Roland SP-404MKII Sampling Workstation

Produce, perform, play -- the SP-404MKII can do it all. Making beats is as seamless as it has ever been with the iconic SP workflow and improved efficiency.

$499.99

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    $83.33
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    $125.00

Roland SP404SX Sampling Workstation

No longer available at zZounds
With the SP404SX's built-in mic, battery power, and SD card storage, you can sample anywhere, anytime -- then sweeten your sounds with 29 DSP effects.

Roland's SP404 series has long set the standard for stand-alone sequencing samplers. The latest incarnation, the SP404SX, adds SDHC card support for up to 48 hours of mono samples, 16-bit linear sampling, improved DSP effects, and smooth FX switching in one portable, performance-ready device.

All-In-One Sampling Workstation

The SP404SX is a great tool for DJs, radio and theater pros, and beat producers alike. This workhorse beat-maker gives you touch access to samples on 12 large, velocity-sensitive sample pads. The SP404SX supports SDHC cards up to 32 GB, so you can store up to 24 hours of stereo sound or 48 hours of monaural sound per SD card. Whether you're just looking to add simple sound effects to your show, or you're into professional beat production, the SP404SX is a powerful, portable sampling tool that's sure to elevate your performance.

Performance-Ready Platform

It only takes seconds to get to work with the SP404SX. Just assign samples to pads via a connected SD card, or record samples with the built-in microphone or from an external device via the RCA input. You've got 12 velocity-sensitive sample pads and 10 sample banks, so that's 120 samples or patterns per SD card -- plenty of room to express yourself with the SP404SX. You can set the sample mode to trigger once when you press the pad, trigger only while you hold the pad down, or loop on repeat. Hit the Sub Pad to trigger drum rolls. Manipulate your samples with one of the 29 onboard DSP-based read more effects. The unit is battery-powered too, so it's easy to set up -- whether you're performing on stage or on the street.

Versatile Sequencing Sampler

When you're ready to start making beats, turn on the sequencer, set the desired number of measures and BPM, and hit record. Use the sample pads to create your groove one layer at a time. Enter quantize mode, and your samples will automatically beat-sync to a user-specified BPM and note interval -- or trigger samples on the fly at your own tempo. Add effects like Subsonic to give your sample a bass boost or simulate DJ effects with DJFX Looper. With this versatile sampler, your options are unlimited.

Get an overview of the Roland SP404SX Sampling Workstation in this video demo:


Features:

- Portable sampler with 12-voice polyphony, onboard effects, and built-in mic
- Battery-powered and weighs less than 3 pounds
- Pattern sequencer with quantize mode and shutter effect
- 12 sample pads and 10 sample banks for storing up to 120 samples and patterns per SD card
- 29 DSP effects including filter, delay, subsonic, looper, and vocal effects
- Smooth effect switching for a seamless performance
- Three control knobs, one master volume knob, 12 touch-sensitive trigger pads, and Sub Pad for rapid repeat triggering
- Included mic for recording samples anywhere
- SDHC compatible and supports cards up to 32 GB for up to 48 hours of mono samples or 24 hours of stereo samples
- LED display for navigation, BPM info, effect info, etc.
- Date format: 16-bit linear, 44.1 kHz .wav or .aif
- Inputs: stereo RCA, MIDI, 1/4-inch mic
- Outputs: stereo RCA, 1/4-inch headphone
- Included Mac and PC software for importing audio files directly from computer
- 1 GB SD card included, expandable to 32 GB SDHC
- Powered via included AC power supply or six AA batteries (sold separately, approximate battery life 4-5 hours of use)
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For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 323-890-3700

Roland SP-404SX Sampling Workstation

Roland's acclaimed SP-404 performance sampler takes an exciting leap forward with the SP-404SX. In addition to the fun, fast, hands-on features of the original, this model offers enhanced sound quality with pure 16-bit linear sampling, improved DSP effects, smooth FX switching, a more versatile pattern sequencer (with the shuffle feature), and easier data management with SD-card compatibility. It's a creatively stimulating, powerful tool for DJs, musicians, producers, and live-sound engineers who trigger jingles.

Features:

- Sample anytime, anywhere with the built-in mic and battery power
- 29 DSP effects, including filter, delay, unique voice effects, subsonic, and looper
- 3 control knobs, 12 trigger pads, and Sub Pad for rapid repeat triggering
- Seamless effects switching for smooth, perfect performance
- Pattern sequencer with quantize mode and shuffle feels
- 1GB SD card included; expand sample storage up to 32GB with SDHC
- Import audio files from computer, assign samples to pads with bundled software (Mac/PC)

Instant Sampling

Sample anywhere, anytime using the SP-404SX's built-in microphone. And since the SP-404SX can run on AC or battery power (six AA batteries), it's easy to record wherever and whenever inspiration strikes. Just power-up, point, and record. Line and mic inputs are also available for recording direct or with an external microphone. The SP-404SX's sampling format is uncompressed wave for high-quality audio capture.

Hands-On Performance

The SP-404SX is made to be played -- it's packed with interactive controls for jamming along with loops and patterns. Put your fingers on the three non-slip control knobs, 12 trigger pads, and Sub Pad for rapid repeat triggering in real time. On dark stages or DJ booths, the SP-404SX is a performers dream with its illuminated rubber pads and bright LED screen.

Extreme Effects

Create a signature sound using the SP-404SX's 29 DSP effects, which switch seamlessly during live performance. Essential onboard effects include spacious reverbs and choruses, plus filters and delays. There are also unique, esoteric effects built in, including a voice transformer and looper. With the DJFX Looper, you can create short loops (such as machine-gun-like "da-da-da-da-da" sounds) and control reverse-playback with the knob. You can also create scratch effects like a turntable. Connect the SP-404SX to a DJ mixer and use it as an effect processor. Seventeen of the effects have a "limiter" mode, which keeps the effects from overloading. This is great for live DJ performance when you don't want to lose control of the effects in the heat of the moment.

Trackbuilder

In addition to the endless supply of loops you can pack into the SP-404SX, you can also create your own tracks in real time with the Pattern Sequencer, complete with quantize mode, which includes shuffle feels. Creating patterns is done in real time. You can loop two measures (maximum 99 measures), for example, then play and record only the bass drum and the snare. Next, add the hi-hat over the top, and keep adding more instruments while the SP-404SX loops. You can store 120 patterns (12 patterns x 10 banks). When you play a pattern with the Pattern Sequencer, the LEDs surrounding the display blink according to the tempo, which is handy during live performance.

SD Card Memory

Start sampling right away with the included 1GB SD card. You can easily expand the sampling time using up to 32GB SDHC. Import audio files from your computer using the included software (Mac/PC) and assign them to the SP-404SX's pads. WAV and AIFF files are accepted. The software is fast and easy to use, as it displays the SP-404SX's pads onscreen. You can even use it to convert SP-404 format files to the SP-404SX.

Power Supply

: AC Adapter (Included) or 6 Ni-MH AA SIZE Rechargeable Battery (Not Included) or 6 Alkaline AA size Dry Battery (Not Included)

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars. (6 ratings)
Submitted November 10, 2011 by a customer from gmail.com

"Love this thing. Use it everyday"

Overall: 4 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Giving it a 8/10 because: Pros: Meets my musical needs/expectations For the most part, very easy to use VERY sturdy build Battery powered (Too often i show up to gigs and there's no outlets left. With only 6 AA batteries this thing runs for a while.) Cons: Can only use 1 effect at a time. Its $500 (Even though its worth it, its still a little pricey) Some function use is very convoluted. Message screen can be a little cryptic. RCA input/output. Kind of odd... ***8/10 means that a 10/10 would be perfect. Considering that, an 8/10 is pretty damn good.

Sound
Sound is great! What ever sample you put in, it will spit out exactly. Only takes WAVs so the quality is high, but so is the file size. My 404-sx came with a 1GB card so space isn't really an issue. FX are amazing as well.

Features
So many features!! Great FX which are easy to use. Other features, such as pattern creation, are good but difficult to use. (Creating Patterns takes 17 steps which makes it impractical to do on the fly.) Love that its battery powered! Makes gigging so much easier. The one thing thats weird is that the in/outputs are RCA... Which means i had to go out and buy some more cables that i didn't already have.

Ease of Use
Putting the samples in and assigning them to pads is a breeze. Very very easy with the included software. The manual is easy to read and straight forward. Some of read more the functions/features require too many steps to be done during live performance. But over all i was playing with my own samples in about 15 minutes after buying it. The message screen can be quite cryptic but after a while of using it, you just start to memorize what they mean. Plus there is a guide in the manual that explains them all. (The other day i let my 8 yr old cousin play with it. He was having a blast switching between banks and even applying some FX.)

Quality
This thing is rock solid. Love the material of the body, the pads are great, the buttons are great, and the knobs are solid as well. Very very well made and sturdy. Its big enough be comfortable to use with 2 hands but small enough to fit in a book bag along side my laptop. You will not be disappointed by the build of this thing.

Value
Not really sure considering the fact that this is the only sampler I've used/bought. But that being said, I DO believe its worth every penny. I use it everyday and it always holds up to my expectations. And because the build of such great quality, I'd say I'll be using it for much longer. Zzounds.com let me make payments which was a life-saver. But still, $500 can be a lot for some people.

Manufacturer Support
Haven't needed it yet but if the manual and the emails i get from roland are any indication, I'll bet their support is of great quality.

The Wow Factor
After watching some youtube reviews of the product i started looking around. Decided to get it off zzounds.com because of their financing options. (4 smaller payments). Use it every day. My DJ/musician friends are always jealous and want to play with it too.

Musical Background:
Classically trained for 10 yrs. Make electronica for fun. Gig/get paid for fun. Use this with ableton and APC40.

Musical Style:
electronic
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