Roland SP-404MKII

The ultimate SP is here.

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. Carefully refined through community feedback and extensive research and development, the SP-404MKII is the ultimate SP sampler. It’s faster and better than ever, with a vivid OLED display, expressive new pads, expanded effects, fluid sequencing and sampling, and a massive library of authentic sounds to inspire your music.

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 (2.4 lbs. / 1.1 kg) 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 timestretching 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 (1/4–7/4) 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 standalone editor app for macOS 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

• SP-404MKII editor app also available as an AU/VST3 plug-in for music production software on macOS

*A supported iOS mobile device with a Lightning connector can be connected to the SP-404MKII via USB-C using the appropriate Apple adaptor cable. The SP-404MKII must be powered with the included PSD AC adaptor or six AA batteries (not included) in this circumstance. See the SP-404MKII Reference Manual for more USB-C connection info.

Bigger, better, faster, stronger.
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.

Guerilla beatmaking.
People who make music with SP samplers love the rapid workflow, portability, and tactile approach they offer. The SP-404MKII takes this experience even further, retaining the lightweight-yet-rugged design while adding features that make it even easier to create in any scenario. Bang out beats anywhere with AA or mobile battery power, capture audio from or stream direct to your mobile device via USB, or collaborate with a partner using the dual headphones outputs and mic/guitar input.

A sampler with soul.
With the SP404MKII’s vivid OLED screen and zoomable waveform view, sample editing is smooth like butter. Chop up samples by tapping out edit points in real time, or use auto chop to slice samples automatically. Then finesse them with envelope and pitch shift, and use the new resampling workflow to re-record patterns and effects layers for detailed sound design. And with Skip Back Sampling, you can instantly grab those golden moments by capturing up to 25 seconds of audio from your last performance.

All about effects.
Process, flip, and twist your sounds with legendary SP effects and a selection of new classics. SP staples like Vinyl Simulator and DJFX Looper are now joined with powerful additions that include Lo-fi, Cassette Simulator, and Resonator. Layer and route multiple simultaneous bus effects for intricate sound textures, or plug into the mic/guitar input and jam with ready-to-go Vocoder, Auto Pitch, and Guitar Amp Simulator effects.

Performance-tuned sequencing.
The SP-404MKII gives you the flexibility to create patterns with unique feel and energy. There’s adjustable input quantize and shuffle for custom swing, Pad Link for firing off multiple samples with a single tap, a Roll button for variable note repeat, and BPM-per-bank for instant tempo changes. It’s also possible to organize patterns for different sets and chain them together to automate playback. With your hands freed up, you can stretch out on the SP effects controls or let rip on your favorite synth.

Sound stash.
Dive into beatmaking with the pre-loaded sounds in the SP-404MKII's blazing-fast 16 GB of internal memory. There's a huge collection of curated samples to choose from and plenty of room to augment them with your private sound stash. And you can now load even more sounds at once, with 160 samples across each project for expanded performance and beatmaking combinations.

Break beats. Not banks.
You shouldn't need to take out a bank loan to make beats or produce tracks. The SP-404MKII is more powerful and more affordable than ever, making it easy to add its rapid workflow and characteristic sound to your existing setup. And with all it can do, the SP-404MKII may be the only piece you need for production and performance.

Customize it.
You work hard to be a unique artist—so why play on cookie-cutter gear that looks like everyone else’s? Personalize your SP-404MKII with your own style or branding for a look that's as distinctive as your sound. Grab the faceplate template to create custom overlays, style your startup screen with personalized logos, or select a screensaver that matches your vibe.

SP-404MKII App, Sample Packs, and more on Roland Cloud.
Download the SP-404MKII App from Roland Cloud Manager to go even deeper with your Mac or Windows computer. Access more detailed waveform editing, assign samples to pads, and import MIDI files and legacy SP-404SX and SP-404A projects for remixing and updating. And while you’re there, check out our exclusive Beatmaker Sample Pack series for more sonic material from legendary sound designers and musicians to inspire your next production.

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 185 MB per sample)
Skip Back Sampling: Maximum 40 seconds (always records LINE OUT signal independently of sampling/resampling)
Internal Data Format: 16-bit linear
Import Format: WAV, AIFF, MP3
*SP-404MKII APP supports WAV, AIFF, MP3, FLAC, M4A.
Sampling frequency: 48kHz

Pattern Sequencer
Resolution: 480 ticks, quarter note
Pattern length: 1 to 64 bars (variable during recording)
Recording methods: real-time 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) 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

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
*This can vary depending on the specifications of the batteries, capacity of the batteries, and the conditions of use.
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, BMIDI-1-35, BMIDI-2-35, BCC-1-3535, BCC-2-3535

• Wireless MIDI Expression Pedal: BOSS EV-1-WL

Dimensions
External dimensions: 177.5 (W) x 275.8 (D) x 70.5 (H) mm / 7 (W) x 10-7/8 (D) x 2-13/16 (H) inches
Weight (excluding AC adaptor): 1.1 kg / 2 lb. 7 oz.

For more information, click here to visit the manufacturers website.