All user reviews for the Roland SP-404

Sampler very nice, but it all depends on the use. Personally, I enjoyed myself with but I soon felt his limitations. I used it (I do have more) live DJ or I would send sounds, loops and accapellas. But the problem was to synchronize loops, the only way was to play with his pitch too sensitive to fine-tune the speed of the samples.

UTILIZATION

The manual is clear but forgot to tell us things about management rather tedious or samples must be very careful with the names assigned to the samples, otherwise the SP will not recognize them! I opened a topic on it a few years ago.
For editing, I did everything in my DAW.
I have not tested either midi functions.

SOUNDS

The effects are okay for the live, but more like the sound.

OVERALL OPINION

I used 2/3 years but due to the difficulty of synchronizing loops, I did used to play more than acapellas & jingles, and there it was very practical. I have not tried other models but now I'm on Serato Scratch that has a small sampler, but not sync more convenient to use with just a LPD8.
I think the SX version of some improvements. And in 2013, we must find better for less ....

See data sheet.
The RCA plug is not magic ...
The knobs are soft but pleasant.
It's a bit boring sometimes to adjust the contours of samples but to control the effects it should.

Samples are recorded in the length you want. Depending on the way to work, it may prove valuable.

UTILIZATION

Getting started is easy. It's nice.
The sample editing is limited but may be sufficient.
Effects have little control. Again it may be sufficient.

SOUNDS

The converters are good. To say they are clear I'm not sure. However, I do not think they degrade the sound, it is just a little different. In this price range is pretty good.

I joined the opinions regarding changes to the bpm of samples that distort the sound completely. Indeed inaudible.
But overall, the effects are pretty good. It remains consistent with all.

OVERALL OPINION

Everything depends on the use made of it.
I've owned for 2 years. Never able to properly use the pattern sequencer. Must say, its use was limited to throwing one-shot effect with or without a complement to other machines.
I insérais also a synth (Micron).

In this application there is super-convenient. On occasion it's worth it.
The machine is extremely strong, it seems indestructible.

After if it is to create beats I think the disappointment will be at the rendezvous.

Have been playing acoustic and electric guitar for over 35 years, both professionally and as a hobby. Have a home recording studio and a home performance stage where we hold monthly house concerts. Play mostly jazz, light rock, and vintage country. Playing style: chord/melody, finger-picking; use thumbpick and Alaska picks on three fingers.

Purchased late November, 2005 by mailorder from Sweetwater. Price: $395, including shipping. Planned to use the device to trigger drum fills, intros, and endings in my one-man-band configuration. Also wanted to add a few sound effects. All of this is controlled by a foot pedal. The unit has met my expectations quite nicely.

The SP-404 has striking visual appeal: what appears to be a brushed aluminum finish with flashing amber buttons and a green pulsating light that flashes in time with the beat, or that just flashes when there is no beat. Nicely laid out control board; large buttons; well-labeled. I also like the fact that it is compact. Some might prefer a rack-mount version. Importantly, the manual is easy to follow, quite unlike some Roland manuals of years past.

I have not found a way to copy patches from one location to another and I do not think it has this capability. The internal memory is very limited and a couple of Flash cards will be needed for most users. You cannot turn off a sample while it is playing unless you first go to the Loop mode -- a minor hassle. The external mic jack accepts a quarter-inch plug; an XLR jack would have been nice also. These are not major complaints.

Build quality is first-rate. It feels light but solid. Controls will withstand normal-to-hard use. The most important thing is that the sampled sounds are outstanding; what you put in is what you get out -- no degradation of the signal that is perceptable. I am very satisfied in this regard and that is the main reason I am going to hang on to this unit.

The SP-404 really fills the bill as an entry-level and/or special-purpose sampler. After many experiences in using Roland equipment, it has helped to change my mind about Roland with regard to ease of use and decipherable manuals. On the one occasion I had to contact Roland customer service, the reponse was quick and informative (the call was about how to connect the SP to another MIDI device). In sum, I have no regrets about purchasing the SP-404. A happy camper.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

effects, so good!

memory: you have to buy maps or often be doing the transfer, or have no need of many samples.

the connection is good (may be missing a rehearsal MIDI).

UTILIZATION

The general configuration is it simple? vi vi vi!

The manual is clear and sufficient? vi as

Editing sounds and effects is it easy? sounds okay, blah effects via the two knobs is not the top.

SOUNDS

The A / D converters and D / A are transparent? not. In addition, it will not change the tempo too, especially the slowing because cutting ..... means more than that.

The effects and filters are effective? they would be if the control was better managed.

The dynamics are respected? is very average!

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you use it? several years.

Have you tried many other models before buying it? a box!



What is so special that you love the most, least?

+

the mobile side
the use of effects for other devices

-

monitoring the effects

too bad there have not more than controls (general) through noon to integrate it into the HS at home.

the fact of not being able to loop the line (if required feedback hack (they have the function only on the SP555))

bpm in the non syncro

having to put all the samples in pattern in advance in order to put the tempo then (via soundbite micro sync)

sound lousy if you slow down the bpm (unlistenable)

the microphone is a shit, or it is badly placed in the machine, or both (the record is pathetic)


How would you rate the quality / price? a total rip off (it goes that I had bought too dear to US

With experience, you do again this choice? no, but I use it anyway since I still have. (The so called new SP 404 named "SX" is in the same vein .... shit!

Polyphony:
6 / 12 Stereo / Mono - sampling in 4 / 2 (Stereo / Mono)
Converters: convertos good, which is what comes out ...
Effects: 29 effects including 5 directly selectable by the buttons faade.
Memory: few prs 5 min 44.1 (11 LoFi) with 1GB CF card eune: 386 min (44.1) and 772 in LoFi.
Connectors: RCA (from sampling), L + R (6.35), Phones, Mic.
PC Publisher: not indicated yet.

Sufficient connection. The choice of the RCA does not seem justified because there is no possibility of a digital source spcifier Can be .... is it for the indoor space saving machine . The connection is enough I got.

UTILIZATION

The configuration-gnrale is quite simple. Obviously you have to use the manual (in English at the moment !!!). The display is minimal but the size of the machine and with a little practice ...
-You can edit the points start / end of loop with the machine but a PC edition is required for a more comfortable edition, APRS is a personal matter (no PC use, etc.. ...) because you can import via the memory card of Wave that has been well taken care of his little dcouper PC ...
-The manual outlines the possibilities of the machine in the style Roland, clear enough, execpt that some paramtrage MRIT not be in the little "Tips" or "MMO".

Some "tricks" not bad at all:
BPM can be a sampler: it can "quantify" the taking of sample: the sampling is stopped when it locks onto the next beat.
the effect BPM Looper lets you capture a portion of the live and boocler.
A Graber effect enables an effect on the beat in sync.

Obviously there is a mode pattern: it records in real time with input quantize, 99 measurements of 1 if I remember correctly.

SOUNDS

Convertos-transparent
-The effects are effective, I have two AIM (such as ....) we can apply an effect on all samples. Can be effective or resample directly smpler indeed apply the effect to an external source (very effective ... but Always an effect both ...).
No-dynamic.

OVERALL OPINION

Just trying to store enough profondment because I want a machine that makes this kind of sampling that boocle (SP505, SP606, SP303 ...).
Section sampling possde tips ncessaires smpler boocles of facilitating the job (be careful, a rest of a sample of boocle does not prtention to be an outstanding sampler and n is not comparable to an MPC or RS7000 etc ... This is not the same concept .....' Tention!) sample as a BPM (ditable) and the "trunc" cal the BPM etc ...
I try almost all current machines and for the price to remain INTERESTED views of the memory capacity, its size, the samples with BPM sync (not that Yamaha has tjrs !!!!) . It is well trs complment in a Set or DJ Groove maker ..

The ratio quality price is 360 trs INTERESTED little prs (Pigalle).
To spend the cash, I'm not DCID but you try and to decide. But the former owners or future owners of SP303, 505.606 mc909, RS7k, MPC KorgXxx this can be an excellent choice, using it as a slave MIDI or simply deuxime devices.

See above

UTILIZATION

Easy to use
edition somewhat limited, we must act "to feeling"
manual copy I think

SOUNDS

Converters clear
effects and dynamic of surprises with the effects of pitch if the rest is "normal"

OVERALL OPINION

Purchased very recement
I like the opportunity to play live and then improvise patterns
this is my first groove box sampler, I find it more accessible than in korg
the ratio q / p is correct

I knew how to do it again this election for the same price range new and under warranty but I will certainly hand the range above

Polyphony: no ide
Converters: good qualitbr /> Effects: I find them excellent for sound m'intresse (hack electro pop).
I use many of the samples sr, but also on external sources, including my old box rhythms (DR202) giving it a second life.
Effects filters (TUNER, LOFIetc well the sr + FILTER DRIVE) are very useful as such. The SLICER or BPM LOOPER duly authorize improvisation.
Memory: handy compact flash. Lots of memory for a budget trs correct and the possibility to buy more cards as and when required.
Connector: AUDIO IN (1Xstro CAR JACK + 1Xmono in with gain of). For numrique I know.
PC Edition: No soft. on the other hand, you can drive from a well-sr squenceur type Cubase. I find it excellent to be able to edit the samples on your PC and bring them back via the Compact Flash (CF reader ncessaire purchase).

UTILIZATION

Config gnarale: hyper simple, this prs some functions do not appear on the faade and ncessitent consult the manual to nab the shortcuts (eg, to change the midi channel is red tired holding a button down).
edition of sounds so easy, thanks the "chantillonage prcis a tempo," but also because it refines the IN and OUT points by manipulating the two knobs at the top (while playing) .
All standard functions (REVERSE LOOP etc) are available directly and can be sampled faade in MONO for a gain of memory.
We can ressampler with an effect (handy to make a "pallet" from a same sample).
Only criticism: one can not choose a sample pan mono. I think that's when the chantillonage (by stro IN) that is a shall decide.
Manual: trs clear (I have in French). especially since I have other Roland machines and found the same logic pdagogique (gnrales functions primarily for fun right now, more functions SPECIFICATIONS Then all the stuff and MIDI toward the end).

Manir gnrale of the use is very simple and intuitive. The pads have a good touch and the organization of functions makes sense. For my part, I find it lacks some functions even more prcises for the particular edition of PATTERN.
on the other hand, for use complmentaire other more powerful machines, it's perfect.

SOUNDS

L I'm not in the dtail. All I know is that the record is clear and the sound of the dynamics, especially when you start trigger dynamic effects or filters.
For example I pass my old DR202 dsormais by Stereo IN and sometimes I add an effect (+ FILTER DRIVE with the low level drive trs) and gives real potatoes.
Although SR is the domain of luxury hack, but it would use pro compltement insufficient in terms of rglages. But 350euros, there's no Mystras. You will not replace your laptop.

OVERALL OPINION

I bought 3 months ago APRS BMD 1/4h a store that I was immediately convinced of the possibilities. I think I went around and found its way into my config.
Premire thing: I use the effects to revisit my old pattern, songs etc., accumulated for years on my other machines (using Kaos Pad somehow).
Another thing: it's a good sampler, easy to use live.
For now I use it in "arranger" or "filter", but I am sr that run There's way to deal from loops and especially using the 99 steps of the pattern.
on the other hand, always the same criticism: I find that edition of the pattern is really complicated. No way not to work it.
We must add or delete an info while reading the pattern. That said, the habit of sampling navigate certainly better than me, even if I assume that they will opt for a long time dj MPC or SP505.
In fact, in recent years I acquired a lot of synths or "sound box" (such ordinary toy 8 euros in a Chinese bazaar) and allows me to "go" live more just before. To do this, I had a studio numrique (KORG D12), but was obviously not the same flexibility edition.
For the price, I think it's a hyper INTERESTED machine, a kind of Swiss army knife audio.
I suggest that dj possde other machines, a laptop or a little too rigid live, but certainly not one who wants to make the hearts of his config is quelqu'elle.
Plutt for musicians interested as producers laborious.
In all cases, the price would be a shame to miss out. Especially if less than 300 euros OCCAZ point the nose.

- See other reviews

UTILIZATION

Editing pattern not very practical I think.
Indeed one time. Or if you need to resample your sample effect before a rebalance of the sample or another. Not intuitive what trs ct l.
One step too small but thanks to its price is so cheap, so it accommodates it again!

Otherwise it is very practical, clear manual, the quality is l. I am fed up with well, this sampler is fun ...

SOUNDS

- Good sound converters nothing wrong at the moment
- The effects are not all good, a little of the distortion for example, I love the flanger against which I find quite russi.

OVERALL OPINION

I LOVE this sampler, small, transportable (with batteries Please class if you want to sample your buddy who plays percussion in the woods, or the pneumatic drill down your street), I love the ct indpendant module, multiple use of the fawn (box effects, recording studio), I love the compact flash card up to 1GB.
I pay 329 euros including shipping nine, perfect for my budget, but sample in CD quality! it's a real small concentration of technology not look.

At this price without the hsiter I remake the same choice!

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UTILIZATION

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SOUNDS

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OVERALL OPINION

I'm using this sampler for a year now and since that is only happiness ... !

Sincerely, facing such a product, the report qualitprix is ​​unbeatable. The sampler provides all the functions sufficient over 29 effects! We also use a face trs intuitive, edition of practice patterns I find, Night with the "quantize" that s' avre very useful.

The sound is CD quality, nothing to say of the cot if n is a lightweight breath al increase in the master ... The pads are hard and good stuff like the way (I have quite a mop!)

I appreciate also the possibility of an internal MIDI connections for connecting my keyboard ac matre. Taking phone and the internal microphone is cleverly penss tools.

A brief sampler VERY GOOD dtour worth a place with dignity and that before other MPC and KORG AKA home. THANKS ROLAND!

All is said below

UTILIZATION

...

SOUNDS

...

OVERALL OPINION

I possde for 3 days, I wanted to buy new (349 Euros) in possder a story in an impeccable state, with original power (because the heat quickly branded) and manual (in French & English).

Possdant dj Boss Sp 303, I had no trouble mastering the BTE is the same but with more memory, especially the Wave and AIFF formats, a few more effects and a micro Intgr and it runs on batteries (for info: 9 LR06 batteries or AAA 1V5, autonomy? Do as I advise you alkaline: just over 6 hours, attention the more you use the bass sounds, the more the batteries wear out quickly).

This is an extremely good sampler sold, trs complete and the report quality price (I remind you that I bought new) is excellent.

Choice again, without any hsitation

everything has been said
pads buttons everywhere, but much to learn ..


UTILIZATION

use is fairly simple but the foutage of mouth for my liking:
No-correct interface to work with so no sampling precision to make this what this thing is built, the sampling
-A memory card that costs not included with the skin c..
obviously because the machine has no memory super
- A recording made more than doubtful and approximate
brief

SOUNDS

sound effects and very average

OVERALL OPINION

short I bought to add electronic sounds / samples on stage in my rock band
but I soon dropped the case! no commercial use is possible with this toy amateur dj's .. because it is nothing other than that .. I knew the toys cheaper and more fun than that in musical
but hey since I discovered the world of machines I hope all the electro stuff is not foutage of mouth like that because I feel if I'm going to make something ..
to prevent

Everything has been said in other reviews

UTILIZATION

Simple configuration but may be too simple to record-level samples: very apreoximatif ...
The manual is clear and simple
editing and sound effects is easy

SOUNDS

Very Good sounds nearly perfect with 24-bit converters, but I noticed a small noise when the pads are flashing ..
the effects are nice except a few who are bof
dynamics is observed has almost

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 7 months and I think it is really good
I have not tried other models
I love the sound quality is really good
value for money is really good!
With the experience I REFERRED the same choice Although I