Roland SP-404 MK2 in review

The Roland SP-404MkII is such a huge leap forward compared to the original SP-404 that it deserves to be considered a completely new device.

If you're looking for a truly usable, practical sample playback device that's also a genuine sampler and has a lot of power under the hood, you might find what you need here. Due to its performance capabilities and form factor that integrates well into most DJ setups, it's especially suitable for DJs.

First Impressions / Setup

The original Roland SP-404 needs no introduction. It was a very popular sampler loved by hip-hop producers and artists worldwide. The new Roland SP-404 MkII doesn't deviate too far visually from these roots, which is probably a smart move.

So, what does it offer? Well, it's a true sampler with two 6.35mm jack inputs on the back and a switchable microphone/instrument input on the front with a preamp.

Of course, the device is also a sample player - It offers 16 projects, each with 160 samples (16 per bank A-E), an easy-to-use sequencer with 16 patterns per bank in 10 banks, and even a "mini DJ controller" with a DJ mode.

The SP-404 has a headphone jack (3.5mm and 6.35mm), which can be used for cue mixing. Additionally, the device offers an audio interface with 2 inputs and 4 outputs via its USB-C port, as well as 37 internal effects, 16 input FX, 5 shortcut buttons (configurable), and knobs to control parameters.

Power is supplied by 6 x AA batteries, which allow for a runtime of three to four hours. Additionally, the sampler can be powered by a sufficiently powerful USB-C power adapter.

As for other new features, there's now a high-resolution screen, four additional pads, velocity sensitivity, more voices, more effects, 16GB of internal memory (one-shots, loops, stems, and up to 16 minutes per sample slot), and the ability to expand the memory with an SD card.

The only thing missing from the original is the built-in microphone - not a big deal, as you wouldn't use it for serious sampling anyway.

SP-404 back and Front

Sampling

Sampling couldn't be easier: Press record, select an empty pad, and... start recording! Then, you can normalize the track, set start and end points, and do much more.

Additional recording options are available:

  • Count-In (start recording after a count-in)
  • Gate Recording (starts only when a threshold is exceeded)
  • Recording with the metronome on - very useful
  • Resampling mode - i.e., recording yourself while playing back samples. Does anyone still remember overdubbing on 4-track cassette systems? Exactly that.

Hip-hop producers will especially like the "Chop" mode, where samples can be manually chopped or automatically sliced at time intervals or transients.

One outstanding advantage is the continuous 25-second buffer that records everything, whether you're currently recording or not.

So, if you accidentally miss something, the SP-404 still has it in the buffer, and you can recover and save the sample. Super genius!

Playback Qualities

The pads offer various playback modes:

  • Velocity-sensitive
  • Velocity distributed on 16 pads (same sample at different volumes on all 16 pads)
  • Fixed sensitivity
  • Chromatic (i.e., the sample changes its pitch across the pads - though without scales)

In Gate mode, the sample plays as long as you hold the pad down - in contrast to the One-Shot mode, where the pad only needs to be tapped, and the sample plays completely.

There's a comprehensive Loop mode that plays samples in a loop. Loop points can be set, and they can be played in different styles (normal, reverse, ping pong). Additionally, you can adjust the volume and panning per pad.

We liked the pitch and speed adjustment with the "Vinyl mode" (speed and tempo linked) or the time stretching/pitch shifting of samples, the latter by semitones. As with comparable devices, about 15% is usually fine before you hear artifacts.

The screen displays the BPM of the sample by default. When in sample editing mode, a waveform display is also available.

The Effects Section

As in the predecessor, an extensive effects section is available to transform your samples in various ways. They are divided into two "types".

The input effects include:

  • Vocoder
  • Chorus
  • Reverb
  • Delay
  • Auto Pitch
  • Guitar Amp
  • Saturation
  • Vinyl/Cassette
  • Compressor

There are four "Main Mix" effect slots with 37 effects to choose from, five of which can be accessed via the top panel (configurable), 16 can be selected via pads, and all can be controlled with the four knobs. These include:

  • Resonator
  • Delays
  • EQ/Isolator EQ
  • DJ-Style Loop
  • Lo-Fi
  • Vinyl Simulation
  • Phaser
  • Wah-Wah
  • Phaser Distortion
  • Compressor

Note that the FX settings are global, not saved with projects, and won't be retained when the device is turned off - though they can be saved as favorites. Roland seems to want users to select their favorites and use them universally.

If you want to create your unique sound with the effects and then focus on a fast workflow, you can be very happy with the SP-404 MK2!

The Sequencer

The operation here is also quite simple: You select an empty slot on the pads or add notes to an existing sequence. The sequence's tempo, length in measures (4-64), and things like the grid options for quantization can be set.

However, there's no step sequencer - everything is played live here.

There is, however, an undo function and a practice mode, which is activated by pressing Record twice.

DJ Mode

Yes, you can actually DJ with it!

By dragging entire music tracks into your slot and banks (easier on a computer with the accompanying app), you can create a "set". The device features pitch bend/BPM change. The upper buttons are available for mixing.

Additionally, a sync button is present, you can change the tempo by tapping, and there's even a small crossfader on the screen.

With the cue mix, accessible via the headphones, you can actually perform DJ sets with it.

Conclusion

Like its popular predecessor, the SP-404 in the MK2 version is a solid and very direct sampler that invites you to play and jam immediately.

The device is intuitive to use, and you'll quickly find your way around. Ideas can be realized in no time.

Overall, despite its considerable improvement over the original, the device remains just as easy to use as the old one, with the same price.

No, there's no step sequencer, and there's a lack of polyphony and any kind of scales during playback.

But it also has unbeatable advantages - it's easy to use, portable, can record everything, works with batteries... and as a practical sampler and sample playback device for DJs and performers, it's just right.

For all producers and DJs who want to work quickly, easily, and effectively with samples, this little, compact device is the perfect choice!

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Roland SP-404 MKII
From €426.00 €569.00
Available immediately