Roland SP-404SX

The SP-404SX replaced the original SP-404, I have used both models and both are worth the 500 dollars that they cost. The SP-404SX is a battery powered sampler and drum machine. It does have a sequencer built into it, but it is not as good as many other sequencers that I have used. The built in microphone is a huge plus though for when you want to record or sample some live stuff that is going on around you. The quality of the microphone is pretty decent just to be an on unit built in microphone.

UTILIZATION

The SP-404SX comes with 29 effects like, voice effects and filters. There are 3 control knobs and 12 pads to use for whatever you want to use them for. The pads are decent but not great, they are kind of stiff at first and don’t have that touch sensitive feel that I was use to. The software that comes with the SP-404SX can be used on PC or Macs . It is decent, but I don’t use it much anymore because I don’t think it was beneficial to my set up.

SOUNDS

There are 2 RCA inputs and 1 TRS Microphone input. With 2 RCA and 1 headphone output you will have a way to get your audio out of the SP-404SX. The SP-404SX does have a MIDI in but no MIDI out and no digital outputs or digital inputs.

OVERALL OPINION

The SP-404SX runs with 6 AA batteries similar to the original SP-404 did. It is very portable and you can take it anywhere you want and use it. It is a must have for a DJ, you get some really good effects and the ability to just use the pads for effects in a live show. I have been using the SP-404SXfor 2 years now, and before that I was using the original SP-404 since about 2004.

Audio Midi but no USB .. Damage

UTILIZATION

Easy to use, plenty of opportunity to use live.

SOUNDS

conversion to import samples using a utility provided with. Works well to assign samples to pads.

OVERALL OPINION

It's a shame that there have not the possibility to connect to a computer to create the patterns directly. It would be easier for caller samples and to exploit all the possibilities of this machine.

For my personal use, it does not suit me, I would leave rather a worm Boss RC505.

The SP404Sx is a portable sampler, which operates either on AC or battery.
The effects are 24 in number resuming some effects and controls of BOSS pedals for guitar and other dedicated to the DJ.
It has RCA inputs and outputs, but also Jack front. There is also a Midi "in" designed to synchronize the device with other bikes in the afternoon. Shame not to have out "d" "or" thru ".
The memory is expandable through a Sd or SDHC card to 32GB which not all bad!
However I do not think there is a memory internally, however, a map is provided with sounds by BOSS. There is a utility provided for loading samples on the memory card and assign them to the pads.
The software is simple and effective, but I find a drag / drop would have been nice, as well as pre-listening samples.

UTILIZATION

The config is clearer (it passes easily from one menu to another) with well-specified functions, and the manual is quite readable. Only applications linked to the south have seemed obscure, besides the AF forum is full of questions about it. Editing samples is very simple, but personally, I edit my samples in Live before transferring into the sampler. Editing effects is very intuitive and very nice!

SOUNDS

The converters are of good quality (16bits/44hz) with a good potato and a good dynamic that sometimes lack the software. The effects are very fun to use, too bad we can not use one at a time!

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for more than a year used with a Kaoss pad, in addition to the laptop on stage to send and manipulate pieces until my LIVE sessions were responsible, or else by sending only the tracks of drums, in addition my samples on Ableton.
I had other models BOSS ROLAND range, and I love their sound and their configurations. I just wish that MIDI is not more complete, and the screen is reduced to its simplest expression. You can always discuss the idea of ​​having a hardware sampler at the time of LIVE and its multiple controllers, I do not dwell on it, but in any case this little machine is very nice! Light, robust and practical, it has a built-in microphone that allows you to ship it everywhere, and battery operated (and then the hardware it crashes still less a computer)!!
The value for money is correct, (I saw that the price has increased recently), with experience, I would do the same choice that the MIDI is limited, depending on the use that is in addition turntables, it can be terrible!

For technical, I encourage you to consult the data sheet available on Audiofanzine or the manufacturer's website.

UTILIZATION

Machine very easy to use. It is made for live so most options are easily accessible. The effects are directly accessible via buttons assigned to them. The sample editing is fairly intuitive. Just put the sample loop and press once to the point of entry and again to the exit point. If we are wrong, we repress the button that removes the mark points of entry and exit defined. Nothing could be simpler and all in real time. You may also be more accurate using the two knobs (CTRL2 - entry point and CTRL3 - exit point). But little attention limitation, you can CLURE than 10 ms.

SOUNDS

The converter is transparent. The effects are very good.

OVERALL OPINION

I use it for 2 weeks now and I'm quite surprised by the potential of this machine. I advise those who want a touch more intuitive in the production of their music. For me it is quite possible to make beats on this machine. It is precisely its "limits" that make it a very powerful tool. For example, one can sample a drum break, cut the pads and rework each chop with the effects (resampling attention required). The sequencer looks a little stiff. However I suggest you arm yourself with a little mini-disc recorder or a lil on computer. Indeed, one can not resample a pattern. Last point, you can save the entry with a sampling effect you can handle in real time. In sum, I would say that this machine is a true pocket rocket, easily comparable to a MPC500, for example. Indeed, even if its sequencer fishing by its rigidity, it compensates with ergonomics and ease of use. The sumptuous blend of a musical instrument and a workstation.