Roland SP-404MKII Creative Sample and Effector User Manual

Panel Descriptions

The Roland SP-404MKII is a versatile creative sampler and effector. This section details its various controls and connections.

Description of the Unit: The Roland SP-404MKII is a compact music production device featuring a prominent display, a grid of 16 velocity-sensitive pads, multiple control knobs (CTRL 1, CTRL 2, CTRL 3, VOLUME, VALUE), and various function buttons (POWER, SHIFT, DEL, EXIT, SELECT, SAMPLE EDIT, CHOP, SPEED, ENVELOPE, REC, RESAMPLE, SYNC GATE, REVERSE, SAMPLE MODE, ROLL, G-PONG, SET, BANK, EXIT, REMAIN, CURRENT, BUS FX, BEND, BPM, FIXED VELOCITY, 16 VELOCITY, CHROMATIC, MUTE BUS, HOLD, EXCHANGE, INIT PARAM, PAD LINK, MUTE GROUPS, PAUSE, EXT SOURCE, SYNC, METRONOME, COUNT-IN, TAP TEMPO, GAIN, INPUT SETTING, SUB PAD, CUE, UTILITY, IMPORT/EXPORT, PAD SETTING, EFX SETTING, PROJECT, GAIN, MIC/GUITAR). The display typically shows BPM or other parameter values, such as '84' in the provided images.

Key Controls and Jacks:

• 1. DC IN jack: Connect the included AC adaptor here.
• 2. [POWER] switch: Turns the unit on or off.
• 3. LINE OUT jack (L/MONO, R): For outputting the audio signal. The L/MONO jack can be used for mono output.
• 4. [VOLUME] knob: Adjusts the overall volume.
• 5. SD card slot: Insert an SD card for storage and data transfer.
• 6. [VALUE] knob: Turn to edit parameters or select values; press to confirm edits or execute operations.
• 7. [DEL] button: Used to delete audio and other data.
• 8. [EXIT] button: Returns to the previous or initial screen.
• 9. [SHIFT] button: Press to access alternate functions of pads [1]–[16].
• 10. Pads [1]–[16]: Play back saved sounds.
• 11. PHONES jack: Connect headphones or earphones here.

For detailed information on each controller and jack, refer to the full "Reference Manual" available on the Roland website.

Using the Unit Safely

⚠️ WARNING: Use only the supplied AC adaptor and the correct voltage.

Ensure the AC adaptor supplied with the unit is used. Verify that the line voltage at the installation site matches the input voltage specified on the AC adaptor. Using other AC adaptors with different polarity or voltage ratings may result in damage, malfunction, or electric shock.

⚠️ WARNING: Take care not to get burned.

Batteries may reach high temperatures; handle with care to avoid burns.

When operating on batteries, use alkaline or Ni-MH batteries. If batteries are installed, the unit will turn off if the power cord or AC adaptor is connected or disconnected while the unit is on. Always turn off the power before connecting or disconnecting power sources.

Be mindful of placement; the unit's rubber feet may discolor or mar surfaces depending on the material and temperature.

Important Notes

Repairs and Data: Before sending the unit for repair, back up all stored data. While Roland endeavors to preserve data during repairs, physical damage to the memory section may make restoration impossible. Roland is not liable for lost stored content.

Additional Precautions:

• Data stored in the unit can be lost due to equipment failure or incorrect operation. Regularly back up data to prevent irretrievable loss.
• Roland assumes no liability for the restoration of lost content.
• Never strike or apply strong pressure to the display.
• Dispose of packing materials according to local waste regulations.
• Continuous playing may cause pad discoloration, but this does not affect functionality.
• Do not use connection cables with built-in resistors.
• The unit's nameplate is located on the bottom.
• This document reflects specifications at the time of issue. Refer to the Roland website for the latest information.

Using External Memories: Observe all precautions supplied with external memory devices. Do not remove devices during reading/writing operations. Discharge static electricity from your person before handling memory devices to prevent damage.

Intellectual Property Rights: Roland is a registered trademark of Roland Corporation. Company and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. Unauthorized audio recording, video recording, copying, revision, distribution, sale, lease, performance, or broadcast of third-party copyrighted works is prohibited by law.

This product's content (sound waveforms, styles, patterns, phrases, audio loops, image data) is copyrighted by Roland Corporation. Purchasers may use this content for creating, performing, recording, and distributing original musical works, but not for extracting or distributing it via computer networks or recorded media without permission.

The SD logo and SDHC logo are trademarks of SD-3C, LLC. The product includes eParts integrated software from eSOL Co., Ltd. and uses Source Code of µTKernel under T-License 2.0 from the T-Engine Forum (www.tron.org). It also includes third-party open-source software.

Basic Operations

Outputting Sound

To prevent malfunction, turn down the volume and turn off all connected units before making connections.

1. Connect the included AC adaptor to the DC IN jack of the SP-404MKII and plug the adaptor into an AC outlet.
2. Connect your amplifier or speakers to the LINE OUT jacks (L/MONO, R). Use the PHONES jack for headphones or earphones.
3. Turn on the [POWER] switch of the SP-404MKII first, then turn on any connected equipment like amplifiers or speakers.
4. Adjust the volume of the connected equipment.
5. Adjust the unit's volume using the [VOLUME] knob.
6. Play sounds by pressing pads [1]–[16].

Formatting an SD Card

NOTE: Formatting erases all data on the SD card.

1. Insert the SD card into the SD card slot.
2. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press pad [14] to access the IMPORT/EXPORT screen.
3. Use the [VALUE] knob to select "FORMAT SD-CARD" and press the [VALUE] knob.
4. Use the [VALUE] knob to select "OK" and press the [VALUE] knob. The screen will indicate "Operation Completed!" upon successful formatting.

Never turn off the power while the "Working..." message is displayed.

Assigning Audio Data to the Pads

1. On your computer, save audio data (WAV, AIFF, MP3) to the “IMPORT” folder on the formatted SD card. For FLAC or M4A formats, use the “SP-404MKII App”.
2. Insert the SD card containing the audio data into the SP-404MKII's SD card slot.
3. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press pad [14] to open the IMPORT/EXPORT screen.
4. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “IMPORT from SD-CARD” and press the [VALUE] knob.
5. Use the [VALUE] knob to select “SAMPLE” and press the [VALUE] knob.
6. Select the desired audio data using the [VALUE] knob. Then, press the pad to which you want to assign the sound. If a pad already has data, it lights red. If it's an empty pad (blinking yellow), it will blink red upon selection.
7. Press the [VALUE] knob. The audio data is assigned to the selected pad.
8. If overwriting existing data, a confirmation dialog will appear. Select “OK” using the [VALUE] knob and press it to confirm.

MEMO: Assigning data to a pad overwrites any previously saved data on that pad. Back up original data if needed.

Q&A

Q. Can I make the pads play sounds at a fixed volume, regardless of press velocity?

A. Yes. Hold down the [SHIFT] button and press pad [1] to enable the FIXED VELOCITY function.

Q. Can I make a sound keep playing after lifting my finger from the pad?

A. Yes. If the [GATE] button is off (dark), the sound will continue playing. To stop playback before it finishes, hold down the [EXIT] button and press the pad that is currently playing.

Q. Can I stop a currently playing sound by pressing a different pad?

A. Yes. Refer to the “Using the MUTE GROUP Function” in the “Reference Manual” (on our website) for details.

Supplier's Declaration of Conformity

Model Name: SP-404MK2

Type of Equipment: Sound Module

Responsible Party: Roland Corporation U.S.

Address: 5100 S. Eastern Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90040-2938

Telephone: (323) 890-3700

Copyright © 2009-2018 ARM Limited. All rights reserved. Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0. A copy of the License is available at http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0.

Copyright © 2016 Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. Copyright © 2016-2017 NXP. All rights reserved. Licensed under the BSD-3-Clause. A copy of the License is available at https://opensource.org/licenses/BSD-3-Clause.

Documents / Resources

This document is the Roland SP-404MKII Creative Sample and Effector User Manual.

For related manuals and resources, please visit the Roland website.