Contents

USING THE UNIT SAFELY
IMPORTANT NOTES
Contents
Before You Start
- Names of Things and What They Do
  - Top Panel
  - Front Panel
  - Rear Panel
- Connecting Other Equipment
- Turning the Power On/Off
  - Turning the Power On
  - Turning the Power Off
- Inserting/Removing a Memory Card
  - Inserting a Memory Card
  - Removing a Memory Card
Quick Start
- Listen to the Samples
- Apply Effects to the Samples
- Play the Patterns
  - Changing the Tempo at Which a Pattern Plays
- Sample Your Own Sounds
  - If Youre Not Happy with the Sound You Sampled
Chapter 1. Playing Samples
- How Samples Are Organized
- Switching Sample Banks
- How Many Samples Can Play Simultaneously (Polyphony)
- Having a Sample Continue Playing After You Take Your Finger Off the Pad (Hold)
- Playing an External Input Sound (External Source)
  - Using a CD Player
  - Using Line Input and Mic Input Simultaneously
  - Adjusting the Volume of the External Audio Input
Chapter 2. Using Effects
- Applying an Effect to a Sample
  - Switching an Effect On/Off with Precise Timing (Effect Grab)
  - Switching the Effect Selected by MFX
- Applying an Effect to Multiple Samples
- Applying an Effect to All Samples
- Checking the Previously Used Effect
- Pre-specifying the Parameters of the Effect Youll Select Next
- Effect Limit Mode
- Send/Return Mode (FLANGER, PHASER)
- Effect List
  - Effects You Can Select by Directly Pressing a Button
  - MFX
Chapter 3. Sampling
- Before You Sample
  - Choosing High Quality or Lo-Fi Sampling (Sampling Grade)
  - Selecting Stereo or Monaural Sampling
  - About the Sampling Time
- Sampling from a CD
- Sampling from a Mic
- Sampling to a Memory Card Bank
- Sampling at a Specific Tempo
- Using a Count When You Sample
- Initiating Sampling Automatically (Auto Sampling)
  - When You Want to Disable Auto Sampling
- Applying an Effect to a Sample and Sampling It Again (Resampling)
- Deleting a Sample
  - Deleting All Samples
- Exchanging Sample Pad Assignments
- Checking the Remaining Sampling Time
Chapter 4. Changing the Settings of a Sample
- Specifying the Volume of a Sample
- Playing a Phrase Repeatedly (Loop Playback) or Only Once (One-shot Playback)
- Making a Sample Play Only While You Hold Down the Pad (Gate Playback) or Continue Even If You Rel...
- Playing a Sample Backward (Reverse Playback)
- Omitting Unwanted Portions of the Sample (Marker/Start Point/End Point)
  - Changing Both the Start Point and the End Point
  - Changing Only the End Point
  - Changing Only the Start Point (the End Point Is the End of the Sample)
  - Making Fine Adjustments to the Start Point or End Point
- Deleting an Unwanted Portion (Truncate)
- Changing a Samples BPM
- Changing the Length of a Sample without Affecting the Pitch (Time Modify)
Chapter 5. Recording a Performance of Samples (Pattern Sequencer)
- How Patterns Are Organized
- Changing the Tempo of a Pattern
  - Matching the Tempo of a CD or Turntable
- Stopping Pattern Playback
- Switching Patterns During Playback
- Recording a Pattern
  - Erasing Mistakes from the Recorded Data
- Deleting a Pattern
  - Deleting All Patterns
- Changing the Assignments of Patterns to Pads
Chapter 6. Using a Memory Card
- Formatting (Initializing) a Memory Card
- Importing Audio Files
- Exporting Audio Files
  - Specifying the Type of Audio File
  - Exporting a Sample to an Audio File
- Saving Backup Data (Backup Save)
- Loading Backup Data (Backup Load)
- Deleting Backup Data (Backup Delete)
Chapter 7. Other Functions
- Using the SP-404 with Other MIDI Equipment
  - About MIDI
  - MIDI on the SP-404
  - Changing the MIDI Channel (Pad Base Ch)
  - Synchronizing to an External MIDI Device
- Adjusting the Blinking Speed of the Display Illumination
- Checking the Remaining Battery Level
- Using the Protect Setting
- Initializing the SP-404s Internal Memory
- Checking the Version Number
- Setting the Internal Processing Level of the SP-404
Chapter 8. Examples of Using the SP-404
- Using the Pattern Sequencer to Create a Rhythm Pattern
- Using the SP-404 with a Turntable
  - Playing Samples along with the Sound from a Turntable
  - Applying Effects to the Sound of a Turntable
Appendices
- Quick Reference to Operations
- Troubleshooting
  - Problems When Playing Sounds
  - Problems with Memory
  - Problems with MIDI or Synchronization
- Message List
- Recommended Memory Cards
- MIDI Implementation
- MIDI Implementation Chart
- Specifications
Index

Roland SP-404 Owner's Manual

Pages 56

Year 2005

Language(s)

of 56

Roland SP-404 Specification

The Roland SP-404 is a versatile sampler and synthesizer known for its robust performance capabilities and portability, making it a favorite among electronic musicians and producers. At its core, the SP-404 features a user-friendly interface with 12 large, velocity-sensitive pads that enable dynamic performance and easy triggering of samples. The device is equipped with a substantial 29 onboard effects, including classics like reverb, delay, and more experimental options such as vinyl simulator and voice transformer, providing extensive sound manipulation possibilities.

The SP-404 supports up to 12-voice polyphony and offers a sampling frequency of 44.1 kHz, ensuring high-quality audio reproduction. It provides a maximum of 120 samples, with a total sample time of approximately 24 minutes in standard mode, expandable via the CompactFlash card slot, allowing for extended sampling time and storage. The unit is powered by either an AC adapter or six AA batteries, offering flexibility for both studio and live environments.

Connectivity options include stereo line inputs and outputs, a microphone input, and MIDI in for integrating with other equipment. The SP-404's intuitive layout includes a large, bright LED display for clear navigation and editing of samples and parameters. Additionally, the resampling feature enables creative layering and remixing of sounds directly on the device.

Designed with rugged performance in mind, the SP-404's durable construction makes it suitable for both stage and studio use. Its compact form factor ensures easy transport, while the built-in pattern sequencer allows for quick creation and arrangement of beats and tracks. With its blend of powerful features and portability, the Roland SP-404 remains a staple in the toolkit of modern musicians and producers.

Roland SP-404 F.A.Q.

How do I save a sample on the Roland SP-404?

To save a sample, press the 'REC' button, select a pad to save to, then press 'REC' again to start recording. Press 'REC' once more to stop and save the sample.

What is the best way to clean and maintain the Roland SP-404?

Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the surface. Avoid using any liquid cleaners or abrasive materials that may damage the unit.

How can I troubleshoot power issues with my SP-404?

Ensure that the power adapter is properly connected and functioning. Check the power outlet and try a different one if necessary. Also, verify that the power switch is turned on.

How do I connect the SP-404 to an external mixer?

Use the line output jacks on the SP-404 to connect to the line inputs on the mixer using appropriate cables. Ensure the levels are adjusted correctly on both devices.

What should I do if the pads on my SP-404 are not responding?

Check if the unit is powered on and functioning. Clean the pads with a dry cloth to remove any debris. If the issue persists, a factory reset might be necessary.

How can I perform a factory reset on the SP-404?

Turn off the SP-404, then hold the 'CANCEL' button while turning it back on. This will reset the unit to factory settings.

Can I use batteries to power the SP-404?

Yes, the SP-404 can be powered using AA batteries. Ensure they are inserted correctly and replace them when power is low.

How do I load samples from an SD card on the SP-404?

Insert the SD card into the slot, press 'CARD' followed by 'IMPORT', and select the samples you wish to load.

What is the maximum sample length for the SP-404?

The maximum sample length is approximately 180 minutes in Lo-Fi mode, depending on the storage capacity of your SD card.

How do I apply effects to a sample on the SP-404?

Press the 'EFFECTS' button, select the desired effect, and then adjust the effect parameters using the control knobs.