So a TRS female to TRRS male convertor did the trick, see below the one I got. You just plug the convertor to a usual mini jack male to male cable, and then plug the TRRS end of the convertor to iPad or iPhone and the regular TRS mini jack to the Walkman. This setup lets you record Walkman as mic in iOS. If using iPad you also have an extra port to use for headphones. Hope this helps.
Sevenoak -CIP2 3.5mm TRS (Female) Microphone Adapter Cable to TRRS (Male) for IOS&Android Smartphone https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07T1PWTJ9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_9PT2590YFYY5M2G7PXY5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Just ordered a couple of these to split left and right and plug them into my hart mixer, then I'll pre-pan the samples before loading them to the sp404 and see if it works. Will post updates
Not rechargable batteries but I bought this cable on Amazon and use my power bank. Best option IMO.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GD54Q66/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
got 2 sets of these great AA rechargeable batteries and they work great. Always keep a set charging then you'll be ready... ;) https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-BK-3MCCA4BA-eneloop-Pre-Charged-Rechargeable/dp/B07QYFC9VN?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1
There are a lot of free drum pack, One shots and sounds online if the SP is your only tool you’ve gotta be resourceful You could take sounds out of DAWs, mangle them before you track them out into your Sp or add effect in the sp and send it back into your DAW
I use a rca to 1/4 cable: Cable
This is the one I'm using:
Anker Portable Charger, USB-C... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LG2X98F?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It lasts for more than 8 hours. I stopped keeping track after that, so I don't know how long it will keep providing power.
For complete information
All banks and pads on the MK2 are stored internally.
Beyond firmware updates and exporting to the SD card from the internal memory, an SD card can also be used to import samples.
This means the external SD card is mostly used for reading and not writing.
So you don't neceserly need a Sandisk Extreme Pro, a <strong>Sandisk Ultra</strong> is cheaper (2/3 of a extreme pro) and has faster reading speed (120mbs instead of 90 with extreme pro).
This seems like the best choice for the SP404-MKII
Hey, you could export the beat to your SD card and get it onto your phone / ipad to load into Koala. You could also use this type of cable from your ipad to the IN of your MK2. This would let you record your Koala beat from your ipad / phone into your MK2 and also use effects on both machines to affect the signal.
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This is the exact adapter I use to sample anything and everything off my iphone. Snapchat/ instagram, peas, greens, tomatoes, potatoes.....
https://www.amazon.com/myVolts-Ripcord-Power-Compatible-Roland/dp/B08BV2YR51
this is the same cord (model AA931MS). snatch it up while you can
I'd go for the 20000mah if you can afford it, just cause power banks wear out over time (don't hold as much power as the battery ages) so it's better to overdo it than underdo it. I have this one: https://www.amazon.com/Anker-Portable-PowerCore-Essential-High-Capacity/dp/B083NHK77Z/
Anything 32gb and Class 10. Sandisk Extreme Pro is a good choice.
I tried a bunch of different ways to trick the Sp404mkii into reading bigger cards but it just won't.
That said, 32gb of samples is quite a lot, and if you're running out somehow you can always keep a couple different SD cards on hand and swap them out.
Myvolts ripcord works for 404: myVolts Ripcord - USB to 9V DC Power Cable Compatible with The Roland SP-404, SP-555, SP-404SX Sampler https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GC0UZZM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_G0NQNVBV1PY3Z8E0Y1E1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
bootleg lighting to usb camera adaptor with charging port.
Gobesty Kitchen silicone lid set, 5 pieces, universal silicone lids, reusable silicone cover in various sizes, for bowls, cups, cans, fruit and microwave - 5 colours https://www.amazon.de/dp/B08YNPT5DN/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_4VQZA1AZ5NXVVX2NMTXR
Bluetooth speaker w/ pixel art.
Divoom Ditoo Programmable Pixel Art LED Bluetooth Speaker Showing Clock Emoji DIY Design for Home Wedding Party Decoration with Wireless App Control (Green) … https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0811XB8VB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_RGT3DB60Z09R4XQVDSMK?psc=1
The Analog case was a little big for my MK2 since I don't carry the AC Adapter with me very often. I ended up ordering a couple other different cases on Amazon and ended up really liking this one:
Electronic Organizer, BAGSMART Accessories Organizer Travel Double Layer Electronics Bag Large for 10.5 inch iPad Pro, Adapter, Cables, Black https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072R23K8S?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2_dt_b_product_details
I posted some images here: https://www.elektronauts.com/t/roland-sp-404-mk2/161021/3548
I know someone already mentioned balanced v unbalanced cables but, what is your wiring from SP to focusrite? Since the SP outputs are RCA and the focusrite in is usually 1/4 or XLR (solo is RCA) maybe theres an issue with wiring and/or adapters. eg 1/8" trs to 1/4 trs, or 1/8" trs to 1/4" ts. Granted these scenarios wouldn't normally cause crackling but good cables are critical to proper sound quality. Also theres ground loop problems that would be my next guess. This might be the answer. https://www.amazon.com/BESIGN-Ground-Isolator-Stereo-System/dp/B06XQYN77L/ref=sr\_1\_3?crid=NLCDPO3VKRG6&keywords=audio+ground+loop+isolator&qid=1642562920&sprefix=audio+ground+loop%2Caps%2C129&sr=8-3
Headphones, either a set of these
or
Or a usb C cable to plug in to you Mac book to sample sounds from your Mac directly.
One of these is supremely useful:
https://www.amazon.com/JSAUX-Shielded-Gold-Plated-Smartphones-Speakers/dp/B07D8M5DML/
You don't need to get this specific (probably overpriced) one from amazon. You can find them for CHEAP at a thrift store.
This is the exact one I got and it works!
TISINO XLR Female to 1/4 Inch (6.35mm) TRS Jack Lead Balanced Signal Interconnect Cable XLR to Quarter inch Patch Cable - 3.3 Feet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07JVCZ6DJ/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_FBAK0QH1WYXB6RTVPNGK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
You can skip the Tascam and record directly into your phone with one of these. Just plug it into the headphone jack of your phone (or use lightning to 3.5mm adapter for iPhone) and plug the other end into a 3.5mm to RCA cable from the output of your SP404.
Headset Buddy Line-Level Audio Adapter with Built in Attenuation for iPhone, Smartphones, Soundboards and Mixers (iPhone-Mic-Line) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OAW85ZG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_B9DJBCM06V2J06HWMWSW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I use Hosa dual 1/4 to RCA (can be any brand tho I just like the quality of Hosa)
As for SD I think the max you can use is a 32GB
My bad it's $30 more but heres the link I could find that has it in stock Numark pt01 scratch
don't scratch so I copped this one Numark pt01usb
I bought this one last year (It was a few bucks cheaper then) and it works fine with the 9v ripcord on the 404 and 303. I also have another no name 10,000mah bank that works with it. So, I imagine you could find something cheaper. A 2-3 hour beat making session doesn't put a dent in the 25,000mah bank. You could probably get 12-14 hours out of a full charge.
one of my favorite things about the 404 is the portability. if you find yourself going through a bunch of batteries (404 burns through em quick), check out this usb to 9v from myvolts: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GC0UZZM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_YVTAWBAV0NAW8MYG8JZ5
allows you to use your 404 with a portable power pack, super handy.
Pistol case off amazon. Lots of protection, and it’s got pick-and-pluck foam so everything fits snug in its own spot.
Made spaces for the cables, power supply, extra batteries, and had room left over.
gotcha so these plugs I linked below should work fine ? specifically has to be TS cables since the outputs are unbalanced so TRS won't work correct? https://www.amazon.ca/TISINO-Stereo-Audio-Interconnect-Cable/dp/B083R5YRHX/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=rca+to+ts&qid=1600663647&sr=8-5
You’re probably better off buying a new SD card. From my understanding you shouldn’t format the included SD card. I use these cards from Amazon. They’re only about $7 so I’ve found it useful to have a few.
Since OP's being a weenie, here's the Amazon link for everybody: https://www.amazon.com/MAX-MAX300S-001-Orange-Watertight-Case/dp/B00PUL61NO/ref=pd_ybh_a_33?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=PPZVP6R1KZGV25QCBEZ5
I think your problem is with using TRS cables. You need to use unbalanced mono TS cables like these: https://www.amazon.com/Hosa-CPR-203-Stereo-Interconnect-Cable/dp/B000068O18
Also, not sure about using an external audio effect. I just create a new audio track and make sure input 1&2 are selected from the interface to give you a stereo signal from the 404.