The Roland SP-404MKII is a compact and portable sampling workstation aimed at hip hop, lo-fi, and electronic-music producers, beatmakers, and DJs looking for creative ways to perform and produce using samples and effects. It improves on the original SP-404 sampler design with a vivid OLED display for visual sample editing with the ability to tap out edit points in real time, 17 velocity-sensitive RGB pads that can be customized, new effects on top of classic SP effects, a resampling workflow for rerecording patterns with effects layers, a pattern sequencer to rapidly turn ideas into full performances, and a massive sample library with 2560 samples and patterns to inspire your music. Performance-based beatmaking is quick with speedy boot time, swift project loading and sample import, and easy project access via 16GB of internal storage. The SP-404MKII gives you the flexibility to create patterns, each with unique feel and energy. It's also possible to organize patterns for different sets and chain them together to automate playback. Skip Back Sampling automatically captures up to 25 seconds of audio from your last performance to grab those golden moments, while DJ Mode turns the SP-404MKII into a 2-channel DJ mixer. There is also the ever popular DJFX Looper for sampling, skipping, and scratching beats. The USB Type-C port enables you to capture audio from—or stream direct to—your mobile device or laptop for a seamless workflow. It also allows you to connect to the SP-404MKII app for detailed waveform editing and importing MIDI files. The dual headphone outputs and mic/guitar input make it easy to collaborate with a partner without needing a mixer. Featuring a lightweight yet rugged design, the SP-404MKII lets you bang out beats and produce tracks anywhere with AA or USB power (or with the included AC adapter). Use custom faceplates to personalize your SP-404MKII with your own style or logo for a look that matches your vibe.
The Roland SP-404MKII is a compact and portable sampling workstation aimed at hip hop, lo-fi, and electronic-music producers, beatmakers, and DJs looking for creative ways to perform and produce using samples and effects. It improves on the original SP-404 sampler design with a vivid OLED display for visual sample editing with the ability to tap out edit points in real time, 17 velocity-sensitive RGB pads that can be customized, new effects on top of classic SP effects, a resampling workflow for rerecording patterns with effects layers, a pattern sequencer to rapidly turn ideas into full performances, and a massive sample library with 2560 samples and patterns to inspire your music. Performance-based beatmaking is quick with speedy boot time, swift project loading and sample import, and easy project access via 16GB of internal storage. The SP-404MKII gives you the flexibility to create patterns, each with unique feel and energy. It's also possible to organize patterns for different sets and chain them together to automate playback. Skip Back Sampling automatically captures up to 25 seconds of audio from your last performance to grab those golden moments, while DJ Mode turns the SP-404MKII into a 2-channel DJ mixer. There is also the ever popular DJFX Looper for sampling, skipping, and scratching beats. The USB Type-C port enables you to capture audio from—or stream direct to—your mobile device or laptop for a seamless workflow. It also allows you to connect to the SP-404MKII app for detailed waveform editing and importing MIDI files. The dual headphone outputs and mic/guitar input make it easy to collaborate with a partner without needing a mixer. Featuring a lightweight yet rugged design, the SP-404MKII lets you bang out beats and produce tracks anywhere with AA or USB power (or with the included AC adapter). Use custom faceplates to personalize your SP-404MKII with your own style or logo for a look that matches your vibe.
The Roland SP-404MKII is a compact and portable sampling workstation aimed at hip hop, lo-fi, and electronic-music producers, beatmakers, and DJs looking for creative ways to perform and produce using samples and effects. It improves on the original SP-404 sampler design with a vivid OLED display for visual sample editing with the ability to tap out edit points in real time, 17 velocity-sensitive RGB pads that can be customized, new effects on top of classic SP effects, a resampling workflow for rerecording patterns with effects layers, a pattern sequencer to rapidly turn ideas into full performances, and a massive sample library with 2560 samples and patterns to inspire your music. Performance-based beatmaking is quick with speedy boot time, swift project loading and sample import, and easy project access via 16GB of internal storage. The SP-404MKII gives you the flexibility to create patterns, each with unique feel and energy. It's also possible to organize patterns for different sets and chain them together to automate playback. Skip Back Sampling automatically captures up to 25 seconds of audio from your last performance to grab those golden moments, while DJ Mode turns the SP-404MKII into a 2-channel DJ mixer. There is also the ever popular DJFX Looper for sampling, skipping, and scratching beats. The USB Type-C port enables you to capture audio from—or stream direct to—your mobile device or laptop for a seamless workflow. It also allows you to connect to the SP-404MKII app for detailed waveform editing and importing MIDI files. The dual headphone outputs and mic/guitar input make it easy to collaborate with a partner without needing a mixer. Featuring a lightweight yet rugged design, the SP-404MKII lets you bang out beats and produce tracks anywhere with AA or USB power (or with the included AC adapter). Use custom faceplates to personalize your SP-404MKII with your own style or logo for a look that matches your vibe.
The Roland SP-404MKII is a compact and portable sampling workstation aimed at hip hop, lo-fi, and electronic-music producers, beatmakers, and DJs looking for creative ways to perform and produce using samples and effects. It improves on the original SP-404 sampler design with a vivid OLED display for visual sample editing with the ability to tap out edit points in real time, 17 velocity-sensitive RGB pads that can be customized, new effects on top of classic SP effects, a resampling workflow for rerecording patterns with effects layers, a pattern sequencer to rapidly turn ideas into full performances, and a massive sample library with 2560 samples and patterns to inspire your music. Performance-based beatmaking is quick with speedy boot time, swift project loading and sample import, and easy project access via 16GB of internal storage. The SP-404MKII gives you the flexibility to create patterns, each with unique feel and energy. It's also possible to organize patterns for different sets and chain them together to automate playback. Skip Back Sampling automatically captures up to 25 seconds of audio from your last performance to grab those golden moments, while DJ Mode turns the SP-404MKII into a 2-channel DJ mixer. There is also the ever popular DJFX Looper for sampling, skipping, and scratching beats. The USB Type-C port enables you to capture audio from—or stream direct to—your mobile device or laptop for a seamless workflow. It also allows you to connect to the SP-404MKII app for detailed waveform editing and importing MIDI files. The dual headphone outputs and mic/guitar input make it easy to collaborate with a partner without needing a mixer. Featuring a lightweight yet rugged design, the SP-404MKII lets you bang out beats and produce tracks anywhere with AA or USB power (or with the included AC adapter). Use custom faceplates to personalize your SP-404MKII with your own style or logo for a look that matches your vibe.
Last updated at 06/09/2026 23:04:20
Roland SP-404MKII Creative Sampler and Effector with 16GB Internal Storage, 32-Voice Polyphony and 160 Samples Per Project (SP-404MK2)
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Roland SP-404 MKII
Roland SP-404MkII
Delivery $51.39
Roland Sp-404 Mk Ii Sampler Machine Electronics Music Sound Compact
Free delivery
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Roland Sp-404 Mk Ii Sampler Machine Electronics Music Sound Compact
Free delivery
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Roland Sp-404 Mk IIportable Power Sampler W/ Ac Adapter Used Japan
Free delivery
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Roland Sp-404mkii Yellow Sampler & Effect, Beatmaking Machine Tabletop
Free delivery
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Roland Sp-404mkii Yellow Sampler & Effect, Beatmaking Machine Tabletop
Delivery $25.38
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Roland SP404 MkII Portable Creative Sampler and Effector
Delivery $5
Roland SP404 MkII Portable Creative Sampler and Effector
Delivery $5
originally posted on sweetwater.com
I couldn't, for the life of me figure out how to sync this box to either my Roland MC707 or 101. I had a MIDI adaptor from another product... That didn't work. Then bought a couple from Sweetwater, those didn't work either. I had to buy THE Roland cable they (Roland) showcase on their website as an accessory. So have that in mind if you want to pair this to other gear. With that out of the way, this box is awesome. My sole intention for getting this, is to play stems in sync with my 101-707 grooveboxes since, I use a lot of soft synths but don't want to carry my laptop around. I just import the stems into the SP404 mk2, and play along with my MC projects. So far, this setup has been flawless. This isn't just for Lo-Fi or hip hop beats. You can do a whole lot of this ... MoreI couldn't, for the life of me figure out how to sync this box to either my Roland MC707 or 101. I had a MIDI adaptor from another product... That didn't work. Then bought a couple from Sweetwater, those didn't work either. I had to buy THE Roland cable they (Roland) showcase on their website as an accessory. So have that in mind if you want to pair this to other gear. With that out of the way, this box is awesome. My sole intention for getting this, is to play stems in sync with my 101-707 grooveboxes since, I use a lot of soft synths but don't want to carry my laptop around. I just import the stems into the SP404 mk2, and play along with my MC projects. So far, this setup has been flawless. This isn't just for Lo-Fi or hip hop beats. You can do a whole lot of this with it, once you figure out all the bells and whistles. Regarding Sweetwater, they sent me this little gadget in no time, and I love that it has 2 year warranty, just in case something goes wrong which, I don't think that's gonna be the case.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
This is an excellent piece of equipment made by people who clearly have a strong understanding of and passion for the art of sampling. The workflows are specific, detailed, and powerful.I never used any of the previous Roland SPx0x models, but this thing clearly has a legacy and a very opinionated approach to creating music.This is a piece of equipment that can do amazing things, but to do so it asks a lot of the performer. The learning curve is steeper than my other sampler, the Novation Circuit Rhythm. Most of the workflows on this device lean toward live finger drumming. But with the added complexity and difficult that comes much greater power, nuance and control over the output.The effects cover a decent amount of ground for a DAWless workflow. The main ... MoreThis is an excellent piece of equipment made by people who clearly have a strong understanding of and passion for the art of sampling. The workflows are specific, detailed, and powerful.I never used any of the previous Roland SPx0x models, but this thing clearly has a legacy and a very opinionated approach to creating music.This is a piece of equipment that can do amazing things, but to do so it asks a lot of the performer. The learning curve is steeper than my other sampler, the Novation Circuit Rhythm. Most of the workflows on this device lean toward live finger drumming. But with the added complexity and difficult that comes much greater power, nuance and control over the output.The effects cover a decent amount of ground for a DAWless workflow. The main compressor effect as well as the compressors in some of the vinyl/cassette simulator effects can give a drum sound extra oomph. The resampling workflows and long sample times allow recording of tracks into the unit itself, saving on a separate recording device.Much praise to Roland for continuing to support and update this device, particularly during a massive supply shortage. The step sequencer they recently added reduces the need to finger drum your beats live to record a pattern. This is huge for someone like me who isn't a great finger drummer. The chromatic polyphony was also a welcome treat as this is something I think many hardware samplers lack.The connectivity is good overall, although 1/8 TRS midi cables are a bit of a pain to find right now.The build quality is decent, although compared to the Circuit Rhythm it's actually not quite and sturdy or portable. The removable faceplate that is made to be customized allowed me to make it my own.Overall, I'm in love. This is really one of the best samplers on the market. If you're up for a challenge or you have experience with previous Roland samplers, you'll almost certainly love the MKII. If you want a sampler that you can master easily; take a look at the Novation Circuit Rhythm or Teenage Engineering PO-33
originally posted on perfectcircuit.com
Just sold my two SX's for this to chance it and so to have the price covered. I never leave reviews, but the mkii is powerful in just about every way I always hoped I could make use of two SX's to achieve. The amount of new functionality here has kept me waiting to get back to it since I opened it and had a chance to experience the new workflow. Not only is it more intuitive in every way, but it sounds amazing. It's cleaner than any other SP I've used and in the right way. All material sounds like the source, especially my synths and drum machines which I used to not think so so much with the SX and even my 303 to a certain extent. My advice - just get it! Like right now! And see what I'm saying. It is amazing, familiar as an SP and has so much more going on and in ... MoreJust sold my two SX's for this to chance it and so to have the price covered. I never leave reviews, but the mkii is powerful in just about every way I always hoped I could make use of two SX's to achieve. The amount of new functionality here has kept me waiting to get back to it since I opened it and had a chance to experience the new workflow. Not only is it more intuitive in every way, but it sounds amazing. It's cleaner than any other SP I've used and in the right way. All material sounds like the source, especially my synths and drum machines which I used to not think so so much with the SX and even my 303 to a certain extent. My advice - just get it! Like right now! And see what I'm saying. It is amazing, familiar as an SP and has so much more going on and in a manageable way that I used to not be able to make happen so quickly with MPC's and my Maschine. This thing is not only fun, it makes everything easy. Full tracks, recording out, etc... It's probably going to replace desktop effects, my mixer and it has definitely rendered my ZOOM handheld and interface unnecessary. Thank you Roland! For doing more than knocking it out of the park - I'll be using this for many years to come and will definitely buy a second just to keep around. And thank you to Perfect Circuit! For being the absolute best gear dealer. You all are always fantastic.
| Make | Roland |
| Finish | Black |
| Made In | Malaysia |
Roland SP-404MKII Creative Sampler and Effector with 16GB Internal Storage, 32-Voice Polyphony and 160 Samples Per Project (SP-404MK2)
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Roland SP-404 MKII
Roland SP-404MkII
Delivery $51.39
Roland Sp-404 Mk Ii Sampler Machine Electronics Music Sound Compact
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Roland Sp-404 Mk Ii Sampler Machine Electronics Music Sound Compact
Free delivery
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
I couldn't, for the life of me figure out how to sync this box to either my Roland MC707 or 101. I had a MIDI adaptor from another product... That didn't work. Then bought a couple from Sweetwater, those didn't work either. I had to buy THE Roland cable they (Roland) showcase on their website as an accessory. So have that in mind if you want to pair this to other gear. With that out of the way, this box is awesome. My sole intention for getting this, is to play stems in sync with my 101-707 grooveboxes since, I use a lot of soft synths but don't want to carry my laptop around. I just import the stems into the SP404 mk2, and play along with my MC projects. So far, this setup has been flawless. This isn't just for Lo-Fi or hip hop beats. You can do a whole lot of this ... MoreI couldn't, for the life of me figure out how to sync this box to either my Roland MC707 or 101. I had a MIDI adaptor from another product... That didn't work. Then bought a couple from Sweetwater, those didn't work either. I had to buy THE Roland cable they (Roland) showcase on their website as an accessory. So have that in mind if you want to pair this to other gear. With that out of the way, this box is awesome. My sole intention for getting this, is to play stems in sync with my 101-707 grooveboxes since, I use a lot of soft synths but don't want to carry my laptop around. I just import the stems into the SP404 mk2, and play along with my MC projects. So far, this setup has been flawless. This isn't just for Lo-Fi or hip hop beats. You can do a whole lot of this with it, once you figure out all the bells and whistles. Regarding Sweetwater, they sent me this little gadget in no time, and I love that it has 2 year warranty, just in case something goes wrong which, I don't think that's gonna be the case.
This is an excellent piece of equipment made by people who clearly have a strong understanding of and passion for the art of sampling. The workflows are specific, detailed, and powerful.I never used any of the previous Roland SPx0x models, but this thing clearly has a legacy and a very opinionated approach to creating music.This is a piece of equipment that can do amazing things, but to do so it asks a lot of the performer. The learning curve is steeper than my other sampler, the Novation Circuit Rhythm. Most of the workflows on this device lean toward live finger drumming. But with the added complexity and difficult that comes much greater power, nuance and control over the output.The effects cover a decent amount of ground for a DAWless workflow. The main ... MoreThis is an excellent piece of equipment made by people who clearly have a strong understanding of and passion for the art of sampling. The workflows are specific, detailed, and powerful.I never used any of the previous Roland SPx0x models, but this thing clearly has a legacy and a very opinionated approach to creating music.This is a piece of equipment that can do amazing things, but to do so it asks a lot of the performer. The learning curve is steeper than my other sampler, the Novation Circuit Rhythm. Most of the workflows on this device lean toward live finger drumming. But with the added complexity and difficult that comes much greater power, nuance and control over the output.The effects cover a decent amount of ground for a DAWless workflow. The main compressor effect as well as the compressors in some of the vinyl/cassette simulator effects can give a drum sound extra oomph. The resampling workflows and long sample times allow recording of tracks into the unit itself, saving on a separate recording device.Much praise to Roland for continuing to support and update this device, particularly during a massive supply shortage. The step sequencer they recently added reduces the need to finger drum your beats live to record a pattern. This is huge for someone like me who isn't a great finger drummer. The chromatic polyphony was also a welcome treat as this is something I think many hardware samplers lack.The connectivity is good overall, although 1/8 TRS midi cables are a bit of a pain to find right now.The build quality is decent, although compared to the Circuit Rhythm it's actually not quite and sturdy or portable. The removable faceplate that is made to be customized allowed me to make it my own.Overall, I'm in love. This is really one of the best samplers on the market. If you're up for a challenge or you have experience with previous Roland samplers, you'll almost certainly love the MKII. If you want a sampler that you can master easily; take a look at the Novation Circuit Rhythm or Teenage Engineering PO-33
Just sold my two SX's for this to chance it and so to have the price covered. I never leave reviews, but the mkii is powerful in just about every way I always hoped I could make use of two SX's to achieve. The amount of new functionality here has kept me waiting to get back to it since I opened it and had a chance to experience the new workflow. Not only is it more intuitive in every way, but it sounds amazing. It's cleaner than any other SP I've used and in the right way. All material sounds like the source, especially my synths and drum machines which I used to not think so so much with the SX and even my 303 to a certain extent. My advice - just get it! Like right now! And see what I'm saying. It is amazing, familiar as an SP and has so much more going on and in ... MoreJust sold my two SX's for this to chance it and so to have the price covered. I never leave reviews, but the mkii is powerful in just about every way I always hoped I could make use of two SX's to achieve. The amount of new functionality here has kept me waiting to get back to it since I opened it and had a chance to experience the new workflow. Not only is it more intuitive in every way, but it sounds amazing. It's cleaner than any other SP I've used and in the right way. All material sounds like the source, especially my synths and drum machines which I used to not think so so much with the SX and even my 303 to a certain extent. My advice - just get it! Like right now! And see what I'm saying. It is amazing, familiar as an SP and has so much more going on and in a manageable way that I used to not be able to make happen so quickly with MPC's and my Maschine. This thing is not only fun, it makes everything easy. Full tracks, recording out, etc... It's probably going to replace desktop effects, my mixer and it has definitely rendered my ZOOM handheld and interface unnecessary. Thank you Roland! For doing more than knocking it out of the park - I'll be using this for many years to come and will definitely buy a second just to keep around. And thank you to Perfect Circuit! For being the absolute best gear dealer. You all are always fantastic.
I really dig the sp404 mkii, it's a solid little sampler only workstation that tries to make itself easy to use, and for most part pulls it off. The first update out of the box is critical and improved the workflow immensely. The sound of the machine is great, the fx are fun to use, sound great and have lots of controls. The skip back record feature works super well, as does editing and slicing.There is no step sequencer, only a live one. You can midi trigger it from an external sequencer just fine though so with the sp 404 you either play your triggers live or get a second box to do trig programming.I'd recommend this to someone that wants to make sample based, live played music. Any lofi or boom bap producers. Anyone that wants to make your head bop. ... MoreI really dig the sp404 mkii, it's a solid little sampler only workstation that tries to make itself easy to use, and for most part pulls it off. The first update out of the box is critical and improved the workflow immensely. The sound of the machine is great, the fx are fun to use, sound great and have lots of controls. The skip back record feature works super well, as does editing and slicing.There is no step sequencer, only a live one. You can midi trigger it from an external sequencer just fine though so with the sp 404 you either play your triggers live or get a second box to do trig programming.I'd recommend this to someone that wants to make sample based, live played music. Any lofi or boom bap producers. Anyone that wants to make your head bop. Portablists that want to make backing beats. If you want a cool gift for your musically inclined 14 yo, consider getting them one of these.Not for someone that wants to make complete tracks with a lot of detail on each layer in one box.
As an MPC Live 2 owner, I was a bit skeptical about duplication in this device. After a few weeks of owning it, I can say that this is a critical piece of gear and it's become my main driver for music production! The workflow is very straight forward, chopping is a breeze with the new screen, and resampling with the many effects is a fresh change from the MPC workflow. Pads are responsive and finger drumming is great (MPC is still king here with the oversized pads but I can manage quite well). B&H was rapid with their shipping and delivery and I'd shop here again!
This is only my second hardware device, so take this review with a grain on salt.I was looking for a sampler, and an outboard effects unit for use with a microfreak and Ableton. It is working excellently with the microfreak, as that unit has no onboard effects.My intention with the 404mkII was mostly house tracks, sketching ideas, and maybe a little hip hop beat making. It is very capable at all these tasks, especially with the 2.0 firmware step sequencer.I was surprised by the depth of sequencing, resampling, the (up to 5 with input) effects chains, and overall how quickly I have an idea and execute on it. With time and practice, I'm positive I can build whole tracks in this machine.A couple of small downsides; when using a pixel 6a to sample via the USB C ... MoreThis is only my second hardware device, so take this review with a grain on salt.I was looking for a sampler, and an outboard effects unit for use with a microfreak and Ableton. It is working excellently with the microfreak, as that unit has no onboard effects.My intention with the 404mkII was mostly house tracks, sketching ideas, and maybe a little hip hop beat making. It is very capable at all these tasks, especially with the 2.0 firmware step sequencer.I was surprised by the depth of sequencing, resampling, the (up to 5 with input) effects chains, and overall how quickly I have an idea and execute on it. With time and practice, I'm positive I can build whole tracks in this machine.A couple of small downsides; when using a pixel 6a to sample via the USB C there was significant noise and an unusable signal - this is because of the sample rate the phone outputs. I work around this by sampling via line in using an adapter.Additionally the standard reverb, crucial for the techno genres I've been working in, seems lacking in customization and flexibility. Firmware updates may provide more options in the future, or it may be a matter of practice.I can't imagine that a year spent with it will make me like the unit it any less.
Hard to give it a honest opinion about the SP404 MKII, I'm still in the honeymoon phase. But the first impression is exactly what I expected. It's a wonderful looking device, it's size and weight are perfect for portability. You can power it by 6 AA-batteries, via USB-C or a power adapter. Battery use is about 3 hours, so rechargeable batteries are recommended.The biggest power of this device is sampling/resampling and the really great FX. Almost every thinkable FX is available. The recorded samples play directly from the internal storage, so there will not be any hick-ups, 16GB is available. It can be extended with a SD-card(max. 32GB SDHC). You can connect the MKII directly to a pc/laptop or IOS device via a USB-C cable (Audio and midi). A Windows and MacOS ... MoreHard to give it a honest opinion about the SP404 MKII, I'm still in the honeymoon phase. But the first impression is exactly what I expected. It's a wonderful looking device, it's size and weight are perfect for portability. You can power it by 6 AA-batteries, via USB-C or a power adapter. Battery use is about 3 hours, so rechargeable batteries are recommended.The biggest power of this device is sampling/resampling and the really great FX. Almost every thinkable FX is available. The recorded samples play directly from the internal storage, so there will not be any hick-ups, 16GB is available. It can be extended with a SD-card(max. 32GB SDHC). You can connect the MKII directly to a pc/laptop or IOS device via a USB-C cable (Audio and midi). A Windows and MacOS companion app is available to download from the Roland website.At this moment(1-1-2022) firmware version 1.13 is available. I'm sure there will be more to come.Wish to see :1. Better midi support (midi velocity support for controlling external devices)2. A IOS companion appConclusion : this is a must for diehard SP users and for the newcomers, like me.There is a lot to explore, the possiblities are almost endless.
There's plenty of in-depth reviews including the MKII features set.. so I am largely basing this review on my user experience.Many of the button combination shortcuts are not obvious.. but there are not too many of them either. I've found myself regularly having to hit YouTube tutorials and initially, learning how the first two effects busses work/function with the pads and 5 fx buttons at the top - it was a little confusing,But when "the penny drops" it is straight forward.It is great fun, inspiring to use.The USB over Audio works great - but you have to bear in mind the main volume out knob affects the digital usb c out level.. so (point worth mentioning) is its not incredibly suitable to use as an audio interface without a mixer.. but to be fair, Roland ... MoreThere's plenty of in-depth reviews including the MKII features set.. so I am largely basing this review on my user experience.Many of the button combination shortcuts are not obvious.. but there are not too many of them either. I've found myself regularly having to hit YouTube tutorials and initially, learning how the first two effects busses work/function with the pads and 5 fx buttons at the top - it was a little confusing,But when "the penny drops" it is straight forward.It is great fun, inspiring to use.The USB over Audio works great - but you have to bear in mind the main volume out knob affects the digital usb c out level.. so (point worth mentioning) is its not incredibly suitable to use as an audio interface without a mixer.. but to be fair, Roland aren't selling it as that anyhow.It doesn't come with an SD Card so you will need to go buy one. The 404 will format it for you, so no need for a computer here.Dropping samples on the card using my computer worked fine. I found Some samples were the wrong sample type to be imported.. if that happens you will have to convert them.Essentially, you can have a "library" of samples (fave drums, loops etc) to import into various Projects.There's also an app on the computer to create projects via a drag and drop interface.Feature wise.. it does a bit more than I expected. There's only a basic envelope per sample. No filters or EQ per sample, which is achievable by resampling the FX that do it.. that's the workflow.. which is good as resampling is almost like "committing to tape".The sample chop and fine tuning of chop points is easy and works great.Having a sampler where you don't really need to worry about sample time, is great. (16 minute per sample length limit).The Skip Back feature is marvellous.. if you play something or get something cool out the effects and youvwasn't sampling at the time, the last 25 (or 40 with recent update) seconds of audio can easily be captured after the occasion.Im giving it 4 stars due to some of the less obvious/unintuitive user interface functions.. but hey.. its a 404 and that's how they are.
Fiancé gifted this to me as engagement present and I am loving it. My favorite gear for years has been my Teenage Engineering OP-1 but now it's this Roland SP 404 MK 2. Has a nice computer inside but obviously no need to be connected to a computer. Easy to fiddle with and explore many soundscapes at once.Can easily loop on the fly and bounce something you've just created to a quick save. Sound is crisp- effects are funky and the 16 velocity pads make triggering multiple drums or samples at once a dream. Can have some bizarre menu trips, but for my tastes more accessible than NI Maschine.Small touches like both a 1/4" and 1/8" headphone outs make it easy wherever you are and whatever headphones you have and jamming with a friend.
Was told by sw**tw*t*r that my December preorder shipment was pushed to March, then April, then June- Then AUGUST. A quick Google search showed that Sam Ash had a few in stock (and apparently they're getting them quite often). I placed my order, and a helpful rep named Steven personally confirmed shipment by EOD that day. In three days it was in my hands... Incredible!The MKII certainly fixes many of the frustrations of the original, but also adds a few of its own. The up side is that it seems like some of the problems can be fixed through firmware updates. First major issue is the lack of auto-snap when setting loop points on a sample. Nearly every sampler, loop pedal, and DAW these days automatically zero-crosses samples to prevent an audible click at their ... MoreWas told by sw**tw*t*r that my December preorder shipment was pushed to March, then April, then June- Then AUGUST. A quick Google search showed that Sam Ash had a few in stock (and apparently they're getting them quite often). I placed my order, and a helpful rep named Steven personally confirmed shipment by EOD that day. In three days it was in my hands... Incredible!The MKII certainly fixes many of the frustrations of the original, but also adds a few of its own. The up side is that it seems like some of the problems can be fixed through firmware updates. First major issue is the lack of auto-snap when setting loop points on a sample. Nearly every sampler, loop pedal, and DAW these days automatically zero-crosses samples to prevent an audible click at their start and end points, but not the MKII (why?). I have to go in and edit the envelope of each loop every time, and the envelope is not fine-grained enough to avoid a perceptible gap in the loop. As for setting the loop points themselves, don't expect to just hit MARK while the sample is playing, like on the old 404. You can do something similar in the CHOP mode (which is a cool addition) but I wish the ease of marking was left in place for the OG 404 users.My second biggest complaint is the half-*ssed computer integration. Librarian software works fine, but as an audio interface this thing is silly. The MKII's three inputs cannot route signals individually. They act as one combined stereo input, which includes the sample pads. The MKII is marketed as being powered by USB-C plugged into a phone, iPad, or computer, but that's strictly over a USB C to USB C cable- you cannot adapt or use a C to A or C to Lightning (which even the iPhone 13 uses). Won't replace your current interface by a long shot.Great update in a lot of ways, and the effects are super nice and creative, but just like the original 404, there are a few functions that will make you ask "why would they do it this way?"
| Make | Roland |
| Finish | Black |
| Made In | Malaysia |
