Hmmmm... That doesn't sound good?

Some of the 'Lo-fi' effects I can understand (Radio, Vinyl, RSS Spin, etc.) But it sounds like you know enough about the effects already? It shouldn't effect a sample like that if it's reverb or filters etc? Did you format for 44.1k or 32k? Still, shouldn't cause that much difference? But keep trying, and hopefully it'll get better with other effects, or it maybe an internal problem then? As to 'powering off', I usually press eject first, then a prompt comes on, I usually say 'YES' even if I don't like what I did, and I can straighten it all out the next day. Wait for the disk to pop out and it's 'Keep Power ON' prompt to finish, and just hit the power button round back then. D-Beam is somewhat finicky, and I think 3ft is about right? It's sensitive to smoke, light, shadows, and other objects in close proximity. So even being in a empty airplane hanger, you might be able to get 4ft.? (How long are your arms?) As to systems check, I'd say every LED should light to make sure they are functioning properly. It's been a awhile since I did it, and can't remember?

Hopefully that manual arrives soon for you, it actually is a great help to get your head around the 808 at first. And of course, all the great members here are even better!