Gear Hunter

Roland - SP-404MKII Creative Sampler and Effector

Description

Streamlined beatmaking machine for production and performance.

Roland SP samplers are the bona fide kings of performance-based beatmaking, celebrated for their distinctive sound and ability to create rapid-fire beats anywhere, anytime. The SP-404MKII has everything people love about its predecessor - with some serious upgrades like 17 ultra-expressive pads and updated knobs for smooth, hands-on control. And beatmaking is even quicker with speedy boot time, swift project loading and sample import, and easy project access via 16 GB of internal storage. Longtime users and new beatmakers alike will feel right at home with the intuitive layout and classic SP effects, plus a revamped sampling and sequencing workflow, Skip Back Sampling for quick performance capture, DJ mode to mix beats live, and more.

Your SP-404MKII is about to get even better. Version 3 offers improved performance and a host of new workflow features developed with feedback from the wide-ranging SP artist community. The free update also includes many pattern sequencer and DJ Mode enhancements that make the SP-404MKII an even more powerful tool for live performers and dance music producers.

SP-404MKII Version 3 - What's New

Perform with Multitrack Files from DAW Sessions and Other Projects - The SP-404MKII sequencer offers improved stability for playing multiple long audio files in perfect sync, enabling users to perform with tracks created in music production software.
Optimized MIDI Sync - Improved clock timing and adjustable delay on the MIDI clock output for tight sync with external instruments.
Expanded Motion Recording - Motion recording is now available for effects parameters.
Pad Mute and Pad Mute Automation - Easily mute/unmute samples during performances and capture mute actions in sequences.
One-Shot Playback - Allows users to perform with long, evolving samples while jamming with short loops underneath.
Convert Patterns to Samples - Convert any pattern into a sample with the press of a button, transforming complex programming into manageable loops for quick song building.
Expanded DJ Mode - Many new DJ Mode enhancements include the ability to manipulate eight cue points per sample, adjust fader curves, sync external MIDI instruments, assign time stretch, and more.
Additional Features - Version 3 also includes many other workflow enhancements, including quantize after recording, finer tempo setting range, default MFX setups, and more.
SP-404MKII App - The latest version of the companion editor/librarian for the SP-404MKII features greatly increased import/export speed and AU3/VST3 plug-in support for using the app within music production software on Mac and Windows computers.

SP-404MKII Features

* Vivid OLED display for visual waveform editing, full menu access, and more
* 17 velocity-sensitive, RGB pads with no-click design for smooth playability
* Faster workflow with quick startup and load times, 16 GB internal storage, low-latency pads, and rapid sample editing
* Compact, ultra-lightweight design (2.4lbs / 1.1kg) with versatile power options: USB-C, mobile battery (via USB-C port), six AA batteries, or AC adaptor
* Extensive onboard effects, including SP classics like Vinyl Simulator and DJFX Looper plus new Lo-fi, Cassette Simulator, and Resonator
* Dedicated Vocoder, Auto Pitch, Harmony, Guitar Amp Simulator, and Anti-Feedback processing for the mic/guitar input
* 32-voice polyphony, 160 samples per project, and 16 internal projects for expanded programming possibilities
* Blazing onboard sample editing with real-time or auto-chop mode, auto BPM detect, envelope, pitch shift, and resampling for layering sounds and phrases
* Pre-loaded sound library with 144 high-quality, professionally recorded samples and patterns
* Extensive customization options with removable metal faceplate, downloadable outline template, multiple screensavers, and personalized startup logos
* Upgraded I/O includes 1/4-inch line in/out, 1/4-inch mic/guitar input, 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch headphones outputs, and 1/8-inch TRS MIDI in/out
* New resampling workflow for re-recording with various effects for detailed sound design
* Audio capture and streaming supported with mobile devices and computers via USB-C*
* Skip Back Sampling to automatically capture up to 40 seconds of audio from your last performance
* VariPhrase encoder for high-quality time-stretching of pitch and speed parameters
* Bus FX for layering multiple effects, with customizable routing for creating intricate sound textures
* Adjust quantization before or after recording and tweak shuffle percentage across multiple note resolutions to customize swing
* Pattern sequencer with the ability to create full songs with BPM per bank, ideal for running backing tracks or programming performances
* Sequence patterns with real-time loop recording or TR-REC step input
* Motion recording for capturing dynamic changes to effect parameters, sub step, pitch, and velocity
* Set shuffle and time signature (1/47/4) per pattern
* Chain patterns for automatic playback and use Pad Link to trigger up to four samples with a single press
* Adjustable delay on the MIDI clock output for tight sync with external instruments
* DJ Mode enables new live performance approaches with the ability to mix two audio files or patterns, manipulate eight cue points per sample, adjust fader curves, sync external MIDI instruments, and more
* SP-404MKII editor app (standalone and AU/VST3 plug-in) for Mac and Windows provides direct sample access, detailed waveform editing, sample management, pad assignment, and import of MIDI files and legacy SP-404SX and SP-404A projects

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 Size: 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
Resolution: 480 ticks, quarter note
Pattern Length: 1 to 64 bars
Recording Methods: Realtime Loop Recording, , TR-REC step sequencing
Effects:
- Multi-effects: 41 types
- Input effects: 17 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)
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
Power Supply:
- AC adaptor
- USB bus power supply (USB Type-C port, 1.5 A ormore)
- Ni-MH batteries (AA, HR6)(sold separately) x 6
- Alkaline battery (AA, LR6)(sold separately) x 6
Current Draw:
- 1,100 mA (AC adaptor)
- 1,500 mA (USB bus power)
Expected Battery Life Under Continuous Use:
- Alkaline battery: Approx. 2.5 hours
- Ni-MH battery: Approx. 3.5 hours
Included Accessories: AC Adaptor
Dimensions (L x W x H): 276 x 177 x 70mm (10-7/8 x 7 x 2-13/16 inches)
Weight: 1.1kg (2 lb 7 oz)