Roland SP-404MKII Creative Wave Sampler

The Roland SP-404MKII Creative Sampler is the long-awaited sequel to one of the most iconic samplers ever created - the SP-404. Revered for its unique sampling capabilities and the now legendary 'Lo-Fi' effect; the original set a benchmark in the world of samplers. The MKII was developed through community feedback to create the ultimate sampler.

Back and better than ever. The SP-404MKII features a crisp new OLED display with upgraded pads for added expression and a fully expanded effects section. Chop and stretch samples with ease, thanks to the visual waveform editor and an intuitive menu system that will keep you focused on your creativity. From the studio to the stage, the MKII provides a rapid workflow with quick startup and load times. The original design has been revamped for the modern era, with 17 velocity-sensitive RGB pads with no-click playability for a smooth and natural touch.

All the classic SP effects are back including Vinyl Simulator and DJFX looper as well as new additions such as Lo-Fi, Cassette Simulator, Resonator effects, Auto Pitch and even a Guitar Amp Simulator (when used with the guitar/mic input). We all know SP users love to customise their samplers, so Roland has made this easier than ever. Owners of the new SP-404MKII can download a faceplate template to create their own custom overlays, as well as customise your startup screen with a personalised logo. It is also highly portable thanks to its lightweight design and ability to be powered via AA or mobile batteries.

Smooth and rapid sampling editing

Equipped with a vivid OLED screen, the SP-404MKII allows you to edit and chop samples with ease, with a crisp zoomable waveform view. Use the knob controllers to manually slice samples or have the SP-404MKII does the work for you with ‘Auto Chop’. You can then use envelope and pitch shift controls to manipulate and rework them. With a new and improved resampling workflow, you can create powerful layered sounds using the new re-recording feature, so you can stack patterns and effects.

Ever created a sequence and forgot to hit record? Skip Back Sampling allows you to capture inspired moments. The sampler provides the ability to recall up to 25 seconds of audio from your most recent performance so you’re always ready to capture inspiration when it strikes. The MKII features 16GB of onboard storage, pre-loaded with a massive variety of hand-picked samples, so you can get making beats straight away. It also features a mic/guitar input so you can sample vocals and instruments. You can also collaborate with your friends and other artists using the dual headphone outputs.

All the classic effects, and more! 

The original SP-404 was renowned for its unique warm sound and unique effects that gave the 404 its own distinct character. All the classic SP effects are back as well as a wide variety of new additions. Legacy staples such as the DJFX Looper and Vinyl Simulator make a return as well as the introduction of Lo-Fi and Cassette Simulator. There is also a range of effects designed for use with the mic/guitar input including a Vocoder, Auto-Pitch and a Guitar Amp Simulator. All these new additions open up a whole new world of sampling opportunities.

Enhanced sequencing

With a new and improved design, the SP404MKII features a ton of new sequencing features allowing you to create patterns with their own unique flavour. You can utilise multiple samples with a simple tap via Pad Link or adjust the way the samples play using the input quantize and shuffle controls. The classic Roll button allows for variable note repeats – perfect for hi-hats rolls and live sets. Organising your patterns has been made easier as well, allowing you to chain patterns together for automatic playback.

Customise your SP-404

The ever-growing SP community is renowned for personalising their hardware and now you have all the tools you need to do it! You can download a faceplate template for the SP-404MKII so you can create your very own custom overlay. You can also personalise your startup screen with your own logo or other images. Your screensaver can also be customised for added fun.

Expanded controls and workflow with dedicated SP-404MKII app

The SP-404MKII has its very own app, available from Roland Cloud Manager. This powerful app provides a wide range of enhanced controls including a large sample waveform viewer, a pad matrix and the ability to import/export files with ease. Got old project files from the original SP-404? You can use the app to convert them to the new MKII format so you can revisit your projects with the new hardware.

Features

• Crisp new OLED display for visual waveform editing

• New and improved workflow with easy menu access, quick startup and quick speedy load times

• 17 velocity-sensitive RGB pads with ‘no-click’ design

• All the classic SP effects are back with new additions:

  • Lo-Fi

  • Cassette Simulator

  • Resonator

  • Vocoder

  • Auto Pitch

  • Guitar Amp Simulator

• Chain patterns together to playback in order, trigger multiple samples with one tap and new enhancing sequencing capabilities

• 16 GB onboard storage, pre-loaded with a massive collection of 144 unique samples and patterns

• Low latency pads for rapid sample editing

• 32-voice polyphony

• SP-404MKII editor software available via Roland Cloud Manager

• Can be powered via USB, 6x AA batteries or AC adaptor

• Customise your faceplate, startup screen and screensaver

Specifications

• Maximum Polyphony: 32 voices

• Recordable Data:

  • Samples: 2,560 (16 samples x 10 banks x 16 projects, stored in internal storage)

  • Patterns: 2,560 (16 patterns x 10 banks x 16 projects, stored in internal storage)

• Internal Storage: 16 GB (Including preload data)

• Maximum Sampling Time: 16 minutes (approximately 176 MB per sample)

• Skip Back Sampling: 20 seconds (capturing the last moments of performance)

• Data Format: 16-bit linear WAV, AIFF, MP3 import supported (SP-404MK2APP supports WAV, AIFF, MP3, FLAC, M4A)

• Sampling Frequency: 48kHz

• Pattern Sequencer:

  • Resolution: 480 ticks, quarter note

  • Pattern Length: 1 to 64 bars

  • Recording method: Realtime Loop Recording

• Effects:

  • Multi-effects: 37 types

  • Input Effects: 2 types

• Pad: 16 pads + 1 sub pad (Velocity-sensitive pad)

• Controller: Control knobs x 3

• Display: Graphic OLED display

• External Storage: SD card (sold separately) for backup, restore, import, and export functions (SDHC compatible)

• Connection Terminals:

  • PHONES jacks: 1/4-inch phone type, Stereo miniature phone type

  • LINE OUT (L/MONO, R) jacks: 1/4-inch TRS phone type (impedance balanced)

  • LINE IN (L/MONO, R) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type

  • MIC/GUITAR IN jacks: 1/4-inch TRS phone type (for MIC), 1/4-inch phone type (for GUITAR)

  • MIDI (IN, OUT) jack: Stereo miniature phone type

  • USB terminal: USB Type-C (Audio, MIDI)

  • DC IN terminal: x1

• Power Supply:

  • AC adaptor

  • USB bus power supply (USB Type-C port, 1.5 A or more)

  • Ni-MH batteries (AA, HR6)(sold separately) x 6

  • Alkaline battery (AA, LR6)(sold separately) x 6

• Current Draw:

  • AC Adaptor: 1,100 mA

  • USB Bus Power: 1,500 mA

• Expected battery life under continuous use:

  • Alkaline Battery: Approx. 2.5 hours

  • Ni-MH Battery: Approx. 3.5 hours

  • Please Note: This can vary depending on the specifications of the batteries, capacity of the batteries, and the conditions of use

• External Dimensions: 177.5 (W) x 275.8 (D) x 70.5 (H) mm7 (W) x 10-7/8 (D) x 2-13/16 (H) inches

• Weight (excluding AC adaptor): 1.1 kg (2 lbs, 7 oz)

• Accessories:

  • Quick start

  • "Read Me First" leaflet

  • Roland User Registration Card

  • AC adaptor

  • Warranty card

• Options (sold separately): TRS/MIDI connecting cable: BMIDI-5-35

• Product Code: SP-404MKII