Roland SP-404MKII
- 16 bit / 48 kHz – Supports WAV, AIFF, and MP3 import
- 16 GB Internal memory
- 3 Knobs for real-time control
- 17 Velocity sensitive pads
- 32-Voice polyphonic
Roland SP-404MKII Review
Roland’s SP-404 MKII is a modern update of the beloved beat-making, lofi-inspired, sample-slicing instrument. This latest version features 17 velocity-sensitive pads, 16GB of internal memory, and plenty of other new additions, all while staying true to the classic feel of the original. Some tweaks to the sampling and sequencing make it even easier to use, but the core, intuitive structure remains faithful to the first generation.
A crisp OLED display now sits front and center, acting as a window into the device’s inner workings. Editing samples is a breeze with a zoomable waveform viewer, letting you auto-splice or manually insert your markers. Shape your samples with envelope and pitch-shifting controls, and enjoy a redesigned resampling workflow that allows you to re-record patterns and effects easily.
The new Skip Back Sampling feature lets you capture choice moments from the previous 25 seconds, so you never miss the perfect part. You can even stream directly from your phone into the SP-404 MKII using a USB-C cable.
Effects like the Vinyl Sim and DJFX Looper have always been an essential part of the 404’s legacy, and the MKII builds on that heritage with new additions such as the Cassette Simulator, Resonator, and Lo-fi effect. With improved routing, you can now layer multiple effects at once. There’s still a Mic/Line Input, so you can use real-time effects like the Vocoder, Auto-pitch, and Guitar Amp Simulator.
Practical upgrades include expanded 16GB internal memory, so you don’t need to carry extra cards. There are 16 pads—plus a SUB Pad, making 17 in total—giving you more creative options, and you can have up to 160 samples loaded in each project.
In addition, the MKII now offers 32-voice polyphony and upgraded inputs and outputs, including 1/4″ Line In/Out, 1/4″ Mic/Guitar In, and both 1/8″ and 1/4″ Headphone Outs. MIDI In and Out are available via 1/8″ TRS. Power options have also been expanded, allowing you to use USB-C, AA batteries, or the standard AC adapter.
Sequencing features now include adjustable input quantize and shuffle for custom swing, as well as Pad-Link for triggering multiple samples at once. There’s also a Roll button for adjustable note repeat, and BPM-per-bank for quick tempo changes. The new pattern change option lets you focus on manipulating effects or playing another instrument.
Whether you’ve used the 404 for years or are just getting into hardware music production, the SP-404MKII gives you the flexibility to create on the go, all in one unit if you want. The original has been heard everywhere, and the MKII is sure to continue making its mark—from beatmakers to experimental artists.
Roland SP 404MKII Sampling
Sampling is pretty straightforward: just hit Record, pick an empty pad, and start recording! After that, you can normalize your sample, set the start and end points, and make other adjustments as needed.
There are handy features like count-in, gate recording (which only starts when it detects sound), and the option to record with a metronome. You can even resample, which means recording yourself playing back other samples.
We especially liked the “Chop” mode—it lets you manually slice up longer samples or automatically chop them based on time divisions or transients. But our favorite feature is the always-on 25-second buffer, which continually records everything, even if you’re not actively recording. So if you accidentally play something amazing, you still have up to 25 seconds to recover and save it.
Roland MKII SP404 Effects
There are two main “Types” of effects. “Input effects” include options like vocoder, chorus, reverb, delay, auto pitch, guitar amp, saturation, vinyl/cassette sim, and compressor—giving you plenty of choices within a single FX “slot.”
For the “main mix” effects, you get 4 slots with 37 different effects to choose from. Five of these can be accessed directly from the top panel (which is configurable), 16 are selectable via the pads, and all of them can be controlled using the 4 knobs. Think resonator, various delays, EQ/isolator EQ, DJ-style loopers, lo-fi, vinyl sim, phaser, wah-wah, distortion, compressor, and more.
It’s important to note that FX settings are global—they aren’t saved with individual projects, and they’ll be lost if you turn the unit off (unless you save them as favorites). It seems Roland wants you to pick your go-to effects and use them across everything.
Roland SP-404MKII DJ mode
Yes, you can actually DJ with this! By dragging full music tracks into your slots and banks (which is even easier on a computer using the companion app), you can build your own “set.” The unit features pitch bend and BPM adjustment, and you can use the top knobs to mix your tracks.
There’s a sync button (of course), a tap tempo option, and even a small crossfader on the screen. With cue mix available in the headphones, it’s definitely possible to perform full DJ sets on this device.
- Compact and portable sampling workstation for production and live performance
- Includes 144 pre-loaded samples and patterns across 9 banks to get you started
- Huge sample storage capability, with 16GB onboard storage and support for 32GB SD cards
- 16 velocity-sensitive, 9-color RGB pads for finger drumming, sample triggering, and launching patterns
- Vibrant OLED screen for visual waveform editing
- Powered by USB-C, mobile battery, 6 AA batteries, or AC adapter (included)
- Can sample from mobile devices via USB-C or even stream audio directly to your device
- Dual headphone outputs make it easy to collaborate with other musicians without a mixer or headphone splitter
- Envelope and pitch shift for shaping samples
- Updated resampling workflow makes it easier to re-record samples through various effects
- Skip Back Sampling captures up to 25 seconds of a performance
- Adjustable input quantization and shuffle
- Up to 4 pads can be triggered simultaneously with Pad Link
- Roll button for triggering note repeats at speeds of 1/2 beat up to 1/64 beat
- DJ mode allows you to mix and manipulate 2 audio files with 8 controls per side
- BPM can be set per-bank for scripted tempo changes
Why You Need the Roland SP-404MKII
It’s clear that Roland wants the SP-404MKII to be your musical best friend—and in this respect, they’ve truly succeeded. This model has improved the sampler’s connectivity options for modern producers, especially when it comes to laptops and tablets. It’s also perfectly shaped to slip into your backpack. Plus, with the ability to run on battery power, it never has to leave your side.
Roland has always marketed the SP-404 range toward hip-hop producers and those making laid-back, lo-fi beats. However, there’s really no limit to what’s possible in any style of music when you have the MKII’s sampling power and flexibility at your fingertips.
Pressing a pad and then the Start/End button brings up a wonderful visual display of the sound’s waveform—enough to excite anyone used to the older SP-404 sample editing interface.
Conclusion
General Roland has upgraded the 404 without changing its core workflow, so you can still do almost everything you need without constantly looking at the screen or digging through menus (though there is a bit more menu diving in this new version).
With easy access to tons of samples and sounds, a huge selection of effects, plus new DJ Mode and Skip Back features, the SP-404 mk2 is sure to become the heart of many DAW-less setups for beatmakers.
If you have any questions about this unit, feel free to ask in the comments below or contact Roland customer care for more detailed information!
