Roland has released a free firmware update for the SP-404MKII SP Sampler.
The revamped sampler and effector is better than ever, with an enhanced VariPhrase Encoder algorithm and an expanded MFX library, including Harmony Effects for endless performance possibilities. For the first time, creators can also use TR-REC style step sequencing, an all-new recording mode existing alongside traditional real-time pattern recording.
Roland’s info on the update is pretty minimal – they’ve shared release notes and some tips and tricks – but we’ve embedded their official overview video above.
Topics covered:
0:00 – INTRO
0:26 – CHROMATIC MODE
1:45 – TR-REC
5:25 – MOTION RECORD
7:57 – CHROMATIC MODE IN PATTERNS
8:38 – UNDO
9:07 – SOUND ENGINE
9:57 – CHANGE PARAMETERS OF MULTIPLE SAMPLES
10:45 – NEW EFFECTS
13:17 – SNAP TO ZERO CROSSING
13:36 – SKIP BACK
13:52 – STOP ALL SAMPLES
14:12 – DJ MODE
What a confusingly named series of products. There’s the sp-404, sp-404A, sp-404sx, and sp-404mkII. You could put those in any order and tell me that’s the order they were made in.
Or you could spend 5 seconds to find https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_SP-404 and it ceases to be an issue
I think it is kinda easy to understand the lineage.
I agree.
V2 is out and you still cant get hold of one for love nor money in the UK!
seen them on craigslist in Los Angeles couple days ago
oh that substep feature is very cool
Why the Variphrasing is not in the headline!?! It should be shouted from roof tops!
I’m always amazed that a company as large as Roland/Boss can’t release detailed, easily understandable update notes for their products, when so many smaller companies can.
Brother, just because you didn’t look doesn’t mean its not there: https://www.roland.com/global/support/by_product/sp-404mk2/updates_drivers/2bb70708-dea2-403f-a042-afa5a6707ff3/
I’ve had one back ordered at Sweetwater for five months now. How can they update a product that, apparently, doesn’t even exist yet?
Did you lock in at the lower price? They may ship first to the people who paid $60 more in hopes you’ll cancel your order.
Are there people accept from the youtubers who have this
machine?
I got one. Bought it when they released it from Guitar Center. Like the same day. Went back and saw that it was out of stock at the end of the day.
i had one and returned it basically because it lacked all the features in this update haha. i’m actually glad though because i started using Koala Sampler for Mac and have never had so much fun making beats. these updates were all things this unit should have had to begin with but very cool they actually added them which is not the case for all companies with obvious missing features. and especially awesome for hardcore SP users.