Roland SP-404A Linear Wave Sampler

No longer available at zZounds
Record and tweak samples on Roland's portable beat-making machine -- no computer necessary. Built-in mics and mic/line inputs let you capture any source.

Picking up where Roland's popular SP-303 sampler left off, the Roland SP-404A Linear Wave Sampler is built on a foundation of more: more features, more voices, more pads, and more memory. The SP-404 has an updated sleek, silver look, 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.

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 AIF 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. For perfect playback, your pattern data can be quantized to the note value of your choice. Up to read more 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; if you use a 1GB CompactFlash card, sampling times can be as long as 772 minutes (!) in Lo-Fi mode, or up to 386 minutes long in Standard mode. 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 multieffects 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 aim, 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 AIF files into the SP-404 via CompactFlash, and vice versa. CF cards are handy, reliable, and readily available on the mass market.

Features

- 12 large pads, three control knobs, jumbo display, same friendly operation as SP-303
- 29 effects, including 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/AIF via CompactFlash card slot; supports up to 1GB card
- Runs on battery or AC power3
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- Width: 7 inches
- Depth: 10-1/8 inches
- Height: 2-7/8 inches
- Weight: 2 lbs 11 oz

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 323-890-3700

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (2 ratings)
Submitted April 3, 2018 by June Lopez in Philadelphia, PA

"The Roland SP-404A for creative performances"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
I am a musician, sound designer, composer, and an experimentalist of afro, latin, jazz, techno, and electronic music. The Roland SP404A & SP404SX (discontinued) are pretty much the same machines. I have been using Roland products as far as I can remember in the early 80's so I have seen the progression in their products. I am a sound art performer, I needed a piece a gear that I could carry in my backpack and that would allow me to be creative anywhere. I got tired of carrying my laptop, and controller and just needed something that I can pull out of my backpack and just groove. I am very proficient with programs like Ableton but I was always very curious about using a limited machine like the Roland SP-303 and SP-404 because of their distinctive sound. I watched countless of videos and decided it was a perfect marriage for my workflow and a great performance tool. The SP-303 isn’t the most advanced sampler, yet everyone from Madlib and Dilla to artists like Four Tet has used it. I had no idea so many people used it before I started researching for this piece. The learning curve can be a little steep for someone who doesn’t have experience with samplers or even the patience to read a book. Lucky for me I reached out to a couple of my young cats and they walked me through some of the basics functions and of course the best-kept secrets. I have to say, I was sold so I purchased my 404 from zZounds. (zZounds is not paying me to write this) The Roland SP404A allows you to sample, read more record your own voice, instruments and arrange beats to your liking. Playing with laptops can become performative in conventional ways, just by adding instruments – voice, guitar, live drums, or whatever it is you play. But it can get really boring – the “press play” approach – or it can begin to embody an artist’s musical imagination. You can get a lot more interesting sounds using some simple techniques for sampling loops, and be creating some interesting compositions. I needed flexibility in my sound so that I can get the response from my audience when I am performing. The SP404 does all the neat little tricks that you can do with a computer or a high-end sampler minus the screen. Personally, I like using my ears, imagination and paint a picture of what I am looking for in my performance. With all, it’s onboard effects and flexibility to manipulate samples. This makes a winner in my book. Now my typical setup - I have my headphones, nothing bulky, AKG Samsung headphones do the trick, great bass and hi-end sounding but more importantly flat, I carry my iPad with me at all times because at any given moment thats when I am most creative. I also carry my Sony PCM M10 digital recorder, a stereo (y) adapter cable to connect from my SP404 to the digital recorder. I sample sounds from my own collection that I have on my recorder and my collection of music that I produced. On occasions I might sample stuff from youtube :0) or what other sound sources are available to me on my phone. I use sounds from my iPad IOS synths and drums. Don’t sleep. You can even take the 404 along with you to your local coffee shop and work on tunes. My recommendation is to have fresh batteries handy just in case you don’t have access to a power outlet. That’s one thing that sold me to the 404, battery operated, the ability to save my samples on an SD card, built-in microphone, a 1/4 inch adapter to plug in a mic and ability to plug in pair headphones. Don't let the lack of equipment get in the way of your creativity. Get the SP404 and see for yourself. Have fun and make music.

Musical Background:
Over 25 years of playing percussion, production, and DJ.

Musical Style:
I would say my musical style is world music primarily, but I have a strong background in Latin, Jazz, Funk, Hip Hop, House, and
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No longer available at zZounds

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