All user reviews for the Roland SP-555

What polyphony? 12 votes

What effect? 37 digital effects

What connection (Audio, MIDI, digital ...)? USB (compatible with USB-MIDI and USB Audio), memory card slot (CompactFlash), line input, microphone input with phantom power, streaming audio on the USB bus and import WAV / AIFF

What converters?

Converter waveforms (Mac and PC) for importing and exporting WAV / AIFF

How much memory as standard? up? Maximum recording time (mono, approx.) Memory - STANDARD ... 11 min. LO-FI ... 22 min. 12 hours via a compact flash card of 2 gigabytes.

Is there an editing utility for Mac / PC? Yes, SP-555 Wave Converter for PC and MAC, easy to use.

UTILIZATION

The general configuration is it simple?

Yes, relatively intuitive

Editing sounds and effects is it easy?

Via the software is rather simple, we must live to learn, but the handling and quick.

The manual is clear and sufficient?

Clear enough to read once.

SOUNDS

The A / D converters and D / A are transparent?

Digital and no more.

The effects and filters are effective?

According to taste, too digital for me.

The dynamics are respected? the distorted sounds is a bit destructive.

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you use it?

3, 4.

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

the +
Very good machine to play loops, the pads are of good quality and capacity of memory cards with is impressive.

The -

Nullisime when it comes to playing one shot, if you want to drum kits on the pads you will be disappointed. The effects are of poor quality, the beam of gadget is very unclear, the function loop average catch too.

Have you tried many other models before buying it?

I also have a MK2 Electribe, the two machines complement the MKE for one-shot and the sp 555 for loops.

How would you rate the quality / price? With experience, you do again this choice?

A bit expensive but it's probably one of the best samplers for loop, very easy to use and assignment of samples through the software is very simple. For loop-based music is perfect (not to create but to play live). The camera is good quality and robust, the pads are pretty good size and comfortable use even though I'd recommend buying a foot.

How much memory as standard? up?
Card 2GB

UTILIZATION

The general configuration is it simple?
I use it as a midi controller and effects.

The manual is clear and sufficient?
yes

SOUNDS

The effects and filters are effective?
Yes.

OVERALL OPINION

How long have you use it?
2 years.

Have you tried many other models before buying it?
not.


What is so special that you love the most, least?
Roland performance, sound and aesthetics.


With experience, you do again this choice?
Yes.

8

UTILIZATION

10

SOUNDS

9

OVERALL OPINION

I sold mine but I really enjoyed this machine.
The pros:
* Hyper fun, easy and really fun.
* Super effects
* 2GB of loops is comfortable on the map
* High quality converter
* Anything that is done on the fly is nice
The -:
-CF card that works well with Roland lottery =
-Transfer of samples to computer via the CF card sp555 but not by usb: (
Velocity-pads, but yes bof
- Minimalist sequencer
- Cutting loops imprecise (reason to facilitate the transfer with the computer)

Trs good hardware, trs grip, full manual trs comprhensible anlais but thanks to clear and schmas prcis.
Quick guide.
Comes with SONAR LE cake walk, food.
Possible connection IN and OUT: MIDI, RCA, TRS.
Possibility of samples from a live external output, possibility to connect a microphone to use EFFE.
Effects slectonnables knob 32 + 5 in the rapid effects.
Management of the curve of a laser effect thanks you control the movement of your hand on this one.
The laser is used, in fact, synth and last sample jou.
possibility of a used smart media card 2 GB (about 45 euros on the net).
possibility of playing on headphones.
The effects are due to samples, microphone and line IN.
list and samples of 16 grs pattern pads.
CRER possibility of loops.
Frankly a good trs incest and as many people said, cheaper and far more than electribe.
Dmonstrations vidos imprsionnantes on the website of Roland.
https://www.rolandce.com/sp555/sp555.php?lang=fr

UTILIZATION

As I said, SIMPLICIME
THE PRO at the beginning!!

SOUNDS

Too bad it is not hard ca lamps Intgr but all of the same.
Its electronic trs

OVERALL OPINION

TIP OUF

Trs good overall but the big default squenceur just too lightweight for use other than live (not even forcment "studio"). Good memory (2 block 16 pads internal memory block + 8 * 16 in memory card compactflash)

UTILIZATION

The manual is clear (there must be 40 pages ..), not the problem above, the whole is intuitively accessible trs little we have dj boss is a sampler of cakes. Trs simple and fast type of wedge samples, shame about making too much manipulation by pressing several buttons (but it's not that Gnant the habit) and the size of the screen is not enough (not enough info).

SOUNDS

Excellent and varied effects of Bouzin they send! APRS shame not be able to apply multiple effects on the same sample ... The filter is good.
The sound is very nice, well rounded, warmer sound than the korg ...

OVERALL OPINION

I for 1 month. This is one of DJ gear and be seen, trs live east, as are the effects, intuitiva and sound, minus the squenceur and guts, lack of functions facade.
The report price is plutt good quality.

This is my first and only sampler. Can not the comprare with another CHARACTERISTICS
Otherwise it is a machine that looks gnial. Lumire with red and blue in a cast.

UTILIZATION

The configuration is fairly simple gnrale. Let's say for a first sampler requires some time to understand how it works, especially since sometimes it is necessary rapuyer multiple buttons to do some simple manipulation. For example we are left to support three or four times over a button to clear a sample.

No manual in French.

The edition of his is quite simple except that the function which varies the sound volume depending on how hard you pressed the keys is pretty boring. It's not faile to always support with the same force, the coup may have been a sound that appears stronger than others and broke the ear, it's best to blow carmebnt block this function.

SOUNDS

The effects are simple and effective trs. Perfect for Live

OVERALL OPINION

I like the effects that are really clear and the function to play the synth by waving in the air above the device.

For the price I think it's a good sampler what I reproach him some dtails such as the impossibility to change the sound of the synth magic or rgler volume. Similarly, I would have AIM spars of knobs for the volume of samples, and the volume gnral.

- What is polyphony?
12 votes up

- What converter?
Original Size 555 sp. Import / export to wav / aiff

- What effect?
Many effects, the best for me are the new filters, bpm Loop, tape echo, and then others, but there are 37 types so I'm not all dcrires. Three potentiomtre for controls.

- How much memory as standard? maximum?
Internal memory standard: 11 minutes. Memory on compact flash: up to 2 GB ... is that a lot (772 minutes in standard)

- What connection (Audio, MIDI, numrique ...)?
Midi in / out. RCA in / usb out.Prise reception and sending pc (midi and audio, but I have not tried MIDI) with driver.Prise jack / xlr in faade with 2 potentiomtre for the volume of between (1 mic and 1 line in). Potentiomtre a comprehensive volume. 1 headphone. 1 connection pedals.

Is there a utility edition of Mac / PC?
Yes, wave converter that allows you to place all samples in the slots of Sp on the compact flash card. Comes with a light Sonar.
-Loop Capture function is to say looping in real time (15 seconds) or external source or internally / externally.

-160 Samples: 32 in internal memory, 128 memory card.

-Ditto for the patterns.

-D-beam: infrared sensor control sign three paramtres: a synth (8 sounds can not be modified, if not the harmonics-twenty-range volume and delay), a filter (4 types low-pass, high pass, and notch-bypass with four degrees of resonance type of filter) and a dclencheur (trigger that launches a sample by moving past the sensor, for percussive sounds funny, despite trs dclenchement not a sensible, obvious).

-Function V-link: synchronizes visual effects to music in real time through video compatible units v-link. I have not used but it seems interesting.

Veloci-on pads.

Then, full of small functions such inhrentes sampler: roll (rptitions a sample), type of sample dclenchement (gate / trigger, loop) etc. ...

CHARACTERISTICS good despite small weaknesses. Machine convenient and enjoyable handling.


UTILIZATION

- The configuration gnrale Is it easy?
Yes, accessible, pretty, lgre, clear.

- The edition of sounds and effects is it easy?
Yes. The edition of sounds is limited trs, trs but intuitive. Ideal for making her tear it off and have fun.
The edition is better than the effects on his prdecesseur 404, thanks in particular the memory effect function (amlioration big because it will keep in memory 16 paramtrs effects, id al to live) and the function that allows you to assign effect prciser sources affected by the impact.

- The manual is clear and sufficient? ...
Clearly yes, I do not know enough. Logically yes because it is full, but some simple functions seem empty to me on this machine do not appear (global dry / wet on the effects ...)

SOUNDS

- The A / D and D / A are transparent?
I think yes.

- Effects and filters are effective?
The new filter is simple but beautiful.

on the other hand there are problem of levels of effects (fx mode limit function limits the amount of kills the effect of the best quality effects).
There is no potentiometer or function to adjust the overall volume effects (such as dry / wet), which would be simple to do and really handy, because often, the effects volume takes up too much space compared to samples, especially when you decrease the volume of individual samples. I am pretty demanding because of the work to clean and this same live, it's a hell of a default, as the problem only after you have an effect on a sample, when the enlve is this, the sample sounds softer, and the mix loses quality.

- The dynamic is it respect? ...
More or less. I do not know actually. It sounds quite a bit my ear. The sound is good plutt respect. The problem lies in the volume rglage too limited. A compressor is not great. The quality of enlve resample the original sample.

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you use it?
For 2 weeks.

- Have you tried many other models before acqurir?
Yes, 404.

- How do you report qualitprix?
Trs good is the main strength of this machine.

- With the exprience, you do again this choice? ...
Yes but I call Roland to tell him he has omitted the important dtails trs.


In my opinion, the undeniable quality of bte

The loop-capture, which is a novelty in this range. It explodes with good, and it opens up with possibilities.
The easy-thanks to new features "memory effect" and "effect assign" (and setting the bpm).
-The new filter.
-The microphone interface: knob volume, jack / XLR.
-The storage capacity, strong point.
-The increase of 4 pads (thus 40 samples from the 404).
-The addition of the fast on the pads.
-The D-beam, with a lot of fun.
-Function V-link is more that can be very practical.
MIDI-Out and USB
In my opinion, large defects amliorer:

The Sampler slot-effects in BPM, including MIDI (the sp555 does not recognize the bpm of an external sequencer off mode pattern, or I do not know and must explain it to me, please).
The BPM-rglage prcis is not enough, no calculation of what would Bpm t perfect.
-Too bad there have no connection jack Stereo (TRS but not important).
-The dry / wet overall effect is not adjustable. For me, the major concern of this machine.
The loop limit-capture 15 seconds, and the save function to pad that allows the loop BACKUP pads, stops the playback of the loop.
-One is obliged to save the delay in progress (if such a feedback infinity) on the loop if you want to add capture an external source (microphone). It bothers me because pair and switch delay and loop t gnial would capture, for example a set live beatbox / singing.
-You can not put any effect on the loop playing on loop capture (there can be no effects on the sources, so we can not remove them from the loop). Gnant to live, when we cut the loop, forced Cuter sec.

That's basically, my criticism of this machine.
Roland has solutions if my problem or anyone that calls me, for I love this machine, and it could be perfect with LGERS adjustments, which reprsentent m am to 5% of the machine but which I think are important.
Thank you Roland.

- What is polyphony?
12 tracks
- How much effect?
37 types
- How much memory as standard? maximum?
Pattern pads 16 and 16 and up to 2GB in standart in compact flash
- What connection?
MIDI IN / OUT, RCA IN / OUT, headphone, microphone (micro and small container at the top left of the unit)
- Is there an editing utility for Mac / PC?
SONAR LE (MIDI controller), SP555 wave converter (to convert and assign samples to pads)

UTILIZATION

- The general configuration is it simple?
You decide: I'm soft in the brain and I spent about twenty hours a top and I already know all these functions and shortcuts ... so yes in my opinion.
- Publishing of sound effects or is it easy?
Yes easy but not totally complete (the filter is set by the D-BEAM ...) have not easily change its duration, its tempo, its starting point and end (in 2 different ways) but personally I prefer the change of PC using Goldwave or Audacity for example is much faster and accurate.
- The manual is clear and sufficient?
Very clear and comprehensive manual nothing to say it is an ally of choice

The D-BEAM is simpas but you have to know more tame it and it's not easy, but it is comprehensive and offers many sound and filter (+ trigger mode it handy)

Buttons and pots seem (I say seem) resistant (caoutchouk pads), the plastic finish gives an air of the SP555 toy but it is only air that he gives, Professional is a tool given these enormous opportunities (loop capture, overdubbing, sampling very simple and customizable, options for triggering samples as gate loop, 3 knobs effects etc ...)

The sequencer (I do not like it I would say it is rotten) (which is why I paid another sequencer separately) to align one by one the sounds we made ourselves, but it ' is difficult feat considering the time it takes to pass it to get out of just drinking, but I'm not very good anyway.

SOUNDS

- The A / D and D / A are transparent?
Yes the sound comes out as he returned NOT (there is always a safe or a but) if the changes were (Niark)
- Effects and filters are effective?
Yes, but be careful to set your purpose or your filter before activating it (several options to do that) for fear of killing your live today (grinding the ears, mute, explosage of timpani ---> is also evidence that the effects are good and above all they are going away). Can have a filter to assign a pad at a time or so you have to mess with the sampling.
- The dynamics are respected?
Koikecè dynamics?? In any case, the DJ will be happy is a wonderful sampler for the price!!

OVERALL OPINION

- How long have you use it?
One month
- What is so special that you like most and least?
The memory-Standing, effects, loop capture
- Have you tried many other models before buying it?
A similar but ... PC
- How would you rate the quality / price?
More than well.
- With experience, you do again this choice?
I do not know the look is ... very toy ... but I'm a big kid! So yes 70%

Voila

See the reviews below.

UTILIZATION

Configuration gnrale Is it easy?
Yes, it's simple.


The edition of sound effects or is it easy?
-For the record I really regret that the loop offers only 15 seconds of recording and even more limiting measures 4 ... which for the treatment of samples request to have duplicates on the pads. <img class="smiley" src="https://fr.audiofanzine.com/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_sad.gif" alt="sad" />
It is the solution "sampling" (via the input line) but does not save a sample reading (it's really the box).
-For the selection of midi channels when using a sequencer (for me a QY100) it's really annoying having to reboot the machine.
Shorten a sample is feasible but not really ergonomic trs (I rebalance my sounds on the computer and then re-injected after cross).
I do not know why but it refuses to sync at the BPM with my DDR880 (although it's Roland?) With the remainder rolls well.
A-effect: a sound we must save it to another pad to add an effect.

The manual is clear and sufficient? ...
Yes, it is clear even in English ca is simple, the functionality is not well Retailer explanations are not good when beginners on this machine.


SOUNDS

The A / D and D / A are transparent?
To do that, go from analog (K7, instruments, ect ..) and I do the same comparison using sounds recorded on my computer through my sound card and a sampler of all colors m its me ... I want to say that a smell numrique, you lose a little of some frquences, it gets a little colder and less vibrant. APRS is what it is Dranga? melted in a mix is ​​less agreement.


Effects and filters are effective?
-The effects are nice, you can reach things that take place (in the controls of the effects I find 3 buttons that trs very edge, just want to limit it). Some stuff is really horrible and evil sound (the octave is zero!), The D-Beam is trs gadget, the synths associates are just ugly.


The dynamic is it respect? ...
Oul ... when you returned something not expect out of the store with the same thing better, I found a very destructive at this level but for my use the Lo-fi I ' in doing this is not a big worry.


OVERALL OPINION

How long have you use it?
-2 Years.


What is the particular feature you like best and least?
"It's a big toy. To me there is nothing really but it is pro trs agrbale a hack.


Have you tried many other models before acqurir?
-Also at the Roland 404 and 606, as its numro suggests it is between the two with some benefits did possde neither one nor the other.


How do you report qualitprix?
"It's a bit expensive even when I bought it new, but if I had the choice again I purchase.


Exprience with, you will do again this choice? ...
While the non-! <img class="smiley" src="https://fr.audiofanzine.com/images/audiofanzine/interface/smileys/icon_biggrin.gif" alt="biggrin" /> Trs is funny, I fiddle with much but I'm not a DJ and home studio use the gadget really want absolutely no luxury of a machine to produce sounds and work. Taking

Features beautiful on paper but actually much more disappointing. 15 sec. max of the loop station are a disgrace and have no technical justification. In addition, the other big problem is the inability to resample with an entry input active. In short, if you want to record a sample of more than 15 seconds to add another sound to the input audio is simply impossible. To think! Now! SP 303 The old saw no problem ... This allowed to do so without a problem multitrack. The SP 555 is a regression in this size! 15 sec ... it's foutage of g.

UTILIZATION

Ergonomist. Simple. No need to manually (at first). The effects are numerous but coarse, and ultimately very little use. We would have preferred fewer but more mature. Quantity cons quality. Damage.

SOUNDS

The converters are the main problem of this machine. Forget the "Ext Source" is a disaster! The hole in the high frequencies is incredible equalizer and the machine does nothing to compensate. It must go through the RCA is better but not yet at the SP converter 303. Second regression technique.

OVERALL OPINION

I have the machine for 1 year, I do not count (for now) without them. Nevertheless, I regret this purchase (the strong opinions glowing below I was somewhat misleading. These guys have to work for Roland. I do not see any other explanation ...).
For non-DJs (I am), this machine can be useful in the first phase composition, particularly to throw first musical scraps, make a few loops, develop some demos without the requirement for sound quality (mostly not) .

I forgot: the transfer of a sample of "loop capture" one of the pads will cause a loss of clear sound quality of the sample.

A tip: for the same price as buying an SP 333 and an RC 20 XL.