Roland SP samplers are the bona fide kings of performance-based beatmaking, celebrated for their distinctive sound and ability to create rapid-fire beats anywhere, anytime. Carefully refined through community feedback and extensive research and development, the SP-404MKII is the ultimate SP sampler. It’s faster and better than ever, with a vivid OLED display, expressive new pads, expanded effects, fluid sequencing and sampling, and a massive library of authentic sounds to inspire your music.
+ Features
Vivid OLED display for visual waveform editing, full menu access, and more
17 velocity-sensitive, RGB pads with no-click design for smooth playability
Faster workflow with quick startup and load times, 16 GB internal storage, low-latency pads, and rapid sample editing
Compact, ultra-lightweight design (2.4 lbs./1.1 kg) with versatile power options: USB-C, mobile battery (via USB-C port), six AA batteries, or AC adaptor
Extensive onboard effects, including SP classics like Vinyl Simulator and DJFX Looper, new Lo-fi, Cassette Simulator, and Resonator effects, and dedicated Vocoder, Auto Pitch, and Guitar Amp Simulator effects for the mic/guitar input
32-voice polyphony, 160 samples per project, and 16 internal projects for expanded programming possibilities
Blazing onboard sample editing with real-time or auto-chop mode, auto BPM detect, envelope, pitch shift, and resampling for layering sounds and phrases
Pre-loaded sound library with 144 high-quality, professionally recorded samples and patterns
Extensive customization options with removable metal faceplate, downloadable outline template, multiple screensavers, and personalized startup logos
Upgraded I/O includes 1/4-inch line in/out, 1/4-inch mic/guitar input, 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch headphones outputs, and 1/8-inch TRS MIDI in/out
New resampling workflow for re-recording with various effects for detailed sound design
Audio capture and streaming supported with mobile devices and computers via USB-C*
Skip Back Sampling to automatically capture up to 25 seconds of audio from your last performance
Bus FX for layering multiple effects, with customizable routing for creating intricate sound textures
Adjustable quantization and shuffle percentage across multiple note resolutions to customize swing
Pattern sequencer with the ability to create full songs with BPM per bank, ideal for running backing tracks or programming performances
Chain patterns for automatic playback and use Pad Link to trigger up to four samples with a single press
DJ Mode enables new approaches to live performance by manipulating and mixing two separate audio files
SP-404MKII editor software for Mac and Windows provides direct sample access, detailed waveform editing, sample management, pad assignment, and import of MIDI files and legacy SP-404SX and SP-404A projects
*A supported iOS mobile device with a Lightning connector can be connected to the SP-404MKII via USB-C using the appropriate Apple adaptor cable. The SP-404MKII must be powered with an optional PSD AC adaptor (included) or 6X AA batteries (not included) in this circumstance. See the SP-404MKII Reference Manual for more USB-C connection info.
Bigger, better, faster, stronger.
The SP-404MKII has everything people love about its predecessor—with some serious upgrades like 17 ultra-expressive pads and updated knobs for smooth, hands-on control. And beatmaking is even quicker with speedy boot time, swift project loading and sample import, and easy project access via 16 GB of internal storage. Longtime users and new beatmakers alike will feel right at home with the intuitive layout and classic SP effects, plus a revamped sampling and sequencing workflow, Skip Back Sampling for quick performance capture, DJ mode to mix beats live, and more.
Guerilla beatmaking.
People who make music with SP samplers love the rapid workflow, portability, and tactile approach they offer. The SP-404MKII takes this experience even further, retaining the lightweight-yet-rugged design while adding features that make it even easier to create in any scenario. Bang out beats anywhere with AA or mobile battery power, capture audio from or stream direct to your mobile device via USB, or collaborate with a partner using the dual headphones outputs and mic/guitar input.
A sampler with soul.
With the SP404MKII’s vivid OLED screen and zoomable waveform view, sample editing is smooth like butter. Chop up samples by tapping out edit points in real time, or use auto chop to slice samples automatically. Then finesse them with envelope and pitch shift, and use the new resampling workflow to re-record patterns and effects layers for detailed sound design. And with Skip Back Sampling, you can instantly grab those golden moments by capturing up to 25 seconds of audio from your last performance.
All about effects.
Process, flip, and twist your sounds with legendary SP effects and a selection of new classics. SP staples like Vinyl Simulator and DJFX Looper are now joined with powerful additions that include Lo-fi, Cassette Simulator, and Resonator. Layer and route multiple simultaneous bus effects for intricate sound textures, or plug into the mic/guitar input and jam with ready-to-go Vocoder, Auto Pitch, and Guitar Amp Simulator effects.
Performance-tuned sequencing.
The SP-404MKII gives you the flexibility to create patterns with unique feel and energy. There’s adjustable input quantize and shuffle for custom swing, Pad Link for firing off multiple samples with a single tap, a Roll button for variable note repeat, and BPM-per-bank for instant tempo changes. It’s also possible to organize patterns for different sets and chain them together to automate playback. With your hands freed up, you can stretch out on the SP effects controls or let rip on your favorite synth.
Sound stash.
Dive into beatmaking with the pre-loaded sounds in the SP-404MKII's blazing-fast 16 GB of internal memory. There's a huge collection of curated samples to choose from and plenty of room to augment them with your private sound stash. And you can now load even more sounds at once, with 160 samples across each project for expanded performance and beatmaking combinations.
Break beats. Not banks.
You shouldn't need to take out a bank loan to make beats or produce tracks. The SP-404MKII is more powerful and more affordable than ever, making it easy to add its rapid workflow and characteristic sound to your existing setup. And with all it can do, the SP-404MKII may be the only piece you need for production and performance.
Customize it.
You work hard to be a unique artist—so why play on cookie-cutter gear that looks like everyone else’s? Personalize your SP-404MKII with your own style or branding for a look that's as distinctive as your sound. Grab the faceplate template to create custom overlays, style your startup screen with personalized logos, or select a screensaver that matches your vibe.
CUSTOM FACEPLATES
Colored control knobs pictured are sold separately and not available from Roland.
SP-404MKII App, Sample Packs, and more on Roland Cloud.
Download the SP-404MKII App from Roland Cloud Manager to go even deeper with your Mac or Windows computer. Access more detailed waveform editing, assign samples to pads, and import MIDI files and legacy SP-404SX and SP-404A projects for remixing and updating. And while you’re there, check out our exclusive Beatmaker Sample Pack series for more sonic material from legendary sound designers and musicians to inspire your next production.
SP-404MKII APP
Guide/Articles
Roland Engineering: Designing the SP-404MKII
The lead designers behind the SP-404MKII provide an exclusive look inside the making of the updated version of the beloved classic.Read more…
Ultimate Guide: Customizing the SP-404MKII
The SP-404MKII is ready-made for numerous types of customization. Here's a deep dive into the world of options for modding the new model.Read more…
Skin Deep: Art of the SP-404 Overlay and Beyond
Welcome to the world that’s grown around SP-404 custom skins and beyond. Get lost in the art and hear from the creators in their own words.Read more…
4 Essential SP-404 Live Performance Tips
Austin, TX beatmaker/producer/artist Flobama shares four essential quick-start tips to help SP-404 users maximize their machines.Read more…
SP-404: DJFX LOOPER and How to Use It
Learn to utilize the SP-404's DJFX LOOPER, a definitive feature of the SP series and sonic cornerstone of the lo-fi hip-hop movement.Read more…
Listening Guide: An Intro to the L.A. Beat Scene
Many artists and releases played a pivotal role in shaping the L.A. Beat Scene. Here's a variety of key sounds from a unique musical moment.Read more…
Specifications
Maximum Polyphony
32 voices
Recordable Data
Samples = 2,560 (16 samples x 10 banks x 16 projects, stored in internal storage) Patterns = 2,560 (16 patterns x 10 banks x 16 projects, stored in internal storage)
Internal storage
Size: 16 GB *Including preload data
Maximum sampling time
16 minutes (approximately 185 MB per sample)
Skip Back Sampling
25 seconds (capturing the last moments of performance)
SD card (sold separately) for backup, restore, import, and export functions (SDHC compatible)
Connection terminals
PHONES jacks: 1/4-inch phone type, Stereo miniature phone type LINE OUT (L/MONO, R) jacks: 1/4-inch TRS phone type (impedance balanced) LINE IN (L/MONO, R) jacks: 1/4-inch phone type MIC/GUITAR IN jacks: 1/4-inch TRS phone type (for MIC), 1/4-inch phone type (for GUITAR) MIDI (IN, OUT) jack: Stereo miniature phone type USB terminal: USB Type-C (Audio, MIDI) DC IN terminal
Power Supply
AC adaptor USB bus power supply (USB Type-C port, 1.5 A ormore) Ni-MH batteries (AA, HR6)(sold separately) x 6 Alkaline battery (AA, LR6)(sold separately) x 6
Current Draw
1,100 mA (AC adaptor) 1,500 mA (USB bus power)
Expected battery life under continuous use
Alkaline battery: Approx. 2.5 hours Ni-MH battery: Approx. 3.5 hours *This can vary depending on the specifications of the batteries, capacity of the batteries, and the conditions of use.
Accessories
Quick start "Read Me First" leaflet Roland User Registration Card AC adaptor Warranty card
177.5 (W) x 275.8 (D) x 70.5 (H) mm7 (W) x 10-7/8 (D) x 2-13/16 (H) inches
Weight (excluding AC adaptor)
1.1 kg 2 lbs 7 oz
Roland Engineering: Designing the SP-404MKII
The lead designers behind the SP-404MKII provide an exclusive look inside the making of the updated version of the beloved classic.Read more…
Ultimate Guide: Customizing the SP-404MKII
The SP-404MKII is ready-made for numerous types of customization. Here's a deep dive into the world of options for modding the new model.Read more…
Skin Deep: Art of the SP-404 Overlay and Beyond
Welcome to the world that’s grown around SP-404 custom skins and beyond. Get lost in the art and hear from the creators in their own words.Read more…
4 Essential SP-404 Live Performance Tips
Austin, TX beatmaker/producer/artist Flobama shares four essential quick-start tips to help SP-404 users maximize their machines.Read more…
SP-404: DJFX LOOPER and How to Use It
Learn to utilize the SP-404's DJFX LOOPER, a definitive feature of the SP series and sonic cornerstone of the lo-fi hip-hop movement.Read more…
Listening Guide: An Intro to the L.A. Beat Scene
Many artists and releases played a pivotal role in shaping the L.A. Beat Scene. Here's a variety of key sounds from a unique musical moment.Read more…
Downloads
Updates & Drivers
SP-404MKII System Program ( Ver.1.11 )
SP-404MKII Outline Data
Support
If you have questions about operating your Roland product, please check our Knowledge Base for answers to the most common questions. You can also contact our Product Support department by phone or email. In addition, we have a library of Owner’s Manuals and Support Documents that you can download and reference.
Owner's Manuals
[English] SP-404MKII Quick Start
[Deutsch] SP-404MKII Quick Start
[Français] SP-404MKII Quick Start
[Italiano] SP-404MKII Quick Start
[Español] SP-404MKII Quick Start
[Português] SP-404MKII Quick Start
[Nederlands] SP-404MKII Quick Start
[Chinese] SP-404MKII Quick Start
[English] SP-404MKII Reference Manual
[English] SP-404MKII App User’s Guide
Support Documents
SP-404MKII App Installation Procedure
SP-404MKII Creative Sampler and Effector
Bigger, better, faster, stronger.
The SP-404MKII has everything people love about its predecessor—with some serious upgrades like 17 ultra-expressive pads and updated knobs for smooth, hands-on control. And beatmaking is even quicker with speedy boot time, swift project loading and sample import, and easy project access via 16 GB of internal storage. Longtime users and new beatmakers alike will feel right at home with the intuitive layout and classic SP effects, plus a revamped sampling and sequencing workflow, Skip Back Sampling for quick performance capture, DJ mode to mix beats live, and more.
Guerilla beatmaking.
People who make music with SP samplers love the rapid workflow, portability, and tactile approach they offer. The SP-404MKII takes this experience even further, retaining the lightweight-yet-rugged design while adding features that make it even easier to create in any scenario. Bang out beats anywhere with AA or mobile battery power, capture audio from or stream direct to your mobile device via USB, or collaborate with a partner using the dual headphones outputs and mic/guitar input.
A sampler with soul.
With the SP404MKII’s vivid OLED screen and zoomable waveform view, sample editing is smooth like butter. Chop up samples by tapping out edit points in real time, or use auto chop to slice samples automatically. Then finesse them with envelope and pitch shift, and use the new resampling workflow to re-record patterns and effects layers for detailed sound design. And with Skip Back Sampling, you can instantly grab those golden moments by capturing up to 25 seconds of audio from your last performance.
All about effects.
Process, flip, and twist your sounds with legendary SP effects and a selection of new classics. SP staples like Vinyl Simulator and DJFX Looper are now joined with powerful additions that include Lo-fi, Cassette Simulator, and Resonator. Layer and route multiple simultaneous bus effects for intricate sound textures, or plug into the mic/guitar input and jam with ready-to-go Vocoder, Auto Pitch, and Guitar Amp Simulator effects.
Performance-tuned sequencing.
The SP-404MKII gives you the flexibility to create patterns with unique feel and energy. There’s adjustable input quantize and shuffle for custom swing, Pad Link for firing off multiple samples with a single tap, a Roll button for variable note repeat, and BPM-per-bank for instant tempo changes. It’s also possible to organize patterns for different sets and chain them together to automate playback. With your hands freed up, you can stretch out on the SP effects controls or let rip on your favorite synth.
Sound stash.
Dive into beatmaking with the pre-loaded sounds in the SP-404MKII's blazing-fast 16 GB of internal memory. There's a huge collection of curated samples to choose from and plenty of room to augment them with your private sound stash. And you can now load even more sounds at once, with 160 samples across each project for expanded performance and beatmaking combinations.