Turbocharging the World’s Most Popular Portable Sampler

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Instant Sampling

Sample anywhere, anytime using the SP-404SX’s built-in microphone. And since the SP-404SX can run on AC or battery power (six AA batteries), it’s easy to record wherever and whenever inspiration strikes. Just power-up, point, and record. Line and mic inputs are also available for recording direct or with an external microphone. The SP-404SX’s sampling format is uncompressed wave for high-quality audio capture.

Hands-On Performance

The SP-404SX is made to be played — it’s packed with interactive controls for jamming along with loops and patterns. Put your fingers on the three non-slip control knobs, 12 trigger pads, and Sub Pad for rapid repeat triggering in real time. On dark stages or DJ booths, the SP-404SX is a performers dream with its illuminated rubber pads and bright LED screen.

Extreme Effects

Create a signature sound using the SP-404SX’s 29 DSP effects, which switch seamlessly during live performance. Essential onboard effects include spacious reverbs and choruses, plus filters and delays. There are also unique, esoteric effects built in, including a voice transformer and looper. With the DJFX Looper, you can create short loops (such as machine-gun-like “da-da-da-da-da” sounds) and control reverse-playback with the knob. You can also create scratch effects like a turntable. Connect the SP-404SX to a DJ mixer and use it as an effect processor. Seventeen of the effects have a “limiter” mode, which keeps the effects from overloading. This is great for live DJ performance when you don’t want to lose control of the effects in the heat of the moment.

Trackbuilder

In addition to the endless supply of loops you can pack into the SP-404SX, you can also create your own tracks in real time with the Pattern Sequencer, complete with quantize mode, which includes shuffle feels. Creating patterns is done in real time. You can loop two measures (maximum 99 measures), for example, then play and record only the bass drum and the snare. Next, add the hi-hat over the top, and keep adding more instruments while the SP-404SX loops. You can store 120 patterns (12 patterns x 10 banks). When you play a pattern with the Pattern Sequencer, the LEDs surrounding the display blink according to the tempo, which is handy during live performance.

SD Card Memory

Start sampling right away with the included 1GB SD card. You can easily expand the sampling time using up to 32GB SDHC. Import audio files from your computer using the included software (Mac/PC) and assign them to the SP-404SX’s pads. WAV and AIFF files are accepted. The software is fast and easy to use, as it displays the SP-404SX’s pads onscreen. You can even use it to convert SP-404 format files to the SP-404SX.

Turbocharging the World’s Most Popular Portable Sampler

Specs

Maximum Polyphony

12 voices

Recordable Data

Samples: 120 (12 samples x 10 banks) (stored on SD card)
Patterns: 120 (12 patterns x 10 banks)(stored on SD card)

Sampling Time (Total time for all samples)

The maximum sampling time (size) for a single sample is approximately 180 minutes in stereo (2 GB). The following shows the approximate total sampling time of the samples that can be stored on one SD card.

Card capacity / Stereo (Mono)
1GB / Approx. 90 min. (180 min.)
2GB / Approx. 180 min. (360 min.)
4GB / Approx. 360 min. (720 min.)
8GB / Approx. 720 min. (24 hours)
16GB / Approx. 24 hours (48 hours)
32GB / Approx.48 hours (96 hours)

Since the 1 GB SD card included with the SP-404SX contains preload data, the available sampling time will be less than the time above.

Data Format

16-bit linear(.wav/aif)

Sampling Frequency

44.1 kHz

Pattern Sequencer

Maximum recordable notes: Approx. 16,000 notes
Resolution: 96 ticks per quarter note
Pattern Length: 1–99 measures
Recording method: Realtime Loop Recording (with shuffle quantize function)

Effects

29 types

Pads

12 + Sub Pad x 1

Controllers

Control Knob x 3

Display

7 segments, 3 characters (LED)

Onboard Mic

Mono x 1

Connectors

LINE INPUT jacks (L, R)(RCA phono type)
LINE OUTPUT jacks (L, R)(RCA phono type)
Headphones (PHONES) jack (Stereo 1/4 inch phone type)
MIC jack (1/4 inch phone type)
MIDI IN connector
DC IN jack
SD card slot

Power Supply

DC 9 V (Ni-MH AA SIZE Rechargeable Battery x 6
Alkaline AA SIZE Dry Battery x 6 or AC Adaptor)
*Batteries sold separately

Battery life for continuous use

Ni-MH Rechargeable batteries: approximately 5 hours
Alkaline dry batteries: approximately 4 hours
*These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.

Current Draw

450 mA

Accessories

SD card (1GB)
SP-404SX UTILITY CD-ROM
AC Adaptor PSB-1U
Owner’s Manual

Size and Weight

Width

178 mm
7 inches

Depth

257 mm
10-1/8 inches

Height

72 mm
2-7/8 inches

Weight

1.2 kg
2 lbs. 11 oz.

The SP-404SX's file system is developed by Kyoto Software Research, Inc.Fugue (C)1999-2009 Kyoto Software Research, Inc. All rights reserved.

In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are subject to change without prior notice.

Accessories

Support

If you have questions about operating your Roland, BOSS or Cakewalk 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 Support Documents that you can download and reference. If Support Documents are available for this product, they will be listed below.

Support Documents

SP-404SX Brochure