Roland launches SP-404 MKII Sampler and Effector

With the SP-404 MKII, Roland brings a major update to the sampler that was released 16 years ago. And the features have been heavily drilled out. The Roland SP-404 MKII comes with 16 GB of internal memory, 32 voices of polyphony, new effects, and an OLED display for editing samples.

It’s unbelievable but true: The Roland SP-404 was released in 2005. Now Roland delivers the SP-404 MKII and has stepped up with the features to make the sampler a classic fit for the next decade.

The SP-404 MKII has a polyphony of 32 voices and 17 velocity-sensitive pads. The internal memory has been expanded to 16 GB. Each project can now also consist of up to 160 samples. Fast loading times should ensure a smooth operation. SD cards are used as an external storage medium.

The sequencer has also been revised. The SP-404 MKII offers adjustable input quantize and shuffle functions and a roll button for variable note repetitions. A pad link function makes it possible to fire multiple samples with just one push of a button. Patterns can be organized in sets and linked together, leaving your hands free for other tasks during a performance.

Externally, the SP-404 MKII remains true to the design of its predecessor, so that SP-404 users should be able to find their way around immediately. However, the pads are said to have been more expressive, and the rotary controls improved, which should have a positive effect especially in live use. There will also be the opportunity to customize the design. The front panel can be removed, and there is a faceplate template with which you can create your own overlays. The previous model was a popular modding object. Now Roland has officially taken up the topic and is encouraging users to create an individually designed sampler.

In addition, Roland has integrated an OLED display. That allows you to zoom in on waveforms for easier editing and slicing of samples. A new resampling process makes it easier to layer patterns and effects during operation. The skip back sampling, which goes up to 25 seconds into the past, is also interesting. If you have a flash of inspiration during a performance and have forgotten to press sampling, that could be the salvation.

The SP-404 MKII also has a lot of new features to offer when it comes to effects. In addition to the effects of the predecessor such as the vinyl simulation and the DJFX Looper, a Lo-Fi effect, a cassette simulation, and a resonator are integrated. Tape simulation is likely to enjoy great popularity in the hip-hop sector – a scene in which the SP-404 traditionally has many fans. An amp simulation, a vocoder, and an auto-pitch function can also be used via the Mic / Inst input.

Roland SP-404 MKII price and availability

The Roland SP-404 MKII sampler and effector now available to pre-order at the Bhphotovideo.com and Adorama.com websites for $499.99.

Recently, Roland has also introduced the V-02HD MK II video mixer is an affordable solution for live broadcasting to the network, it has only 2 HDMI inputs, but 10 audio channels, so it is perfect for broadcasts, one way or another related to sound – concerts, interviews, or conferences.