This page about Roland SP-404 Black & Gold is a stub. You can help improve it:

Home
... Musical Instruments
DJ Gear
Audio Samplers
Roland
Roland SP-404 Black & Gold

Roland SP-404 Black & Gold

4.5 (3)

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

Newer option

Roland SP-404A

$599.99 - $689.99

4.5 (14)

Find out who is using Roland SP-404

2 wishlisted

9 saved

Page last updated Aug 10, 2025

Pricing and availability

Store

Reviews

Price

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

The Roland SP-404 Black & Gold is a versatile audio sampler designed for DJs and music producers seeking a blend of style and functionality. This limited-edition variant of the popular SP-404 series comes equipped with a powerful DSP chip that ensures high-quality sound processing, allowing you to create intricate beats and soundscapes with precision. Its intuitive interface is perfect for both live performances and studio sessions, making it a favorite among artists who prize adaptability and ease of use.

With its iconic 12-pad layout, the SP-404 Black & Gold lets you trigger samples and effects on the fly. It supports up to 120 samples across 12 banks, providing ample space for your creative ideas. The sampler also includes a built-in microphone and line input, facilitating seamless sample recording from various sources. Whether you're looping, sequencing, or layering sounds, the SP-404's user-friendly controls and robust feature set will keep your workflow smooth and efficient.

The unit's portability is enhanced by its battery operation capability, making it an excellent companion for impromptu jam sessions or gigs. Additionally, the unit comes with a range of onboard effects that allow for extensive sound manipulation, ensuring your tracks have the depth and complexity they deserve.

Key Features:

Powerful DSP chip for high-quality sound processing
12-pad layout with up to 120 samples across 12 banks
Built-in microphone and line input for versatile sampling
Battery operation for portability
Wide array of onboard effects for sound manipulation
Intuitive interface for easy navigation and control

Reviews

Add review

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Roland SP-404 Black & Gold.

Features and functionality

0 0

The skip-back feature is essential for capturing spontaneous ideas, as it continuously records in the background for easy recall.
Source
0 0

The SP-404A has additional MIDI implementation, allowing for slightly more advanced connectivity with other Roland gear compared to the SX.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The SP-404 mkII excels in creating ambient textures, especially when utilizing its FX bus and skip-back recording for layering.
Source
0 0

The DJ Mode allows creative compositions by blending and playing different stems in tandem with other gear like the TR-8s.
Source
0 0

Guitarists often sample directly into the mic input, either straight from the guitar or through pedals, highlighting the sampler's versatility with different inputs.
Source

Software and compatibility

0 0

Owners recommend updating to the latest Roland firmware to ensure optimal performance and access to all features.
Source

User experience

0 0

The learning curve is steep; mastering shortcuts is crucial for efficient use and avoiding frustration with parameter bottlenecks.
Source
0 0

Sampling directly from a record player or through a phone using a dual RCA to AUX cable and a lightning dongle is a popular method among owners.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

While the SP-404 mkII is versatile, it complements the TR-8s well since each has unique strengths in live setups.
Source
0 0

The SP-404A and SX are nearly identical, but the A model features additional pattern options that appeal to those who utilize pattern mode extensively.
Source

Setup and maintenance

0 0

Owners suggest recording guitar tracks in a DAW, converting them to WAV files, and then uploading them to the SP-404 for clean looping.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

Some users find the $300 price point for the SP-404A a budget-friendly alternative to the MK2, which often requires saving more due to its higher cost.
Source

Add review

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

Artist usage

Add artist

Tash Sultana

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via Flickr

In this photo, which shows Sultana's performance at WFUV public radio, the Roland SP-404SX can be seen behind Sultana.

Keyan Zand

Guitarist

Julie

Verified via Photo

Keyan Zand uses the Roland SP-404 Black & Gold, as evidenced by his live performance in Chicago on October 15, 2024.

朝日廉 (Asahi Ren)

Singer, Guitarist

ネクライトーキー (Necry Talkie)

Verified via Twitter

The music store he bought it from posted a picture of him with it after he bought it.

Richie Castellano

Guitarist, Bassist

Blue Öyster Cult

Verified via Photo

"This is one of those pieces of gear I bought for one specific gig and thought I'd never use it again. Wrong! I use this thing constantly. What a great, handy tool!"