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Boss SP-505 Groove Sampling Workstation

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Boss SP-505 Groove Sampling Workstation

^# 55

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$306.91

4.5 (12)

3 Critic Reviews

4 Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Find out who is using Boss SP-505

2 community setups

6 wishlisted

35 saved

Page last updated May 27, 2026

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5.0 (7)

$306.91 4 available Used

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Description

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Unleash your musical genius with the Boss SP-505 Groove Sampling Workstation, an indispensable tool for composers and beatmakers alike. This compact powerhouse combines intuitive sampling with comprehensive sequencing to bring your musical visions to life. With its 26 on-board effects and seamless MIDI integration, the SP-505 offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to infuse your tracks with unique textures and rhythms. Whether you're crafting intricate beats or laying down multi-layered tracks, this workstation is designed to inspire creativity and elevate your music production to new heights.

Key Features:

Up to 8 voices of polyphony for complex, layered sounds
4-track sequencing capabilities for detailed compositions
26 on-board effects to add depth and character to your music
MIDI In and Out for seamless integration with other gear

Product specs

Brand	Boss
Model	SP-505 Groove Sampling Workstation
Finish	Silver
Year	2000s
Categories	Samplers
Analog / Digital	Digital
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input, MIDI Output
Number of Pads	16 Pads
Polyphony	8 Voices

FAQs

What are the main features of the Boss SP-505 Groove Sampling Workstation?: The Boss SP-505 features 16 pads for triggering samples, 8-voice polyphony, and effects like Vinyl Simulator, Isolator, and Reverb. It supports real-time control with knobs and offers MIDI Input and Output for integration with other gear.
How does the Boss SP-505 handle sampling and resampling?: The SP-505 allows users to sample sounds and apply effects like Slicer and Tape Echo in real-time. It also supports resampling, enabling users to process a sample with effects and record the result to another pad for further manipulation.
Is the Boss SP-505 suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Boss SP-505 is designed for live use with its intuitive pad layout, real-time effects control, and MIDI connectivity, making it a versatile tool for live beat-making and sample triggering.
Can the Boss SP-505 integrate with other MIDI devices?: The SP-505 offers MIDI Input and Output, allowing it to connect and communicate with other MIDI-compatible devices for expanded control and synchronization in a studio or live setup.
What type of effects can be applied using the Boss SP-505?: The Boss SP-505 includes a range of effects such as Vinyl Simulator, Filter+Drive, Slicer, Reverb, and Tape Echo, which can be controlled in real-time and used for creative sound processing and resampling.

Videos

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natefromdetroit

Boss SP-505 Sampling Workstation

natefromdetroit

Boss SP-303 vs. SP-505 / A Vinyl Sim Effect Comparison

Matt Greer Music

BOSS SP-505 | 4 PATTERN PLAY THROUGH | HIPHOP

Burra Beats

BOSS SP-505, How to Sample

Burra Beats

The SP-505 Lo-Fi Effect is BOSS

DJ Digital Josh

SP-505- How to Chop your samples

Burra Beats

Boss SP-505: where to begin? where are your samples?

Burra Beats

Reviews

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PROS

Detailed screen enhances usability
Effective chop ability and chromatic pitch matching
High-quality sound, with both hi-fi and lo-fi options
Impressive effects, including bit crush and vinyl sim
Versatile; rivals more expensive models like the SP-303
Built-in sequencer allows for precise timing adjustments
Accessible interface with well-described controls
Good value for its price point
Offers a wide range of sounds and functions
Encourages creativity through effects use

CONS

Difficulty syncing with other gear via MIDI
Sometimes samples drift out of sync
No mute groups, limiting performance capabilities
Small LCD display can be challenging to navigate

Critic Reviews

Boss SP505

soundonsound.com

The Boss SP-505 Groove Sampling Workstation is a versatile tool that excels in fast sampling and quick arrangement workflows, making it ideal for DJs and dance producers. With features like graphical waveform editing, ample sample-processing effects, and impressive sampling time, its value at £449 is commendable. However, it falls short with only eight-note polyphony, lack of step-time pattern recording, and limited preset patterns. The non-standard AC adaptor might be a headache for gigging musicians. Despite minor drawbacks, the SP-505's hands-on accessibility and extensive features make it a strong contender for those seeking a comprehensive groove sampler.

positive

Full Review

BOSS SP-505 GROOVE SAMPLER

chriscarter.co.uk

The Boss SP-505 Groove Sampling Workstation is a competent and versatile tool for musicians seeking a quick and efficient sampling solution. It boasts impressive sampling capabilities, LCD waveform editing, and a user-friendly interface with dedicated buttons, making it an excellent choice for DJs and dance producers. Its expandability with SmartMedia cards is a plus, offering potential use as a basic digital multi-tracker. However, it falls short with its limited eight-note polyphony, lack of step-time pattern recording, and repetitive preset patterns dominated by HipHop and House genres. Despite these drawbacks, it's a solid entry-level choice for those focused on groove and loop production.

positive

Full Review

Boss SP-505 Groove Sampling Workstation Review – Carillon Audio

wordpress.com

The Boss SP-505 Groove Sampling Workstation offers impressive sampling capabilities and cool effects for its age, making it a nifty addition for drum and loop enthusiasts. Its ability to load .wav and .aif files without the need to "load" new programs stands out, and the pitch effect is a particular highlight. However, its convoluted operating system and lack of velocity-sensitive pads might frustrate users accustomed to more streamlined gear. With no per-voice filter and limitations in real-time pitch adjustments, it’s a mixed bag but can surprise those with modest expectations. Overall, it's a solid, if slightly dated, option for those seeking portability and ease of use in a sampler.

neutral

Full Review

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4.5 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 12 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

jesse_cian_fawcett

293

almost 11 years ago

Good for dropping samples

I use this sampler for dropping individual samples and vocals, and the Korg ES-1 for sample loops and rhythmic samples. This one has some great effects. I had a very difficult time getting this to sync through MIDI though, it doesn't seem to like playing nice with other gear, and even when it appears to be synced, sometimes samples drift out of sync. So I try to find ways to use it that don't rely on MIDI syncing.

mrthraz

492

10 years ago over 10 years ago

how did you wined up syncing it to other gear. I’d love to try and crack that nut. I have an sp-606 that I would love to see synced to it. maybe the drift wouldn't be so bad with in-family gear.

jesse_cian_fawcett

293

10 years ago over 10 years ago

I forget. I think I put it either at the beginning or end of the chain. I also picked up some short midi cables for it, since I heard that longer ones could cause problems. Other gear was using it with in that particular set included an MC-303, DR-202, Korg EA-1, ER-1, ES-1, and Red Sound DarkStar XP2. Initially I had the MC-303 at the beginning of the chain (midi master), and the DR-202 at the end.

It's been a long time since I worked with it though, so I don't remember the exact details. Been doing all ableton sets the past couple of years, though I've been meaning to work on some hardware ones. My MC-303's sitting next to my desk, but haven't gotten to it.

mrthraz

492

10 years ago over 10 years ago

well, if you figure it out, let me know and I’ll be sure to do the same should I have a eureka moment with it.

mrthraz

492

over 10 years ago

grit to love

very underrated unit.

fx's from heaven. small form factor but very good pitching on it. 8 voice poly which is standard for the samplers in this series. no mute groups cripples it. rca in. vinyl sim and lofi fx's are to kill for. lcd display: good to have on an sp but why so small?.?.

this is basically an SP-303 on steroids, in much the same way the SP-808 was an SP-202 on steroids.

to understand the attraction to the Roland/Boss SP-Sampler series you have to know what an SP is: just enough midi/sequencing to get by as a sequencer, just enough audio routing to be a sampler.. but an effects engine beast. consequently where SP's fail you as a sampler you have to make up for those failing with the effects. it forces a lot of creativity out of you.

Roles:

Rapper Composer Music Producer

Genres:

Electronic Pop Hip Hop

From Gear Setup

jowlsteeth

over 5 years ago

effects monster

effects and sequences, love to bit crush and get that 12bit crunch

Roles:

Music Producer DJ

Genres:

Electronic Hip Hop Trip hop

elias81

109

over 12 years ago

First Sampler I ever owned. Still quite powerful and fun to use.

Artist usage

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Madlib

Rapper, Music Producer

Madvillain

Verified via Photo

In a user-uploaded photo, Madlib's Boss SP-505 Groove Sampling Workstation is visible on the right side, positioned next to a Korg D1600.

Kev Brown

Rapper, Music Producer

Verified via YouTube

you can clearly see the SP-505 under kev's MPC 2000 at 40 sec in of the video.

Del tha Funkee Homosapien

Singer

Deltron 3030

Verified via Photo

I don't remember what exactly youtube video i captured some time ago, sorry. But here you can see Del showing his SP-505 at his home studio

Ricky Jamaraz

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via Instagram

Ricky Jamaraz uses the Boss SP-505 Groove Sampling Workstation, as demonstrated in an Instagram reel by @rickyjamarazmusic. In the video, he illustrates how he made beats without a computer at the beginning, stating, "Using a midi sequencer from 1987 to make some sick beats in 2024... this is from a song of mine called 'Pretty Machine'!!!"