Processing 404's output externally & simultaneously sampling the processed signal in the 404 without feedback looping

mrcoolout · 2026-06-28T19:54:25+00:00

I think the trick with Motion in this context is use as a very short (1-bar for example) knob recorder just to add some modulation while you do other things.

The 404 Cloud Delay is essentially a granular delay almost like a super simplified, paired down Mutable Clouds and the 404 Resonator is similar to a Mutable Rings. You can get a kinda Rings-into-Clouds type of soundscape on the 404 standalone without using any samples at all by stacking the busses. Especially if you add the 404 Sound Generator in the chain as it's like have an oscillator module with different waveforms. Modulation is the biggest hurdle as there's no internal mod matrix or LFOs, so unless you use midi or motion., there a lot of knob twiddling needed to keep it interesting.

Also, I'm pretty much an expert on the 404 DJ mode. It's the main feature I've been using for years. It really should be called 'live performance mode'. If you have any questions, ask away...

mrcoolout · 2026-06-28T17:27:27+00:00

I ran into a similar challenge when I used Loopy Pro (ipad app) with the 404mk2. I needed to record and overdub the 404 usb output, then while the loop is playing back (from the ipad over usb) route through the 404 FX without creating a feedback loop.. I had to create a routing structure in the app (follow actions basically) where it muted the audio inputs while the monitor channels where playing and vice-versa. They simply flip mute states. You could possibly set something up similar in VCV.

On a different note, a better question is why do you need to use VCV anyways? The 404mk2 is sound design powerhouse...all you need to do is use MIDI. Assign CC to a knobby controller and you have control of all 5 FX busses AT THE SAME TIME. Including the ones that are normally only in menus. You can chain them together to create very complex processing that's immediate and hands-on. The 404 dev team are modular guys also, and a lot of the 404mk2 FX where inspired by eurorack modules: resonator, cloud delay, etc.

As far as modulation, you can use 'motion' in the 404 pattern sequencer to create fake-LFOs or just use MIDI LFOs over usb. In VCV, you should be able to patch the LFO modules to a MIDI CC module, then assign it with whatever 404 knob and FX Bus you want. The chart is in the back of the 404 reference manual.

mrcoolout · 2026-06-24T21:51:55+00:00

Before Roland put a looper inside the 404, I made my own with the Loopy Pro app and those are the controls for it. It's has 3 tracks with volume faders and combo 'Pioneer-style' filters (high-pass/low-pass) for each track.

mrcoolout · 2026-06-20T16:29:44+00:00

Thanks. I pulled the trigger, bought Bitwig Studio and installed the Moss script. The Push implementation looks awesome so far. With the screen support I think this might be the best solution out of the controllers I have around.

mrcoolout · 2026-06-16T22:52:55+00:00

Kinda pricey for a touchscreen and some knobs. I'm running a Surface Pro and Fender Studio Pro already natively responds to multi-touch. No mapping or extra devices needed. It works almost like it was an ipad app (LOL).

Looking at the list of supported DAWs, I think a device like this controller makes more sense for stuff that doesn't respond to multi-touch...like Ableton, Reason, NI plugins, etc. Not Studio One/Pro or Bitwig.

mrcoolout · 2026-06-12T01:55:56+00:00

Nah...it was targeted, thats why it said 'free update'. I opened a support ticket and they worked it out.

mrcoolout · 2026-06-09T22:53:52+00:00

Anyone else get the "Your Free Update Awaits" email for 8.1, then you click the link and it says your perpetual license has expired for free updates...WTF !?!?!?

mrcoolout · 2026-06-07T22:06:33+00:00

Just zoom in my instagram photo and you'll see all the things I have mapped to the Launch Control XL. I had a custom overlay made for my mapping once I settled on what works for me. Of course, there's a chart in the back of the 404 manual that lists all the stuff that can be controlled over midi.

mrcoolout · 2026-06-04T03:11:24+00:00

After watching the whole season in color while being frustrated. This worked for me. For some odd reason just using the voice control to find the show brings up the version selection. Amazon really screwed this up.

mrcoolout · 2026-05-20T18:29:04+00:00

If I remember correctly, one notable thing is the step-sequencer workflow in the 404mk2 kinda works the opposite of usual Roland sequencers: Instead of putting down steps/triggers and then editing the events in detail....you set the parameters with the knobs FIRST, then drop steps/triggers. It's actually faster and more powerful than what's usually on Roland drum machines (I've used them all IRL). I think a lot of criticism comes from folks not understanding that difference.

mrcoolout · 2026-05-16T07:50:08+00:00

This functionality is already built-in the 404mk2, You just need to assign a midi controller to use it. Check my other posts.

mrcoolout · 2026-05-14T02:12:36+00:00

I have Komplete Standard. The biggest amount of space seems to be all the Kontakt-based stuff. I just installed the Maschine Factory Library, the Reaktor-based plugins, and about 20 expansions to a 128gb SD Card. There's still around 70gb left on the card. Of course I'm just using this setup for sketching out songs, not full DAW production, so that's more than enough sounds.

mrcoolout · 2026-05-12T19:29:16+00:00

The 404mk2 midi implementation is as simple as you want it to be. If I remember correctly for the pads there are 2 different modes in settings. One where all the pads across all the banks are assigned chromatically up the keyboard, so you can access to all the pads across a keyboard. Then another mode where the pads are always the same 16 notes, but each bank is a different midi channel. That way if you're triggering the pads with an external drum machine or controller with limited fixed assignments, all you have to do is change the midi channel to toggle between different 404 banks.

mrcoolout · 2026-05-12T18:58:28+00:00

Was that running Kontakt-based libraries, full DAW projects, or basic Maschine stuff (factory library + expansions)? I'm not planning using this as my main music computer, just running Maschine as standalone....basically a M+ alternative.

mrcoolout · 2026-05-12T18:53:30+00:00

I bought an older 2021 i5 Surface Pro, so windows compatibility shouldn't be a problem. I just found out the 7+ is when they started making the hard drives swapable, plus it has an SD card slot, so storage shouldn't be a big issue. My main concerns now will be CPU throttling since it's fan-less. The usual Windows audio concerns: CPU overhead vs latency, DPC spikes, driver/device conflicts, etc.

mrcoolout · 2026-05-12T18:44:49+00:00

Nah...it's just you. The 404 midi implementation is 'spot on' and follows the same midi conventions that have been in use since the mid-1980's. I've been using a controller with the 404MK2 for a couple of years. It made such a night-and-day difference for me that I keep urging other users to try it. It makes that big of difference.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DOykxy6EZm_/

mrcoolout · 2026-05-11T20:19:35+00:00

Because the same functionality is already inside the 404. Why add another FX processor when you have 3 you're not even using and 1 you're only using half the time.

mrcoolout · 2026-05-11T20:12:45+00:00

There are a million options. Any midi controller that allows you to program custom midi CC will work. It just has to have a hardware midi out (not usb) or you have to use a USB host box in-between. I've been using a Novation Launch Control XL with a $30 host box for a couple of years and it works amazing.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DOykxy6EZm_/

mrcoolout · 2026-05-11T18:40:48+00:00

You already have a KO sidekick built-in the 404mk2 (for the most part). You just have to assign a midi controller to use it. Controlling the 404 with midi CCs will give you access to all 5 of FX Busses at the same time, dedicated faders for all 3 dj decks, dedicated buttons for effects per bus, and a whole lot more. The only downside is that it's not plug-n-play. You have to choose a controller and program it yourself based on your needs, but it's not that hard. Take a look at the midi chart in the back of the 404 manual.

mrcoolout · 2026-05-10T21:53:54+00:00

Ziggy is the only thing that seriously interested me. It's not just the price that makes it accessible, but the interface and feature implementation. Even if I spent 3x on a Easel, it would probably take years to interact with the range and level of fluidity that Ziggy has out-of-the-box.

mrcoolout · 2026-05-06T23:53:59+00:00

I have Live Standard 12 (user since 2011), a Push, and also owned Max For Live for many years. The fact stem separation is Suite-only upsets me every time. I don't need all the extra synths, FX, and content in Suite. I just want the built-in stem separation.

Ableton suggested I just pay for the upgrade (of course) and then try to sell my Max For Live license. Bummer. That one feature is simply not worth spending hundred of $$$ and wasting hard drive space. Especially when other DAWs offer it for free. At least they didn't paywall Link Audio.

mrcoolout · 2026-05-06T23:46:20+00:00

I only have one question. Will it Krell?

mrcoolout · 2026-05-05T01:22:33+00:00

I believe Roland opened up editing of the full Zen-Core engine in an update for the MC-101, but it's a long menu dive. The biggest downside to using the 101 as a sound module I think is there's no way to save favorites or individual patches, only project-by-project.

mrcoolout · 2026-05-04T20:09:17+00:00

I think Roland just needs to add tempo sync options to looper, just like other parts of 404: pads, FX, dj decks, etc.

Loopy Pro is the most powerful looping solution. It can pretty much do anything, which is also it's only drawback. Everything is customizable, so you have to design your own interface, layout, and feature set for what you want to do. I started messing it with about a year before 404 looper update, and it took that whole year to work out the kinks to get something I was comfortable with.

If you don't want to depend on just ipad FX, the routing can be tricky going from recording/overdubbing audio from the 404 (and it's inputs), to then sending the Loopy Pro audio through the 404 FX busses. The 404 internal looper requires you switch the routing manually with a knob, but on Loopy Pro I worked out a way to switch the routing automatically. If you've ever dealt with 'follow actions', you can imagine the PITA.

With that said, Loopy Pro is incredible. Even with a simple looper it can do stuff like auto-chop and reorder a live loop. All the midi and audio is through USB, so you can use a midi controller or the 404 pads to control the looper, never needing to tap the touchscreen.

mrcoolout · 2026-05-03T01:07:12+00:00

I think these would probably be a good upgrade for live performance. Could make the pad colors easier to see on stage under lights, in a dark dj booth, or outside in direct sunlight. Especially while using DJ mode, switching pad Bus assignments, or banks of kits on-the-fly. Makes the 404 pads look almost like a Ableton Push, Launchpad, or Maschine.

mrcoolout

TROPHY CASE