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 and Pattern sequencer with quantize mode and new shuffle feels
  • 1GB SD card included; expand sample storage up to 32GB with SDHC and Import audio files from computer, assign samples to pads with bundled software (Mac/PC)
Best hardware-only sampler for the money

Best hardware-only sampler for the money, hands down. Yes there are limitations, but that can enhance the creative process if you let it. I move back and forth between this and a Maschine. I tend to have more fun on this.

It’s an industry standard for a reason

Quite a powerful piece of machinery, and worth every penny for those willing to take the time to learn how to properly utilize it. You might also want to invest in a few SD cards as well. As others have mentioned, you may also need to download the English user manual off of Roland’s website. But once you learn a few basics, you’ll be crafting beats within two or three hours. If I have one criticism, it’s that chopping samples can be a bit tedious. But as there are many useful work-arounds for this (like using Audacity to chop your samples before loading them directly onto the SD card), I’d hardly call this a significant drawback. Two thumbs way up.

There’s nothing like a good product built with the best possible materials

Expensive ? Yes!, but totally worth it!! There’s nothing like a good product built with the best possible materials, so far so good, I’m loving it... Cons, yes, unfortunately, user manual is in Japanese 😐, you can always download it from the internet, and save some $130 dollars.

Sampler heaven

Great sampler great buy everyday user. This thing is worth the money. Even though its an older model its exactly the peice of analog you need in your life. Learning its functions are fun..... And theres many many many function

Inexpensive FX playback device

I bought this for applause FX playback for a corporate studio. Works perfectly. And much less expensive than a digi cart style system.

It's simple and it works.

Get a case for it. Otherwise, wonderful. Easy to use and powerful. If you want to trigger custom wav files that you made, this is THE DEVICE. you can fit 120 of them on here, and onboard, you can change their volumes, clip them if you messed something up in your DAW, and move them around to work for your show, all on the fly. You can set any sample to play continuously on a loop, play once, or only play while you're holding down the button, which helps for transitions. Last benefit... NO LATENCY! yay!

If you wanna make lofi beats, you probably want this.

Sp404 is neither a good sampler nor a versatile multi effect unit, but it's amazing at making this particular lofi sound. Once you learn to chop samples and sequence beats on this little guy, you'll be soon able to produce chilled-cow quality beats.

This is awesome

I heard a lot about the SP404 and decided to purchase one. I was skeptical at first since I purchased the MPC Live previously and returned it - I felt overwhelmed. I use Propellerhead Reason so I felt like the MPC had too much for me. The SP404 though is amazing. I love the hardware workflow and think it will give me a new set of skills for my production and musicianship. I find it easy to get lost in it, chasing down ideas as they come. Anyone who is interested and is feeling discouraged about DAW production should give it a try. I now realize the workflow differences and it really tailors to my low attention span and enjoyment of that lofi sound.

Worth every penny!

I've been producing underground for a year now using nothing but a microphone and a mini keyboard. It is amazing to use such an amazing tool that saves me so much time! I've done various DJ jobs and using the sp404 with its drive filters make it so much quicker to do effects than Ableton. Messing around and making sampled beats with this machine is an absolute blast! everything to do with it is simple, fun, and has an astounding loft aesthetic to it! If you're looking for a fun machine that does great sound manipulation in various weird ways, this is a fantastic machine to use!

wow- great for sampling

The manual is in Japanese but no complaints here because it super easy to find it online ALSO mine came with the latest software so you dont have to update it on their website. Been a year and works great!

Full Reviews