Roland SP-404 (2005)
A portable sampler and effector that became a staple in hip-hop and live sample-based performance
Overview
The Roland SP-404 is a sampler and effector released in 2005 as the successor to the SP-303. It gained iconic status for its role in shaping the sound of modern hip-hop and live sampling. A major revision, the SP-404MKII, was released in 2021—over 15 years later—marking the first significant update to the original design. The SP-404MKII supports WAV, AIFF, and MP3 file imports, records at a 48 kHz sample rate, and features a 32-voice polyphony engine. It stores up to 2,560 samples across 16 projects, 10 banks, and 16 samples per bank. The unit functions as a USB audio and MIDI interface and includes dual headphone outputs and a mic/guitar input.
Specifications
| Maximum Polyphony | 32 voices |
| Recordable Data | Samples = 2,560 (16 samples x 10 banks x 16 projects, stored in internal memory) |
| Sample Format | 16-bit linear |
| Sample Rate | 48 kHz |
| Supported Import Formats | WAV, AIFF, MP3 |
| External Dimensions | 177.5 (W) x 275.8 (D) x 70.5 (H) mm |
| Inputs/Outputs | Dual headphone outputs, mic/guitar input |
| Power | Power supply or battery operation |
| Production Year (SP-404) | 2005 |
| Production Year (SP-404MKII) | 2021 |
| Original Price (SP-404MKII) | $499 USD |
Context
The SP-404 is part of Roland’s SP series of samplers and was succeeded by the SP-404SX in 2009. The SP-404MKII, released in 2021, is considered the first major revision to the original SP-404 and represents a return to its core design philosophy with updated functionality.
eBay Listings
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.