Roland SP-404 Sampling Workstation

ROLAND SP404 Details ^top

Portable Power-Sampler with FX
Picking up where Roland’s popular SP-303 sampler left off, the new SP-404 is built on a foundation of more features, more voices, more pads, and more memory. The SP-404’s sleek, silver look is new to the SP family, and it surpasses its predecessor by offering battery-power compatibility, a CompactFlash slot, and a built-in microphone for quick, stress-free sampling sessions. Just turn it on, aim, and record —no cables and mics to connect. Then get down to the business of making beats and patterns, and add extra color with the great effects built into this little powerhouse. Even with all the bonus features, the SP-404 is still amazingly affordable.

12 large pads, three control knobs, jumbo display, same friendly operation as SP-303
29 effects, including new Subsonic, BPM Looper, and more
Built-in microphone for quick sampling
CD-quality sound
Expanded sampling time
12-voice polyphony
Realtime loop recording
Sample-editing tools
Import/export .WAV/AIFF via CompactFlash card slot; supports up to 1GB card
Runs on battery or AC power

Two Sampling Modes

The name Roland is synonymous with “great sound,” and the SP-404 doesn’t disappoint. The sampling and playback quality of this instrument, affordable as it is, is crystal-clear Compact Disc-grade. You can record audio directly into the SP-404, or import/export industry-standard .WAV and AIFF files via CompactFlash card. Fear not, lo-fi lovers — the SP-404 also provides a Lo-Fi sampling mode, so you can scorch, roast, and crunch your audio if desired.

Realtime Pattern Recording

After the SP-404 is loaded with the audio of your choice, the fun begins by creating custom beats and tracks via onboard pattern sequencer. This easy-to-use sequencer allows up to 8,000 notes to be recorded in real time at a resolution of 96 TPQN. For perfect playback, your pattern data can be quantized to the note value of your choice. Up to 24 patterns, each 1–99 measures long, can be stored in the internal memory simultaneously. On CompactFlash cards, you can save 96 additional patterns with 8,000 notes of recording capacity per card.

Quick Sampling & Editing

If you need to capture audio fast, the SP-404 provides an easy, efficient sampling engine; just connect an audio source or external microphone — or use the built-in mic. The SP-404 can house up to 24 samples in memory simultaneously. On CompactFlash cards, you can store up to 96 samples. The SP-404 provides sample-editing tools for setting start and end points, adjusting levels, and more.

29 Onboard Effects

Twist, bend, and animate your audio with the SP-404’s expressive effects, and manipulate them in real time using the front-panel control knobs. Shake the walls with Subsonic. Drive the dancefloor wild with the BPM Looper (grab a region on the fly and loop it) and DJFX Looper (change speed and reverse audio to get a turntable scratch-like sound). Also offered: reverb, flanger, delay, Voice Transformer, distortion, filter, Slicer, Isolator, Vinyl Simulator, and more. Best of all, the SP-404’s effects can be applied to multiple samples simultaneously or live input signals. You can also select the multi-effects directly by pressing the MFX button and the corresponding pad at the same time.

Onboard Microphone & I/O

An external microphone can be plugged into the SP-404’s mic input and used to capture audio, but those who want to sample fast and spontaneously will love the built-in microphone. Just arm, point, and record! If you want to sample pre-recorded sounds, simply connect your CD player or sound source to the SP-404’s line input jacks (L, R) and sample away. For playback, the SP-404 offers line outputs (L, R) as well as a headphone output for privacy. A MIDI input connector is provided for controlling the SP-404 externally.

CompactFlash

The SP-404 comes equipped with an industry-standard CompactFlash slot that accepts cards of up to 1GB capacity. You can even import .WAV and AIFF files into the SP-404 via CompactFlash, and vice versa. CF cards are handy, reliable, and readily available on the mass market.

ROLAND SP404 Specs ^top

Maximum Polyphony
12 voices
Internal Memory
Samples 24 (12 samples x 2 banks)
* Including Pre-loaded Samples

Patterns 24 (12 patterns x 2 banks)
* Including Pre-loaded Patterns
Memory Card (CompactFlash)
Samples 96 (12 samples x 8 banks)

Patterns 96 (12 patterns x 8 banks)
Sampling Frequency
44.1 kHz
Data Format
SP-404 original format (.WAV/ AIFF import/ export possible)
Sampling Mode
STANDARD/ LO-FI

Sample Edit Start Point, End Point, Level, Truncate
Pattern Sequencer
Maximum recordable notes Internal Memory: Approx. 8,000 notes (Including Pre-loaded Patterns)
Memory Card (CompactFlash): Approx. 8,000 notes

Resolution 96 ticks per quarter note

Pattern Length 1-99 measures

Recording method Realtime Loop Recording (with quantize function)
Effects
29 types
Signal Processing
AD Conversion 24 bit

DA Conversion 24 bit
Display
7 segments, 3 characters (LED)
Onboard Mic
Mono x 1
Connectors
LINE INPUT Jacks (L, R), LINE OUTPUT Jacks (L, R), Headphones (PHONES) Jack (Stereo 1/4 inch phone type), MIC Jack, MIDI IN Connector, AC Adaptor Jack, Memory Card Slot (CompactFlash)
Power Supply
DC 9 V (Dry Battery LR6 (AA) type x 6 or AC Adaptor)
Expected battery life under continuous use
Alkaline: 6 hours
* These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.
Current Draw
300 mA
Accessories
Owner’s Manual, AC Adaptor (PSB-1U)

Size and Weight
Width 178 mm 7 inches

Depth 257 mm 10-1/8 inches

Height 72 mm 2-7/8 inches

Weight 1.3 kg 2 lbs. 14 oz.

ROLAND SP404 Documentation ^top

SP404 Manual

ROLAND SP404 Demos ^top

Review of ROLAND SP404

RATING:

Sound Quality	10
Features	10
Ease Of Use	10
Value	10
Reliability	10
Overall	10

although i have not used this product, i own the sp303 and 505 versions, i recommend it. the reason is because i own the other two models and wouldn't use anything but a boss product. I'll eventually grab the 404 to try it out when my finances are a little more stable.

-spesh the lone1
-portland maine, 10/09/05

See all reviews of ROLAND SP404.