Owner's Manual: Main Features

SP-404_e.
book 1 ページ２００６年３月３日　金曜日　午後２時４６分
Owner’s Manual
Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the Roland Sampler SP-404.
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT
NOTES” (pp. 3–4; pp. 5–6). These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation
of the unit. Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp of every feature
provided by your new unit, Owner’s manual should be read in its entirety. The manual should be saved
and kept on hand as a convenient reference.
Main Features
Quick and Easy Sampling!
Sample via Line/Mic input or use the onboard mic. Also operates on batteries.
Pro Quality Effects Onboard!

29 DSP effects including Filter, Lo-Fi, Isolator and unique effects such as Subsonic and new looper FX.
Realtime Performance!
3 rubber control knobs, 12 trigger pads, and an extra Sub Pad for realtime action.
Create Your Own Tracks!

Record patterns in real time with the Pattern Sequencer, complete with quantize. Perform with smooth triggering
from pattern to pattern.
More Samples on Memory Card!

Store up to 1 GB of samples on optional CompactFlash cards. Also reads WAV/AIFF files from CF cards.
Conventions Used in This Manual

Operating buttons are enclosed by square brackets [ ]; e.g., [REC].
Reference pages are indicated by (p. **).
The following symbols are used.
This indicates an important note; be sure to read it.
This indicates a memo regarding the setting or function; read it as desired.
This indicates a useful hint for operation; read it as necessary.
This indicates information for your reference; read it as necessary.
This indicates an explanation of a term; read it as necessary.
Copyright © 2005 ROLAND CORPORATION

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written
permission of ROLAND CORPORATION.
SP-404_e.book 2 ページ２００６年３月３日　金曜日　午後２時４６分
For the U.K.

IMPORTANT: THE WIRES IN THIS MAINS LEAD ARE COLOURED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING CODE.
BLUE: NEUTRAL
BROWN: LIVE
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead of this apparatus may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying
the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured BLUE must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter N or coloured BLACK.
The wire which is coloured BROWN must be connected to the terminal which is marked with the letter L or coloured RED.
Under no circumstances must either of the above wires be connected to the earth terminal of a three pin plug.
USING THE UNIT SAFELY
Used for instructions intended to alert The symbol alerts the user to important instructions
the user to the risk of death or severe or warnings.The specific meaning of the symbol is
injury should the unit be used determined by the design contained within the
improperly. triangle. In the case of the symbol at left, it is used for
general cautions, warnings, or alerts to danger.
Used for instructions intended to alert
the user to the risk of injury or material The symbol alerts the user to items that must never
be carried out (are forbidden). The specific thing that
damage should the unit be used
must not be done is indicated by the design contained
improperly. within the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it
* Material damage refers to damage or means that the unit must never be disassembled.
other adverse effects caused with The ● symbol alerts the user to things that must be
respect to the home and all its carried out. The specific thing that must be done is
furnishings, as well to domestic indicated by the design contained within the circle. In
animals or pets. the case of the symbol at left, it means that the power-
cord plug must be unplugged from the outlet.
001 008c
• Before using this unit, make sure to read the instruc- • Be sure to use only the AC adaptor supplied with the
tions below, and the Owner’s Manual. unit. Also, make sure the line voltage at the installation
matches the input voltage specified on the AC adaptor’s
.......................................................................................................... body. Other AC adaptors may use a different polarity,
002c
or be designed for a different voltage, so their use could
• Do not open (or modify in any way) the unit or its AC
result in damage, malfunction, or electric shock.
adaptor.
..........................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................... 008e
003 • Use only the attached power-supply cord. Also, the
• Do not attempt to repair the unit, or replace parts within supplied power cord must not be used with any other
it (except when this manual provides specific instruc- device.
tions directing you to do so). Refer all servicing to your ..........................................................................................................
retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an autho- 009
• Do not excessively twist or bend the power cord, nor
rized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information”
place heavy objects on it. Doing so can damage the cord,
page.
producing severed elements and short circuits.
..........................................................................................................
004 Damaged cords are fire and shock hazards!
• Never use or store the unit in places that are: ..........................................................................................................
010
• Subject to temperature extremes (e.g., direct sunlight • This unit, either alone or in combination with an
in an enclosed vehicle, near a heating duct, on top of amplifier and headphones or speakers, may be capable
heat-generating equipment); or are of producing sound levels that could cause permanent
• Damp (e.g., baths, washrooms, on wet floors); or are hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at
• Humid; or are a high volume level, or at a level that is uncomfortable.
• Exposed to rain; or are If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears,
you should immediately stop using the unit, and consult
• Dusty; or are
an audiologist.
• Subject to high levels of vibration.
..........................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................... 011
007 • Do not allow any objects (e.g., flammable material,
• Make sure you always have the unit placed so it is level
coins, pins); or liquids of any kind (water, soft drinks,
and sure to remain stable. Never place it on stands that
etc.) to penetrate the unit.
could wobble, or on inclined surfaces.
2
012b 104
• Immediately turn the power off, remove the AC adaptor • Try to prevent cords and cables from becoming
from the outlet, and request servicing by your retailer, entangled. Also, all cords and cables should be placed
the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized so they are out of the reach of children.
Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page ..........................................................................................................
when: 106
• Never climb on top of, nor place heavy objects on the
• The AC adaptor, the power-supply cord, or the plug
unit.
has been damaged; or
• If smoke or unusual odor occurs ..........................................................................................................
• Objects have fallen into, or liquid has been spilled 107c
• Never handle the AC adaptor or its plugs with wet
onto the unit; or
hands when plugging into, or unplugging from, an
• The unit has been exposed to rain (or otherwise has outlet or this unit.
become wet); or ..........................................................................................................
• The unit does not appear to operate normally or 108b
exhibits a marked change in performance. • Before moving the unit, disconnect the AC adaptor and
.......................................................................................................... all cords coming from external devices.
013
• In households with small children, an adult should ..........................................................................................................
provide supervision until the child is capable of 109b
• Before cleaning the unit, turn off the power and unplug
following all the rules essential for the safe operation of
the AC adaptor from the outlet (p. 10).
the unit.
.......................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................
014 110b
• Protect the unit from strong impact. • Whenever you suspect the possibility of lightning in
(Do not drop it!) your area, disconnect the AC adaptor from the outlet.
.......................................................................................................... ..........................................................................................................
015 111: Selection
• Do not force the unit’s power-supply cord to share an • If used improperly, batteries may explode or leak and
outlet with an unreasonable number of other devices. Be cause damage or injury. In the interest of safety, please
especially careful when using extension cords—the total read and observe the following precautions (p. 10).
power used by all devices you have connected to the 1
extension cord’s outlet must never exceed the power • Carefully follow the installation instructions for
rating (watts/amperes) for the extension cord. Excessive batteries, and make sure you observe the correct
loads can cause the insulation on the cord to heat up and polarity.
eventually melt through. 2
.......................................................................................................... • Avoid using new batteries together with used ones.
016 In addition, avoid mixing different types of batteries.
• Before using the unit in a foreign country, consult with 3
your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an • Remove the batteries whenever the unit is to remain
authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Infor- unused for an extended period of time.
mation” page. 5
.......................................................................................................... • If a battery has leaked, use a soft piece of cloth or
019 paper towel to wipe all remnants of the discharge
• Batteries must never be recharged, heated, taken apart, from the battery compartment. Then install new
or thrown into fire or water. batteries. To avoid inflammation of the skin, make
sure that none of the battery discharge gets onto your
hands or skin. Exercise the utmost caution so that
none of the discharge gets near your eyes. Immedi-
ately rinse the affected area with running water if
any of the discharge has entered the eyes.
6
101b • Never keep batteries together with metallic objects
• The unit and the AC adaptor should be located so their
such as ballpoint pens, necklaces, hairpins, etc.
location or position does not interfere with their proper
..........................................................................................................
ventilation. 112
.......................................................................................................... • Used batteries must be disposed of in compliance with
102c whatever regulations for their safe disposal that may be
• Always grasp only the plug on the AC adaptor cord
observed in the region in which you live.
when plugging into, or unplugging from, an outlet or
..........................................................................................................
this unit. 118c
.......................................................................................................... • Keep screws for CARD LOCK and Ground Terminal
103b you may remove and the included memory card cover
• At regular intervals, you should unplug the AC adaptor
in a safe place out of children’s reach, so there is no
and clean it by using a dry cloth to wipe all dust and
chance of them being swallowed accidentally.
other accumulations away from its prongs. Also,
disconnect the power plug from the power outlet
whenever the unit is to remain unused for an extended
period of time. Any accumulation of dust between the
power plug and the power outlet can result in poor
insulation and lead to fire.
3
IMPORTANT NOTES
291a
In addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on page 2–3, please read and observe the following:
Power Supply: Use of 355b

• When moved from one location to another where the
Batteries temperature and/or humidity is very different, water
droplets (condensation) may form inside the unit. Damage
301 or malfunction may result if you attempt to use the unit in
• Do not connect this unit to same electrical outlet that is
this condition. Therefore, before using the unit, you must
being used by an electrical appliance that is controlled by
allow it to stand for several hours, until the condensation
an inverter (such as a refrigerator, washing machine,
has completely evaporated.
microwave oven, or air conditioner), or that contains a
motor. Depending on the way in which the electrical
appliance is used, power supply noise may cause this unit Maintenance
to malfunction or may produce audible noise. If it is not
practical to use a separate electrical outlet, connect a 401a
• For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth
power supply noise filter between this unit and the
or one that has been slightly dampened with water. To
electrical outlet.
remove stubborn dirt, use a cloth impregnated with a
302
• The AC adaptor will begin to generate heat after long mild, non-abrasive detergent. Afterwards, be sure to wipe
hours of consecutive use. This is normal, and is not a the unit thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.
cause for concern. 402
• Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any
303a
• The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as the unit’s kind, to avoid the possibility of discoloration and/or
power consumption is relatively high. Should you prefer deformation.
to use batteries, please use the alkaline type.
304a
• When installing or replacing batteries, always turn off the Repairs and Data
power on this unit and disconnect any other devices you 452
may have connected. This way, you can prevent • Please be aware that all data contained in the unit’s
malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices. memory may be lost when the unit is sent for repairs.
307 Important data should always be backed up on a memory
• Before connecting this unit to other devices, turn off the card, or written down on paper (when possible). During
power to all units. This will help prevent malfunctions repairs, due care is taken to avoid the loss of data.
and/or damage to speakers or other devices. However, in certain cases (such as when circuitry related
to memory itself is out of order), we regret that it may not
Placement be possible to restore the data, and Roland assumes no
liability concerning such loss of data.
351
• Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other equipment
containing large power transformers) may induce hum. Additional Precautions
To alleviate the problem, change the orientation of this
551
unit; or move it farther away from the source of inter- • Please be aware that the contents of memory can be
ference. irretrievably lost as a result of a malfunction, or the
352a improper operation of the unit. To protect yourself against
• This device may interfere with radio and television
the risk of loosing important data, we recommend that
reception. Do not use this device in the vicinity of such
you periodically save a backup copy of important data
receivers.
352b
you have stored in the unit’s memory on a memory card.
• Noise may be produced if wireless communications 552
• Unfortunately, it may be impossible to restore the contents
devices, such as cell phones, are operated in the vicinity of
of data that was stored in the unit’s memory and on a
this unit. Such noise could occur when receiving or initi-
memory card once it has been lost. Roland Corporation
ating a call, or while conversing. Should you experience
assumes no liability concerning such loss of data.
such problems, you should relocate such wireless devices
553
so they are at a greater distance from this unit, or switch • Use a reasonable amount of care when using the unit’s
them off. buttons, sliders, or other controls; and when using its jacks
354a and connectors. Rough handling can lead to malfunctions.
• Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, place it near
554
devices that radiate heat, leave it inside an enclosed • Never strike or apply strong pressure to the display.
vehicle, or otherwise subject it to temperature extremes. 556
Excessive heat can deform or discolor the unit. • When connecting / disconnecting all cables, grasp the
connector itself—never pull on the cable. This way you
will avoid causing shorts, or damage to the cable’s
internal elements.
4
IMPORTANT NOTES
558a
• To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keep the unit’s Copyright
volume at reasonable levels. You may prefer to use 851
headphones, so you do not need to be concerned about • Unauthorized recording, distribution, sale, lending, public
those around you (especially when it is late at night). performance, broadcasting, or the like, in whole or in part,
559a of a work (musical composition, video, broadcast, public
• When you need to transport the unit, package it in the box performance, or the like) whose copyright is held by a
(including padding) that it came in, if possible. Otherwise, third party is prohibited by law.
you will need to use equivalent packaging materials. 853
562 • Do not use this unit for purposes that could infringe on a
• Use a cable from Roland to make the connection. If using copyright held by a third party. We assume no responsi-
some other make of connection cable, please note the bility whatsoever with regard to any infringements of
following precautions. third-party copyrights arising through your use of this
• Some connection cables contain resistors. Do not use unit.
cables that incorporate resistors for connecting to this
unit. The use of such cables can cause the sound level
to be extremely low, or impossible to hear. For infor-
mation on cable specifications, contact the manufac-
turer of the cable.
Before Using Cards 220

* All product names mentioned in this document are trade-
Using Memory Cards marks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
234
704
• Carefully insert the memory card all the way in—until it is * CompactFlash and are trademarks of SanDisk
firmly in place. Corporation and licensed by CompactFlash association.
fig.CFslot
235
* Roland Corporation is an authorized licensee of the
CompactFlash™ and CF logo ( ) trademarks.

236
* Fugue © 1999–2005 Kyoto Software Research, Inc. All
rights reserved.
fig.Fugue-logo.eps
CompactFlash™
705
• Never touch the terminals of the memory card. Also,
avoid getting the terminals dirty.
707
• This unit’s memory card slot accepts CompactFlash
memory cards. Microdrive storage media are not
compatible.
708
• Memory cards are constructed using precision compo-
nents; handle the cards carefully, paying particular note to
the following.
• To prevent damage to the cards from static electricity,
be sure to discharge any static electricity from your
own body before handling the cards.
• Do not touch or allow metal to come into contact with
the contact portion of the cards.
• Do not bend, drop, or subject cards to strong shock or
vibration.
• Do not keep cards in direct sunlight, in closed vehicles,
or other such locations (storage temperature: -25 to 85˚
C).
• Do not allow cards to become wet.
• Do not disassemble or modify the cards.
5
Contents
USING THE UNIT SAFELY .........................2 Chapter 5. Recording a Performance of
Samples (Pattern Sequencer) ................. 34
IMPORTANT NOTES...................................4 How Patterns Are Organized.........................................................34
Changing the Tempo of a Pattern..................................................34
Before You Start .........................................7 Stopping Pattern Playback..............................................................34
Names of Things and What They Do..............................................7 Switching Patterns During Playback.............................................34
Connecting Other Equipment ........................................................10 Recording a Pattern..........................................................................34
Turning the Power On/Off ............................................................10 Deleting a Pattern.............................................................................36
Inserting/Removing a Memory Card ...........................................11 Changing the Assignments of Patterns to Pads...........................37
Quick Start ................................................12 Chapter 6. Using a Memory Card ........... 38
Listen to the Samples .......................................................................12 Formatting (Initializing) a Memory Card.....................................38
Apply Effects to the Samples..........................................................12 Importing Audio Files .....................................................................38
Play the Patterns...............................................................................13 Exporting Audio Files......................................................................39
Sample Your Own Sounds..............................................................14 Saving Backup Data (Backup Save)...............................................40
Loading Backup Data (Backup Load) ...........................................40
Chapter 1. Playing Samples ....................16 Deleting Backup Data (Backup Delete).........................................40
How Samples Are Organized.........................................................16
Switching Sample Banks .................................................................16 Chapter 7. Other Functions..................... 41
How Many Samples Can Play Simultaneously (Polyphony) ....16 Using the SP-404 with Other MIDI Equipment ...........................41
Having a Sample Continue Playing After You Take Your Adjusting the Blinking Speed of the Display Illumination........42
Finger Off the Pad (Hold) ...............................................................16 Checking the Remaining Battery Level.........................................42
Playing an External Input Sound (External Source) ...................17 Using the Protect Setting.................................................................43
Initializing the SP-404’s Internal Memory ....................................43
Chapter 2. Using Effects ..........................18 Checking the Version Number.......................................................43
Applying an Effect to a Sample......................................................18 Setting the Internal Processing Level of the SP-404 ....................43
Applying an Effect to Multiple Samples.......................................18
Applying an Effect to All Samples ................................................19 Chapter 8. Examples of Using the
Checking the Previously Used Effect ............................................19
Pre-specifying the Parameters of the Effect You’ll Select SP-404 ....................................................... 44
Next ....................................................................................................19 Using the Pattern Sequencer to Create a Rhythm Pattern .........44
Effect Limit Mode.............................................................................19 Using the SP-404 with a Turntable ................................................45
Send/Return Mode (FLANGER, PHASER).................................19
Effect List...........................................................................................20 Appendices............................................... 46
Quick Reference to Operations ......................................................46
Chapter 3. Sampling.................................23 Troubleshooting ...............................................................................47
Before You Sample...........................................................................23 Message List......................................................................................49
Sampling from a CD ........................................................................23 Recommended Memory Cards ......................................................50
Sampling from a Mic .......................................................................24 MIDI Implementation......................................................................50
Sampling to a Memory Card Bank ................................................25 MIDI Implementation Chart...........................................................51
Sampling at a Specific Tempo ........................................................25 Specifications ....................................................................................52
Using a Count When You Sample .................................................26
Initiating Sampling Automatically (Auto Sampling) .................26 Index.......................................................... 53
Applying an Effect to a Sample and Sampling It Again
(Resampling).....................................................................................26
Deleting a Sample ............................................................................27
Exchanging Sample Pad Assignments..........................................28
Checking the Remaining Sampling Time .....................................28
Chapter 4. Changing the Settings of a

Sample.......................................................29
Specifying the Volume of a Sample...............................................29
Playing a Phrase Repeatedly (Loop Playback) or Only Once
(One-shot Playback).........................................................................29
Making a Sample Play Only While You Hold Down the Pad
(Gate Playback) or Continue Even If You Release the Pad
(Trigger Playback)............................................................................29
Playing a Sample Backward (Reverse Playback).........................30
Omitting Unwanted Portions of the Sample
(Marker/Start Point/End Point)....................................................30
Deleting an Unwanted Portion (Truncate)...................................32
Changing a Sample’s BPM..............................................................33
Changing the Length of a Sample without Affecting the Pitch
(Time Modify)...................................................................................33
6
Before You Start
Names of Things and What They Do

Top Panel
1 2
6 3
5
4 4
6
7 8
9 10
11 12
14
13 15
16
1. VOLUME Knob 3. PEAK Indicator

This knob adjusts the volume of the line output and the This indicator helps you adjust the level when sampling. In
headphones. order to sample at the correct level, adjust the level so that this
indicator lights occasionally.
2. CTRL 1–3 Knobs
* The PEAK indicator shows the clipping level during internal A/D
These knobs control the parameters that are assigned to each
conversion. It does not indicate the clipping level of the analog input.
knob according to the effect you’ve selected. The knobs are also
used in the following ways: 4. Effect Buttons
CTRL 1 Knob Use these buttons to select the effect you want to use. An effect
You can use this knob to adjust the sample start location or the is on when its button is lit, and off when the button is dark. (p.
sample playback time. 12, p. 18, p. 26, p. 45)
CTRL 2 Knob * You can’t turn two or more effects on simultaneously.
You can use this knob to adjust the pattern’s BPM (tempo) or
the sample end location. 5. Display
CTRL 3/MFX Knob This provides information such as the BPM (tempo) of the
sample or pattern, the values of various settings, and error
You can use this knob to select an MFX type, or to adjust the
messages. The display can also show the remaining available
sampling level or the sample volume.
sampling time.
6. Display Illumination
This will blink in synchronization with the tempo of the pattern.
7
Before You Start
7. 11.
PATTERN SELECT Button CANCEL Button
Use this button to play or record a pattern. When this button is You can press this button to cancel a sampling or sample-
lit, you can press a pad to select a pattern. (p. 13, p. 34, p. 44) delete operation before it’s actually executed. This button also
LENGTH Button stops pattern playback or recording.
Use this button to specify the length of the pattern when By pressing this button four times in rapid succession, you can
recording a pattern. (p. 35, p. 44) stop all currently sounding notes.
QUANTIZE Button REMAIN Button
Use this button to make quantize settings for automatic timing When you press this button, the display will indicate the
correction when recording a pattern. (p. 35, p. 44) remaining time available for sampling. By holding down this
button and pressing a pad, you can select the sample to which
8. you want to apply an effect or the sample whose settings you
START/END/LEVEL Button want to change. (p. 18, p. 28)
Use this button to change the start point, end point, or volume MARK Button
of a sample. (p. 17, p. 29, p. 32, p. 35, p. 44) Use this button to play just a portion of a sampled sound. If
TIME/BPM Button this button is lit, only the specified portion of the sound will
Use this button to specify the playback time or BPM (tempo) play. (p. 31)
of a sample. (p. 14, p. 25, pp. 33–35, p. 44)
TAP TEMPO Button 12. BANK Buttons (A, B, C/G, D/H, E/I, F/J)
When [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted or when you’re
By pressing this button several times at the desired interval,
recording a pattern, these buttons switch sample banks. When
you can set the tempo to the corresponding timing. (p. 25, p.
[PATTERN SELECT] is lit, these buttons switch pattern banks.
34)
If you press BANK [A] or [B] so it’s lit, the SP-404’s internal
9. bank A or B will be selected. If you press BANK [C/G]–[F/J] to
DEL Button light a button, banks C–F on the memory card can be selected. If
Use this button to delete a sample or pattern. (p. 15, p. 27, p. you press BANK [C/G]–[F/J] once again so a button is blinking,
32, p. 36) banks G–J on the memory card can be selected.
REC Button
13. Pads (1–12)
Use this button to start/stop sampling or to record a pattern. When [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted, pressing a pad will
(p. 14, p. 23, p. 34, p. 44) play the sample assigned to that pad. The pad will light while
RESAMPLE Button the sample plays.
Use this button to apply an effect to a sample and then sample When [PATTERN SELECT] is lit, you can use the pads to select
it again (“resampling”). (p. 26) the pattern you want to play or record.
10. 14.
LO-FI Button HOLD Pad
This button switches the grade (standard/lo-fi) when When you hold down a pad and press the HOLD pad, the
sampling. Lo-fi sampling is selected when the button is lit, and sample will continue playing even after you release the pad.
standard sampling is selected when the button is dark. (p. 23) (p. 16)
STEREO Button EXT SOURCE Pad
This button switches between monaural and stereo sampling. By pressing the external source pad so the button is lit, you
Stereo sampling is selected when the button is lit, and can mute/unmute or apply an effect to an external audio
monaural sampling is selected when the button is dark. (p. 17, input source (line or mic). (p. 17, p. 45)
p. 23) SUB PAD
GATE Button You can use the sub pad to play the sample of the pad you
This button switches between gate playback (whereby the pressed most recently. For example, this is a convenient way
sample plays only while you hold down the pad) and trigger to play a drum roll by hand.
playback (sample alternately begins playing or stops with
each press of the pad). Gate playback is selected when the 15. MIC Button
button is lit, and trigger playback is selected when the button This button switches the mic input on/off. The mic input is on
is dark. (p. 29) when the button is lit. (p. 17, p. 24)
LOOP Button
16. Internal Mic
This button switches between loop playback (whereby the
This is the SP-404’s internal mic. The internal mic is disabled if a
sample plays repeatedly when you press the pad) and one-
separately available mic is plugged into the front panel MIC IN
shot playback (the sample plays only once). Loop playback is
jack.
selected when the button is lit, and one-shot playback is
selected when the button is dark. (p. 29)
REVERSE Button
This button selects reverse playback, which causes the
sample to play backward. Reverse playback is selected when
the button is lit, and normal playback is selected when the
button is dark. (p. 30)
8
Before You Start
Front Panel Rear Panel
1 2 3 4
1. PHONES Jack
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
A set of stereo headphones can be connected here. They will
1. Ground Terminal
output the same sound as the LINE OUT jacks. (p. 10)
Depending on the circumstances of a particular setup, you may
2. MEMORY CARD Slot experience a discomforting sensation, or perceive that the
A separately available memory card (CompactFlash) can be surface feels gritty to the touch when you touch this device,
inserted here. You can use memory card banks C–J to record microphones connected to it, or the metal portions of other
extended samples that would be too large for the internal objects. This is due to an infinitesimal electrical charge, which is
memory. (p. 11, p. 38) absolutely harmless. However, if you are concerned about this,
connect the ground terminal with an external ground. When the
unit is grounded, a slight hum may occur, depending on the
When the SP-404 is shipped from the factory, a memory card particulars of your installation. If you are unsure of the
cover is attached in front of the memory card slot. To remove connection method, contact the nearest Roland Service Center,
the cover, pinch the left and right edges of the cover toward the or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the
inside and pull it toward yourself. (p. 11) “Information” page.
3. MIC LEVEL Knob

Unsuitable places for connection
This knob adjusts the volume of the SP-404’s internal mic or a
mic connected to the MIC IN jack. • Water pipes (may result in shock or electrocution)
• Gas pipes (may result in fire or explosion)
4. MIC IN Jack • Telephone-line ground or lightning rod (may be dangerous
A separately available mic can be connected here. (p. 10) in the event of lightning)
2. DC IN Jack
Connect the included AC adaptor here. (p. 10)
3. POWER Switch
This turns the power on/off. (p. 10)
4. MIDI IN Connector
Connect this to your MIDI device. (p. 41)
5. LINE IN Jacks (L/R)

Connect these to the audio source (e.g., CD player) that you’re
sampling. (p. 10)
6. LINE OUT Jacks (L/R)

Connect these to your audio system, amp, or mixer. (p. 10)
7. Security Slot ( )
http://www.kensington.com/
9
Before You Start
3. Connect the LINE OUT jacks to your audio system or amp. If

Connecting Other Equipment you’re using headphones, connect them to the PHONES
jack.
Refer to the illustration, and make connections in the order given If you want to record a sample (p. 14, p. 23), connect your CD
below. player or other audio source to the LINE IN jacks, or connect a
mic to the MIC IN jack. (If you will be using the SP-404’s
Audio Set / Amplified Speaker etc.
internal mic, this is not necessary.)
When connection cables with resistors are used, the volume

level of equipment connected to the inputs (LINE IN, MIC IN)
may be low. If this happens, use connection cables that do not
contain resistors, such as those from the Roland PCS series.
AC Adaptor
CD player
Howling could be produced depending on the location of
Stereo Headphones OUTPUT microphones relative to speakers. This can be remedied by:
Microphone
1. Changing the orientation of the microphone(s).
2. Relocating microphone(s) at a greater distance from
speakers.
3. Lowering volume levels.
1. Turn off the power of all devices before you make 4. Connect the AC adaptor to an AC power outlet.
connections.
To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other

Turning the Power On/Off
devices, always turn down the volume, and turn off the power
on all devices before making any connections. Turning the Power On
2. Connect the included AC adaptor to the DC IN jack.
Alternatively, you can power the SP-404 on six AA batteries.
Once the connections have been completed, turn on power to
If you’re running the SP-404 on batteries, this step is not
your various devices in the order specified. By turning on
necessary.
devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/
or damage to speakers and other devices.
Installing the Batteries
Remove the battery compartment cover located on the bottom 1. Turn the SP-404’s VOLUME knob all the way to the left to
of the SP-404, and insert the batteries in the correct polarity minimize the volume.
(direction) as marked on the bottom of the unit. Then close the
2. Minimize the volume of the connected amp or audio
cover securely.
system.
When the remaining battery capacity decreases, the display
illumination will remain lit, and the dot in the lower right of the 3. Turn the SP-404’s POWER switch to the ON position.
display will alternately blink at short and long intervals. If the
batteries run down completely, “Lo” appears in the display and
no further operations will be possible. If this occurs, replace the Always make sure to have the volume level turned down before
batteries immediately. switching on power. Even with the volume all the way down,
you may still hear some sound when the power is switched on,
but this is normal, and does not indicate a malfunction.
The contents of the SP-404’s internal memory are preserved
even if the batteries run down.
4. Turn on the power of the connected amp or audio system.
5. While striking the SP-404’s pads to produce sound,

When the remaining battery capacity decreases, the sound
gradually raise the VOLUME knob to adjust the volume.
may be distorted when the VOLUME knob is in certain
Also, adjust the connected amp or audio system to the
positions. If this occurs, replace the batteries.
appropriate volume level.
When turning the unit upside-down, get a bunch of

newspapers or magazines, and place them under the four Turning the Power Off
corners or at both ends to prevent damage to the buttons
and controls. Also, you should try to orient the unit so no 1. Minimize the volume of the SP-404 and the connected amp
buttons or controls get damaged. or audio system.
2. Turn off the power of the amp or audio system.

When turning the unit upside-down, handle with care to
avoid dropping it, or allowing it to fall or tip over. 3. Turn off the power of the SP-404.
10
Before You Start
Inserting/Removing a
Preventing Theft of the Memory
Memory Card Card
When the SP-404 is shipped from the factory, a special screw is
The power of the SP-404 must be turned off when you insert or installed in the location marked ★ on the bottom of the unit.
remove a memory card. If you insert or remove a memory card With the memory card cover attached, you can use a Phillips
while the power is on, you risk damaging the data of the screwdriver to remove this screw and move it over to the hole
memory card or rendering it unusable. marked “CARD LOCK.” Once screwed in there, the memory
card cover cannot be removed. This will help prevent theft of
the memory card.
Inserting a Memory Card
1. Insert the memory card into the card slot located on the
front panel.
Carefully insert the memory card all the way in—until it is

firmly in place.
If a memory card is being used for the first time, you’ll have to
format it on the SP-404. (p. 38)
★
Memory cards that were formatted on another device will not
be recognized by the SP-404.
When turning the unit upside-down, get a bunch of
newspapers or magazines, and place them under the four
Removing a Memory Card corners or at both ends to prevent damage to the buttons
and controls. Also, you should try to orient the unit so no
1. Press the eject button located beside the front panel card
buttons or controls get damaged.
slot. The memory card pops out partway. Grasp the
memory card and pull it all the way out.
When turning the unit upside-down, handle with care to
avoid dropping it, or allowing it to fall or tip over.
11
Quick Start
Listen to the Samples About the Factory-set Samples and

When the SP-404 is shipped from the factory, pads 1–12 of sample Patterns
bank A and pads 1 and 2 of sample bank B contain samples. Let’s
start by listening to these samples.
All rights reserved. Unauthorized use of this material for
purposes other than private, personal enjoyment is a
What’s a sample? violation of applicable laws.
A “sample” is a piece of recorded sound (a sampled waveform) The samples (sample bank A, and pads 1 and 2 of sample bank
together with various settings that specify how the sound will B) and patterns (pattern bank A) that are assigned when the SP-
play, which is assigned to a pad. 404 is shipped cannot be restored to their factory-set state once
you have erased or modified them.
What’s a sample bank? If you want to preserve the factory-set state, you will need to
A “sample bank” is a group of twelve samples assigned to the purchase a separately available memory card (CompactFlash)
pads. The SP-404 has ten sample banks: A–J. and back up the data to the memory card.
Before you purchase a memory card, please read

“Recommended Memory Cards” (p. 50).
For details on formatting a memory card and backing up

the data, refer to “Chapter 6. Using a Memory Card” (p.
38).
1 Apply Effects to the Samples

The SP-404 provides 29 different built-in effects, which can modify
the sound in various ways.
2 Let’s try out these effects to hear what they do.
3 Of the 29 effects, five of them—filter + overdrive, pitch shifter,

delay, isolator, and vinyl simulator—can be selected directly by
pressing a button.
The remaining 24 effects are found in MFX (multi-effects); hold
down [MFX] and turn the CTRL 3/MFX knob to select the
desired effect.
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.
As an example, here’s how to apply “filter + overdrive” to the sound
2. Press pad 1. of a sample.
The pad lights while the sound plays.
3. After you’ve verified that you can hear the sound, try
pressing pads 2–12 as well.
If you can’t hear anything when you press a pad, make sure that 4
sample bank A is selected (BANK [A] should be lit). If a
different bank is selected, press BANK [A] to switch to bank A.
3, 5
The force with which you press a pad won’t change the volume.
Using unnecessary force will cause malfunctions. For details on
how to adjust the volume of the samples, refer to “Adjusting the 1
Volume of a Sample” (p. 29).
12
Quick Start

2. Press the pad that plays the sample to which you want to
apply the filter + overdrive effect.
The pad lights, and the sample begins playing.
3. Press [FILTER+DRIVE] so it’s lit.

The filter + overdrive effect is applied to the sound of the
sample.
4. Turn the CTRL 1–3 knobs to adjust the filter + overdrive 1

effect.
CTRL 1 (CUTOFF)
This adjusts the cutoff frequency of the filter. Turning the 4
knob toward the left will make the sound darker and more 2
mellow. Turning the knob toward the right will make the
sound brighter and clearer. 3
CTRL 2 (RESONANCE)
This adjusts the resonance of the filter. Turning the knob
toward the right will give the sound a more distinctive
character.
CTRL 3 (DRIVE) 1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so it’s lit.
This adjusts the amount of distortion. Turning the knob “Ptn” appears in the display.
toward the right will increase the distortion, producing a more
2. Press pad 1.
intense sound.
Pad 1 changes from blinking to lit, and the pattern begins
5. To turn off the filter + overdrive effect, press playing.
[FILTER+DRIVE] so its LED goes out. If the pattern does not start playing when you press the pad,
make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is lit and bank A is selected
(BANK [A] should be lit). If another bank is selected, select bank
For details on the pitch shifter, delay, isolator, and vinyl
A by pressing BANK [A] while [PATTERN SELECT] is lit.
simulator, and for more about selecting the MFX effects and
how they work, refer to “Chapter 2. Using Effects” (p. 18). 3. When you’ve heard the pattern play, try pressing pads 2–12
as well.
If you press another pad while a pattern is playing, that pattern
Play the Patterns will be “reserved” for playback next. When the currently
playing pattern has finished, the reserved pattern will begin
playing automatically.
What’s a pattern?
On the SP-404, you can press the pads to play several samples in
If you press a pad while holding down [SUB PAD], playback
the desired order, and record this performance as a song. Such a
will change immediately to the pattern assigned to that pad.
sequence of samples in a playback order is called a “pattern.”
4. Press [CANCEL] (PATTERN STOP) to stop pattern
playback.
What’s a pattern bank?
Like samples, patterns are also assigned to pads. A “pattern
bank” is a group of twelve patterns assigned to pads 1–12. The
SP-404 has ten pattern banks: A–J.
Pattern banks and sample banks are independent. For example,

the patterns of bank A are not restricted to using only the
samples of sample bank A.
With the factory settings, patterns are assigned to pads 1–12 of

pattern bank A. Let’s go ahead and listen to them.
13
Quick Start
Changing the Tempo at Which a Sample Your Own Sounds

Pattern Plays
Let’s try sampling into pad 9 of sample bank B, to which no samples
Here’s how to change the playback tempo of a pattern. were assigned when the SP-404 was shipped from the factory.
3
Recording (sampling) audio material whose copyright is the
property of another party without permission from the
copyright owner for any purpose other than personal
enjoyment is a violation of copyright law. Don’t make illegal
recordings.
Roland Corporation shall assume no responsibility whatsoever

2, 4 with regard to any damages or penalties you may incur by
using Roland products to make illegal recordings.
1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so it’s lit.

6
2. Press [TIME/BPM] so it’s lit.
3. Turn the CTRL 2 knob.

The playback tempo of the pattern changes. The display
indicates the playback tempo as a BPM value.
What’s BPM? 2
This stands for Beats Per Minute, indicating the number of
quarter notes played in one minute. 4, 7, 8 3
4. Press [TIME/BPM] once again so it’s no longer lit.
5, 9
1. Connect your CD player as described in p. 10.

3. Press BANK [B] so it’s lit.
4. Press [REC] so it’s lit.

The SP-404 enters sampling-standby mode; pads to which no
sample is assigned start blinking.
If at this point you decide not to sample, press [CANCEL] so
[REC] goes out.
5. Press pad 9.
Pad 9 lights, while the other pads go out.
[REC] starts blinking.
14
Quick Start
6. Adjust the volume of your CD player.

Turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob all the way to the right, then If You’re Not Happy with the Sound
adjust the volume of the connected CD player so the PEAK You Sampled
indicator lights occasionally.
Here’s how to delete the sampled sound and try again from step 4 of
“Sample Your Own Sounds.” Proceed as follows.
If the PEAK indicator does not light even when you’ve turned
the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob all the way toward the right, the
volume of your audio input source may be too low. You could
simply proceed with sampling, but in order to get the best
possible audio quality, we recommend that you adjust the
volume of your audio input source so that the PEAK indicator
lights occasionally.
7. Play back the sound you want to sample, and press [REC]
at the moment you want to begin sampling.
[REC] lights, and sampling begins.
8. Press [REC] at the moment you want to stop sampling.

Pad 9 and [REC] go out.
1, 3
If you exceed the available sampling time, “FuL” appears in the

display and sampling will end automatically. For details on the
2
messages that appear in the display, refer to “Message List” (p.
49).
9. Press pad 9 to play back the sound you just sampled.
1. Press [DEL] so it’s lit.

If the beginning or end of the sample contains unwanted sound
Pads to which a sample is displayed start blinking.
or silence, you can make settings so that only the desired
“dEL” appears in the display.
portion of the sample is played. For details, refer to “Omitting
Unwanted Portions of the Sample (Marker/Start Point/End 2. Press the pad to which the sample you want to delete is
Point)” (p. 30). assigned.
The pad lights, and [DEL] starts blinking.
3. Press [DEL].
[DEL] changes from blinking to lit, and the dot in the display
starts blinking.
Once the sample has been deleted, the blinking stops.
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. If you turn
off the power during this time, not only the sample you’re
deleting but the data of other samples may also be lost.
15
Chapter 1. Playing Samples

On the SP-404, pads 1–12 and the bank buttons are used to play
samples. How Many Samples Can Play
A pad whose sample is playing will light.
The pad you pressed most recently to play it is called the current
Simultaneously (Polyphony)
pad. The panel will show the settings for the current pad. The SP-404 is able to play up to twelve samples simultaneously (i.e.,
the polyphony is 12 notes) However, each stereo sample will occupy
When you edit the settings for a sample, your changes apply to two notes.
the sample that is assigned to the current pad.
The stereo/mono setting of a sample can be specified only at
How Samples Are Organized the time of sampling; it cannot be changed afterward. For
details on how to specify this at the time of sampling, refer to
“Sampling from a CD” (p. 23).
You can assign one sample to each pad 1–12 on the panel. The set of
samples assigned to the twelve pads is called a sample bank. The Please note that the polyphony will be four notes when resampling.
SP-404 provides ten sample banks: A–J. Banks A and B are internal
banks inside the SP-404 itself. Banks C–J are located on the memory
For details on resampling, refer to “Applying an Effect to a
card.
Sample and Sampling It Again (Resampling)” (p. 26).
When the power is turned on, sample bank A is selected.

The Number of Samples That Can Play
Simultaneously
Switching Sample Banks Normally

Monaural samples
12
Stereo samples
6
While resampling 4 2
* Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.
To switch sample banks, press one of the BANK [A]–[F/J] buttons.
The button you pressed will light, and that bank will be selected. If
you press BANK [C/G]–[F/J] once again, the button will change Having a Sample Continue
from lit to blinking, and bank G–J will be selected.
Playing After You Take Your
If no memory card is inserted in the slot, pressing BANK [C/
Finger Off the Pad (Hold)
G]–[F/J] will not select sample banks C–J.
The Hold function allows you to get a sample to continue playing
even after you take your finger from the pad.
Never remove the memory card while playing a sample from This is useful when you want a sample to continue repeating. (Loop
sample banks C–J. Doing so may produce a loud sound that Playback, p. 29)
could damage your speakers or amp, and may damage the As an example, here’s how to use the Hold function on the sample
memory card itself. assigned to pad 1 of bank B.

When you insert an unused memory card (a card that has not If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.
been formatted on the SP-404), BANK [C/G]–[F/J] will blink,
and “FMt” appears in the display. 2. Make sure that BANK [B] is lit, and press pad [1] to play the
sample.
To execute formatting of the memory card, press BANK [C/G]–
[F/J]. 3. Before you release your finger from the pad, press [HOLD].
BANK [C/G]–[F/J] changes from blinking to lit, and [DEL] Hold is turned on ([HOLD] is lit), and the sample will continue
begins blinking. Now, if you press [DEL], formatting will begin. playing even after you take your finger off the pad.
Formatting will erase all of the data on the memory card, and
prepare it for use with the SP-404. 4. Press [HOLD] once again to stop the sound.
The pad will remain lit while the sample is playing.
Never turn off the power or remove the memory card

while formatting is in progress (while [DEL] is lit). The Hold function works only for samples that are set to Gate
Playback ([GATE] is lit). If the sample is set to Trigger Playback
([GATE] is dark), the playback method is not affected by
whether [HOLD] is pressed.
Gate Playback and Trigger Playback can be specified

individually for each pad. Refer to p. 29 for details.
16
Chapter 1. Playing Samples
holding down [EXT SOURCE]; the sound from the line and mic
Playing an External Input inputs will be muted when you release the pad (the pad goes
out).
Sound (External Source) If [GATE] is not lighted, the sound will alternately be heard
(pad lit) or muted (pad dark) each time you press [EXT
The SP-404 lets you control the playing/muted status of (and apply
SOURCE].
effects to) an external audio input source such as a CD player
connected to the LINE IN jacks, a mic connected to the MIC IN jack,
or sound from the SP-404’s internal mic. You can press [GATE] to switch between lit/unlit states of
GATE.
Using a CD Player
3. Press [STEREO] to make the button light or go dark; this
1. Start playback on your CD player. switches the stereo/mono status of the external audio
input.
* Make sure that [MIC] is not lighted.
[STEREO] lit: The external input will be heard in stereo.
2. Press [EXT SOURCE] so the pad is lit. [STEREO] unlit: The external input will be heard in monaural.
The line input sound will be heard while this pad is lit.
If [GATE] is lit, the sound will be heard only while you hold
You should have [STEREO] lit for sources that are originally
down [EXT SOURCE]. When you release the pad, the line input stereo, such as a CD.
sound will be muted (the pad goes out).
If [GATE] is not lighted, the sound will alternately be heard 4. You can apply an effect to the external audio input by
(pad lit) or muted (pad dark) each time you press [EXT pressing one of the effect buttons to make it light. (p. 18)
SOURCE].
If the effect is not applied to the external audio input when you
press an effect button to make it light, you should hold down
You can press [GATE] to switch the lit/unlit status of GATE.
[REMAIN] (CURRENT PAD) and press [EXT SOURCE]. This
3. To switch the external input between stereo and monaural, will cause the effect to be applied to the external audio input.
press [STEREO] to make the button light or go dark.
[STEREO] lit: The external input will be heard in stereo. Adjusting the Volume of the External
[STEREO] unlit: The external input will be heard in monaural. Audio Input
If the external input is distorted because the volume is too high, or if
You should have [STEREO] lit for sources that are originally there is an obtrusive amount of noise because the volume is too low,
stereo, such as a CD. you should adjust the volume as follows.
4. You can apply an effect to the external audio input by 1. Press [EXT SOURCE] so the pad is lit. If you’re inputting
pressing one of the effect buttons to make it light. (p. 18) from a mic, you should also press [MIC] so it’s lit.
The external audio input will be heard.
If the effect is not applied to the external audio input when you 2. Press [START/END/LEVEL] so it’s lit.
press an effect button to make it light, you should hold down
3. Turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob to adjust the volume of the
[REMAIN] (CURRENT PAD) and press [EXT SOURCE]. This
audio input.
will cause the effect to be applied to the external audio input.
Turning the knob toward the left decreases the volume, and
turning it toward the right increases the volume.
Using Line Input and Mic Input Adjust the volume so that the PEAK indicator lights occasionally.
Simultaneously
1. Input an audio signal from the device connected to the LINE If the volume of the external audio input does not change when
IN jacks and from the mic. you turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob, hold down [REMAIN]
(CURRENT PAD) and press [EXT SOURCE]. (This operation
2. Press [EXT SOURCE] and [MIC] so they are both lit. will select the external input as the target for the volume
adjustment.)
Then press [START/END/LEVEL] again and turn the CTRL 3
If [MIC] is not lighted, you won’t be able to input sound from (LEVEL) knob to adjust the volume.
the mic.
4. Press [START/END/LEVEL] once again.
[START/END/LEVEL] goes out, and the volume is set.
microphones relative to speakers. This can be remedied by:
If the volume of the signal from the CD player or microphone is
1. Changing the orientation of the microphone(s). excessive, distortion may be present even though the PEAK
2. Relocating microphone(s) at a greater distance from indicator has not lighted. On the other hand, if the volume is too
speakers. low, you may be unable to attain a sufficient level even if you
3. Lowering volume levels. turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob all the way up. In such cases, you
If [GATE] is lit, the sound will be heard only while you continue should adjust the volume at your CD player, or if using a mic,
turn the MIC LEVEL knob to adjust the volume appropriately.
17
Chapter 2. Using Effects

Since the SP-404 provides 29 different effects, you can apply an effect
to a sample to modify the sound without needing any other Switching the Effect Selected by MFX
equipment.
Here’s how to switch the effect (MFX type) selected by MFX.
• Of the 29 effects, five of them—filter + overdrive, pitch shifter,
delay, isolator, and vinyl simulator—can be selected directly by
Using the CTRL 3/MFX Knob
pressing a button.
The remaining 24 effects are found in MFX (multi-effects), and 1. Hold down [MFX] and turn the CTRL 3/MFX knob.
you can select one of these for use. The display indicates the MFX type as a number 1–24. Turn the
• You can turn on only one effect at a time. It’s not possible to knob toward the right to increase the number, or toward the left
turn more than one effect on simultaneously. to decrease it.
If you want to use multiple effects on one sample, or apply a
2. When you’ve selected the number for the desired MFX type,
different effect to each sample, you can perform resampling.
release [MFX].
MFX is turned on.
By resampling you can apply an effect to a sample and re-
record it as a new sample. For details, refer to “Applying an Using the Pads
Effect to a Sample and Sampling It Again (Resampling)” (p. 26). 1. Hold down [MFX] and press a pad [1]–[12] to select MFX 1–
12 directly. Hold down [MFX] and [VINYL SIM] and press a
pad [1]–[12] to select MFX 13–24 directly.
Applying an Effect to a The display indicates the MFX type as a number 1–24, and MFX
Sample is turned on.

Applying an Effect to Multiple
2. Make sure that all effect buttons are dark.
Samples
If any button is lit, press that button to make it go dark. Normally, when you turn an effect on, it will be applied only to the
sample of the current pad; the effect will not be applied to other
3. Press the pad of the sample to which you want to apply an
effect. samples.
The pad lights, and the sample starts playing. This pad is now However, you can use the following procedure to apply an effect to
the current pad. multiple pads including the current pad.
4. Press one of the effect buttons. 1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.
The button you pressed lights. If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.
An effect is on when its button is lit, and off when the button is
2. Press the button for the effect you want to use, making the
dark. button light.
3. Press [REMAIN] (CURRENT PAD).

For some effects, there will be a brief interval of time from when The current pad starts blinking.
you turn on the effect until the effect is actually applied to the
sound. 4. While continuing to hold down [REMAIN] (CURRENT PAD),
consecutively press each pad to which you want to apply
5. Turn the CTRL 1–3 knobs to adjust the effect. the effect.
Each pad you press starts blinking, and becomes the current
pad. Of the pads you’ve pressed, pads other than the current
The actual change caused by turning the CTRL 1–3 knobs will
pad will be lit.
depend on the effect that is selected. For details, refer to “Effect
List” (p. 20). Effect
Pad lit O
Pad unlit X
Switching an Effect On/Off with Current pad: long blinking O
Precise Timing (Effect Grab) Current pad: short blinking X
Normally, an effect button will switch the effect on/off each time
you press the button, meaning that you’ll need to press the button
many times if you need to switch an effect on/off repeatedly. It’s Each time you hold down [REMAIN] (CURRENT PAD) and
particularly difficult to turn an effect on/off rapidly with precise press the same pad, the effect will alternately be turned on/off
timing. for that pad.
In such cases you can use the Effect Grab function.
5. When you’ve pressed each pad to which you want to apply
To use the Effect Grab function, hold down [TAP TEMPO] (EFFECT the effect, take your finger off of [REMAIN] (CURRENT
GRAB) and press an effect button. PAD).
When you hold down [TAP TEMPO] (EFFECT GRAB) and press an
effect button, the effect will be on only while you are pressing that
button; this makes it easier to turn an effect on/off in precise timing You can’t apply a different type of effect to each pad. The same
with the tempo of the song. effect will be applied to each pad you specify.
18
Applying an Effect to All Pre-specifying the Parameters

Samples of the Effect You’ll Select Next
If you want an effect to apply to all pads at once, you would have to Here’s how you can pre-specify the desired parameter settings
perform the above procedure for each pad, which would take some before you actually switch the effect type.
time.
However if you want to apply the effect to all pads, there’s an easier 1. Hold down [REMAIN] and turn the CTRL 1–3 knobs to set
the parameters as desired.
way. Proceed as follows.
The display will indicate "C-1" when you turn the CTRL 1 knob,
and "C-2" or "C-3" when you turn the CTRL 2 or CTRL 3 knobs,
This procedure will apply the effect to all pads of banks A–J. respectively.
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted. 2. Press the effect button for the effect that you want to use
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off. next.
The knob settings you adjusted in step 1 will be applied to the
2. Hold down [REMAIN] (CURRENT PAD) and press the button next effect.
of the effect you want to use.
The selected effect button starts blinking.
All pads will be lit (the current pad will blink), and the effect If you turn the CTRL 1–3 knobs while no effect is applied, the
will be applied to all pads. values will apply to the parameters of the current effect. If you
don’t need to change the effect type (i.e., if you press the same
Effect button Effect
effect button in step 2), there’s no need to perform step 1 “Hold
Lit The effect will be applied to one or more
down [REMAIN].”
samples.
Blinking The effect will be applied to all 120 samples
(10 banks x 12 pads). Effect Limit Mode
Pads to which no sample is assigned will not light. If you turn on Effect Limit mode, the depth of the effect will be
limited to prevent unintentionally loud sounds or oscillation. You
To return to the state in which the effect is applied only to the may find this function convenient in high-volume situations, such as
current pad, once again hold down [REMAIN] (CURRENT in a club or live performance.
PAD) and press the effect button that’s blinking.
1. Hold down [CANCEL] and press [MFX] to turn Effect Limit
mode on/off.
“L.on”: Effect Limit mode is on
When an effect button is blinking, you can’t switch the effect
on/off for individual pads. “L.oF”: Effect Limit mode is off
Checking the Previously Used When you turn on the power, this function will be off.
Effect
Send/Return Mode
This function is convenient when you’ve forgotten the type of effect
(current effect) you were previously using.
(FLANGER, PHASER)
If you turn on Send/Return mode, you’ll be able to use the CTRL 3
knob to adjust the balance (the volume balance between the effect
You can check this when an effect is not applied.
sound and direct sound) for the FLANGER or PHASER effect.
1. Hold down [TAP TEMPO]. This allows you to completely eliminate the direct sound.
The button of the current effect will blink while you hold down When Send/Return mode is ON, the CTRL 1 knob can be used to
[TAP TEMPO]. simultaneously adjust both DEPTH and RESONANCE.
When Send/Return mode is OFF, adjustments can be made
independently, with the CTRL 1 knob adjusting the DEPTH while
When you turn on the power, FILTER+DRIVE will be the the CTRL 3 knob adjusts the RESONANCE.
current effect. This function is convenient when you’ve connected the SP-404 to the
SEND/RETURN jacks of a DJ mixer (or other device), and are using
the SP-404 as an effects processor.
1. Hold down [CANCEL] and press [VINYL SIM] to switch the

function on/off.
“S.on”: Send/Return mode is on
“S.oF”: Send/Return mode is off
When you turn on the power, this function will be on.
19
Effect List
Effects You Can Select by Directly Pressing a Button
Type CTRL 1 (display) CTRL 2 (display) CTRL 3 (display)
FILTER+DRIVE ★ CUTOFF (CoF) RESONANCE (rES) ★ DRIVE (drV) ★
Low-pass filter with overdrive. Adjusts the frequency at which Adjusts the amount of peak lo- Adds distortion.
Cuts the high range and adds dis- the cut occurs. cated at the cutoff frequency.
tortion.
PITCH ★ PITCH (Pit) FEEDBACK (Fdb) ★ BALANCE (bAL)
Changes the pitch. Specifies the pitch change in a +/ Adjusts the amount by which the Adjusts the volume balance be-
-2 octave range. pitch-shifted sound is repeated. tween the direct sound and effect
sound.
DELAY ★ DELAY TIME (t32–t1) FEEDBACK (Fdb) ★ BALANCE (bAL)
Repeats the sound. Adjusts the time at which the Adjusts the number of times that Adjusts the volume balance be-
sound is repeated. (*1) the sound is repeated. tween the direct sound and the
effect sound.
ISOLATOR ★ LOW (Lo) ★ MID (Mid) ★ HIGH (Hi) ★
Extracts or eliminates low/mid/ Extracts or eliminates the low Extracts or eliminates the mid Extracts or eliminates the high
high ranges from the sound. range. range. range.
VINYL SIM COMPRESSOR (CMP) NOISE LEVEL (noS) WOW FLUTTER (FLu)
Gives the sound a character simi- Adjusts the amount of compres- Adjusts the volume of the noise Adjusts the irregularity of rota-
lar to an analog record. sion that is typical of an analog that is typical of an analog tion that is typical of an analog
record. record. record.
: These effects will be limited if Effect Limit mode (p. 19) is on.
The ★ symbol in the CTRL 1–3 columns indicates the parameters whose depth will be limited.
*1: For the time parameter (Delay Time), the value is specified in note-value units based on the current tempo for the length of the longest sample
to which the effect is applied.
Available note values:
32nd note (t32) / 16th note (t16) / 8th note triplet (t8t) / dotted 16th note (t16.) / 8th note (t8) / quarter note triplet (t4t) /
dotted eighth note (t8.) / quarter note (t4) / half note triplet (t2t) / dotted quarter note (t4.) / half note (t2) / dotted half note (t2.) /
whole note (t1)
However, you cannot choose a setting that would cause the delay time to exceed approximately 2000 ms.
While a pattern is playing, the pattern tempo will be used.
MFX
1. REVERB REVERB TIME (tiM) TONE (ton) BALANCE (bAL)
Adds reverberation to the sound. Adjusts the reverberation time. Adjusts the tone of the reverbera- Adjusts the volume balance be-
tion. tween the direct sound and effect
sound.
2. TAPE ECHO ★ REPEAT RATE (rAt) INTENSITY (int) ★ BALANCE (bAL)
Simulates a tape-based echo unit Specifies the tape speed. Specifies the amount of echo re- Adjusts the volume balance be-
of the past. peats. tween the direct sound and effect
sound.
3. CHORUS DEPTH (dBt) RATE (rAt) BALANCE
Adds spaciousness and depth to Adjusts the depth of modulation. Adjusts the rate of modulation. Adjusts the volume balance be-
the sound. tween the direct sound and effect
sound.
4. FLANGER ★ (S/R = ON) DEPTH/RESONANCE (d-r) ★ RATE (rAt) BALANCE (bAL)
Creates a twisting modulation Adjusts both DEPTH and RESO- Adjusts the rate of modulation. Adjusts the volume balance be-
reminiscent of a jet airplane tak- NANCE simultaneously. tween the direct sound and effect
ing off and landing. sound.
* When Send/Return mode is on:
(S/R = OFF) DEPTH/MANUAL (dPt) RATE (rAt) RESONANCE (rES) ★
* When Send/Return mode is off: Adjusts the depth of modulation. Adjusts the rate of modulation. If Gives a distinctive character to
If the CTRL 2 knob (RATE) is this knob is turned all the way to the sound.
turned all the way to the left, this the left, the modulation will stop,
knob adjusts the pitch (MANU- and the CTRL 1 knob (DEPTH)
AL). will adjust the pitch (MANUAL).
20

5. PHASER ★ (S/R = ON) DEPTH/RESONANCE (d-r) ★ RATE (rAt) BALANCE (bAL)
Adds modulation to the sound. Adjusts both DEPTH and RESO- Adjusts the rate of modulation. Adjusts the volume balance be-
* When Send/Return mode is on: NANCE simultaneously. tween the direct sound and effect
sound.
(S/R = OFF) DEPTH/MANUAL (dPt) RATE (rAt) RESONANCE (rES) ★
* When Send/Return mode is off: Adjusts the depth of modulation. Adjusts the rate of modulation. If Gives a distinctive character to
If the CTRL 2 knob (RATE) is this knob is turned all the way to the sound.
turned all the way to the left, this the left, the modulation will stop,
knob adjusts the pitch (MANU- and the CTRL 1 knob (DEPTH)
AL). will adjust the pitch (MANUAL).
6. TREMOLO/PAN DEPTH (dPt) RATE (rAt) WAVEFORM (trM/PAn)
Cyclically varies the volume or Adjusts the amount of volume/ Adjusts the speed of volume/ Changes the type of curve by
pan. pan change. pan change. which the volume or pan will
change cyclically. Turn the knob
toward the left for volume
change, or toward the right for
pan change.
7. DISTORTION ★ DRIVE (drV) ★ TONE (ton) ★ LEVEL (LEV) ★
Intensely distorts the sound. Adjusts the amount of distortion. Adjusts the tone. Adjusts the volume.
8. OVERDRIVE ★ DRIVE (drV) ★ TONE (ton) ★ LEVEL (LEV) ★
Mildly distorts the sound. Adjusts the amount of distortion. Adjusts the tone. Adjusts the volume.
9. FUZZ ★ DRIVE (drV) ★ TONE (ton) ★ LEVEL (LEV) ★
Adds overtones to the sound to Adjusts the amount of distortion. Adjusts the tone. Adjusts the volume.
distort it intensely.
10. WAH ★ SENS (SnS) FREQUENCY (Frq) RESONANCE (rES) ★
Creates a wah effect. Adjusts the sensitivity of the wah Adjusts the pitch of the effect Adjusts the peak amount of the
effect. sound. wah.
11. OCTAVE -2OCT LEVEL (oC2) -1OCT LEVEL (oC1) DIRECT LEVEL (dir)
Adds a lower pitch at octave in- Adds a pitch two octaves below. Adds a pitch one octave below. Adjusts the volume of the direct
tervals. sound.
12. COMP ★ (LIMIT = OFF) SUSTAIN (SuS) ATTACK (Att) LEVEL (LEV) ★
Makes the volume more consis- Adjusts the amount of compres- Adjusts the sense of attack. Adjusts the volume.
tent. sion.
* When Effect Limit mode is off:
(LIMIT = ON) SUSTAIN (SuS) RELEASE (rEL) LEVEL (LEV) ★
* When Effect Limit mode is on: Adjusts the amount of compres- Adjusts the sense of release. Adjusts the volume.
sion.
13. EQUALIZER ★ LOW (Lo) ★ MID (Mid) ★ HIGH (Hi) ★
Adjusts the volume of each fre- Adjusts the volume of the low- Adjusts the volume of the mid- Adjusts the volume of the high-
quency range. frequency range. frequency range. frequency range.
14. LO-Fi ★ SAMPLE RATE (rAt) BIT (bit) ★ FILTER (FLt)
Gives the sound a low-fidelity Adjusts the sampling frequency. Adjusts the bit depth. Adjusts the filter depth.
character.
15. NOISE GEN ★ COLOR (CoL) QUALITY (qLt) ★ LEVEL (LEV) ★
Creates noise. Adjusts the tone of the “shhh” Adjusts how often scratch noise Adjusts the level of the “shhh”
noise. (typical of an analog record) will noise.
be heard.
16. RADIO TUNING TUNING (tun) NOISE LEVEL (noS) FREQUENCY RANGE (Frq)
Simulates the sound heard from Adjusts the tuning drift of a ra- Adjusts the volume of the noise. Adjusts the tonal character.
a radio. dio.
17. SLICER ★ TIMING PTN (P01–16) RATE (t1–t8) FEEDBACK (Fdb) ★
Repetitively cuts the sound. A Specifies the timing at which the Adjusts the length of TIMING Adjusts the depth of the flanger.
flanger is also applied. sound is cut. (*2) PTN. (*3)
18. RING MOD ★ FREQUENCY (Frq) ★ SENS (SEn) ★ BALANCE (bAL)
Gives a metallic character to the Adjusts the pitch of the metallic Adjusts the depth of frequency Adjusts the volume balance of
sound. sound. modulation. the direct sound and effect
sound.
19. CHROMATIC PS PITCH 1 (-C–CC) PITCH 2 (-C–CC) BALANCE (bAL)
This is a two-voice pitch shifter Adjusts Pitch 1 in semitone steps Adjusts Pitch 2 in semitone steps Adjusts the volume balance of
that changes the pitch in semi- over a +/-1 octave range. over a +/-1 octave range. the direct sound and effect
tone steps. sound.
21

20. VOICE TRANS. FORMANT (FrM) EFFECT LEVEL (EFF) DIRECT LEVEL (dir)
Transforms a human voice into Adjusts the basic character (for- Adjusts the volume of the effect Adjusts the volume of the direct
various other voices. mant) of the voice. sound. sound.
21. C.CANCELER L-R BALANCE (L-r) LOW BOOST (Lo) HIGH BOOST (Hi)
Cancels the vocal or other sound Find the point at which the un- Boosts the low-frequency sound Boosts the high-frequency
localized at the center of the wanted sound is cancelled most localized at the center of the sound.
soundfield. effectively. soundfield, such as the bass.
22. SUBSONIC PITCH (Pit) THRESHOLD (tHr) BALANCE (bAL)
Adds a low-frequency sine wave Adjusts the frequency of the sine Adjusts the volume level at Adjusts the volume balance of
according to the volume that is wave. which the sine wave begins to the direct sound and effect
being input to the effect. (*4) sound. sound.
23. BPM LOOPER ★ LENGTH (LEn) ★ TIMING (oFF, 1–8) LOOP SW (oFF, on)
Loops the input sound at a rapid Specifies the length of the loop. Specifies the timing (8th note If you turn this on while playing
rate. units) at which the looped sound sound, the sound at that moment
will play automatically within will be looped. Turn this off to
the measure. (*5) defeat looping.
* Set this to “oFF” if you don’t
want the loop to play automati-
cally.
24. DJFX LOOPER ★ LENGTH (LEn) ★ SPEED (-1.0–1.0) LOOP SW (oFF, on)
This effect is essentially BPM Specifies the length of the loop. Adjusts the playback direction If you turn this on while playing
LOOPER where TIMING is re- and speed. Turning the knob left sound, the sound at that moment
placed by SPEED. You can of the 12 o’clock position will will be looped. Turn this off to
change the playback direction play the sound in reverse, and defeat looping.
and playback speed of the input turning it right of the 12 o’clock
sound, creating an effect as position will play the sound for-
though you were manipulating a ward. Playback will stop at the 12
turntable. o’clock position.
: This indicates an effect that will be limited if Effect Limit mode (p. 19) is on.
The ★ symbol in the CTRL 1–3 columns indicates the parameters whose depth will be limited.
*2: If “17. SLICER” is selected as the MFX, turning the CTRL 1 knob will select from the following TIMING PTN (timing patterns).
P01 P09
P02 P10
P03 P11
P04 P12
P05 P13
P06 P14
P07 P15
P08 P16
*3: The TIMING PTN cycle will synchronize to the tempo of the longest sample to which the effect is applied.
However, if a pattern is playing, the TIMING PTN cycle will synchronize to the pattern tempo.
You can use RATE to adjust the rate as follows.
RATE minimum (CTRL 2 knob turned fully counterclockwise): One cycle of TIMING PTN is equivalent to one measure.
RATE maximum (CTRL 2 knob turned fully clockwise): One cycle of TIMING PTN is equivalent to an eighth note.
You can turn the CTRL 2 knob to select rates of one measure, 1/2 measure, 1/4 measure, or 1/8 measure.
*4: Turn the CTRL 3 balance to the 12 o’clock position, turn the CTRL 1 pitch all the way to the right, and adjust the CTRL 2 threshold so that the
sine wave plays appropriately for the input source. When you’ve finished setting the threshold, adjust the pitch and balance.
This is a useful way to supplement a kick drum sound.
*5: The TIMING cycle will synchronize to the tempo of the longest sample to which the effect is applied.
However, if a pattern is playing, the TIMING cycle will synchronize to the pattern tempo.
22
Chapter 3. Sampling
Recording (sampling) audio material whose copyright is owned

About the Sampling Time
by another party for any purpose except personal enjoyment The time available for sampling into the SP-404’s internal memory
without permission of the copyright owner is forbidden by law. and a memory card is described below.
Don’t make illegal recordings.
The times given here are for monaural sampling. For sampling
Roland Corporation shall assume no responsibility whatsoever into the SP-404’s internal memory, the time shown is the total
with regard to any damages or penalties you may incur by time for sample banks A and B. For sampling into a memory
using Roland products to make illegal recordings. card, the time shown is the total time for sample banks C–J.
Before You Sample For stereo sampling, the available sample time will be half the
time listed here.
Before you sample, read this section to understand the settings you’ll
make for sampling, and the amount of sampling time that is The SP-404’s Internal Memory
available.
STANDARD LO-FI
Approximately 5 minutes Approximately 11 minutes
Choosing High Quality or Lo-Fi
Memory Card
Sampling (Sampling Grade)
Capacity STANDARD LO-FI
For each pad, you can choose from two levels of audio quality 32 Mbyte Approximately Approximately
(Sampling Grade): STANDARD or LO-FI. 12 minutes 24 minutes
Use the [LO-FI] button to switch the sampling grade. 64 Mbyte Approximately Approximately
[LO-FI] unlit: STANDARD 24 minutes 48 minutes
Choose this when you want to sample with high audio quality. 128 Mbyte Approximately Approximately
[LO-FI] lit: LO-FI 48 minutes 96 minutes
256 Mbyte Approximately Approximately
Choose this when you want to sample with lower fidelity for a
96 minutes 193 minutes
much longer sampling time.
512 Mbyte Approximately Approximately
You can’t change the sampling grade after you’ve sampled. 1 Gbyte Approximately Approximately
Selecting Stereo or Monaural

Sampling If you’ve created patterns or saved backup data on a memory
card, the available sampling time will be less than shown above.
For each pad, you can choose whether to sample in stereo or in
monaural.
Press [STEREO] so it’s lit for stereo sampling, or make the button go If you’ve already sampled to all pads, or have used up the
dark for monaural sampling. available sampling time, you’ll need to delete unneeded
samples before you continue, and sample to a vacant pad. For
details, refer to “Deleting a Sample” (p. 27).
You can’t switch between stereo and mono after you’ve
sampled.
Sampling from a CD
Here’s how to sample from a CD in stereo.
As an example, here’s how to sample in stereo to pad 10 of bank B.
1. As described on p. 10, connect your CD player to the LINE

IN jacks.
2. Put the CD in play-standby mode.


The pads to which you can sample start blinking, and the SP-
404 enters sampling-standby mode.
If you decide to cancel sampling at this point, press [CANCEL]

so [REC] goes out.
23
Chapter 3. Sampling
5. Press BANK [B] so it’s lit.

Sample bank B is selected. Sampling from a Mic
6. Press pad 10. Here’s how to sample an audio source from a mic (monaural).
Pad 10 lights, and [REC] starts blinking. As an example, here’s how to sample in monaural to pad 11 of bank
B.
7. Press [LO-FI] to select the sampling grade.
[LO-FI] unlit: STANDARD (high audio quality) 1. Connect a mic to the MIC IN jack as described on p. 10.
[LO-FI] lit: LO-FI (low fidelity audio) * If you’re using the SP-404’s internal mic, you don’t need to make this
connection.
8. Press [STEREO] so it’s lit.
Stereo sampling is selected. 2. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.
If you select monaural sampling when the input source is 3. Press [REC] so it’s lit.
stereo, the same sound will be recorded for L/R. In this case, the The pads to which sampling is possible start blinking, and the
sense of stereo will be lost, but the sound will use only one note SP-404 enters sampling-standby mode.
of polyphony and the memory consumption will also be half
that of stereo; use the setting that’s appropriate for your
situation. If you decide to cancel sampling at this point, press [CANCEL]
so [REC] goes out.
9. If you want to apply an effect while you sample, press an
effect button at this point. 4. Press BANK [B] so it’s lit.
The effect button you pressed will light, and the effect will be Sample bank B is selected.
applied to the sound of the CD.
5. Press pad 11.
Pad 11 lights, and [REC] starts blinking.
You can use the CTRL 1 knob and CTRL 2 to adjust the effect at
this time. The CTRL 3 knob is used to adjust the sampling level, 6. Press [LO-FI] to select the sampling grade.
so you won’t be able to use it to adjust the effect. [LO-FI] unlit: STANDARD (high audio quality)
[LO-FI] lit: LO-FI (low fidelity audio)
10. Start playback of your CD, and turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL)
knob to adjust the sampling level so that the PEAK 7. If [STEREO] is lit, press [STEREO] so its LED goes out.
indicator lights occasionally. Monaural sampling is selected.
When you’ve finished making adjustments, stop your CD
player and return it to play-standby mode.
You can select stereo sampling when the input source is
11. Start playback of your CD, and press [REC] at the moment monaural, but this will use twice as much polyphony and
you want to begin sampling. consume twice as much memory space.
8. Press [MIC] so it’s lit.
Now you can input audio from the mic.
Never turn off the power while sampling is in progress. Doing
so may damage not only the sample being recorded, but also 9. Turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob all the way to the right, and
other samples as well. while inputting sound into the mic, turn the MIC LEVEL
knob to adjust the sampling level so that the PEAK
12. At the moment you want to stop sampling, press [REC]. indicator lights occasionally.
[REC] and pad 10 go out.
If you applied effects in step 10 while sampling, the effect
If the audio input is distorted, turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob
button will also go dark.
toward the left until the sound is no longer distorted.
13. Press pad 10 to play back the sound you just sampled.
If the beginning or end of the sample contains unwanted sound microphones relative to speakers. This can be remedied by:
or silence, you can make settings so that only the desired 1. Changing the orientation of the microphone(s).
portion of the sample is played. For details, refer to “Omitting 2. Relocating microphone(s) at a greater distance from
Unwanted Portions of the Sample (Marker/Start Point/End speakers.
Point)” (p. 30). 3. Lowering volume levels.
10. If you want to apply an effect while you sample, press an

effect button at this point.
The effect button you pressed will light, and the effect will be
applied to the sound from the mic.
24
Chapter 3. Sampling
You can use the CTRL 1 knob and CTRL 2 to adjust the effect at Sampling at a Specific Tempo
this time. The CTRL 3 knob is used to adjust the sampling level, If you specify a BPM (tempo) while you’re in sampling-standby
so you won’t be able to use it to adjust the effect. mode, the timing of the end point will be automatically set to the
most recent BPM interval preceding the moment at which you
pressed the button.
At this point, you can specify the tempo or enter a count for
sampling. For details, refer to “Sampling at a Specific Tempo” 1. Make preparations for sampling as described in steps 1–10
(p. 25) or “Using a Count When You Sample” (p. 26). of “Sampling from a CD” (p. 23) or “Sampling from a Mic”
(p. 24).
11. Press [REC].
[REC] lights, and sampling begins. 2. Press [TIME/BPM] so it’s lit.
3. Turn CTRL 2 (BPM) to specify the desired BPM.

Never turn off the power while sampling is in progress. Doing Turning the knob toward the right will increase the BPM (faster
so may damage not only the sample being recorded, but also tempo), and turning it toward the left will decrease the BPM
(slower tempo). If you turn the knob all the way toward the left,
other samples as well.
“---” appears in the display and the tempo setting will be
12. When you want to stop sampling, press [REC]. canceled.
[REC] and pad 11 go out. Range: 40–200
If you applied effects in step 10 while sampling, the effect
button will also go dark. If the BPM is 40–60 or 160–180, only even-numbered values can
be set.
13. Press pad 11 to play back the sound you just sampled. If the BPM is 180–200, you can specify a value of 180, 183, 186,
190, 193, 196, or 200.
If the beginning or end of the sample contains unwanted sound
or silence, you can make settings so that only the desired As an alternative to using the CTRL 2 (BPM) knob, you can set
portion of the sample is played. For details, refer to “Omitting the BPM by using [TAP TEMPO]. When you press [TAP
Unwanted Portions of the Sample (Marker/Start Point/End TEMPO] at regular intervals, those intervals will be taken to be
Point)” (p. 30). the timing of the quarter notes, the BPM will be set to the
corresponding tempo, and this value will appear in the display.
This is useful when sampling from a CD or the like for which
Sampling to a Memory Card you don’t know the actual BPM value.
Bank 4. Press [TIME/BPM] so its LED goes out.
5. Press [REC].
As an example, here’s how to sample to bank C of a memory card.
6. At the point where you want sampling to end, press [REC].

The power of the SP-404 must be off when you insert or remove
[REC] and the pad go out.
a memory card. If you insert or remove a card while the power
is on, you risk damaging the data in the memory card or
rendering it unusable. When sampling ends, the end point will automatically be set
according to the BPM you specified, and [MARK] will light.
1. Insert the memory card into the front panel card slot. Refer to “Omitting Unwanted Portions of the Sample (Marker/
Start Point/End Point)” (p. 30).
2. Turn on the power of the SP-404 (p. 10).
3. Press BANK [C] so it’s lit. If the sampled time extends across more than one measure or is
If the memory card has not been formatted for the SP-404, less than one measure, the displayed BPM value may be
BANK [C/G]–[F/J] will blink, and the display will show “FMt” doubled or halved. In this case, press [TIME/BPM] so it’s lit,
to indicate that you need to format the card. and turn the CTRL 2 (BPM) knob to correct the value as desired.
1. Press any one of the BANK [C/G]–[F/J] buttons. Refer to “Changing a Sample’s BPM” (p. 33).
BANK [C/G]–[F/J] changes from blinking to lit, and [DEL]
begins blinking. The displayed BPM value is an approximation based on the
2. Press [DEL] to begin formatting the card. sampled time, and is subject to a certain amount of inaccuracy.
While the card is being formatted, the dot in the display will
be blinking.
Depending on the BPM value, the time corresponding to the
When formatting is complete, the blinking will stop.
BPM may not precisely match the time between the Start Point
3. Press BANK [C] once again so it’s lit. and End Point. For this reason, the timing may drift if you use
Loop Playback (p. 29) to continue looping the sample for an
4. For the rest of the procedure, refer to “Sampling from a CD”
extended length of time.
(p. 23) or “Sampling from a Mic” (p. 24).
7. Press the pad into which you sampled, and the sound you
sampled will play.
25
Chapter 3. Sampling
4. Press [REC] to confirm the sampling-start level.

Using a Count When You [REC] goes out.
Sample 5. Make preparations for sampling as described in steps 1–10

of “Sampling from a CD” (p. 23) or “Sampling from a Mic”
You can make the SP-404 generate a count (1, 2, 3, 4) when you start (p. 24).
sampling. This is convenient when you have a specific tempo or time
signature in mind. 6. Press [REC].
[REC] lights, and the SP-404 waits for an input signal. “rdY”
1. Make preparations for sampling as described in steps 1–10 appears in the display.
of “Sampling from a CD” (p. 23) or “Sampling from a Mic” When the input from the LINE IN or mic exceeds the sampling-
(p. 24). start level, sampling will begin.
When sampling begins, the indication in the display changes to
You can specify a BPM (tempo) while in sampling-standby “rEC.”
mode. For details, refer to “Sampling at a Specific Tempo.”
2. Press [START/END/LEVEL] so it’s lit. Never turn off the power while sampling. Doing so may
destroy not only the sample being recorded, but also the other
3. Press [REC]. samples as well.
[REC] lights, and the display will indicate “-1-” -> “-2-” -> “-3-”
-> “-4-” -> “rEC.” A count will also sound. 7. At the point where you want to stop sampling, press [REC].
Sampling begins when the “rEC” indication appears. [REC] and the pad go out.
4. At the point where you want to stop sampling, press [REC].

[REC], the pad, and [START/END/LEVEL] go out. When You Want to Disable Auto
Sampling
5. Press the pad into which you sampled, and the sound you
sampled will play. 1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.
Initiating Sampling 2. Hold down [CANCEL] and press [REC].
Automatically (Auto [REC] starts blinking.
Sampling) 3. Turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob toward the left until the
display indicates “-0-.”
The SP-404 provides an Auto Sampling function that allows 4. Press [REC].
sampling to start automatically when the audio input signal exceeds
[REC] goes out.
the level you specify. This is useful when you want to begin
sampling a song from the beginning.
The procedure described below will set the sampling-start level. Applying an Effect to a
Sampling will begin automatically when the input exceeds this level.
Sample and Sampling It
Again (Resampling)
2. Hold down [CANCEL] and press [REC]. The SP-404 lets you play back one or more samples with an effect
[REC] starts blinking and “-0-” appears in the display applied, and sample the result as a new sample. This process is
called resampling.
3. Turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob to set the level. In the following example we’ll explain how to apply the “filter +
The level at which the PEAK indicator lights will be the overdrive” effect to pad 1 of bank A, and resample the result to pad
sampling-start level. Turning the knob toward the right 12 of bank B.
increases the level. The display shows the level (ten steps from
0–9) you’ve specified. 1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.
Example display: -3- If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.
2. Press [RESAMPLE] so it’s lit.

If the display shows “-0-”, normal sampling (no auto sampling) “LEV” appears in the display.
will occur.
3. Press BANK [A] (the resampling source) so it’s lit, and then
press pad 1.
If you decide to cancel auto sampling at this point, press Pad 1 lights, and the sample of pad 1 starts playing.
[CANCEL] so [REC] goes out.
26
Chapter 3. Sampling
4. Press [FILTER+DRIVE] so it’s lit. 3. Use the bank buttons and pads to specify the bank and pad
The filter + overdrive effect is turned on, and the effect is for the sample you want to delete.
applied to pad 1 of bank A. The selected pad lights, and [DEL] begins blinking again.
As desired, turn the CTRL 1 and CTRL 2 knobs to adjust the Nothing will happen if you press a pad to which no sample is
effect. assigned (i.e., an unlit pad).
If [RESAMPLE] is lit, you can’t use the CTRL 3 knob to adjust You can simultaneously select more than one pad within the
the effect. If you want to use the CTRL 3 knob to adjust the same bank.
effect, press [CANCEL] to make [RESAMPLE] go dark.
5. Turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob to adjust the sampling level If you specify a bank that is protected (p. 43), “Prt” (Protected)
so that the PEAK indicator lights occasionally. appears in the display, and you won’t be able to delete the
sample.
6. Press [REC] so it’s blinking.
The bank buttons and pads available for resampling start
blinking. If you decide not to delete, press [CANCEL].
7. Specify the resampling-destination by pressing the BANK 4. Press [DEL].

[B] button to make it light, and then press pad 12. [DEL] changes from blinking to lit, and the dot in the display
Pad 12 lights. begins blinking.
The pad whose sample is being deleted lights.
Once the sample has been deleted, the dot will go dark.
You can’t resample to the same pad of the same bank of the
original sample.
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so
8. Press [LO-FI] to select the sampling grade.
may destroy not only the sample you’re deleting but also other
[LO-FI] unlit: STANDARD (high audio quality)
samples and even the memory card.
[LO-FI] lit: LO-FI (low fidelity audio)
9. Press [STEREO] to select stereo or monaural sampling.

Deleting All Samples
[STEREO] lit: stereo sampling
[STEREO] unlit: monaural sampling Here’s how to delete all samples from internal memory or the
memory card in a single operation.
Resampling has not yet started at this point. 1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.
11. To specify the resampling source, press BANK [A] so it’s lit,
and press pad 1. 2. Hold down [CANCEL] and press [DEL].
The pad 1 sample starts playing, and resampling starts at the “dAL” appears in the display and [DEL] lights. BANK [A]–[F/J]
same moment. begin blinking.
Never turn off the power while resampling is in progress. If no memory card is inserted in the slot, BANK [C/G]–[F/J]
Doing so may destroy not only the sample being resampled, but will not blink.
also other samples as well.
3. Press one of the bank buttons to specify the memory that
12. At the point where you want to stop resampling, press you want to delete.
[REC]. BANK [A] or [B]: Internal memory
[REC], pad 1, and [FILTER+DRIVE] go out. BANK [C/G]–[F/J]: Memory card
BANK [A] goes out, and BANK [B] lights.
13. Press pad 12 to play the sound you just resampled. If the memory is protected (p. 43), “Prt” (Protected) appears in
the display, and you won’t be able to delete any samples.
Deleting a Sample
If you decide not to delete, press [CANCEL].
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off. 4. Press [DEL].
2. Press [DEL] so it’s lit. begins blinking.
“dEL” appears in the display. and pads to which samples are Once the samples have been deleted, the dot will go dark.
assigned start blinking.
If no samples are assigned to any pad in a bank, “EMP” appears may destroy not only the samples you’re deleting but also other
in the display and you won’t be able to execute the Delete samples and even the memory card.
operation.
27
Chapter 3. Sampling
Exchanging Sample Pad Checking the Remaining

Assignments Sampling Time
You can change the pad to which a sample is assigned by 1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.
exchanging samples between two pads. If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.
You can also exchange assignments between a pad to which a
sample is assigned and a pad to which no sample is assigned. 2. Choose the memory for which you want to check the
remaining time.
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted. If you want to check the remaining time for internal memory,
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off. press BANK [A] or [B] so it’s lit.
If you want to check the remaining time for a memory card,
2. Hold down [DEL] and press [REC]. press one of the BANK [C/G]–[F/J] buttons so it’s lit.
“CHG” appears in the display and [DEL] and [REC] both light.
Pads to which samples are assigned start blinking.
The result is the same whether you press BANK [A] or [B] (or
3. Use the bank buttons and the pads to select one of the any button of BANK [B/G]–[F/J]).
samples that you want to exchange.
The pad you pressed changes from blinking to lit. 3. Press [REMAIN].
The display shows the remaining time available for sampling at
4. Use the bank buttons and the pads to select the other the “STANDARD” “monaural” setting.
sample you want to exchange.
The pad you pressed lights, and [REC] starts blinking.
Except for the two pads you pressed, all other pads go out.
If you decide to cancel the exchange operation, press minute second

[CANCEL].
5. Press [REC].
[DEL] and [REC] both light, and the dot in the display starts There will be a small amount of inaccuracy in the remaining
blinking. time indication.
The pads being exchanged light.
When the exchange is complete, the dot goes dark. When viewing the remaining time on a memory card, the
method of displaying the minutes and seconds will depend on
the amount of remaining time. If the remaining time is greater
When exchanging samples between internal memory and a
than ten minutes, only the number of seconds in the ten’s place
memory card, “FuL” appears in the display if there is not
and higher will be displayed.
enough space in internal memory and the memory card, and
the exchange will not be possible.
Never turn off the power while the dot in the display is
blinking. Doing so may destroy not only the samples being
minute (x10 sec)
exchanged, but also the entire contents of internal memory and
the memory card. If the remaining time is greater than one hundred minutes, the
number of seconds will not be displayed; only the “minutes”
will be shown.
minute
28
Chapter 4. Changing the Settings of a Sample
Specifying the Volume of a Making a Sample Play Only

Sample While You Hold Down the Pad
The SP-404 lets you specify the volume with which each sample is to (Gate Playback) or Continue
play.
This is a convenient way to create a consistent volume balance
Even If You Release the Pad
between the samples of each pad. (Trigger Playback)
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted. If you choose Gate Playback, the sample will begin playing when
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off. you press the pad and will stop playing when you release the pad.
2. Press the pad to which the sample whose volume you want Press the pad Release the pad
to adjust is assigned.
The pad lights, and the sample starts playing. This pad is now
the current pad.
3. Press [START/END/LEVEL] so it’s lit. Start playback Stop playback
4. Turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob to adjust the volume of the If you choose Trigger Playback, the sample will begin playing when
sample. you press the pad and will continue playing even when you release
Turning the knob toward the left decreases the volume, while the pad.
turning the knob toward the right increases it. A setting of 127 is What happens the next time you press the same pad will depend on
the maximum volume. This will be the same volume as whether the sample is set to One-shot or Loop playback.
immediately after sampling. If One-shot Playback is selected ([LOOP] is dark):
The sample will play again from the beginning.
5. Press [START/END/LEVEL] so its LED goes out.
This completes the volume setting. Press and release Press and release
the pad the pad
While [START/END/LEVEL] is lit, you can also use the CTRL

1 and 2 knobs to adjust the Start Point and Edit Point (p. 30) as
well. If you moved the CTRL 1 or 2 knob by accident, turn the
CTRL 1 or 2 knob back to the center position. This will restore Start playback Start playback
the original setting. If you press [START/END/LEVEL] to If Loop Playback is selected ([LOOP] is lit):
make the button go dark without turning the knobs back to the The sample playback will stop.
center, the Start Point and End Point will be remembered in
their edited state. Press and release Press and release
the pad the pad
Playing a Phrase Repeatedly

(Loop Playback) or Only Once
Start playback Stop playback
(One-shot Playback)
Use Loop Playback when you want to sample a phrase of several
If you want a long phrase to continue playing, you’ll probably
measures and play it back repeatedly.
choose Trigger Playback and Loop Playback as the settings
Use One-shot Playback when you want the sample to play only once
here. In the case of a drum sample, you will usually choose
when you press the pad, for example in the case of a drum sound.
Trigger Playback and One-shot Playback so that the sample will
play to the end even if you press the pad only briefly.
After sampling, the following settings are made automatically.
2. Press the pad to which the sample whose setting (Loop/
One-shot) you want to change is assigned. If the length resulting from automatic BPM calculation (p. 33) is
The pad lights, and the sample begins playing. This pad is now less than one measure: Trigger Playback
the current pad. If the length resulting from automatic BPM calculation (p. 33) is
one measure or greater: Gate Playback
3. Press [LOOP] to make the button light or go dark.
[LOOP] lit: Loop playback
If you assign a long sample to Trigger Playback and One-shot
[LOOP] unlit: One-shot playback
Playback, the sound may continue beyond what you would
like. To stop the sound, change the setting to Loop Playback and
then press that pad. Alternatively, you can press [CANCEL]
four times in rapid succession to get it to stop sounding.
29

If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off. Omitting Unwanted Portions
2. Press the pad that plays the sample whose Gate/Trigger of the Sample (Marker/Start
setting you want to change.
The pad lights and the sample begins playing. This pad is now Point/End Point)
the current pad.
For each sample in the SP-404, you can specify the portion of that
3. Press [GATE] to make the button light or go dark. sample’s waveform data that will actually play.
[GATE] lit: Gate Playback The point at which the waveform data will start being played is
[GATE] unlit: Trigger Playback called the Start Point, and the point at which playback will end is
called the End Point.
If the beginning of a sample you recorded contains unwanted noise
If [LOOP] is not lighted, and the sample plays to the end, or silence, you can set the Start Point to omit this portion. Similarly,
playback will stop automatically and the pad will go dark even you can set the End Point to omit an unwanted portion at the end.
if you continue holding down the pad.
Beginning of End of
the sample the sample
Playing a Sample Backward
(Reverse Playback)
Reverse Playback plays a sample backward, creating an effect similar
unwanted unwanted
to playing a tape in the opposite direction.
Normal Start point End point
the portion which is played back
When you set the Start Point and End Point, the BPM (tempo)
will automatically be calculated and displayed according to the
Reverse playback
newly specified duration. If this duration is several measures or
is less than one measure, the displayed BPM value may be half
or double. If you want to correct the BPM to the desired value,
You can’t use Time Modify (p. 33) and Reverse Playback at the refer to “Changing a Sample’s BPM” (p. 33).
same time. If you’ve specified Reverse Playback, the Time
Modify setting is ignored.
For some time settings (for example three beats), it may not be
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted. possible to calculate or adjust the BPM value correctly.
2. Press the pad that plays the sample whose Reverse

Playback setting you want to change.
The pad lights and the sample begins playing. This pad is now
the current pad.
3. Press [REVERSE] so it’s lit.

[REVERSE] lit: Reverse Playback
Each time you press [REVERSE], the setting will alternate
between Reverse Playback and Normal Playback ([REVERSE]
unlit).
If you’ve chosen Reverse Playback, the relation between the

Start Point and End Point will be inverted.
30
Changing Both the Start Point and the Changing Only the End Point
End Point 1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted. If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.
2. Hold down [MARK] and press the pad that plays the sample
whose setting you want to change.
2. Press the pad that plays the sample whose setting you want
to change. The pad lights and the sample begins playing. This pad is now
The pad lights and the sample begins playing. This pad is now the current pad.
the current pad.
If Gate Playback (p. 29) is selected, continue holding down the
If Gate Playback (p. 29) is selected, continue holding down the pad.
pad.
3. Release [MARK].
3. When you reach the point that you want to specify as the [MARK] starts blinking, and “---” appears in the display
Start Point, press [MARK].
4. When you reach the point that you want to specify as the
[MARK] starts blinking, and “---” appears in the display
End Point, press [MARK].
4. When you reach the point that you want to specify as the When the setting has been made, [MARK] lights.
End Point, press [MARK] once again.
When the setting has been made, [MARK] lights.
If you were not able to make the setting as you wished, press
the lit [MARK] button once again during playback to make it go
If you were not able to make the setting as you wished, press dark, and try again from step 1.
dark, and try again from step 1.
If you specify the BPM (tempo) between steps 3 and 4, the end
point will automatically be set to the location of the beat closest
If you specify the BPM (tempo) between steps 3 and 4, the end to the moment you pressed [MARK] in step 4 (i.e., a number of
point will automatically be set to the location of the beat closest beats from the Start Point). To specify the BPM, you can press
to the moment you pressed [MARK] in step 4 (i.e., a number of [TIME/BPM] so it’s lit and turn the CTRL 2 knob, or press [TAP
beats from the Start Point). To specify the BPM, you can press TEMPO] several times.
[TIME/BPM] so it’s lit and turn the CTRL 2 knob, or press [TAP
TEMPO] several times.
Changing Only the Start Point (the
beat beat beat beat timing at which End Point Is the End of the Sample)
you pressed
Start point [MARK]
to change.
adjusted The pad lights and the sample begins playing. This pad is now
newly adjusted End Point the current pad.
If Gate Playback (p. 29) is selected, continue holding down the

pad.
3. When you reach the point that you want to specify as the
Start Point, press [MARK].
[MARK] starts blinking.
4. Press the pad once again. (If Gate Playback is selected,

release the pad.)
When the setting has been made, [MARK] lights.
If you were not able to make the setting as you wished, press
dark, and try again from step 1.
31
Making Fine Adjustments to the Start Deleting an Unwanted Portion

Point or End Point (Truncate)
Adjusting the Start/End Points will result in some of the waveform
data being unneeded.
2. Press the pad that plays the sample whose setting you want You can delete (truncate) this portion of the waveform to make the
to change. most efficient use of memory.
Beginning of End of
the current pad. the sample the sample
3. Press [START/END/LEVEL] so it’s lit.
4. Turn the CTRL 1 (START) knob.

The center position of the knob corresponds to the current Start
Point. Turn the knob toward the left to move the Start Point unwanted unwanted
earlier, or turn it toward the right to move the Start Point later
in time. Start point End point
the portion which is played back

If the Start Point is set at the beginning of the sample, turning
the knob toward the left won’t move the Start Point. Truncate
If you decide to discard the change you made, return the CTRL
1 (START) knob to the center position so that the display
indicates “0.”
5. Turn the CTRL 2 (END) knob.

The center position of the knob corresponds to the current End 1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.
Point. Turn the knob toward the left to move the End Point If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.
earlier, or turn it toward the right to move the End Point later in
time. 2. Press the pad that plays the sample whose setting you want
to change.
If the End Point is set at the end of the sample, turning the knob the current pad.
toward the right won’t move the End Point.
3. Verify that you’ve set the Start Point and/or End Point
([MARK] is lit).
If you decide to discard the change you made, return the CTRL
2 (END) knob to the center position so that the display indicates 4. Press [DEL] so it’s lit.
“0.”
6. Press [START/END/LEVEL] so its LED goes out. The pad will also blink at this time, but don’t press the pad.
This completes the Start Point and End Point settings.
5. Press [MARK].
[DEL] changes from lit to blinking, and “trC” appears in the
Performing this procedure once allows you to move the Start display.
Point or End Point a maximum of approximately 130 ms
forward or backward. If you need to move a point farther than 6. Press [DEL].
this, simply repeat steps 3–6 as many times as necessary. [DEL] lights, and the Truncate operation is executed.
The dot in the display will blink while the operation is being
You can’t set the Start Point and End Point closer than executed.
approximately 100 ms from each other.
If the Start Point and End Point both return to the beginning may destroy not only the sample being truncated, but also the
and end of the sample (respectively) as a result of this other samples or the memory card itself.
operation, [MARK] will go dark.
If you move the Start Point or End Point of a sample for which
[MARK] is not lighted, [MARK] will light.
When you move the Start Point or End Point, the BPM (tempo)
of the sample will automatically change accordingly. However,
there will be a slight inaccuracy in this BPM value.
32
Changing a Sample’s BPM Changing the Length of a

The BPM (tempo) of a sample is determined automatically by the Sample without Affecting the
length of the interval between the sample’s Start Point and End
Point. However depending on this length, the calculated BPM value
Pitch (Time Modify)
may be half or double the correct BPM. If this occurs, proceed as If you want to consecutively play samples that are in the same key
follows to set the BPM correctly. but have a different tempo, you can use the Time Modify function to
ensure that the samples play smoothly in succession without
disrupting the tempo.
If Reverse Playback (p. 30) is enabled, the Time Modify setting
to change.
is ignored and will not be applied. If you want to use Time
Modify, you’ll need to turn Reverse Playback off.
the current pad.
4. Turn the CTRL 2 (BPM) knob to change the BPM value.
Turn the knob toward the left if you want to halve the displayed 2. Press the pad that plays the sample whose setting you want
to change.
value, or toward the right if you want to double it.
5. Press [TIME/BPM] once again so it’s no longer lit. the current pad.
This completes the BPM setting.
4. Turn the CTRL 1 (TIME) knob.

Note that while [TIME/BPM] is lit, you can also use the CTRL 1
The BPM value shown in the display changes, and the length of
(TIME) knob to adjust the sample playback time.
the sample is adjusted.
Turning the knob toward the left will lengthen the sample,
slowing down the tempo. Turning the knob toward the right
will shorten the sample, speeding up the tempo.
If you turn the knob all the way to the left, the Time Modify
function will be turned off, and the sample will play at its
original length. (“oFF” appears in the display.)
If you turn the knob all the way to the right, the sample will
play at the pattern tempo. (“Ptn” appears in the display.)
The BPM can be adjusted in a range between half and

approximately 1.3 times the original BPM of the sample.
However, the BPM cannot exceed the range of 40–200.
If the Time Modify setting is “Ptn,” the tempo of the sample will
change to follow the pattern tempo as long as it is within the
range of between half and approximately 1.3 times the original
BPM of the sample. If the pattern tempo is set outside this
range, the tempo of the sample will be limited to a maximum of
200 or a minimum of 40.
5. Press [TIME/BPM] once again so it’s no longer lit.

This completes the Time Modify setting.
A sample to which Time Modify is applied may appear as

though the sound is quavering, or you may notice noise.
33
Chapter 5. Recording a Performance of

Samples (Pattern Sequencer)
You can play samples and record this performance as a pattern that
can be played back later. Stopping Pattern Playback
Another way to use this capability is to combine several phrase
samples to create a simple song, or to combine rhythm samples to Once playback begins, the pattern will continue playing even after
create rhythm patterns. you take your finger off of the pad.
To stop pattern playback, press [CANCEL] (PATTERN STOP).
How Patterns Are Organized

When [PATTERN SELECT] is lit and the display indicates
If [PATTERN SELECT] is lit, a different pattern can be assigned to “Ptn,” you can also stop pattern playback by pressing the lit
each of the pads 1–12. A group of twelve patterns assigned to the pad (the pad for the currently playing pattern).
pads is called a pattern bank. The SP-404 provides ten pattern
banks; A–J. Pattern banks A and B are in the SP-404’s internal
memory, and pattern banks C–J are on the memory card.
Switching Patterns During
Playback
When you turn on the power, pattern bank A is selected.
If [PATTERN SELECT] is lit, BANK [A]–[F/J] are used to specify a
“Ptn” appears in the display, and the pads to which patterns are
pattern bank, and pads 1–12 are used to specify a pattern.
assigned lights.
2.
Changing the Tempo of a Press one of the BANK [A]–[F/J] buttons to specify the bank
of the pattern you want to select. (The selected bank button
Pattern lights.)
If you want to select a bank G–J, press BANK [C/G]–[F/J] once
again so it’s blinking.
The pattern tempo is common to all patterns.
If no memory card is inserted, you can’t select pattern banks C–

You can’t store a tempo setting for each individual pattern.
J.
“Ptn” appears in the display. 3. Press the pad of the desired pattern.
If you press a pad while a pattern is already playing, the pattern
2. Press [TIME/BPM] so it’s lit. of the newly pressed pad will be reserved for playback next.
The pattern tempo (BPM) appears in the display. When the currently playing pattern has played to the end, the
reserved pattern will begin playing automatically.
If the pattern tempo is synchronized to the tempo of your MIDI

sequencer (p. 42), “Mid” appears in the display and you won’t You can switch immediately to another pattern by holding
be able to perform the remaining steps of this procedure. down [SUB PAD] and pressing the desired pad.
3. Turn the CTRL 2 (BPM) knob to set the BPM.

The BPM you specify is shown in the display. If you press a pad to which no pattern is assigned (i.e., an unlit
Turning the knob toward the right increases the BPM (faster pad), nothing will happen.
tempo), while turning it toward the left decreases the BPM
(slower tempo).
Range: 40–200
Recording a Pattern
When you play samples and record your performance as a pattern,
If the BPM is 40–60 or 160–180, only even-numbered values can recording will continue repeatedly over the specified number of
be set. measures (Loop Recording), allowing you to continue layering
If the BPM is 180–200, you can specify a value of 180, 183, 186, (overdubbing) samples to build up your pattern.
190, 193, 196, or 200.
4. Press [TIME/BPM] so its LED goes out. “Ptn” appears in the display and the pads to which patterns are
This completes the BPM setting. assigned start blinking.
Matching the Tempo of a CD or If [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted, the SP-404 is in Sampling
mode.
Turntable
You can set the pattern tempo by pressing [TAP TEMPO] in rhythm All pads to which no pattern is assigned begin blinking.
with the playback of a CD or turntable.
When you press [TAP TEMPO] at regular intervals, those intervals 3. Press one of the BANK [A]–[F/J] buttons to select the
will be detected as quarter notes and the BPM will be set pattern bank that you want to use for recording.
accordingly. This value will appear in the display.
34
Chapter 5. Recording a Performance of Samples (Pattern Sequencer)
The indications in the display have the following meanings.

4: Adjust timing to quarter note intervals.
If no memory card is inserted, you can’t select pattern banks C–
J. 4-3: Adjust timing to quarter note triplet intervals.
8: Adjust timing to eighth note intervals.
4. Press the pad to which you want to assign the pattern to be 8-3: Adjust timing to eighth note triplet intervals.
recorded. 16: Adjust timing to sixteenth note intervals.
The pad you pressed lights, and the remaining pads go out.
16-3: Adjust timing to sixteenth note triplet intervals.
[REC] starts blinking, and the metronome begins sounding.
32: Adjust timing to thirty-second note intervals
5. Press [START/END/LEVEL] so it’s lit. oFF: No quantization. The exact timing you use in pressing
pads will be recorded.
6. Turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob to adjust the metronome
volume. 13. Press [QUANTIZE] so its LED goes out.
7. Press [TIME/BPM] so it’s lit. 14. Press [REC].

The display shows the pattern tempo (BPM). [REC] changes from blinking to lit, and recording begins.
A one-measure count will occur before recording actually
8. While listening to the metronome, turn the CTRL 2 (BPM) begins. Wait for one measure while you listen to the
knob to adjust the pattern tempo. metronome. During the count, the display will show the count
Range: 40–200 as -4, -3, -2, -1.
When the count ends, recording will begin, and the display will
show the measure and beat.
If the BPM is 40–60 or 160–180, only even-numbered values can
be set.
If the BPM is 180–200, you can specify a value of 180, 183, 186, Pads you play during the count will not be recorded.
190, 193, 196, or 200.
15. Press pads at the desired timing to record them.
During recording, pressing the pads will play the assigned
You can also set the tempo by pressing [TAP TEMPO] several samples. You can also use the bank buttons to switch sample
times at a regular interval. If you use [TAP TEMPO], you’ll be banks.
able to set the BPM to any desired value in the range of 40–200. The samples of the pads you press will sound, and they will be
recorded with the timing corrected by the Quantize setting.
9. Press [LENGTH] so it’s lit. When the measure number shown in the display exceeds the
The display shows the length of the pattern to be recorded (as a specified length of the pattern, recording will automatically
number of measures). return to the first measure and continue (Loop Recording).
At this time, the performance you recorded on the previous
10. Turn the CTRL 3 knob to specify the length of the pattern. passes will play.
The display shows the pattern length (the number of measures)
that you specify.
Range: 1–99 If you press [REC] once again so it’s blinking, “rEH” appears in
the display, indicating you are in rehearsal mode. While in this
mode, pressing a pad causes its sample to play, but it will not be
If a pattern already contains data, you can’t make it shorter than recorded. If you press [REC] once again so it’s lit, rehearsal
its current length. mode will be cancelled and you will return to normal recording.
Rehearsal mode provides a convenient way to check the sound
Lengths of 1–20 measures can be specified in one-measure
of the sample you intend to record next.
steps, and lengths greater than this can be specified in four-
measure steps. 16. Press the pads of the other samples you want to record.
The pad presses you perform on this pass will be added to the
11. Press [QUANTIZE] so it’s lit. pad presses you recorded on the previous pass. (This is called
[LENGTH] goes out. overdubbing.) This allows you to build up complex
The display shows the current quantization setting. performances that might be difficult to play in a single pass, or
that would require you to play several samples simultaneously.
If you want to change the quantization while recording
What is quantization? 1. Press [QUANTIZE] so it’s lit.
When you press the pads to play samples, a certain amount of 2. Turn the CTRL 3 knob to change the quantization setting.
timing inaccuracy will inevitably occur. Quantization is a 3. Press [QUANTIZE] to turn off its LED.
function that automatically corrects these timing inaccuracies The new quantization setting is activated, and is
when you record. If you’re using quantization, the recorded immediately applied to pattern recording.
timing will automatically be corrected to precise intervals of
quarter notes, eighth notes, sixteenth notes, etc. In particular for 17. When you have finished recording, press [CANCEL].
groove-based music, this function is a convenient way to ensure The dot in the display starts blinking. When the recorded data
that your timing is tight. It’s also convenient when creating has been stored, the blinking stops.
rhythm patterns.
12. Turn the CTRL 3 knob to specify the quantization.
may destroy not only the recorded pattern but also other
The display shows the quantization setting you specify.
patterns and even the memory card.
35
Erasing Mistakes from the Recorded Deleting a Pattern

Data
If you recorded a pad press by mistake, you can erase it as follows. “Ptn” appears in the display.
Pads that have been recorded start blinking.
“Ptn” appears in the display.
Pads to which a pattern is assigned start blinking. If [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted, this procedure will delete
samples (p. 27).
If [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted, you’re in Sampling mode. 2. Press [DEL] so it’s lit.
“dEL” appears in the display.
3. Press the pad for the pattern that contains the performance If no patterns are assigned to any pads of the bank, “EMP”
with the mistake you want to delete.
appears in the display and you won’t be able to execute the
The pad you pressed lights, and the other pads go out.
Delete operation.
[REC] starts blinking, and the metronome begins sounding.
3. Use the bank buttons and pads to specify the bank and pad
4. Press [REC]. of the pattern you want to delete.
[REC] changes from blinking to lit, and recording begins. The selected pad lights, and [DEL] starts blinking.
The recorded performance starts playing. Nothing will happen if you press a pad to which no pattern is
assigned (i.e., an unlit pad).
If you press a sample pad at this time, it will be recorded.
You can simultaneously select more than one pad within the
5. Press [DEL] so it’s lit.
same bank.
“ErS” is shown in the display.
6. At the appropriate moment, press the pad of the sample

If you specify a bank that is protected (p. 43), “Prt” (Protected)
you want to erase.
appears in the display, and you won’t be able to delete the
While you hold down the pad, the dot in the display will blink,
pattern.
and the recorded presses of that pad will be erased.
If you decide not to delete the pattern, press [CANCEL].

You can erase the recorded performance of all pads by holding
down [HOLD]. 4. Press [DEL].
[DEL] lights, and the dot in the display starts blinking.
7. Repeat step 6 as necessary.
When the pattern you specified has been deleted, the blinking
8. When you’re finished erasing mistakes, press [DEL]. will stop.
[DEL] goes out, and the pattern returns to normal recording
mode.
may destroy not only the pattern you’re deleting but also other
If you press a sample pad at this time, it will be recorded. patterns and even the memory card.
9. Press [CANCEL].
The dot in the display starts blinking. Once the data you
specified has been erased, the blinking stops.
may destroy not only the recorded pattern but also other
patterns and even the memory card.
36
Deleting All Patterns Changing the Assignments of

Here’s how to delete all patterns from internal memory or the Patterns to Pads
memory card in a single operation.
You can change the pad to which a pattern is assigned by
1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so it’s lit. exchanging patterns between two pads.
“Ptn” appears in the display. You can also exchange assignments between a pad to which a
Pads that have been recorded start blinking. pattern is assigned and a pad to which no pattern is assigned.

If [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted, this procedure will delete “Ptn” appears in the display.
samples (p. 27).
2. Hold down [CANCEL] and press [DEL]. If [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted, this operation will change
“dAL” appears in the display and [DEL] lights. BANK [A]–[F/J] the assignments of samples (p. 28).
begin blinking.
2. Hold down [DEL] and press [REC].
[DEL] and [REC] both light, and “CHG” is indicated in the
If no memory card is inserted in the slot, BANK [C/G]–[F/J] display.
will not blink. Pads to which patterns are assigned start blinking.
3. Press one of the bank buttons to specify the memory that 3. Use the bank buttons and the pads to select one of the
you want to delete. patterns that you want to exchange.
BANK [A] or [B]: Internal memory The pad lights.
BANK [C/G]–[F/J]: Memory card
4. Use the bank buttons and the pads to select the other
pattern you want to exchange.
If the memory is protected (p. 43), “Prt” (Protected) appears in The pad lights, and [REC] starts blinking.
the display, and you won’t be able to delete any patterns.
5. Press [REC].
[DEL] and [REC] both light, and the dot in the display starts
If you decide not to delete, press [CANCEL]. blinking.
Once the exchange is complete, the dot goes dark.
4. Press [DEL].
begins blinking. When exchanging patterns between internal memory and a
Once the patterns have been deleted, the dot will go dark. memory card, “FuL” appears in the display if there is not
enough space in internal memory and the memory card, and
the exchange will not be possible.
may destroy not only the patterns you’re deleting but also other
patterns and even the memory card. Never turn off the power while the dot in the display is
blinking. Doing so may destroy not only the patterns being
exchanged, but also the other patterns and the memory card.
37
Chapter 6. Using a Memory Card
You must switch OFF the SP-404’s power before inserting or Importing Audio Files
removing a memory card. If you insert or remove a memory Here’s how to import audio files from a memory card.
card while the power is on, you risk damaging the data on the
memory card, or rendering the memory card unusable.
Note When Importing Audio Files

Make sure that the memory card is oriented correctly, and push (WAV/AIFF)
it firmly all the way into the slot. Do not use excessive force.
• When you use a computer or other device to copy or save
an audio file (WAV/AIFF) onto a memory card, you must
Before using a memory card for the first time, you must format place the file in the root folder (top level) of the memory
it on the SP-404. The SP-404 will not recognize a memory card card. If the file is placed anywhere else on the card, you
that was formatted on another device. won’t be able to import it into the SP-404.
• When importing, the SP-404 is able to recognize a
maximum of 120 audio files.
When inserting or removing a memory card, refer to
• You cannot use a period “.” at the beginning of a file name.
“Inserting/Removing a Memory Card” (p. 11).
Certain other characters (\ / : , ; * ? “ < > |) can also not be
used in a file name.
For a list of the recommended memory cards, refer to • The file name extension for WAV files must be WAV, and
“Recommended Memory Cards” (p. 50) in the appendix. for AIFF files it must be AIF. The file cannot be recognized
if the extension is anything else.
• Audio files will be imported in the ASCII code order of
Formatting (Initializing) a their file names.
Memory Card • Only bit depths of 8-bit and 16-bit are supported.
• Sample rate conversion is not performed. The file will be
imported as if it were 44.1 kHz data. If the actual sample
rate of the file is not 44.1 kHz, the playback pitch will be
Formatting a memory card will erase all the data on the card.
incorrect.
1. Hold down [CANCEL] and press [REMAIN]. • The loop point settings of a AIFF file will be ignored.
BANK [C/G]–[F/J] begins blinking, and “FMt” appears in the • If you attempt to import a WAV/AIFF file in a format that
display. the SP-404 does not support, the error message “UnS”
(Unsupported) will appear, and you will be unable to
2. Press any one of the BANK [C/G]–[F/J] buttons. import the file.
BANK [C/G]—[F/J] changes from blinking to lit, and [DEL] • You cannot import compressed audio files.
begins blinking. • In some cases, you may be unable to import extremely
short audio files.
If you decide not to format the card, press [CANCEL]. • An import will require approximately the same length of
time as playing the audio file.
3. Press [DEL]. • You cannot cancel an import operation once you have
[DEL] begins blinking, and formatting of the card begins. started it.
While formatting is in progress, the dot in the display will blink.
When the blinking stops, formatting is complete.
2. Hold down [CANCEL] and press [RESAMPLE].
may damage the memory card, rendering it unusable.
“FiL” (File I/E) appears in the display, and [REC] and
[RESAMPLE] begin blinking.
Do not modify or delete any files or folders created when the
memory card was formatted. The SP-404 will be unable to 3. Press [REC].
recognize the card correctly if you do so. “iMP” (File Import) appears in the display, [REC] lights, and
[RESAMPLE] goes out.
Pads [1]–[12] begin blinking.
If there are no files in the root level of the memory card, “EMP”
(Empty) appears in the display and the Import operation cannot
be performed.
38
4. Select the sample bank into which you want to import the
file. Exporting a Sample to an Audio File
Press one of the BANK [A]–[F/J] buttons. The button you
pressed lights, and that bank (A–F) is selected. If you press a Here’s how to convert a sample to an audio file and write it to a
BANK [C/G]–[F/J] button once again, the button starts memory card.
blinking, and a G–J bank is selected.
5. Press the import-destination pad. If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.
The pad you pressed lights, while the other pads stop blinking.
2. Hold down [CANCEL] and press [RESAMPLE].
Also, [REC] begins blinking.
“FiL” (File I/E) appears in the display, and [REC] and
[RESAMPLE] begin blinking.
If a sample is assigned to the pad you selected (or to subsequent
3. Press [RESAMPLE]. “EXP” (File Export) appears in the
pads if there are two or more files), it will be overwritten.
display, [REC] lights, and [RESAMPLE] goes out.
4. Select the export-source sample bank.

If you specify a pad that is protected (p. 43), “Prt” (Protected)
Press one of the BANK [A]–[F/J] buttons. The button you
appears in the display and you will be unable to import the file.
pressed lights, and that bank (A–F) is selected. If you press a
6. Press [REC] so it’s lit. BANK [C/G]–[F/J] button once again, the button starts
If there is more than one file, the files will be imported in the blinking, and a G–J bank is selected.
order of their file name, starting with the pad you selected in Pads to which a sample is assigned begin blinking.
step 5.
5. Select the export-source pad.
While the import is in progress, the dot in the display will blink.
The pad you pressed lights, and the remaining pads stop
When the blinking stops, the import is complete.
blinking. Also, [REC] begins blinking.
Exporting Audio Files You can select multiple pads if they are within the same sample
bank. Press any pad that was blinking at step 4 to select it.
Specifying the Type of Audio File 6. Press [REC] so it’s lit.
During the export operation, the dot in the display will blink.
With the factory settings, samples will be exported as WAV files. If
When the export is complete, the blinking will cease.
you want to change the type of audio file for export, proceed as
follows.
If there is an identically-named audio file in the root directory
1. Hold down [RESAMPLE] and turn on the power.
of the memory card, it will be overwritten.
2. Press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch between WAV and AIF.
Either “WAV” (WAV) or “AIF” (AIFF) appears in the display
when you press this button, showing you the current selection. How Exported Audio Files (WAV/
3. Press [RESAMPLE] to confirm your choice of file type. AIFF) Will Appear
Audio files (WAV/AIFF) exported to a memory card will be in
the root directory (top level) of the memory card.
This setting will be remembered even after the power is
switched off. When you use your computer or other device to view the root
directory of the memory card, the exported audio files (WAV/
AIFF) will appear with the following file names.
If you’ve exported the sample from pad 1 of sample bank A:
WAV: A_01.WAV
AIFF: A_01.AIF
If you’ve exported the samples from pads 6–12 of sample
bank E:
WAV: E_06.WAV–E_12.WAV
AIFF: E_06.AIF–E_12.AIF
39
Saving Backup Data If you decide to cancel the operation at this point, press
(Backup Save) [CANCEL].
Here’s how to save backup data (all of the SP-404’s data including 3. Press [REC].
sample banks and pattern banks) to a memory card. You can save up [REC] lights, and the Backup Load operation begins. The dot in
to twelve sets of backup data. the display will blink while the operation is in progress. When
loading is complete, the blinking will stop.
If the card runs out of free space because you save large
amounts of sample or pattern data, the number of backup sets Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so
that can be saved will be fewer. may damage the backup data or the memory card.
1. Hold down [CANCEL] and press one of the BANK [C/G]–[F/

J] buttons. Deleting Backup Data
“SAV” appears in the display and pads for which backup data
has not been saved begin blinking.
(Backup Delete)
2. Select a backup-destination pad. Here’s how to delete unwanted backup data (containing all of the
The selected pad lights, and the other pads stop blinking. [REC] SP-404’s data including sample banks and pattern banks) from a
begins blinking. memory card.
1. Hold down [DEL] and press one of the BANK [C/G]–[F/J]

You can’t select a pad that was dark in step 1 (i.e., a pad for buttons.
which data has already been saved). “bdL” appears in the display and the pads for which backup
data has been saved begin blinking.
If you decide to cancel the operation at this point, press 2. Press a pad to select the backup data that you want to
[CANCEL]. delete.
The selected pad lights, and the other pads stop blinking. [DEL]
3. Press [REC]. begins blinking.
[REC] lights, and the Backup Save operation begins. The dot in
the display will blink while the operation is in progress. When
You can’t select a pad that was dark in step 1 (i.e., a pad for
saving is complete, the blinking will stop.
which no data has been saved).
If you decide to cancel the operation at this point, press
may damage the backup data or the memory card.
[CANCEL].
Loading Backup Data 3. Press [DEL].

[DEL] lights, and the Backup Delete operation begins. The dot
(Backup Load) in the display will blink while the operation is in progress.
When the Backup Delete operation is complete, the blinking
Here’s how to load backup data (all of the SP-404’s data including will stop.
sample banks and pattern banks) from a memory card.
When you execute the Backup Load operation, the internal may damage the backup data or the memory card.
settings of the SP-404 will be erased and replaced by the backup
data you loaded.
1. Hold down [CANCEL] and press BANK [A] or [B].

“Lod” appears in the display and the pads for which backup
data has been saved begin blinking.
If the Protect setting (p. 43) is enabled, “Prt” (Protected) appears

in the display, and you will be unable to execute the Backup
Load operation.
2. Press a pad to select the backup data that you want to load.
The selected pad lights, and the other pads stop blinking. [REC]
begins blinking.
You can’t select a pad that was dark in step 1 (i.e., a pad for
which no data has been saved).
40
Chapter 7. Other Functions
Using the SP-404 with Other Changing the MIDI Channel

MIDI Equipment (Pad Base Ch)
Here’s how to specify the channel (Pad Base Channel) on which you
can play the SP-404’s pads from an external MIDI device.
About MIDI
MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. It is a universal 1. Refer to the following table, and turn on the power while
standard that allows electronic musical instruments and computers holding down the pad that corresponds to the channel you
want to use.
to exchange performance data. The SP-404 supports the MIDI
standard, and provides a MIDI IN connector. You can connect this Channel Display Pad
connector to another MIDI device to do a variety of things. 1 C. 1 1
The SP-404’s MIDI IN connector receives MIDI messages from : : :
another connected MIDI device. 12 C.12 12
13 C.13 HOLD
14 C.14 EXT SOURCE
The “MIDI Implementation Chart” (p. 51) provides an easy way 15 C.15 SUB PAD
to check which MIDI messages the SP-404 is able to receive. You
can compare this chart to the MIDI implementation chart of
your other MIDI device to see which messages can actually be
sent by your other device and received by the SP-404. This setting is remembered even after you turn off the power.
MIDI on the SP-404 Synchronizing to an External MIDI

Device
To play the SP-404’s pads using an external MIDI device, transmit
the following note numbers. 1. While holding down [TIME/BPM], turn on the power.
MIDI Ch The MIDI synchronization mode will appear in the display. The
Note Note# MIDI synchronization mode determines how the SP-404
Pad Base Ch Pad Base Ch + 1
A2# 46 (0x2E) EXT SOURCE operates in synchronization with another device.
B2 47 (0x2F) [A] Pad 1 MIDI syn- Explanation
: : : chronization
A3# 58 (0x3A) Pad 12 mode
B3 59 (0x3B) [B] Pad 1 “Aut” When MIDI Clock messages are received,
: : : (Auto Sync) the SP-404 will automatically detect them
A4# 70 (0x46) Pad 12 and synchronize to their tempo. MIDI
B4 71 (0x47) [C] Pad 1 [G] Pad 1 Start/Stop/Continue messages can be re-
: : : : ceived to start/stop pattern playback.
A5# 82 (0x52) Pad 12 Pad 12 * MIDI Start/Stop/Continue messages will
not be received during pattern recording.
B5 83 (0x53) [D] Pad 1 [H] Pad 1
: : : : “tMp” When MIDI Clock messages are received,
A6# 94 (0x5E) Pad 12 Pad 12 (Tempo Sync) the SP-404 will automatically detect them
and synchronize to their tempo. MIDI
B6 95 (0x5F) [E] Pad 1 [I] Pad 1
Start/Stop/Continue messages will not be
: : : :
received.
A7# 106 (0x6A) Pad 12 Pad 12
* Choose this setting if you want to play the
B7 107 (0x6B) [F] Pad 1 [J] Pad 1
SP-404’s patterns at the timing you choose
: : : :
but in synchronization with a perfor-
A8# 118 (0x76) Pad 12 Pad 12
mance sent from an external MIDI se-
quencer.
“oFF” MIDI Clock and Start/Stop/Continue mes-
You can change the MIDI channel by changing the Pad Base (Sync OFF) sages will not be received.
Ch. * Choose this setting if you only want the
SP-404’s samples to play in response to
Note messages received from your exter-
nal MIDI sequencer.
2. Turn the CTRL 1 (TIME) knob to select the MIDI

synchronization mode.
With the factory settings, “Aut” is selected.
41
3. Press [TIME/BPM] so its LED goes out.

This completes the MIDI synchronization mode setting. Adjusting the Blinking Speed
of the Display Illumination
This setting is remembered even after you turn off the power.
Here’s how you can adjust the speed at which the blue illumination
around the edge of the display will blink.
Synchronizing the Pattern Tempo and
Playback Start/Stop with an External 1. Hold down [TAP TEMPO] and turn on the power.
MIDI Sequencer “LEd” appears in the display.
With the factory settings (MIDI synchronization mode “Aut”), you 2. Turn the CTRL 1 knob to adjust the speed.
can simply connect your external MIDI sequencer to the SP-404 and [REC] will blink as you turn the knob.
control pattern playback Start/Stop and tempo from your sequencer. Setting Explanation
“oFF” No blinking.
1. Use a MIDI cable to connect the MIDI OUT connector of your
* The illumination will not blink even during pat-
external MIDI sequencer to the SP-404’s MIDI IN connector.
tern playback.
2. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so it’s lit. “1–9” The illumination will blink at a fixed speed. High-
er values produce faster blinking.
3. Press one of the BANK [A]–[F/J] buttons to select the bank * During pattern playback, the illumination will
of the pattern you want to play. blink in synchronization with the pattern tempo.
You can select pattern banks G–J by pressing BANK [C/G]–[F/ “Ptn” The illumination will blink in synchronization
J] once again to make the button blink. with the pattern tempo.
3. Press [REC] to confirm the blinking speed you specified.

You can’t select pattern banks C–J if no memory card is
inserted.
If you decide to cancel, press [CANCEL].
4. Hold down [HOLD] and press the pad of the pattern you
want to play. (This specifies the pattern.)
The pad of the specified pattern lights. This setting is remembered even after you turn off the power.
If you simply press a pad without holding down [HOLD], the Checking the Remaining
pattern will begin playing immediately.
Battery Level
5. Start your external MIDI sequencer.
The pattern you selected will begin playing in synchronization 1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.
with your external MIDI sequencer. If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.
The pattern tempo will synchronize to the tempo of your
2. Hold down [REMAIN].
external MIDI sequencer.
While you hold down the button, the BANK [A]–[F/J] buttons
6. When you stop your external MIDI sequencer, pattern light to indicate the remaining battery level.
playback will also stop. BANK [A]–[F/J] lit: There is sufficient remaining battery power.
BANK [A]–[E/I] lit: The buttons will go dark one by one as the
batteries run down.
If the pattern does not begin playing when you start your
external MIDI sequencer, or if the tempo does not synchronize BANK [A] only lit: Replace the batteries. If you continue using
to the sequencer, it is possible that the sequencer is not the SP-404, “Lo” appears in the display and it will no longer be
transmitting MIDI Clock or Start/Continue/Stop messages. possible to operate the SP-404.
Refer to the owner’s manual for your external MIDI sequencer,
and check its settings. If the AC adaptor is connected and the power is on, the BANK
[A]–[F/J] buttons will all be lit.
If the remaining battery capacity becomes extremely low, the

display illumination will remain lit blue, and the dot in the
lower right of the display will alternately blink at short and long
intervals.
42
Using the Protect Setting Initializing the SP-404’s

You can enable the Protect setting to prevent samples or patterns Internal Memory
from being overwritten or erased accidentally.
Protecting All Samples and Patterns Performing this operation will erase all samples and patterns
from internal memory (banks A and B).
1. While holding down [REMAIN], turn on the power.
“P.on” appears in the display; the samples and patterns of
banks A–J are now protected. You cannot restore the factory-set samples and patterns. (p. 12)
If you use the memory card on the same SP-404 unit, the card You can’t initialize if the Protect setting is on. (“Prt” appears in
banks will be protected. However, if you use the same memory the display.)
card on another device or computer, the banks of that card will
1. While holding down [CANCEL], [REMAIN], and [DEL], turn
not be protected. on the power.
“ini” appears in the display and [REC] begins blinking.
If you decide to cancel at this point, simply turn off the power.
Protecting the Preset Samples and
2. If you are sure you want to initialize the internal memory,
Patterns (Sample Bank A, Pattern press [REC].
Bank A) [REC] lights, and the dot in the display begins blinking.
Once the initialization is complete, the dot goes dark.
1. While holding down BANK [A] and [REMAIN], turn on the
power.
“A.on” appears in the display; the samples and patterns of bank Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so
A are now protected. may damage the data.
This setting is remembered even after you turn off the power. After initialization, the Protect setting will be enabled.
With the factory settings, sample bank A and pattern bank A Checking the Version Number
are protected.
1. While holding down [MARK], turn on the power.
With the factory settings, samples are assigned to pads 1 and 2 The version number is indicated in the display.
of sample bank B, but these samples are not protected.
Press [CANCEL] to return to normal operation.
Canceling the Protect Setting
1. While holding down [CANCEL], turn on the power. Setting the Internal Processing
“P.oF” appears in the display; the samples and patterns of
banks A–J are now unprotected.
Level of the SP-404
The internal processing of the SP-404 can be modified in order to
The factory-set samples and patterns will no longer be adjust the overall volume.
protected. If you erase or modify them, it will not be possible to 1. Hold down [CANCEL] while you also hold down [START/
restore their factory-set state. (p. 12) END/LEVEL], and turn the CTRL 3 knob.
Range: -3 dB, 0 dB, 3 dB, 6 dB, 9 dB, 12 dB
The SP-404 has a maximum polyphony of twelve notes. There
will be a significant difference in the volume depending on the
number of notes (one to twelve) being played simultaneously.
If you play only a few pads simultaneously, or if you've
connected the SP-404 to a DJ mixer or the like and are using it as
an effects processor, you can increase this internal processing
level to obtain a higher level of output.
If you play numerous pads simultaneously and distortion
occurs in the sound, decrease this internal processing level.
When you turn on the power, this will always be set to 0 dB.
43
Chapter 8. Examples of Using the SP-404

11. On the next cycle, enter pad 10 (snare) on the second and
Using the Pattern Sequencer fourth beats.
to Create a Rhythm Pattern QUANTIZE = 4

SNARE SNARE
In this example we’ll use the factory-assigned samples to create a
two-measure rhythm pattern at 102 BPM. KICK KICK
We’ll use the following samples that are assigned to sample bank A:
Pad 9: Kick
Pad 10: Snare 12. Switch the quantization to 8th notes.
Pad 12: Hi-hat Press [QUANTIZE] so it’s lit, and turn the CTRL 3 knob to make
the display indicate “8.”
Pad 4: Voice
Press [QUANTIZE] once again so its LED goes out.
13. From the beginning of the next cycle, enter pad 12 (hi-hat)
2. Press [REC] so it is blinking. at 8th note intervals.
All pads to which no pattern is assigned begin blinking. Notice that the hi-hat sound is played back precisely on the
beat.
3. Press one of the BANK [A]–[F/J] buttons to select the
pattern bank you want to use for recording. QUANTIZE = 8
You can't select pattern banks C–J if no memory card is inserted. SNARE SNARE
4. Press the pad to which you want to assign the pattern KICK KICK
you're going to record.
The pad you pressed lights, and the other pads go out.
[REC] begins blinking, and the metronome starts sounding. 14. Turn off quantization.
Press [QUANTIZE] so it’s lit, and turn the CTRL 3 knob to get
5. Adjust the metronome level. “oFF” to be shown in the display.
Press [START/END/LEVEL] so it’s lit, and turn the CTRL 3 Press [QUANTIZE] once again so its LED goes out.
(LEVEL) knob to adjust the volume as desired.
15. Finally, enter pad 4 (voice) at the desired timing.
6. Set the pattern tempo to 102. The voice will be recorded at the timing you enter.
Press [TIME/BPM] so it’s lit, and turn the CTRL 2 (BPM) knob
to make the display indicate “102.” QUANTIZE = OFF
7. Set the pattern length to two measures.

Press the [LENGTH] button so it’s lit, and turn the CTRL 3 knob
to make the display indicate “2.”
SNARE SNARE
8. Set the quantization to quarter notes.
Press [QUANTIZE] so it’s lit, and turn the CTRL 3 knob to make KICK KICK
the display indicate “4.”
9. Press [REC] to begin recording.

There will be a one-measure count before recording begins. If you want to delete a mistakenly entered note, press [DEL]
during recording so it’s lit, and hold down the pad to which the
sample note you want to delete is assigned. Sample notes for
If you press [REC] once again and get it to start blinking, “rEH” that pad will continue being deleted as long as you continue
appears in the display, meaning you are in rehearsal mode. In holding down that pad. Deletion will stop when you release the
this mode, samples will sound when you press the pads, but pad. (p. 36)
will not be recorded. To cancel rehearsal mode and return to
normal recording mode, press [REC] once again so it lights [DEL] lit
steadily. Hold down pad 12 during this time
Rehearsal mode is convenient when you want to check the
sound of the samples before you actually record.
Hi-hat notes are erased
10. While listening to the metronome, enter pad 9 (kick) on the for this duration
first beat and third beat. SNARE SNARE
QUANTIZE = 4 KICK KICK

KICK KICK
16. When you’re ready to stop recording, press [CANCEL] so it

goes out.
The dot in the display will blink for a while, then stop.
When the two measures have been recorded, you will
automatically return to the beginning.
The kick sound you just recorded will play back precisely on Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking.
the beat.
44
Chapter 8. Examples of Using the SP-404
Using the SP-404 with a Applying Effects to the Sound of a

Turntable Turntable
Here’s how you can apply the SP-404’s effects to the turntable or
other sounds routed through your DJ mixer.
Playing Samples along with the
Sound from a Turntable Connections
Here’s how you can use the SP-404 to play samples along with a
Power Amplifier
turntable performance.
Connections
PHONO A
PHONO B
RETURN
SEND
Power Amplifier
PHONO A LINE B Turntable DJ Mixer Turntable
1. Lower the send level and return level of your DJ mixer.
Turntable DJ Mixer 2. Start the turntable.
3. On the SP-404, press [EXT SOURCE] so it’s lit.
4. Press one of the effect buttons on the SP-404 so it’s lit.
5. Raise the volume of the SP-404.

1. Set the crossfader of your DJ mixer to the turntable
position. 6. Gradually raise the send level and return level of the DJ
Start your turntable. mixer to adjust the volume.
2. While pressing the pads of the SP-404 to play the sounds, 7. Turn CTRL 1–3 to modify the effect.
monitor the SP-404’s sound through the DJ mixer.
Use the trim knob of the DJ mixer to adjust the volume. To specify the BPM (tempo) relative to the audio input...
3. Set the crossfader of the DJ mixer to the center position. 1. With no sample or pattern playing, press [EXT SOURCE]
so it's lit.
4. Press the SP-404’s pads to accompany the sounds from 2. Press [TIME/BPM] so it's lit.
your turntable. 3. Adjust the BPM by turning the CTRL 2 knob or by pressing
[TAP TEMPO] several times.
4. Press [TIME/BPM] once again so it goes out.
45
Appendices
Quick Reference to Operations

Purpose Operation
Play a sample Pad [1]–[12]
Play an external input sound [EXT SOURCE]
Mono/stereo setting for external input [EXT SOURCE] –> [STEREO]
Sampling [REC] –> Pad [1]–[12] –> [REC]
Specify auto sampling [CANCEL] + [REC] –> CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob –> [REC]
Defeat auto sampling [CANCEL] + [REC] –> turn CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob to the far left –> [REC]
Resampling [RESAMPLE] –> CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob –> [REC] –> Pads [1]–[12] –> [REC] –> Pads [1]–[12]
Delete individual samples [DEL] –> Pad [1]–[12] –> [DEL]
Delete all samples [CANCEL] + [DEL] –> BANK [A]–[F/J] –> [DEL]
Set the volume of a sample Pad [1]–[12] –> [START/END/LEVEL] –> CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob
Set start point Pad [1]–[12] –> [MARK] –> press pad [1]–[12] once again to stop sound
Set end point [MARK] + pad [1]–[12] –> [MARK]
Set start/end points Pad [1]–[12] –> [MARK] –> [MARK]
Adjust start/end points Pad [1]–[12] –> [START/END/LEVEL] –> CTRL 1 (START) knob / CTRL 2 (END) knob
Time Modify setting Pad [1]–[12] –> [TIME/BPM] –> CTRL 1 (TIME) knob
Exchange samples between pads [DEL] + [REC] –> specify source pad –> specify destination pad –> [REC]
Save backup [CANCEL] + BANK [C/G]–[F/J] –> press pad [1]–[12] to specify an area –> [REC]
Load backup [CANCEL] + BANK [A] or [B] –> press pad [1]–[12] to specify the area –> [REC]
View remaining sampling time [REMAIN]
Select MFX type Hold down [MFX] and turn CTRL 3/MFX knob (MFX types 1–24)
or
[MFX] + pad [1]–[12] (MFX types 1–12)
[MFX] + [VINYL SIM] + pad [1]–[12] (MFX types 13–24)
Specify effect send [REMAIN] + pad [1]–[12]
Effect send for all samples [REMAIN] + effect button
Effect grab [TAP TEMPO] + effect button
Play pattern [PATTERN SELECT] –> pad [1]–[12]
Stop pattern (1) [CANCEL]
Stop pattern (2) [PATTERN SELECT] –> pad of currently playing pattern
Record a pattern [PATTERN SELECT] –> [REC] –> pad [1]–[12] –> [CANCEL]
Specify pattern tempo (1) [PATTERN SELECT] –> [TIME/BPM] –> CTRL 2 (BPM) knob
Specify pattern tempo (2) [PATTERN SELECT] –> press [TAP TEMPO] several times
Quantize setting While recording a pattern or in recording standby, [QUANTIZE] –> CTRL 3 knob
Specify pattern length In standby mode, [LENGTH] –> CTRL 3 knob
Metronome volume setting While recording a pattern or in recording standby, [START/END/LEVEL] –> CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob
Rehearse pattern recording During pattern recording, [REC]
Delete recorded notes During pattern recording, [DEL] –> pad [1]–[12]
Exchange patterns between pads [PATTERN SELECT] –> [DEL] + [REC] –> pad [1]–[12] –> pad [1]–[12] –> [REC]
Delete individual pattern [PATTERN SELECT] –> [DEL] –> pad [1]–[12] –> [DEL]
Delete all patterns [PATTERN SELECT] –> [CANCEL] + [DEL] –> BANK [A]–[F/J] –> [DEL]
Specify MIDI channel Pad [1]–[12] + Switch ON power (Ch 1–12)
[HOLD] + Switch ON power (Ch 13)
[EXT SOURCE] + Switch ON power (Ch 14)
[SUB PAD] + Switch ON power (Ch 15)
MIDI synchronization mode setting [TIME/BPM] + Switch ON power –> CTRL 1 (TIME) knob –> [TIME/BPM]
Initialize internal memory [CANCEL] + [DEL] + [REMAIN] + Switch ON power
Turn off Protect [CANCEL] + Switch ON power
Protect a bank A–J [REMAIN] + Switch ON power
Protect bank A [REMAIN] + BANK [A] + Switch ON power
Format memory card [CANCEL] + [REMAIN] –> BANK [C/G]–[F/J] –> [DEL]
Effect Limit Mode [CANCEL] + [MFX]
Send/Return Mode [CANCEL] + [VINYL SIM]
Set the internal processing level [CANCEL] + [START/END/LEVEL] + CTRL 3 knob
46
Appendices
Sound from a Device Connected to

Troubleshooting LINE IN Is Inaudible or Too Soft
This section lists the points to check and the steps to take if you
experience problems. Refer to the topic that applies to your situation.
Is [EXT SOURCE] lit?
In order to hear the sound from the line inputs, you must press [EXT
SOURCE] so its LED is turned on.
Problems When Playing Sounds
Could the level of the external input be
No Sound/Insufficient Volume lowered?
Turn the CTRL 3 knob to adjust the level appropriately. (p. 17)
Are the SP-404 and your connected equipment
powered up? Could the volume of the device connected to
Are the SP-404 and your external equipment LINE IN be lowered?
connected correctly?
Adjust the level appropriately.
Check the connections. (p. 10)
Are the audio cables connected correctly?
Could the audio cables be broken?
Check the connections. (p. 10)
Could you be using an audio cable with a
built-in resistor? Could the audio cables be broken?
Use connection cables that do not contain resistors (such as one from
the Roland PCS series).
Could you be using an audio cable with a
built-in resistor?
Could the volume be lowered on the Use connection cables that do not contain resistors (such as one from
connected amp or mixer? the Roland PCS series).
Sound from the Mic Is Inaudible or Too
Could the SP-404’s volume be lowered?
Soft
Is [EXT SOURCE] lit?
Is there sound from the headphones?
In order to hear the sound from the mic input, you must press [EXT
If you hear sound from the headphones, a connection cable may be SOURCE] so its LED is turned on.
broken or there may be a problem with the connected amp or mixer.
Check the connected equipment and the connections. (p. 10) Is [MIC] lit?
In order to hear the sound from the mic input, you must press [MIC]
If you’re using a memory card, is it inserted
so it’s lit.
correctly?
Check the memory card. (p. 11) Could the external input level be lowered?
Turn the CTRL 3 knob to adjust the level appropriately. (p. 17)
If you’re trying to play a sample, is the
sample’s pad lit? Could the level of the mic connected to MIC IN
When you press the pad of a sample, that sample will sound. If a pad or the SP-404’s internal mic be lowered?
does not light when you press it, no sample has been assigned to that Turn the MIC LEVEL knob to adjust the level appropriately.
pad.
Is the mic cable connected correctly?
A Specific Sample Fails to Sound Check the connections. (p. 10)
Could the sample level be lowered? Could the mic cable be broken?
Adjust the level of the sample. (p. 29)
Could the effect level be lowered?

For some types of effects, an effect control knob adjusts the level. For
details on the effect types and control knobs, refer to p. 20.
47
Appendices
Can’t Sample
Problems with Memory
Could you be out of memory?
If you are out of memory, “FUL” (Memory Full) appears in the Data Is Not Correctly Saved in Internal
display when you attempt to sample. Delete unwanted samples to Memory
increase the amount of free memory. (p. 27)
You may have turned off the power while
If you’re sampling into sample banks C–J, is data was being written into internal memory
the memory card inserted correctly? (while the dot in the display was blinking).
Check the memory card. (p. 11) The lost data cannot be recovered.
In this case, it is possible that all of the data in internal memory has
If you’re sampling into sample banks C–J, has been damaged. Since there is a danger that the SP-404 will not
the memory card been formatted by the SP- operate correctly if you continue using it in this state, please
404? initialize the internal memory. (p. 43)
Format the memory card on the SP-404. (p. 38) * All data in the SP-404’s internal memory will be lost when you
initialize.
Could samples already be assigned to all
pads?
Data Is Not Correctly Saved in a
You can’t sample if there are no vacant pads. Delete unwanted Memory Card
samples to free up some of the pads. (p. 27)
You may have turned off the power while
Could [PATTERN SELECT] be lit?
data was being written into the memory card
If [PATTERN SELECT] is lit, you will be selecting patterns; you (while the dot in the display was blinking).
cannot sample in this state. The lost data cannot be recovered.
Press [PATTERN SELECT] so its LED is switched off.
In this case, it is possible that all of the data in the memory card has
Could [DEL] be lit or blinking? been damaged. Since there is a danger that the SP-404 will not
operate correctly if you continue using the card in this state, please
If [DEL] is lit or blinking, you are deleting samples; you cannot format the memory card. (p. 38)
sample in this state.
* All data in the memory card will be lost when you format it.
Sampled Sound Is Noisy or Distorted Memory Card Is Not Detected When

Is the input level appropriate? You Insert It
If the input level is too high, the sampled sound will be distorted. If Can’t Select Data from the Memory
the input level is too low, the sampled sound will be noisy. Adjust Card
the level so that the PEAK indicator lights occasionally.
Is the memory card inserted correctly?
Are the effect settings appropriate?
Check the memory card. (p. 11)
Some types of effect boost the level higher than the original sample,
or intentionally distort the sound. Some effects may also emphasize Is the memory card the correct type?
any noise that is present. The SP-404 can use CompactFlash cards of a capacity ranging from
Try turning the effect off temporarily to see whether the original 32 MB to 1 GB. No other types of memory card can be used. (p. 50)
sample itself contains noise or distortion. Then change the effect
settings as appropriate. Has the memory card been formatted
correctly?
Could you be playing multiple samples
simultaneously? Only memory cards that were formatted by the SP-404 can be used.
Please format the memory card. (p. 38)
Even if the level of each individual sample is appropriate, playing
multiple samples simultaneously may raise the overall level to a
point where distortion occurs. Lower the level of each sample so that
distortion does not occur.
48
Appendices
Pattern Sequencer Does Not

Problems with MIDI or Synchronize to the External MIDI
Synchronization Device’s Tempo
Can’t Play Samples from an External Is the pattern sequencer correctly set to
MIDI Device synchronize?
Check the setting. (p. 41)
Is the external MIDI device powered up?
Is the external MIDI device set to transmit MIDI
Is the MIDI cable connected correctly?
Clock messages?
Check the connection.
Some devices have a setting to turn MIDI Clock transmission on/off.
Could the MIDI cable be broken? Some external devices such as sequencers may transmit MIDI Clock
messages only during playback.
Is the MIDI channel set correctly?
Could the tempo of the external MIDI device
Set the SP-404 and the external MIDI device to the same MIDI
be exceeding the range of tempos to which
channel. (p. 41)
the SP-404 can synchronize?
Is the external MIDI device set to transmit MIDI The SP-404 can synchronize to a tempo in the range of 40–200. It may
Note messages? be unable to synchronize correctly if the tempo is outside this range.
Check the settings of the external MIDI device.
Message List
Message Meaning
A.on (Bank A protect on) Bank A is protected.
AiF (AIFF) Audio files will be exported in AIFF format.
bdL (Backup Delete) Backup data will be deleted.
C-1, C-2, C-3 (CTRL 1–3) Pre-adjust the parameters of the effect you will select next.
CHG (Change) Samples or patterns will be exchanged between two pads.
dAL (Delete All) All samples or patterns in the bank will be deleted.
dEL (Delete) The sample or pattern will be deleted.
Edt (Edit) The sample is being edited.
EJC (Eject) The memory card was removed, so processing is not possible.
* Don’t remove the card while the power is on.
EMP (Empty) There is no sample, pattern, or backup data to delete.
There is no backup data to load.
There is no WAV or AIFF data to import.
There is no data to export as WAV or AIFF.
Err (Error) Faulty data was found in internal memory; it has been repaired or deleted.
ErS (Erase) Data will be erased from the pattern.
EXP (File Export) The sample will be exported as WAV or AIFF.
FiL (File I/E) WAV or AIFF data will be imported/exported.
FMt (Format) Memory card will be formatted.
FUL (Memory Full) Processing could not be executed because there is insufficient memory.
iMP (File Import) WAV or AIFF data will be imported.
ini (Initialize) All data will be initialized.
L.oF (Limit mode off) Effect Limit mode is off.
L.on (Limit mode on) Effect Limit mode is on.
LEd (LED) The blinking speed of the display illumination will be specified.
LEV (Level) The resampling volume (level) will be specified.
Lo (Battery Low) If the batteries run down completely, no further operations will be possible. Replace the batteries immediately.
Lod (Backup Load) Backup data will be loaded.
Mid (MIDI) Synchronized to MIDI Clock.
P.oF (Protect off) Protect is turned off.
P.on (All data protect on) All banks are protected.
Prt (Protected) The operation cannot be performed because Protect is enabled.
Ptn (Pattern) Pattern playback or recording will be performed.
rdy (Ready) Waiting for input signal during Auto Sampling.
49
Appendices
Message Meaning
rEC (Recording) Sampling. Resampling. Recording a pattern.
rEh (Rehearsal) Rehearsal mode during pattern recording.
S.oF (Send/Return mode off) Send/Return mode is off.
S.on (Send/Return mode on) Send/Return mode is on.
SAV (Backup Save) Backup data will be saved.
trC (Truncate) Sample will be truncated.
UnS (Unsupported format) The operation was cancelled because the WAV or AIFF is in a format not supported by the SP-404.
WAV When exporting an audio file, it will be exported in WAV format.
Recommended Memory Cards

As of the date of writing, Roland has confirmed that the following memory cards work correctly with the SP-404.
Manufacturer Model
BUFFALO RCF-G (256 MB, 1 GB), RCF-X (32 MB, 64 MB, 128 MB, 512 MB)
HAGIWARA SYS-COM Zpro: HPC-CF128ZP (128 MB), HPC-CF512ZP (512 MB), HPC-CF1GZP (1 GB)
I•O DATA CFS-32M (32 MB)
SanDisk ultra II: SDCFH-256-903 (256 MB), SDCFH-512-903 (512 MB), SDCFH-1024-903 (1 GB)
* Supported capacities: 32 MB, 64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB
MIDI Implementation
Model: SP-404
Date: July 12, 2005
Version: 1.02 ■System Common Message
1. Receive data ●Song Position Pointer
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
■Channel Voice Messages F2H mmH llH
(mm ll: 00 00H - 7F 7FH (0 - 16383))
* For the correspondence between note numbers and pads, refer to “MIDI on the SP-404”
(p. 41). * This message is received if Sync Mode is AUTO.
●Note Off ■System Realtime Message

Status 2nd byte 3rd byte
8nH kkH vvH ●Timing Clock
9nH kkH 00H Status
F8H
n = MIDI channel number: 0H - FH (ch.1 - ch.16)
kk = note number: 2EH - 76H (46 - 118) * This message is received if Sync Mode is AUTO or TEMPO.
vv = note off velocity: 00H - 7FH (0 - 127)
●Start
●Note On Status
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte FAH
9nH kkH vvH
* This message is received if Sync Mode is AUTO.
kk = note number: 2EH - 76H (46 - 118)
●Continue
vv = note on velocity: 01H - 7FH (1 - 127)
Status
FBH
■Channel Mode Messages
* This message is received if Sync Mode is AUTO.
* If the following channel mode message is received during realtime recording, note-off
messages will be generated for all notes on the corresponding channel that are currently ●Stop
on, and those note-off messages will be recorded. Status
FCH
●All Sounds Off (Controller number 120)
Status 2nd byte 3rd byte * This message is received if Sync Mode is AUTO.
BnH 78H 00H
●Active Sensing
Status
FEH
* If the All Sound Off message is received, all notes will be silenced regardless of their
channel.
50
Appendices
MIDI Implementation Chart
Date : July 12, 2005

Model SP-404 MIDI Implementation Chart Version : 1.02
Function... Transmitted Recognized Remarks
Basic Default X 1–16

Channel Changed X 1–16
Default X Mode 3
Mode Messages X X
Altered **************
Note X 46–118
Number : True Voice ************** 46–118
Note On X O
Velocity Note Off X X
After Key’s X X
Touch Channel’s X X
Pitch Bend X X
Control
X X
Change
Program X X
Change : True Number **************
System Exclusive X X
: Song Position X O *1
System
: Song Select X X
Common
: Tune Request X X
System : Clock X O *2
Real Time : Commands X O *1
: All Sound Off X O *3

Aux : Reset All Controllers X X
: Local On/Off X X
Messages : All Notes Off X X
: Active Sensing X O
: System Reset X X
Notes * 1 Received if Sync Mode is AUTO.

* 2 Received if Sync Mode is AUTO or TEMPO.
* 3 All notes will be silenced regardless of their channel.
Mode 1 : OMNI ON, POLY Mode 2 : OMNI ON, MONO O : Yes
Mode 3 : OMNI OFF, POLY Mode 4 : OMNI OFF, MONO X : No
51
Appendices
Specifications
SP-404: Sampler Display
7 segments, 3 characters (LED)
Maximum Polyphony
12 voices Onboard Mic
Mono x 1
Internal Memory
Samples: 24 (12 samples x 2 banks) Connectors
* Including Pre-loaded Samples LINE INPUT Jacks (L, R) (RCA phono type)
Patterns: 24 (12 patterns x 2 banks) LINE OUTPUT Jacks (L, R) (RCA phono type)
* Including Pre-loaded Patterns Headphones (PHONES) Jack (Stereo 1/4 inch phone type)
MIC Jack (1/4 inch phone type)
Memory Card (CompactFlash) MIDI IN Connector
Samples: 96 (12 samples x 8 banks) AC Adaptor Jack
Patterns: 96 (12 patterns x 8 banks) Memory Card Slot (CompactFlash)
Maximum Sampling Time (mono, approx.) Power Supply

Internal Memory (Including Pre-loaded Samples) DC 9 V (Dry battery LR6 (AA) type x 6 or AC Adaptor)
STANDARD LO-FI
5 min. 11 min.
Expected battery life under continuous use:
Alkaline: 6 hours
Memory Card
* These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.
Card capacity STANDARD LO-FI
32 MB 12 min. 24 min.
Current Draw
64 MB 24 min. 48 min.
128 MB 48 min. 96 min. 300 mA
256 MB 96 min. 193 min.
512 MB 193 min. 386 min. Dimensions
1 GB 386 min. 772 min.
177.6 (W) x 256.7 (D) x 72.1 (H) mm
Sampling Frequency 7 (W) x 10-1/8 (D) x 2-7/8 (H) inches
44.1 kHz Weight

Data Format 1.3 kg
2 lbs 14 oz
SP-404 original format
(excluding batteries)
(WAV/AIFF import/export possible)
Accessories
Sampling Mode
AC Adaptor
STANDARD, LO-FI
Owner’s Manual
Pattern Sequencer
Maximum recordable notes:
Internal Memory: Approx. 8,000 notes * In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or
* Including Pre-loaded Patterns appearance of this unit are subject to change without prior notice.
Memory Card (CompactFlash): Approx. 8,000 notes
Resolution: 96 ticks per quarter note
Pattern Length: 1–99 measures
Recording method: Realtime Loop Recording
(with quantize function)
Effects
29 types
Signal Processing
AD Conversion: 24 bits
DA Conversion: 24 bits
52
Index
A F
A.on ........................................................................................... 43 Factory-set ................................................................................ 12
AC adaptor ............................................................................... 10 FiL ........................................................................................ 38–39
AIFF ..................................................................................... 38–39 File Export ................................................................................ 39
Assignment File Import ................................................................................ 38
Pattern ....................................................................... 37 FMt ................................................................................. 16, 25, 38
Sample ....................................................................... 28 Format ........................................................................... 16, 25, 38
Audio File ........................................................................... 38–39 FuL ................................................................................. 15, 28, 37
Aut ....................................................................................... 41–42
Auto Sampling ......................................................................... 26 G
Auto Sync ................................................................................. 41 GATE ............................................................................... 8, 29–30
Ground Terminal ....................................................................... 9
B
Backup Data ............................................................................. 40 H
Backup Delete .......................................................................... 40 Headphones ............................................................................. 10
Backup Load ............................................................................. 40 HOLD ........................................................................ 8, 16, 36, 42
Backup Save ............................................................................. 40
BANK ........................................................................ 8, 16, 25, 34 I
Battery ................................................................................. 10, 42 iMP ............................................................................................. 38
bdL ............................................................................................. 40 Import ........................................................................................ 38
BPM ....................................................... 14, 25, 31, 33–35, 44–45 ini ............................................................................................... 43
Initialize .............................................................................. 38, 43
C Internal Memory ........................................ 23, 27–28, 34, 37, 43
C-1 .............................................................................................. 19 Internal Mic .................................................................... 8, 17, 24
C-2 .............................................................................................. 19 Internal Processing Level ....................................................... 43
C-3 .............................................................................................. 19
CANCEL ....................................................... 8, 13, 29, 34–35, 44 L
CARD LOCK ............................................................................ 11 LEd ............................................................................................. 42
CHG ..................................................................................... 28, 37 LENGTH ......................................................................... 8, 35, 44
Count ............................................................................. 26, 35, 44 LEV ............................................................................................ 26
CTRL ........................................................................................... 7 LEVEL ............................................. 15, 17, 24, 26–27, 29, 35, 44
Current Effect ........................................................................... 19 LINE IN ..................................................................... 9–10, 17, 23
CURRENT PAD ................................................................. 16–19 LINE OUT ............................................................................. 9–10
Lo ......................................................................................... 10, 42
D Lod ............................................................................................. 40
dAL ...................................................................................... 27, 37 LO-FI ......................................................................... 8, 23–24, 27
DC IN .................................................................................... 9–10 LOOP ..................................................................................... 8, 29
DEL ................................................................ 8, 15, 27, 32, 36, 44 Loop Recording ....................................................................... 34
dEL ................................................................................. 15, 27, 36
Delete M
Mistake ...................................................................... 36 MARK ....................................................................... 8, 25, 31–32
Pattern ................................................................. 36–37 Marker ....................................................................................... 30
Memory Card ................. 9, 11–12, 16, 23, 25, 27–28, 34, 37–38
Sample ................................................................. 15, 27
Memory Card Cover ............................................................... 11
Display ........................................................................................ 7
Metronome ......................................................................... 35, 44
Display Illumination ........................................................... 7, 42
MFX ..................................................................................... 18, 20
DJ Mixer .............................................................................. 19, 45
MIC .................................................................................. 8, 17, 24
E MIC IN ...................................................................... 9–10, 17, 24
MIC LEVEL .................................................................... 9, 17, 24
Effect .............................................................. 7, 12, 18–20, 26, 45
Mid ............................................................................................. 34
EFFECT GRAB ......................................................................... 18
MIDI .......................................................................................... 41
Effect Limit Mode .................................................................... 19
MIDI Channel .......................................................................... 41
EMP ............................................................................... 27, 36, 38
MIDI IN ................................................................................. 9, 41
Empty ........................................................................................ 38
MIDI Synchronization Mode ........................................... 41–42
END ........................................................................................... 32
Multi-Effects ............................................................................. 18
End Point ...................................................................... 25, 30–32
ErS .............................................................................................. 36
EXP ............................................................................................ 39
N
Note Number ........................................................................... 41
Export ........................................................................................ 39
EXT SOURCE ................................................................. 8, 17, 45
External MIDI Device ............................................................. 41
O
One-shot .................................................................................... 29
External MIDI Sequencer ....................................................... 42
Overdubbing ............................................................................ 34
External Source ........................................................................ 17
53
Index
P S
P.oF ............................................................................................ 43 S.oF ............................................................................................ 19
P.on ............................................................................................ 43 S.on ............................................................................................ 19
Pad ............................................................................................... 8 Sample ............................................................... 12, 16, 18, 28–29
Pad Base Ch .............................................................................. 41 Sample Bank ....................................................................... 12, 16
Parameter .................................................................................. 19 Sampling ............................................................................. 14, 23
Pattern ..................................................................... 13–14, 34, 44 Auto ........................................................................... 26
Pattern Bank ....................................................................... 13, 34 CD .............................................................................. 23
PATTERN SELECT ......................... 8, 13–14, 34, 36–37, 42, 44 Count ......................................................................... 26
Pattern Sequencer .................................................................... 34 Effect .......................................................................... 26
PATTERN STOP ................................................................ 13, 34
Memory Card ........................................................... 25
PEAK ............................................................. 7, 15, 17, 24, 26–27
Mic ............................................................................. 24
PHONES ............................................................................... 9–10
Polyphony ................................................................................ 16 Tempo ........................................................................ 25
POWER ................................................................................. 9–10 Sampling Grade ........................................................... 23–24, 27
Preset ......................................................................................... 43 Sampling Level .................................................................. 24, 27
Prevent Theft ............................................................................ 11 Sampling Time ................................................................... 23, 28
Protect ....................................................................................... 43 Sampling-Start Level ............................................................... 26
Protected ........................................................... 27, 36–37, 39–40 SAV ............................................................................................ 40
Prt ................................................................. 27, 36–37, 39–40, 43 Security Slot ................................................................................ 9
Ptn ...................................................................... 13, 33–34, 36–37 SEND ......................................................................................... 19
Send Level ................................................................................ 45
Q Send/Return Mode ................................................................. 19
Quantization ....................................................................... 35, 44 START ....................................................................................... 32
QUANTIZE .................................................................... 8, 35, 44 Start Point ........................................................................... 30–32
START/END/LEVEL ........................... 8, 17, 26, 29, 32, 35, 44
R STEREO ............................................................... 8, 17, 23–24, 27
rdY ............................................................................................. 26 SUB PAD ......................................................................... 8, 13, 34
REC ................................................................ 8, 14, 23–27, 34, 44 Synchronize ........................................................................ 41–42
rEC ............................................................................................. 26
rEH ....................................................................................... 35, 44
T
Rehearsal ............................................................................. 35, 44 TAP TEMPO ........................................... 8, 18, 25, 31, 34–35, 45
REMAIN ............................................................. 8, 17–19, 28, 42 Tempo ................................................... 14, 25, 31, 33–35, 44–45
RESAMPLE .......................................................................... 8, 26 Tempo Sync .............................................................................. 41
Resampling ............................................................................... 26 TIME .......................................................................................... 33
RETURN ................................................................................... 19 Time Modify ............................................................................. 33
Return Level ............................................................................. 45 TIME/BPM ....................................... 8, 14, 25, 31, 33–35, 44–45
REVERSE .............................................................................. 8, 30 tMp ............................................................................................ 41
Rhythm Pattern ........................................................................ 44 trC .............................................................................................. 32
Root ...................................................................................... 38–39 Trigger ....................................................................................... 29
Truncate .................................................................................... 32
Turntable ............................................................................. 34, 45
U
UnS ............................................................................................ 38
Unsupported ............................................................................ 38
V
Version Number ...................................................................... 43
VOLUME ............................................................ 7, 17, 29, 35, 44
W
WAV .................................................................................... 38–39
54
For EU Countries
This product complies with the requirements of European Directive 89/336/EEC.
For the USA
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
– Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
– Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
– Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
– Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can void the users authority to operate this equipment.
This equipment requires shielded interface cables in order to meet FCC class B Limit.
For Canada
NOTICE
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
AVIS
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
Information When you need repair service, call your nearest Roland Service Center or authorized Roland
distributor in your country as shown below.
AFRICA PHILIPPINES COSTA RICA TRINIDAD NORWAY JORDAN

G.A. Yupangco & Co. Inc. JUAN Bansbach Instrumentos AMR Ltd Roland Scandinavia Avd. MUSIC HOUSE CO. LTD.
EGYPT 339 Gil J. Puyat Avenue Musicales Ground Floor Kontor Norge FREDDY FOR MUSIC
Al Fanny Trading Office Makati, Metro Manila 1200, Ave.1. Calle 11, Apartado 10237, Maritime Plaza Lilleakerveien 2 Postboks 95 P. O. Box 922846
9, EBN Hagar A1 Askalany PHILIPPINES San Jose, COSTA RICA Barataria Trinidad W.I. Lilleaker N-0216 Oslo Amman 11192 JORDAN
Street, TEL: (02) 899 9801 TEL: 258-0211 TEL: (868) 638 6385 NORWAY TEL: (06) 5692696
ARD E1 Golf, Heliopolis, TEL: 2273 0074
SINGAPORE CURACAO URUGUAY KUWAIT
Cairo 11341, EGYPT POLAND
SWEE LEE MUSIC Zeelandia Music Center Inc. Todo Musica S.A. EASA HUSAIN AL-YOUSIFI
TEL: 20-2-417-1828
COMPANY PTE. LTD. Orionweg 30 Francisco Acuna de Figueroa MX MUSIC SP.Z.O.O. & SONS CO.
REUNION 150 Sims Drive, Curacao, Netherland Antilles 1771 UL. Gibraltarska 4. Abdullah Salem Street,
Maison FO - YAM Marcel SINGAPORE 387381 TEL:(305)5926866 C.P.: 11.800 PL-03664 Warszawa POLAND Safat, KUWAIT
25 Rue Jules Hermann, TEL: 6846-3676 Montevideo, URUGUAY TEL: (022) 679 44 19 TEL: 243-6399
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TEL: (02) 924-2335
Chaudron - BP79 97 491 TAIWAN PORTUGAL
Ste Clotilde Cedex, Instrumentos Fernando Giraldez LEBANON
ROLAND TAIWAN Calle Proyecto Central No.3 VENEZUELA Roland Iberia, S.L. Chahine S.A.L.
REUNION ISLAND
ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. Ens.La Esperilla Instrumentos Musicales Portugal Office Gerge Zeidan St., Chahine
TEL: (0262) 218-429
Room 5, 9fl. No. 112 Chung Santo Domingo, Allegro,C.A. Cais das Pedras, 8/9-1 Dto Bldg., Achrafieh, P.O.Box: 16-
SOUTH AFRICA Shan N.Road Sec.2, Taipei, Dominican Republic Av.las industrias edf.Guitar 4050-465, Porto, PORTUGAL 5857
That Other Music Shop(PTY)Ltd. TAIWAN, R.O.C. TEL:(809) 683 0305 import TEL: 22 608 00 60 Beirut, LEBANON
11 Melle St., Braamfontein, TEL: (02) 2561 3339 #7 zona Industrial de Turumo TEL: (01) 20-1441
ECUADOR Caracas, Venezuela ROMANIA
Johannesbourg,
SOUTH AFRICA
THAILAND Mas Musika TEL: (212) 244-1122 FBS LINES OMAN
Theera Music Co. , Ltd. Rumichaca 822 y Zaruma Piata Libertatii 1, TALENTZ CENTRE L.L.C.
TEL: (011) 403 4105
330 Soi Verng NakornKasem, Guayaquil - Ecuador 535500 Gheorgheni, Malatan House No.1
FAX: (011) 403 1234
New Road, Sumpantawongse, TEL:(593-4)2302364 EUROPE ROMANIA Al Noor Street, Ruwi
Bangkok 10100, THAILAND TEL: (266) 364 609 SULTANATE OF OMAN
Paul Bothner(PTY)Ltd.
TEL: (02) 224-8821 EL SALVADOR AUSTRIA TEL: 2478 3443
Royal Cape Park, Unit 24 RUSSIA
Londonderry Road, Ottery 7800 OMNI MUSIC Roland Elektronische
VIETNAM 75 Avenida Norte y Final MuTek QATAR
Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA Musikinstrumente HmbH. Dorozhnaya ul.3,korp.6
SAIGON MUSIC Alameda Juan Pablo II, Al Emadi Co. (Badie Studio &
TEL: (021) 799 4900 Edificio No.4010 San Salvador, Austrian Office 117 545 Moscow, RUSSIA
DISTRIBUTOR Stores)
EL SALVADOR Eduard-Bodem-Gasse 8, TEL: (095) 981-4967 P.O. Box 62, Doha, QATAR
(TAN DINH MUSIC)
TEL: 262-0788 A-6020 Innsbruck, AUSTRIA TEL: 4423-554
138 Tran Quang Khai Street
ASIA Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City
TEL: (0512) 26 44 260 SPAIN
GUATEMALA Roland Iberia, S.L. SAUDI ARABIA
CHINA VIETNAM
Casa Instrumental
BELGIUM/FRANCE/ Paseo García Faria, 33-35
TEL: (08) 848-4068 aDawliah Universal
Roland Shanghai Electronics Calzada Roosevelt 34-01,zona 11 HOLLAND/ 08005 Barcelona SPAIN
Electronics APL
Co.,Ltd. Ciudad de Guatemala LUXEMBOURG TEL: 93 493 91 00
Corniche Road, Aldossary
5F. No.1500 Pingliang Road Guatemala Roland Central Europe N.V. SWEDEN Bldg., 1st Floor, Alkhobar,
Shanghai 200090, CHINA AUSTRALIA/ TEL:(502) 599-2888 Houtstraat 3, B-2260, Oevel Roland Scandinavia A/S SAUDI ARABIA
TEL: (021) 5580-0800 (Westerlo) BELGIUM
NEW ZEALAND HONDURAS
TEL: (014) 575811
SWEDISH SALES OFFICE P.O.Box 2154, Alkhobar 31952
Almacen Pajaro Azul S.A. de C.V. Danvik Center 28, 2 tr. SAUDI ARABIA
Roland Shanghai Electronics
Co.,Ltd.
AUSTRALIA/ BO.Paz Barahona CZECH REP. S-131 30 Nacka SWEDEN TEL: (03) 898 2081
NEW ZEALAND 3 Ave.11 Calle S.O K-AUDIO TEL: (0)8 702 00 20
(BEIJING OFFICE) SYRIA
Roland Corporation San Pedro Sula, Honduras Kardasovska 626.
10F. No.18 3 Section Anhuaxili
TEL: (504) 553-2029
SWITZERLAND
Australia Pty.,Ltd. CZ-198 00 Praha 9, Technical Light & Sound
Chaoyang District Beijing Roland (Switzerland) AG
100011 CHINA 38 Campbell Avenue CZECH REP. Center
MARTINIQUE Landstrasse 5, Postfach,
Rawda, Abdul Qader Jazairi St.
TEL: (010) 6426-5050 Dee Why West. NSW 2099 TEL: (2) 666 10529
Musique & Son CH-4452 Itingen,
AUSTRALIA Bldg. No. 21, P.O.BOX 13520,
Z.I.Les Mangle DENMARK SWITZERLAND
Roland Shanghai Electronics Damascus, SYRIA
97232 Le Lamantin TEL: (061) 927-8383
For Australia Roland Scandinavia A/S TEL: (011) 223-5384
Co.,Ltd. Martinique F.W.I.
Tel: (02) 9982 8266 Nordhavnsvej 7, Postbox 880, UKRAINE
(GUANGZHOU OFFICE) TEL: 596 596 426860 DK-2100 Copenhagen TURKEY
2/F., No.30 Si You Nan Er Jie For New Zealand TIC-TAC
DENMARK ZUHAL DIS TICARET A.S.
Yi Xiang, Wu Yang Xin Cheng, Tel: (09) 3098 715 Gigamusic SARL Mira Str. 19/108
TEL: 3916 6200 Galip Dede Cad. No.37
Guangzhou 510600, CHINA 10 Rte De La Folie P.O. Box 180
Beyoglu - Istanbul / TURKEY
TEL: (020) 8736-0428 97200 Fort De France FINLAND 295400 Munkachevo,
TEL: (0212) 249 85 10
UKRAINE
HONG KONG CENTRAL/LATIN Martinique F.W.I.
TEL: 596 596 715222
Roland Scandinavia As, Filial
TEL: (03131) 414-40 U.A.E.
Finland
Tom Lee Music Co., Ltd. AMERICA Elannontie 5 UNITED KINGDOM Zak Electronics & Musical
Service Division MEXICO Instruments Co. L.L.C.
FIN-01510 Vantaa, FINLAND Roland (U.K.) Ltd.
22-32 Pun Shan Street, Tsuen ARGENTINA Casa Veerkamp, s.a. de c.v. TEL: (0)9 68 24 020 Zabeel Road, Al Sherooq Bldg.,
Wan, New Territories, Av. Toluca No. 323, Col. Olivar Atlantic Close, Swansea
Instrumentos Musicales S.A. Enterprise Park, SWANSEA No. 14, Grand Floor, Dubai,
HONG KONG Av.Santa Fe 2055 de los Padres 01780 Mexico GERMANY U.A.E.
TEL: 2415 0911 D.F. MEXICO SA7 9FJ,
(1123) Buenos Aires Roland Elektronische UNITED KINGDOM TEL: (04) 3360715
ARGENTINA TEL: (55) 5668-6699 Musikinstrumente HmbH.
Parsons Music Ltd. TEL: (01792) 702701
TEL: (011) 4508-2700 NICARAGUA Oststrasse 96, 22844
8th Floor, Railway Plaza, 39 Norderstedt, GERMANY
Chatham Road South, T.S.T, BARBADOS Bansbach Instrumentos
TEL: (040) 52 60090 NORTH AMERICA
Musicales Nicaragua
Kowloon, HONG KONG A&B Music Supplies LTD MIDDLE EAST
TEL: 2333 1863 12 Webster Industrial Park Altamira D'Este Calle Principal GREECE CANADA
Wildey, St.Michael, Barbados de la Farmacia 5ta.Avenida STOLLAS S.A.
INDIA TEL: (246)430-1100 1 Cuadra al Lago.#503 BAHRAIN Roland Canada Music Ltd.
Music Sound Light (Head Office)
Rivera Digitec (India) Pvt. Ltd. Managua, Nicaragua Moon Stores
155, New National Road
409, Nirman Kendra BRAZIL TEL: (505)277-2557 No.16, Bab Al Bahrain Avenue, 5480 Parkwood Way
Patras 26442, GREECE Richmond B. C., V6V 2M4
Mahalaxmi Flats Compound Roland Brasil Ltda. P.O.Box 247, Manama 304,
PANAMA TEL: 2610 435400 CANADA
Off. Dr. Edwin Moses Road, Rua San Jose, 780 Sala B State of BAHRAIN
Mumbai-400011, INDIA Parque Industrial San Jose SUPRO MUNDIAL, S.A. HUNGARY TEL: 17 211 005 TEL: (604) 270 6626
TEL: (022) 2493 9051 Cotia - Sao Paulo - SP, BRAZIL Boulevard Andrews, Albrook, Roland East Europe Ltd.
TEL: (011) 4615 5666 Panama City, REP. DE CYPRUS Roland Canada Music Ltd.
INDONESIA Warehouse Area ‘DEPO’ Pf.83
PANAMA Radex Sound Equipment Ltd. (Toronto Office)
H-2046 Torokbalint,
PT Citra IntiRama CHILE TEL: 315-0101 HUNGARY
17, Diagorou Street, Nicosia, 170 Admiral Boulevard
J1. Cideng Timur No. 15J-150 Comercial Fancy II S.A. CYPRUS Mississauga On L5T 2N6
PARAGUAY TEL: (23) 511011
Jakarta Pusat Rut.: 96.919.420-1 TEL: (022) 66-9426 CANADA
INDONESIA Nataniel Cox #739, 4th Floor Distribuidora De IRELAND TEL: (905) 362 9707
TEL: (021) 6324170 Santiago - Centro, CHILE Instrumentos Musicales IRAN
Roland Ireland
TEL: (02) 688-9540 J.E. Olear y ESQ. Manduvira MOCO INC. U. S. A.
KOREA G2 Calmount Park, Calmount
Asuncion PARAGUAY No.41 Nike St., Dr.Shariyati Ave., Roland Corporation U.S.
Avenue, Dublin 12
Cosmos Corporation COLOMBIA TEL: (595) 21 492147 Republic of IRELAND
Roberoye Cerahe Mirdamad 5100 S. Eastern Avenue
1461-9, Seocho-Dong, Centro Musical Ltda. Tehran, IRAN Los Angeles, CA 90040-2938,
TEL: (01) 4294444
Seocho Ku, Seoul, KOREA Cra 43 B No 25 A 41 Bododega 9 PERU TEL: (021) 285-4169 U. S. A.
TEL: (02) 3486-8855 Medellin, Colombia Audionet ITALY TEL: (323) 890 3700
TEL: (574)3812529 Distribuciones Musicales SAC ISRAEL
MALAYSIA Roland Italy S. p. A.
Juan Fanning 530 Halilit P. Greenspoon & Sons
Viale delle Industrie 8,
Roland Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd. Miraflores Ltd.
20020 Arese, Milano, ITALY
45-1, Block C2, Jalan PJU 1/39, Lima - Peru 8 Retzif Ha'aliya Hashnya St.
TEL: (02) 937-78300
Dataran Prima, 47301 Petaling TEL: (511) 4461388 Tel-Aviv-Yafo ISRAEL
Jaya, Selangor, MALAYSIA TEL: (03) 6823666
TEL: (03) 7805-3263
As of December 10, 2005 (ROLAND)
* 0 3 9 0 9 7 2 3 - 0 3 * 03909723 ’06-03-3N

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SP-404_e.

book 1 ページ ２００６年３月３日 金曜日 午後２時４６分

Pro Quality Effects Onboard!

Create Your Own Tracks!

More Samples on Memory Card!

Conventions Used in This Manual

The following symbols are used.

This indicates an important note; be sure to read it.

This indicates a memo regarding the setting or function; read it as desired.

This indicates a useful hint for operation; read it as necessary.

This indicates information for your reference; read it as necessary.

This indicates an explanation of a term; read it as necessary.

Copyright © 2005 ROLAND CORPORATION

For the U.K.

USING THE UNIT SAFELY

Power Supply: Use of 355b

Before Using Cards 220

CompactFlash™ and CF logo ( ) trademarks.

Chapter 4. Changing the Settings of a

Before You Start

Names of Things and What They Do

1. VOLUME Knob 3. PEAK Indicator

Before You Start

Before You Start

Front Panel Rear Panel

3. MIC LEVEL Knob

5. LINE IN Jacks (L/R)

6. LINE OUT Jacks (L/R)

Before You Start

3. Connect the LINE OUT jacks to your audio system or amp. If

When connection cables with resistors are used, the volume

To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other

5. While striking the SP-404’s pads to produce sound,

When turning the unit upside-down, get a bunch of

2. Turn off the power of the amp or audio system.

Before You Start

Carefully insert the memory card all the way in—until it is

Listen to the Samples About the Factory-set Samples and

Before you purchase a memory card, please read

For details on formatting a memory card and backing up

1 Apply Effects to the Samples

3 Of the 29 effects, five of them—filter + overdrive, pitch shifter,

1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.

3. Press [FILTER+DRIVE] so it’s lit.

4. Turn the CTRL 1–3 knobs to adjust the filter + overdrive 1

Pattern banks and sample banks are independent. For example,

With the factory settings, patterns are assigned to pads 1–12 of

Changing the Tempo at Which a Sample Your Own Sounds

Roland Corporation shall assume no responsibility whatsoever

1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so it’s lit.

3. Turn the CTRL 2 knob.

1. Connect your CD player as described in p. 10.

2. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.

3. Press BANK [B] so it’s lit.

4. Press [REC] so it’s lit.

6. Adjust the volume of your CD player.

8. Press [REC] at the moment you want to stop sampling.

If you exceed the available sampling time, “FuL” appears in the

9. Press pad 9 to play back the sound you just sampled.

book 1 ページ２００６年３月３日　金曜日　午後２時４６分