At the NAMM Summer Show, Roland announced that it was shipping the SP-606, a sampling workstation that combines sampling, phrase sequencing, audio editing, effects, performance tools, computer connectivity, and soft-synthesis into a user-friendly package.

Pro-quality digital audio can be captured with the SP-606’s 8-voice sampling engine by recording directly from the built-in stereo inputs and digital input, or via USB for drag & drop WAV/AIF file exchange. Samples can be twisted, sliced, and sculpted internally and/or with the companion PC software.

Audio loops can be time-stretched and locked to sequences in real time thanks to the SP-606’s BPM sync control and internal 4-track MIDI sequencer. Serious audio-processing power is built into the SP-606 in the form of two high-quality effects engines. For polished, radio-ready final mixes, you can tap into the SP-606’s mastering effects. Export your music with crystal-clear quality via the SP-606’s digital output.

Plug-and-play convenience, speed, and massive storage capacity is possible with the SP-606’s CompactFlash card slot. Over six hours of audio can be recorded, and WAV and AIF files can be imported/exported without the need for a separate CompactFlash reader/writer. Long load times are a thing of the past with the SP-606.

The SP-606 can be used as a full-featured standalone sampler or as a USB companion for the bundled P606 software app (PC compatible, included free with the SP-606). Designed by the creative braintrust at Cakewalk, P606 provides a powerful array of phrase generators, soft synthesizers, and virtual effects — the end results of which can be controlled by or transferred to the SP-606, eliminating the need for a static CD library. Best of all, the SP-606 can seamlessly control, import, edit, and play back tracks created with P606.

“We’re very excited to co-develop a best-of-both-worlds product,” comments Greg Hendershott, Founder and CEO of Cakewalk. “Musicians can perform powerful PC-based beat generation and synthesis, then unhook the SP606 and take it to the gig, it’s that simple. It’s a great product and telling of our companies’ shared vision in bringing the best innovative products to market to suit the needs of a wide range of musicians.”

Last year, Roland Corporation and Cakewalk announced a strategic alliance comprised of three components: The companies would co-develop innovative desktop music products; Cakewalk products would be exclusively distributed by Roland and its subsidiary, Edirol, in select countries outside North America; and Roland made a minority investment in Cakewalk.