison to the 404sx? What do you like better? I've always wanted one
Started with sp606 back in '05. Love it but the pads and buttons wear out and need replacing. The cakewalk groove station program is awesome.
I finally got mine!
Congrats! What do you think?
Thank you for this video I really enjoyed it. now I am going to one.lol😏😏😊🤣
great video for those of us who are trying to work out which SP-X0X will be best to learn on...
Right on. Glad you found it helpful. Maybe I'll do some comparisons of the others as well.
that would be good - the 404 seems to be the one to go for but i would love to hear your assessment of each one. i had to make the choice between the MC808 and the SP404 at one point. i felt the MC808 had more features but it turns out to have a very rigid work-flow [lots of stop/start to program basic loops] which is really annoying and prevents me getting more use from it.
@The InterGalactic Federation the 404 is a strange machine. It's actually kind of frustrating to make music on. It's like it's supposed to be DJ or stereo equipment or something. I don't know. It's hard to explain. I kind of hated it when I first got it but now I adore it. I still stand by the opinion that a person really needs two SPs to really get the best workflow out of them.
good subject for future videos...
i would like to hear more about why it is frustrating and how to get more from the 404 - they never explain these things in the brochure... might affect my appreciation of the MC808
You can use the usb to record out to your DAW
Appreciate the video, currently jamming out on my own sp-606! I'm curious about your little handheld drum machine?
It's a PO-32 Tonic. One of the many Pocket Operators.
Great video! Super informative - this and the 505 are overlooked and I think that’s why I like ‘em 😁
Just got mine two weeks ago. Cannot import files from CF card ! Also, I cant change the panorama of a sample. Overall, it’s an old machine and it feels so. I love how the MC909 is built, pads in one line, workflow is much more intuitive and simple.
I actually found the MC-909 to be much more convoluted and pretty much overkill by comparison but each to their own. Thanks for watching.
record sounds via usb cable...
@@krisgakakrisqu0717 sold 606 and bought MC808 instead. What a joy to work with! Fast and friendly workflow
I skimmed through the video but didn’t catch if you mentioned that it had a software that you could use on the Computer. That’s why I said that’s it’s Maschine before Maschine. I know it was limited and I’m not sure if it would even run on modern day Windows or Macs but it gave it usb track recording and MIDI recording if I remember right.
Yeah, you're right. I didn't mention that for the reason you just said. I don't have anything that can run the software so I have no experience with it.
I was going to mention the same thing. The computer connectivity put it far ahead of the game, with the on-screen sequencer and file transfer options!!!
That’s MASCHINE before MASCHINE
How to used headphones volume on stage when we already play a loops on MONO SIDE
Sir i want sp606 samlar
I have a sp303 and I did have a sp404a got rid of it,it glitched way too much...was probably faulty ...
Gotta love d-beams! Got my eye in a Roland Fantom S just for the D-Beam...
How would you say this compares with the ESX 2 ?
I've never actually used the ESX 2 (you mean the new Electribe sampler I presume?) but from what I know, they're kind of annoying to use the sampler portion of and don't often the same sample mangling abilities as this. Electribes focus more on being grooveboxes that cover a lot of bases while I think this is more focused as a sampler. Just my 2 cents.
D-Beams are rad. They cop too much flack on social media though...
@@MattGreerMusic I've never played with samplers much but I'm loving what you're doing with them
same story. got my sp-606 after seeing the d-beam. and it's very cool to use together with esx
I've owned the electribe Sampler 2 (If thats the one you mean) and the sampling function is super annoying. It really feels Like a nice groovebox that recieved the most basic sampling functions instead of feeling like a decent Sampler wich this appears to be. Havent used the 606 but ordered one today haha. It Looks way more useful as a Sampler then the electribe
Any ideas for fixing the tactile switches.
You forgot to mention that it can be used as an external soundcard flawlessly (noise-free) recording to your computer via usb cable (you need to dig for drivers though).
Great machine. The only one that has not received too much "Madlib used it" hype.
That's good to know about the interface. I've never tried because my interface is already racked up in my studio for convenience but it's great to know this will get the job done too.
No idea on the tactile switches but I think they are more or less, standard momentary switches that are likely used on lots of different electronics. I continue to make do as is but I know eventually I'll get annoyed enough to take it apart.
Agreed that this one sort of flew under the radar.
@@MattGreerMusic I do custom work and repairs on anything with LED's, let me know if you run into any issues! instagram.com/neverkilltime
@KrisG aka Krisqu071: Yeah it's weird this machine did not get more love, because it's right up there with the MPC-1000. And compared to an MPC-1000 without JJOS, the SP-606 is the better machine.
This is the only Roland that I like
Hello bro how z you one think put a question how to use headphones 🎧 use on stage play a loops from bank
The 606 is a mini version of the Roland MV 8000/ 8800
The 505 and the 808 both have that chop function.
Good to know! The 808 looks pretty rad.
Hey man! I've been wanting to remove myself from the computer and record in different ways. I want to know if i can use this as a "4 track" recorder/interface and plug in my guitar, bass and synth directly? Have you tried that? Maybe i'll need some kind of preamp or something to make the signal loud enough or is it good to go? Thanks in advance!
It wouldn't be my first choice for that. You could do it but the workflow is really geared more as a sampler than a 4 track recorder.
@@MattGreerMusic thanks!
hello what about the cd intellation on windows 7or linux?? how can i tranfer sample i made from my computer to the sampler roland?? please can u guide me a bit! :) chearz!
I'm not sure. I've never tried transferring samples to the 606 that way. Sorry.
@niyagentleman8143
Sample those sounds from you computer to your sampler. Easiest way by far!! Samplers are made for sampling. So you can also use benefitial ad converters
Hey would you say this is good for making beats? I can’t afford an MPC and I’m really interested by this one
Oh absolutely. It's great for making beats. Fairly different workflow than a MPC but it's a solid choice.
@@MattGreerMusic Awesome, do you know anywhere I could check out tutorials for this ?
There are some tutorials for the 606 here on UA-cam but I admit they're kind of old. There's some great groups for SP users on Facebook. Good place to ask questions.
Can you load SP-505 Projects into the 606?
Not that I know of.
this is the part number for replacement buttons---
EVQ-11A05R
Thank you!
Any idea how this compares to say an akai 2500, sound and editing wise??
The 2500 is a way deeper machine. More polyphony, better sequencing, etc. This 606 has a great selection of effects but the 2500 is better in every other category.
@@MattGreerMusic Right...so not really worth it it seems compared to the Akai 2500. How about the MC909, are you familiar with it as a sampler?
I had a mc-909 for a while. Never really gelled with it but it's a powerful tool. For me the best Roland Sampler is the MV-8000/8800.
@@MattGreerMusic I like the mc505 and seems the mc909 is similar. Never tried the MV-8000 but question then becomes if the MPC isn't just the overall better machine as it seem the MV8000 is just Rolands version of it?
The MV was way ahead of MPCs of that era and still does things my MPC One cannot.
Can you assign different effects to different pads like on the 555? Say I want the MFX1 on Pad 1 to be a reverb, distortion on Pad 2 and then a delay on pad 3 etc. ?
Or do you only get 2 different effects globally, then choose which pads they go on and that's it?
Yes you can. If you notice under pad 12 it says "MFX Assign." If you press FUNC + Pad 12 it will take you into a menu where you can put the effects on to the pads you them on. Very similar to the 555.
@@MattGreerMusic Nice! Thanks for your answer, so the amount of different effects you can use at once isn't just limited to two globally then?
Correct
Is the mastering effect good on this machine?
Yes with the duel effects and master compressor, this machine is excellent for mastering.
@@MattGreerMusic holy shit that was quick -- appreciate the reply man 🙏🏿 just ordered one from japan and had no idea the amount of effects on it
No prob. I just happened to be on UA-cam goofing around when you posted your question. Congrats on the new gear.
Please card to pendrive sab to loop 606
Is there a pitching option?
Yeah, sort of but it's not very good. The SP-202 & 808 have the best pitching options.
@@MattGreerMusic Thx. Really looking to pitch and stretch and layer multiple loops on one stand alone box. Does the 808 have a knob pitch and time stretch like the 202? Also how about sample time on the 808? Thanks!
Yes you can pitch and time stretch on the 808. It uses zip drives and if you end up with one that runs 250 mb discs, you get an hour of sampling time.
@@MattGreerMusic Wowza. And same dial analogue pitch as the sp-202? Looked and the sp-808s are almost the same cost. Am I missing something?
Can it time stretch or pitch samples?
There's not really a time stretch but there are several different pitch transformers and some of the effects work better than others.
how much new sampler
Are you asking how much these should cost?
@@MattGreerMusic no but i am purchase please tell me sp606 price....?
$300-$350 is typical.
@@MattGreerMusic Thanks So Much 😊
When it will be at $100 I'll get one
Good luck.
@@MattGreerMusic maybe I will be able to trade it for my D110😅
Check pawn shops. I just got one today for 160
@@leavenworthmedia2411 that’s insaneeeee
So it's an MPC for people who hates features, cool.
Not really. No.
606 is much easier to use than all of them
The screen makes a huge difference.
Matt Greer Music Absolutely.
The sequencer makes a big difference.
Luckily the hipster wannabe dilla crowd is too preoccupied with buying a 404 and trying to be him. The 606 seems to be safe from the hipsters for now. The fx here blow the 404 a way, the wanna be dilla hipsters are obsessed with smashing the vinyl simulator on everything to realize how ridiculous they are LOL