Roland SP-404

^# 12

Equipboard's ranking is determined by analyzing factors such as professional artist usage, popularity, user ratings, reviews, and more.

$240.00 Price Tier: Budget

4.5 (59)

4 Critic Reviews

8 Reviews

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

4 community setups

77 wishlisted

185 saved

Page last updated Jul 02, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 2, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (5)

$240.00 5 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $240

Budget/Beginner

$249

$700+

Price Tier

In the Audio Samplers category, Roland SP-404 is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* 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 is a celebrated tool among DJs and producers, known for its robust sampling capabilities and intuitive design. This audio sampler is a powerhouse in compact form, featuring 12 professional-grade performance pads that allow musicians to craft intricate soundscapes on the fly. Built for both studio and stage, the SP-404 lets users capture, loop, and manipulate audio with ease, making it an essential piece of kit for electronic music enthusiasts.

At its core, the SP-404 is equipped with a variety of effects, including delay, reverb, and pitch shift, allowing for real-time transformation of sounds. Its user-friendly interface ensures that even those new to sampling can dive right in, while its depth of features provides experienced users with nearly endless creative possibilities. The SP-404 supports a wide range of audio formats, ensuring compatibility with various production environments.

For those seeking to expand their creative horizons, this sampler offers a seamless integration with other gear, thanks to its versatile connectivity options. Whether you're crafting beats in your bedroom or performing live, the Roland SP-404 is designed to inspire and elevate your music production experience.

Key Features:

12 performance pads for dynamic sampling and triggering
Real-time effects including delay, reverb, and pitch shift
Versatile connectivity options for integration with other gear
User-friendly interface suitable for all skill levels
Supports multiple audio formats for broad compatibility

Product specs

Brand	Roland
Model	SP-404 Sampler
Finish	Black, Silver
Year	2005 - 2008
Categories	Samplers
Analog / Digital	Digital
MIDI I/O	MIDI Input
Number of Pads	12 Pads
Polyphony	12 Voices

FAQs

What is the primary function of the Roland SP-404?: The Roland SP-404 is a portable digital sampler designed for capturing, editing, and playing back audio samples quickly and efficiently, making it ideal for live performance and beatmaking.
How many samples can the Roland SP-404 store at once?: The SP-404 can store up to 24 samples in memory simultaneously, allowing for a diverse range of sounds and loops to be used during performances.
Does the Roland SP-404 have built-in effects?: Yes, the SP-404 features a variety of built-in effects including reverb, delay, and filters, which can be applied to samples for creative sound shaping.
Is the Roland SP-404 suitable for live performances?: Absolutely, the SP-404 is highly regarded for its portability and intuitive interface, making it a popular choice for live performances and on-the-go music production.
Can I use the Roland SP-404 with other MIDI devices?: Yes, the SP-404 includes MIDI input, allowing it to be integrated with other MIDI-compatible devices for expanded control and synchronization in a studio or live setting.

Videos

Add video

Pickup Music

Roland SP-404: why it's awesome for live lofi (with BAD SNACKS)

Pickup Music

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Higher sound quality and more space than previous models
Versatile: serves as a sample bank, drum machine, sequencer, and external FX unit
Portable and well-built, encouraging creativity on the go
Legendary vinyl sim compressor adds unique warmth and compression
Intuitive and fun to use, even with its limitations
Supports multiple memory cards for extensive sample banks
Durable construction, described as "built like a tank"
Offers a distinct sound quality that's warm and appealing
Onboard mic and battery operation enhance portability
Great for live performances with its beat and effects capabilities

CONS

Considered "toyish" by some, with inherent limitations
Lacks the intuitive workflow of more modern samplers like Ableton
Some users find the sequencer lacking and not easy to use
Vinyl sim compressor removed in newer models, disappointing some fans
Can feel extremely limited and non-intuitive for new users
Relies on user creativity to overcome its limitations

Owner Insights

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

Software and compatibility

0 0

Users appreciate the USB-C connection for combined power, MIDI, and audio, which simplifies setup with a computer.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

Users find the SP-404 MK2's reverbs less impressive compared to the Elektron Syntakt, Minilogue XD, and Hydrasynth, describing them as hollow and metallic.
Source
0 0

The SP-404 is seen as a more "pure" sampler compared to devices like the MPC, which are better suited for groovebox tasks.
Source
0 0

The Elektron Digitakt is a close competitor, now offering stereo sampling which rivals the SP-404's capabilities, especially in terms of single cycle synthesis and sampling/chopping.
Source

User experience

0 0

The step sequencer lacks the ability to preview steps without looping the sequence, potentially slowing down the creative process.
Source
0 0

Skip Back doesn't function on external input settings, allowing for guitar jamming over playing patterns, offering flexibility in live scenarios.
Source
0 0

The SP-404 MK2's interface can be initially confusing, with a steep learning curve requiring careful manual reading to unlock its potential.
Source
0 0

Many beginners find the SP-404 MKII's workflow challenging compared to other devices like the MPC or Digitakt.
Source
0 0

Some users find the SP-404's interface challenging, describing it as having a steep learning curve due to the complex UI design and limited MIDI implementation.
Source
0 0

Owners highlight the SP-404's intuitive use as an FX unit, with the ability to fill pads with a wide range of sounds for chromatic play and sequencing with external gear.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

Users have found success in using the SP-404 MK2 for creative sound exploration, such as reversing samples an octave down and chopping them for new ideas.
Source
0 0

It's particularly suited for genres relying on longer samples like hip-hop and lo-fi, but less effective for melody-driven electronic music.
Source
0 0

The SP-404 is favored for playing and manipulating long stereo samples, making it suitable for live sampling of instruments, processing stems, and resampling sounds.
Source
0 0

It's been noted that the SP-404 excels as a looper, sound bank, and multi-effects unit, making it a versatile tool for various music production tasks.
Source

Features and functionality

0 0

The SP-404 MK2 does not retain effect settings after power cycling, requiring users to re-dial settings, which can be time-consuming.
Source
0 0

The customized startup screen adds a personal touch, enhancing user experience and making the device feel more personal.
Source
0 0

The SP-404 MK2's aggressive filter+drive effect can create excitement in drum tracks, offering a unique sound-shaping tool for dynamic performances.
Source
0 0

The SP-404 offers the unique ability to load 120 sounds with no length limitation, allowing for seamless transitions between song sections during live performances.
Source
0 0

The SP-404 MKII's sub pad feature, which repeats the last played pad, is highly appreciated by some users, especially when transitioning to other devices.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

Owners often express satisfaction with the SP-404 MKII's value at $500, especially with its continued firmware updates.
Source
0 0

For under $500, the SP-404 is considered a good deal due to its functionality and continued software support from Roland, making it a reliable investment for musicians.
Source

Build quality

0 0

Some users note the SP-404 MKII's pads are smaller and less sensitive than other devices, affecting finger drumming performance.
Source

Critic Reviews

Roland SP-404 MkII

soundonsound.com

The Roland SP-404 MkII offers a significant upgrade with its move to a 16-pad layout, improved graphical interface, and enhanced sampling features, including the innovative "Snapback" function. It's a versatile tool for beatmakers and live performers, boasting expanded project capacity and new DJ capabilities. However, the removal of the built-in mic and persistent effects configuration might deter some users. Despite its quirks, the SP-404 MkII is a powerful, portable option that encourages a live, resampling-focused workflow, making it a compelling choice for those favoring spontaneity over meticulous editing.

positive

Full Review

Roland SP-404 MKII review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

Roland's SP-404 MKII is a well-received update to a beloved sampler, adored for its user-friendly interface and rich feature set. With upgrades like velocity-sensitive pads, a new OLED screen for better waveform editing, and enhanced connectivity options, it caters well to the modern beatmaker. The inclusion of new effects and DJ mode significantly boosts its versatility. However, its limited sequencer and minimal hands-on control with only four knobs might not satisfy those seeking more intricate sequencing capabilities. Overall, it’s a top choice for those prioritizing portability and ease of use.

positive

Full Review

Roland SP-404 MkII Sampler Review - Digital DJ Tips

digitaldjtips.com

The Roland SP-404 MkII is a standout evolution of its predecessor, tailor-made for DJs with its performance focus and compact design. It’s a powerhouse with extensive sampling capabilities, effects, and even a DJ mode, making it versatile for live setups. While it misses a step sequencer and lacks polyphony, its user-friendly interface and portability, including battery operation, are major pluses. With a reasonable price point and fun, immediate usability, it’s a compelling choice for DJs and electronic performers, despite a few shortcomings. A worthy consideration against pricier alternatives like the Pioneer DJ DJS-1000.

positive

Full Review

Roland SP-404MKII review: Roland’s second coming shows the sampling world who’s boss

musictech.com

The Roland SP-404MKII reclaims its crown in the sampling realm with a versatile, user-friendly design and powerful effects. Musicians will appreciate its flexibility and portability, enhanced by the OLED screen and improved connectivity options. While its button and knob labels can be confusing, and navigation isn't always intuitive, these are minor setbacks in an otherwise stellar piece of gear. Roland’s latest sampler is a must-have for both hip-hop producers and innovative sound designers.

positive

Full Review

Add review

4.5 out of 5

Based on 8 Reviews and 59 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

nicccccccc

957

over 6 years ago

portable & hot

great, great sampler. built like a tank. you can do beats on it. sequencer is ok, learn your ways - or resample.. or play live. whatever you feel like doing. you can also store beats on this, play them live etc. only reason to get this over the sx would be the vinyl sim compression. (it's almost as dirty as the 303, but there is a difference - especially when using the knobs in a rapid, live setting..)

jackreed

197

almost 5 years ago

Amazing but not for everyone

The 404 is not a 'great' sampler. It's extremely limited and nothing works in any way that is remotely intuitive. But all the limitations of the product make it a great source of creativity and an amazing piece of equipment to write songs on or with. Don't buy this if you don't have the patience, don't buy it if you just want a cheap hardware sampler (MPC 1000, maybe?). But do buy this if you want a box that will force you to think outside of the box. Oh, and the Vinyl Sim Compressor is out of this world.

Preferred Settings + Usage:

THE VINYL SIM COMPRESSOR!!!!

Roles:

Music Producer

Genres:

Pop Hip Hop Funk / Soul

lupx

almost 3 years ago

more comfortable to use than the mpc500

even though it has fewer features than the mpc500, I think it's easier to chops samples, fast, very convenient, and portable,,

Roles:

Rapper Music Producer Audio Engineer

Genres:

Hip Hop Underground hip hop Hardcore hip hop

xaqary

5455

over 9 years ago

Old friend

Doesn't get a lot of play anymore, cuz well? Laptops, Ableton, etc. but I've had tons of fun with this little box. Battery powered and has some fun FX. I used to have two of them and that's definitely where I had the most fun – using both of them at the same time. I'm definitely a hardware guy so I'm keepin this last one. Probably should sell it but I know I won't be able to bring myself to.

rrraaaddduuu

101

over 11 years ago

superfast workflow

the sequencer sucks, i have to start by saying that. but it can be used...

besides that, the fx are great, on board mic is included, works with batteries. great portable sampler and super fast workflow. (you can sample perfect loops and fill up a bank in about 5 minutes with a little practice)