Roland SP404SX SP-404SX Portable Power-Sampler with FX

Alright I feel like I'm not good at reviews but I really love this machine (for hip-hop production). The workflow on this thing is amazing - it's so easy to get my sample chopped up, trimmed correctly, in a couple of minutes, and without having to click it all out on a screen. There are plenty of good tutorials on youtube to learn how to work this thing (the manual comes in Japanese) and you should be making progress after a couple videos. I'm giving this sampler 5 stars because it does everything that it says it will do and it does it well. The pads and knobs both have a really good feel and the sampler seems solid overall. RCA jacks make it really easy to run audio into the SP from my turntable or my phone with an RCA to AUX cable. I didn't get the SP to perform live but I can see why so many people use it just for that purpose, I always end up getting lost playing with effects while making beats. There are a few downsides I've run into just because there are some things I'm used to having while making music. I don't think the SP should get knocked for that because I'd easily pay more to add these functions- which are probably on the MPC and I'm sure add to the price point -No sound envelope settings for samples (a/d/s/r) -No manual step entry (everything has to be played live, no 'programming' a kick into step 1 for example) -Step Sequencer is pretty much useless (to me) because a sequence cannot be "Resampled" into a pad. I strictly put together loops/beats on the SP using the "Resample" function

I love this unit, and have no regrets about purchasing it. I’ve owned it for a year, and have gotten a lot of use out of it. The effects modules are off-the-hook, and the ability to tweak the sound in real-time with filters is fantastic. I also love that this unit has a lot of options for inputs, and that the record time on the samples is only limited by the size of the SD card installed. I have literally recorded samples that were 30 minutes in length or longer. If you can get your hands on one of these, you will love it! The price point is pretty good, and great value for the money, although Roland does not manufacturer these models anymore, and is made of very sturdy metal construction. You can’t go wrong with this. The only ding I would put on this is the fact that samples are not easy to edit, and you are better off using a card-reader and downloading the software to edit samples and import them on a PC or laptop, then re-importing them back to the SD card in that sample slot. A round-about way of doing things, but easier than using the unit itself to try to edit samples. However this has not infringed in the least out of my enjoyment in using the SP-404 SK. It’s been an invaluable assett to my home studio! I would buy this again, but expect not to need to since this will probably last me a life time.

the single most game-changing piece of gear ever created. I don't like anything else from this company but this makes up for that. this won't operate or really be anything like an MPC or electribe, which i think are about the same cost. If you want to just press and light up whatever buttons/steps in a step sequencer and make cool demo-button music don't get this. Use your computer or your phone to do that, maybe like a 50 dollar MIDI controller, too. This is a superb sampler in general but maybe the only one I've had that is possible to use in a band-ensemble situation. Just know going into this that it isn't that ''experimental'' to use a device the way it was intended to be used. Such as turning knobs really fast on a ring modulator to make a sound effect for a sci-fi movie or adjusting the cutoff frequency of a filter in time with music and whatnot. or doing the ''radiohead thing'' by effing with the feedback and delay time on an echo pedal ... buying this doesn't mean you now make experimental music. It might mean you make experimental hip-hop. If you buy this and then sell it because you can't figure it out, remember to erase the memory card before you sell it. I have a few of these and there have been some embarrassingly god-awful samples on the cards that came with these. One was just a guy's voice badly singing the words : ''Beautiful melodies!'' but like dry and really badly done albeit clearly not without tremendous efforts on the artists' part. Basically, maybe you should just use the money to explore new drug opportunities. Safer for your self esteem than investing this much just to find out if you're a hack or not. Personally, I find this sampler perfect in every way. .

I've seen many of my favorite bands use this piece of equipment, and figured I'd give it a shot. Gotta say, After only a month of use, I've fallen in love with this device; not only because I can now sample both at home and on the road, but also it's limited in its functionality (Which I consider good in some regards, as it forces you to think outside the box when using it.), as I feel that having to many options on any given device takes the fun out of using it. Not only these, but its also pretty easy for anyone to use. The only real complaints I have about it is that the sequencer built in is almost entirely useless, and the small screen really doesn't help much when editing samples I've recorded. But, overall, really good device, And I hope the next one i got comes in soon.

Literally had a HUGE shipping mishap with this with a whole lot of drama. I called my courier and they figured it out. The 404sx is literally the best either you are using it for the sampler, fx or for live shows this is the thing to buy a little cheaper than the 404a so why not. Got mine new from japan!

Excelente Sampler para hacer LoFi, HipHop, Trap, House. Herramienta indispensable para los Beatmakers DJs. Muy intuitiva y fácil de usar.

j utilise ce sampler depuis deja plus d' 1 ans et j en suis vraiment très content , versatile , facile a utilise , puissant jusqu'à 30 giga's c est vraiment une machine tout terrain ... bon rapport qualité prix ...

ローランドの中でもすごく使いやすい、サンプラーだと思います

I've been through a few samplers in my time including and MPC 2500 and a Maschine but this has proven to be the best value for money and the most fun to use for beat making. I've managed to successfully build straight up hip-hop bangers and mellow lo-fi beats with this box, all of which have a very characteristic sound. I've also done live DJ sets thanks to the stupidly long sample time allowed on each pad. If you like loops with a heavy humanised feel or want to venture into the lo-fi world this box is the one. Sometimes you'll be amazed at what comes out of it. The resampling method means you can 'bounce' and easily build loops/beats. (Youtube it if you're not sure how it works, its really simple). Alternatively you can finger drum and trigger your samples live whist recording to an external unit like a laptop...or another sp :) The SP does have a pattern maker but it leaves a little to be desired and I've struggled to use it due to its bad quantising and general poor quality. I haven't mastered it but I know artists like Samiyam have produced entire albums using it so there is definitely scope to have it in your workflow if you wanted to. Its fine if you don't though - you can just build beats with resample or by bouncing to an external recording device! The built in effects are really amazing - everything from simulated vinyl to chorus and distortion effects. Resample means you can also combine effects (you can't use more than one at a time by default) to generate some really interesting vibes. Sampling is so quick and intuitive but appreciate that trimming etc is done entirely by ear. There is no way of looking at wave forms with the SP its all about listening and using 'trim' points for the start and end of samples. Like other reviews have mentioned you will be getting audio into this box in minutes of opening it and building your first beat almost straight away. In terms of sampling external sound you have the standard phono input on the back so you can use any sound source you like as long as you can eventually make it go through a phono lead or some kind of adapter. There is also a standard jack input on the front so the only limitation is your imagination really. One amazing feature of this sampler is also the built in mic for recording sounds wherever you are. Don't forget this thing can run on batteries as well so its really portable which is great for soundscapes and getting noises around the house to put in your beats. The pads feel good, they've got a nice grippy texture and dont mind a bit of abuse. the numbers have started to wear off slowly but they aren't even really needed. They are backlit and all the indication you need is done through this. Be warned though if you are coming over from an MPC you might find the transition a bit challenging at first. There is a bit of a learning curve with SP when you come from a traditional sampler that rely so much on the sequencer, but once you realise you can build beats with 'resample' you start to realise the possibilities of this unassuming box. It doesn't come without limitation but they almost shape the way you make beats and there are ways around everything. I've not wanted to move back to my MPC since getting this beast. It takes time to master but the journey is fully worth it.