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Roland let us know that their SP-404MKII i Creative Sampler & Effector is getting a new firmware update, version 4.04, in celebration of ‘404 Day’.

This is the SP-404MKII’s most extensive update yet. The update brings enhanced looping, multitrack output, Koala Sampler integration and a 15-waveform sound generator to the popular sampler

The good news is there does seem to be quite a lot packed into the 4.04 update, the first major enhancement being Loop Capture. This essentially lets you get all Ed Sheeran with your SP by creating loops within the unit and then sampling other loops over them (internally or externally) to create entire pieces.

Loop Capture was present and correct in Roland’s SP-555 which came out in 2008 as this classic Roland Loop Capture video demonstrates, so has taken a little while to reach the 404, but is a welcome addition.

Next up, the SP-404 MkII now has integration with the Koala iOS and Android app, a touch-based phone/tablet sampler. You can now control the app parameters with the SP-404MKII and send audio from Koala to and from the SP via USB.

A further update will please DAW users because you can now send audio from selected pads as individual multitrack stems, so you can either edit them in your DAW or send them out for remixes.

Another useful addition is Sound Generator which is based around 15 waveforms generated by the SP-404MKII with which you can create basslines and other melodies. There’s also a new Groove Function that is said to be “inspired by VP-9000 VariPhrase” and it allows you to add subtle or extreme swing to your grooves.

Lastly, we get some extras that all aim to improve the SP-404’s workflow including Preset Measure Sampling, TR-REC Microscope Editing, Sample Merge, and Bounce Pattern Chains.

Here’s what’s new:

• Loop Capture, inspired by the iconic SP-555: Experience fluid live looping by capturing and layering audio of internal samples, external instruments, and mic’d-up sound sources.
• Koala App Integration: Adjust a range of app parameters directly from the SP-404MKII using Koala controller mode, or send audio from Koala to and from your SP via USB for adding effects or recording samples,
• Multipad Export: Send all or selected pads of a pattern as individual multitrack audio for refining SP sessions in a DAW or share files with collaborators for remixing.
• Groove Function: Infuse rhythmic loops and other audio with subtle to extreme groove swing, inspired by VP-9000 VariPhrase.
• Sound Generator: Create basslines and other melodic content using 15 different waveforms generated directly by the SP-404MKII.
• Plus a range of additional new features to further improve workflow like Preset Measure Sampling, TR-REC Microscope Editing, Sample Merge, and Bounce Pattern Chains.

The best news of all is that the 4.04 update is free, so it’s a happy 404 Day to all existing owners. And a bit of a tempter for new ones.

The SP-404Mk2 sells for around £429 / $449 and you can find more information to download the free update from the Roland website.

For over sixty years, Neve preamps have stood as a pinnacle of studio technology, empowering engineers, artists, and producers to unleash their creativity.

The Neve 1073 is one of those pieces of studio gear that gets mentioned in hushed tones along with names like Pultec, Fairchild, the Space Echo and 1176.

The preamp and EQ was originally developed by Rupert Neve back in 1970 and installed in a recording console at Wessex Sound Studios. That console was first used by King Crimson and later by acts including Queen and the Sex Pistols and its sound and reputation quickly spread, largely down to the character imparted by its 1073 preamps.

That sound comes when the transformers in the 1073 are pushed – but not too hard – into saturation, adding a wonderful controllable colour that delivers both punchy mid and warm low frequencies.

The preamp became so in demand that AMS Neve has continued to produce a classic version of the 1073 to this day.

There are also many other modern variations on the 1073 theme, with Neve producing everything from the 500-series version, the 1073LB, to the two-channel, 3-band EQ 1073DPX.

Now, the 1073SPX-D takes this legacy to new heights, seamlessly blending analogue tradition, with digital innovation.

Now small home studio setups, or artists on the road can access the famed 1073 sound. The 1073SPX-D combines the legendary 1073 preamp with a USB and ADAT interface for the first time ever.

The new 1073SPX-D is the first official Neve 1073 interface. It features a full 1073 channel strip front end with a three-band EQ, and combines it with USB and ADAT digital connections, all in a 1U, 19-inch rack unit.

The 1073SPX-D is effectively a nine input (one analogue, eight ADAT) and 12 output (four analogue, eight ADAT) interface. It can be used as a hardware insert in your DAW, so any track can be routed through the interface’s analogue circuitry and benefit from that 1073 charm.

There’s obviously some decent analogue to digital technology required so Neve has packed in “pristine” 192kHz and 24-bit AD/DA conversion.

The interface is said to be plug-and-play for both Mac and PC users and also features balanced inserts, metering, a high-powered headphone amp, and an output fader.

Robin Porter, the Chief Engineer at AMS Neve says: “Now small home studio setups, or artists on the road can access the famed 1073 sound directly from their desktop or laptop computer, without the need for additional equipment.

“When our team began development of the 1073SPX-D, a no compromise approach to circuit design was applied throughout, ensuring that the 1073SPX-D remains true to the Neve name, and delivers the sound quality that our customers demand”.

The Neve 1073SPX-D will cost £2,295 (around $2,900) and you can get more information from the AMS Neve website.

Song Athletics Sloppy Drums sample pack inspired by J Dilla and Madlib. It is made up of loose and limber drum patterns fit for use in hip-hop and neo-soul.

Song Athletics is a new company launched by former Spitfire Audio CEO Will Evans. Late last year, it launched with Some Drums, a sample pack featuring drum loops recorded by drummer Marc Pell on a ’60s Ludwig kit.

This week, Song Athletics returns with another drum-focused sample pack, Sloppy Drums. Inspired by the laid-back, off-beat stylings of J Dilla, Madlib, Flying Lotus, and Thundercat, the pack is said to capture the sound of “studio drums that will give your music a lazy complexity”.

Performed and recorded by drummer Chris Boot, known for his work alongside Lone, Daughter and Georgia Anne Muldrow, Sloppy Drums features a Rogers USA ’72 Fullerton kit. As is typical of Dilla and Madlib, the drum patterns found in the pack are loose and lazy, hanging behind the beat to create a heavily swung and rhythmically flavourful feel reminiscent of hip-hop and neo-soul.

Sloppy Drums Sound Demo:

Sloppy Drums is priced at £25, the pack is comprised of 40 loops, 30 stems and 60 one-shots, all royalty-free and ready to use in your productions. Find out more on Song Athletics’ website.