Roland Musical Instrument SP 404 User Guide

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.  
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012b  
104  
Immediately turn the power off, remove the AC adaptor  
Try to prevent cords and cables from becoming  
entangled. Also, all cords and cables should be placed  
so they are out of the reach of children.  
from the outlet, and request servicing by your retailer,  
the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized  
Roland distributor, as listed on the “Information” page  
when:  
..........................................................................................................  
106  
Never climb on top of, nor place heavy objects on the  
unit.  
• The AC adaptor, the power-supply cord, or the plug  
has been damaged; or  
• If smoke or unusual odor occurs  
..........................................................................................................  
107c  
• Objects have fallen into, or liquid has been spilled  
onto the unit; or  
Never handle the AC adaptor or its plugs with wet  
outlet or this unit.  
• The unit has been exposed to rain (or otherwise has  
become wet); or  
..........................................................................................................  
• The unit does not appear to operate normally or  
exhibits a marked change in performance.  
..........................................................................................................  
108b  
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  
following all the rules essential for the safe operation of  
the unit.  
109b  
Before cleaning the unit, turn off the power and unplug  
the AC adaptor from the outlet (p. 10).  
..........................................................................................................  
..........................................................................................................  
014  
110b  
Protect the unit from strong impact.  
(Do not drop it!)  
Whenever you suspect the possibility of lightning in  
your area, disconnect the AC adaptor from the outlet.  
..........................................................................................................  
..........................................................................................................  
015  
111: Selection  
Do not force the unit’s power-supply cord to share an  
outlet with an unreasonable number of other devices. Be  
especially careful when using extension cords—the total  
power used by all devices you have connected to the  
extension cord’s outlet must never exceed the power  
rating (watts/amperes) for the extension cord. Excessive  
loads can cause the insulation on the cord to heat up and  
eventually melt through.  
If used improperly, batteries may explode or leak and  
cause damage or injury. In the interest of safety, please  
read and observe the following precautions (p. 10).  
1
• Carefully follow the installation instructions for  
batteries, and make sure you observe the correct  
polarity.  
2
3
5
• Avoid using new batteries together with used ones.  
In addition, avoid mixing different types of batteries.  
..........................................................................................................  
016  
Before using the unit in a foreign country, consult with  
your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center, or an  
authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the “Infor-  
mation” page.  
• Remove the batteries whenever the unit is to remain  
unused for an extended period of time.  
..........................................................................................................  
• If a battery has leaked, use a soft piece of cloth or  
paper towel to wipe all remnants of the discharge  
from the battery compartment. Then install new  
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.  
019  
Batteries must never be recharged, heated, taken apart,  
or thrown into fire or water.  
6
101b  
• Never keep batteries together with metallic objects  
such as ballpoint pens, necklaces, hairpins, etc.  
..........................................................................................................  
The unit and the AC adaptor should be located so their  
location or position does not interfere with their proper  
ventilation.  
112  
..........................................................................................................  
Used batteries must be disposed of in compliance with  
whatever regulations for their safe disposal that may be  
observed in the region in which you live.  
102c  
Always grasp only the plug on the AC adaptor cord  
when plugging into, or unplugging from, an outlet or  
this unit.  
..........................................................................................................  
118c  
..........................................................................................................  
Keep screws for CARD LOCK and Ground Terminal  
you may remove and the included memory card cover  
in a safe place out of children’s reach, so there is no  
chance of them being swallowed accidentally.  
103b  
At regular intervals, you should unplug the AC adaptor  
and clean it by using a dry cloth to wipe all dust and  
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
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IMPORTANT NOTES  
291a  
In addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on page 2–3, please read and observe the following:  
355b  
Power Supply: Use of  
• When moved from one location to another where the  
temperature and/or humidity is very different, water  
droplets (condensation) may form inside the unit. Damage  
Batteries  
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  
to malfunction or may produce audible noise. If it is not  
practical to use a separate electrical outlet, connect a  
Maintenance  
• For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth  
401a  
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  
mild, non-abrasive detergent. Afterwards, be sure to wipe  
• The AC adaptor will begin to generate heat after long  
the unit thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.  
402  
• Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any  
hours of consecutive use. This is normal, and is not a  
cause for concern.  
303a  
kind, to avoid the possibility of discoloration and/or  
deformation.  
• The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as the unit’s  
power consumption is relatively high. Should you prefer  
to use batteries, please use the alkaline type.  
304a  
Repairs and Data  
• Please be aware that all data contained in the unit’s  
• When installing or replacing batteries, always turn off the  
power on this unit and disconnect any other devices you  
may have connected. This way, you can prevent  
452  
malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices.  
memory may be lost when the unit is sent for repairs.  
Important data should always be backed up on a memory  
card, or written down on paper (when possible). During  
repairs, due care is taken to avoid the loss of data.  
However, in certain cases (such as when circuitry related  
to memory itself is out of order), we regret that it may not  
be possible to restore the data, and Roland assumes no  
liability concerning such loss of data.  
307  
• Before connecting this unit to other devices, turn off the  
power to all units. This will help prevent malfunctions  
and/or damage to speakers or other devices.  
Placement  
351  
• Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other equipment  
containing large power transformers) may induce hum.  
To alleviate the problem, change the orientation of this  
unit; or move it farther away from the source of inter-  
ference.  
Additional Precautions  
• Please be aware that the contents of memory can be  
551  
irretrievably lost as a result of a malfunction, or the  
improper operation of the unit. To protect yourself against  
the risk of loosing important data, we recommend that  
you periodically save a backup copy of important data  
you have stored in the unit’s memory on a memory card.  
352a  
• This device may interfere with radio and television  
reception. Do not use this device in the vicinity of such  
receivers.  
352b  
552  
• Noise may be produced if wireless communications  
• Unfortunately, it may be impossible to restore the contents  
devices, such as cell phones, are operated in the vicinity of  
this unit. Such noise could occur when receiving or initi-  
ating a call, or while conversing. Should you experience  
such problems, you should relocate such wireless devices  
so they are at a greater distance from this unit, or switch  
them off.  
of data that was stored in the unit’s memory and on a  
memory card once it has been lost. Roland Corporation  
assumes no liability concerning such loss of data.  
553  
• Use a reasonable amount of care when using the unit’s  
buttons, sliders, or other controls; and when using its jacks  
and connectors. Rough handling can lead to malfunctions.  
354a  
• Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, place it near  
554  
devices that radiate heat, leave it inside an enclosed  
vehicle, or otherwise subject it to temperature extremes.  
Excessive heat can deform or discolor the unit.  
• Never strike or apply strong pressure to the display.  
556  
• 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
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IMPORTANT NOTES  
558a  
Copyright  
• To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keep the unit’s  
volume at reasonable levels. You may prefer to use  
headphones, so you do not need to be concerned about  
those around you (especially when it is late at night).  
851  
• Unauthorized recording, distribution, sale, lending, public  
performance, broadcasting, or the like, in whole or in part,  
of a work (musical composition, video, broadcast, public  
performance, or the like) whose copyright is held by a  
third party is prohibited by law.  
559a  
• When you need to transport the unit, package it in the box  
(including padding) that it came in, if possible. Otherwise,  
you will need to use equivalent packaging materials.  
853  
• Do not use this unit for purposes that could infringe on a  
562  
• Use a cable from Roland to make the connection. If using  
copyright held by a third party. We assume no responsi-  
bility whatsoever with regard to any infringements of  
third-party copyrights arising through your use of this  
unit.  
some other make of connection cable, please note the  
following precautions.  
• Some connection cables contain resistors. Do not use  
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-  
marks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.  
Using Memory Cards  
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  
CompactFlashand 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
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Turning the Power On/Off ............................................................10  
Apply Effects to the Samples..........................................................12  
Using the SP-404 with Other MIDI Equipment...........................41  
Using the Protect Setting.................................................................43  
Finger Off the Pad (Hold) ...............................................................16  
Applying an Effect to Multiple Samples.......................................18  
Quick Reference to Operations ......................................................46  
Troubleshooting ...............................................................................47  
Message List......................................................................................49  
Recommended Memory Cards ......................................................50  
MIDI Implementation......................................................................50  
MIDI Implementation Chart...........................................................51  
Specifications ....................................................................................52  
Sampling to a Memory Card Bank ................................................25  
Using a Count When You Sample.................................................26  
Applying an Effect to a Sample and Sampling It Again  
Deleting a Sample ............................................................................27  
Checking the Remaining Sampling Time.....................................28  
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
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Before You Start  
Names of Things and What They Do  
Top Panel  
1
2
6
5
3
4
4
6
7
8
9
10  
12  
11  
14  
15  
16  
13  
1. VOLUME Knob  
3. PEAK Indicator  
This knob adjusts the volume of the line output and the  
headphones.  
This indicator helps you adjust the level when sampling. In  
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  
conversion. It does not indicate the clipping level of the analog input.  
These knobs control the parameters that are assigned to each  
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  
is on when its button is lit, and off when the button is dark. (p.  
12, p. 18, p. 26, p. 45)  
You can use this knob to adjust the sample start location or the  
sample playback time.  
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  
This provides information such as the BPM (tempo) of the  
CTRL 3/MFX Knob  
sample or pattern, the values of various settings, and error  
messages. The display can also show the remaining available  
sampling time.  
You can use this knob to select an MFX type, or to adjust the  
sampling level or the sample volume.  
6. Display Illumination  
This will blink in synchronization with the tempo of the pattern.  
7
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Before You Start  
7.  
11.  
PATTERN SELECT Button  
CANCEL Button  
Use this button to play or record a pattern. When this button is  
lit, you can press a pad to select a pattern. (p. 13, p. 34, p. 44)  
LENGTH Button  
You can press this button to cancel a sampling or sample-  
delete operation before it’s actually executed. This button also  
By pressing this button four times in rapid succession, you can  
stop all currently sounding notes.  
Use this button to specify the length of the pattern when  
recording a pattern. (p. 35, p. 44)  
REMAIN Button  
QUANTIZE Button  
remaining time available for sampling. By holding down this  
button and pressing a pad, you can select the sample to which  
you want to apply an effect or the sample whose settings you  
Use this button to make quantize settings for automatic timing  
correction when recording a pattern. (p. 35, p. 44)  
8.  
START/END/LEVEL Button  
of a sample. (p. 17, p. 29, p. 32, p. 35, p. 44)  
TIME/BPM Button  
MARK Button  
Use this button to play just a portion of a sampled sound. If  
this button is lit, only the specified portion of the sound will  
play. (p. 31)  
Use this button to specify the playback time or BPM (tempo)  
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  
recording a pattern, these buttons switch sample banks. When  
[PATTERN SELECT] is lit, these buttons switch pattern banks.  
If you press BANK [A] or [B] so it’s lit, the SP-404’s internal  
bank A or B will be selected. If you press BANK [C/G]–[F/J] to  
light a button, banks C–F on the memory card can be selected. If  
you press BANK [C/G]–[F/J] once again so a button is blinking,  
banks G–J on the memory card can be selected.  
By pressing this button several times at the desired interval,  
you can set the tempo to the corresponding timing. (p. 25, p.  
34)  
9.  
DEL Button  
Use this button to delete a sample or pattern. (p. 15, p. 27, p.  
32, p. 36)  
REC Button  
13. Pads (1–12)  
Use this button to start/stop sampling or to record a pattern.  
(p. 14, p. 23, p. 34, p. 44)  
When [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted, pressing a pad will  
the sample plays.  
RESAMPLE Button  
Use this button to apply an effect to a sample and then sample  
it again (“resampling”). (p. 26)  
When [PATTERN SELECT] is lit, you can use the pads to select  
the pattern you want to play or record.  
10.  
14.  
LO-FI Button  
HOLD Pad  
This button switches the grade (standard/lo-fi) when  
sampling. Lo-fi sampling is selected when the button is lit, and  
standard sampling is selected when the button is dark. (p. 23)  
STEREO Button  
When you hold down a pad and press the HOLD pad, the  
sample will continue playing even after you release the pad.  
(p. 16)  
EXT SOURCE Pad  
This button switches between monaural and stereo sampling.  
Stereo sampling is selected when the button is lit, and  
p. 23)  
By pressing the external source pad so the button is lit, you  
can mute/unmute or apply an effect to an external audio  
input source (line or mic). (p. 17, p. 45)  
SUB PAD  
GATE Button  
You can use the sub pad to play the sample of the pad you  
pressed most recently. For example, this is a convenient way  
to play a drum roll by hand.  
This button switches between gate playback (whereby the  
sample plays only while you hold down the pad) and trigger  
playback (sample alternately begins playing or stops with  
button is lit, and trigger playback is selected when the button  
is dark. (p. 29)  
15. MIC Button  
This button switches the mic input on/off. The mic input is on  
when the button is lit. (p. 17, p. 24)  
LOOP Button  
16. Internal Mic  
This button switches between loop playback (whereby the  
shot playback (the sample plays only once). Loop playback is  
selected when the button is lit, and one-shot playback is  
selected when the button is dark. (p. 29)  
This is the SP-404’s internal mic. The internal mic is disabled if a  
separately available mic is plugged into the front panel MIC IN  
jack.  
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
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Before You Start  
Front Panel  
Rear Panel  
1
2
3
4
1 2 3  
4
5
6
7
1. PHONES Jack  
A set of stereo headphones can be connected here. They will  
output the same sound as the LINE OUT jacks. (p. 10)  
1. Ground Terminal  
Depending on the circumstances of a particular setup, you may  
experience a discomforting sensation, or perceive that the  
surface feels gritty to the touch when you touch this device,  
microphones connected to it, or the metal portions of other  
objects. This is due to an infinitesimal electrical charge, which is  
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  
particulars of your installation. If you are unsure of the  
connection method, contact the nearest Roland Service Center,  
or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the  
“Information” page.  
2. MEMORY CARD Slot  
inserted here. You can use memory card banks C–J to record  
extended samples that would be too large for the internal  
memory. (p. 11, p. 38)  
When the SP-404 is shipped from the factory, a memory card  
cover is attached in front of the memory card slot. To remove  
the cover, pinch the left and right edges of the cover toward the  
inside and pull it toward yourself. (p. 11)  
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.  
Gas pipes (may result in fire or explosion)  
Telephone-line ground or lightning rod (may be dangerous  
in the event of lightning)  
4. MIC IN Jack  
A separately available mic can be connected here. (p. 10)  
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 (  
)
9
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Before You Start  
3. Connect the LINE OUT jacks to your audio system or amp. If  
you’re using headphones, connect them to the PHONES  
jack.  
Connecting Other Equipment  
If you want to record a sample (p. 14, p. 23), connect your CD  
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  
internal mic, this is not necessary.)  
Refer to the illustration, and make connections in the order given  
below.  
Audio Set / Amplified Speaker etc.  
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  
microphones relative to speakers. This can be remedied by:  
1. Changing the orientation of the microphone(s).  
2. Relocating microphone(s) at a greater distance from  
speakers.  
Stereo Headphones  
OUTPUT  
Microphone  
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.  
Turning the Power On/Off  
Turning the Power On  
connections.  
To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other  
devices, always turn down the volume, and turn off the power  
on all devices before making any connections.  
2. Connect the included AC adaptor to the DC IN jack.  
Alternatively, you can power the SP-404 on six AA batteries.  
If you’re running the SP-404 on batteries, this step is not  
necessary.  
Once the connections have been completed, turn on power to  
your various devices in the order specified. By turning on  
devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/  
or damage to speakers and other devices.  
Installing the Batteries  
1. Turn the SP-404’s VOLUME knob all the way to the left to  
Remove the battery compartment cover located on the bottom  
of the SP-404, and insert the batteries in the correct polarity  
(direction) as marked on the bottom of the unit. Then close the  
cover securely.  
When the remaining battery capacity decreases, the display  
illumination will remain lit, and the dot in the lower right of the  
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  
batteries immediately.  
minimize the volume.  
2. Minimize the volume of the connected amp or audio  
system.  
3. Turn the SP-404’s POWER switch to the ON position.  
Always make sure to have the volume level turned down before  
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,  
gradually raise the VOLUME knob to adjust the volume.  
Also, adjust the connected amp or audio system to the  
appropriate volume level.  
When the remaining battery capacity decreases, the sound  
may be distorted when the VOLUME knob is in certain  
positions. If this occurs, replace the batteries.  
When turning the unit upside-down, get a bunch of  
newspapers or magazines, and place them under the four  
corners or at both ends to prevent damage to the buttons  
and controls. Also, you should try to orient the unit so no  
buttons or controls get damaged.  
Turning the Power Off  
1. Minimize the volume of the SP-404 and the connected amp  
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.  
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Before You Start  
Inserting/Removing a  
Memory Card  
Preventing Theft of the Memory  
Card  
When the SP-404 is shipped from the factory, a special screw is  
installed in the location marked on the bottom of the unit.  
With the memory card cover attached, you can use a Phillips  
screwdriver to remove this screw and move it over to the hole  
marked “CARD LOCK.” Once screwed in there, the memory  
card cover cannot be removed. This will help prevent theft of  
the memory card.  
The power of the SP-404 must be turned off when you insert or  
remove a memory card. If you insert or remove a memory card  
while the power is on, you risk damaging the data of the  
memory card or rendering it unusable.  
Inserting a Memory Card  
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  
corners or at both ends to prevent damage to the buttons  
and controls. Also, you should try to orient the unit so no  
buttons or controls get damaged.  
Removing a Memory Card  
1. Press the eject button located beside the front panel card  
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.  
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Quick Start  
Listen to the Samples  
When the SP-404 is shipped from the factory, pads 1–12 of sample  
bank A and pads 1 and 2 of sample bank B contain samples. Let’s  
start by listening to these samples.  
About the Factory-set Samples and  
Patterns  
All rights reserved. Unauthorized use of this material for  
purposes other than private, personal enjoyment is a  
violation of applicable laws.  
What’s a sample?  
A “sample” is a piece of recorded sound (a sampled waveform)  
together with various settings that specify how the sound will  
play, which is assigned to a pad.  
The samples (sample bank A, and pads 1 and 2 of sample bank  
404 is shipped cannot be restored to their factory-set state once  
you have erased or modified them.  
If you want to preserve the factory-set state, you will need to  
purchase a separately available memory card (CompactFlash)  
What’s a sample bank?  
A “sample bank” is a group of twelve samples assigned to the  
pads. The SP-404 has ten sample banks: A–J.  
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).  
Apply Effects to the Samples  
1
The SP-404 provides 29 different built-in effects, which can modify  
the sound in various ways.  
Let’s try out these effects to hear what they do.  
2
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  
of a sample.  
2. Press pad 1.  
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  
sample bank A is selected (BANK [A] should be lit). If a  
different bank is selected, press BANK [A] to switch to bank A.  
4
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  
Volume of a Sample” (p. 29).  
1
2
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Quick Start  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
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.  
1
4. Turn the CTRL 1–3 knobs to adjust the filter + overdrive  
effect.  
CTRL 1 (CUTOFF)  
4
2
This adjusts the cutoff frequency of the filter. Turning the  
knob toward the left will make the sound darker and more  
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.  
1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so it’s lit.  
CTRL 3 (DRIVE)  
“Ptn” appears in the display.  
This adjusts the amount of distortion. Turning the knob  
toward the right will increase the distortion, producing a more  
intense sound.  
2. Press pad 1.  
Pad 1 changes from blinking to lit, and the pattern begins  
playing.  
5. To turn off the filter + overdrive effect, press  
[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  
A by pressing BANK [A] while [PATTERN SELECT] is lit.  
For details on the pitch shifter, delay, isolator, and vinyl  
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  
will be “reserved” for playback next. When the currently  
playing pattern has finished, the reserved pattern will begin  
playing automatically.  
Play the Patterns  
What’s a pattern?  
On the SP-404, you can press the pads to play several samples in  
the desired order, and record this performance as a song. Such a  
sequence of samples in a playback order is called a “pattern.”  
If you press a pad while holding down [SUB PAD], playback  
will change immediately to the pattern assigned to that pad.  
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.  
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Quick Start  
Changing the Tempo at Which a  
Pattern Plays  
Sample Your Own Sounds  
Let’s try sampling into pad 9 of sample bank B, to which no samples  
were assigned when the SP-404 was shipped from the factory.  
Here’s how to change the playback tempo of a pattern.  
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  
with regard to any damages or penalties you may incur by  
using Roland products to make illegal recordings.  
2, 4  
1
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.  
3
4, 7, 8  
4. Press [TIME/BPM] once again so it’s no longer lit.  
5, 9  
1. Connect your CD player as described in p. 10.  
2. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
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.  
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Quick Start  
6. Adjust the volume of your CD player.  
Turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob all the way to the right, then  
adjust the volume of the connected CD player so the PEAK  
indicator lights occasionally.  
If You’re Not Happy with the Sound  
You Sampled  
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.  
8. Press [REC] at the moment you want to stop sampling.  
1, 3  
Pad 9 and [REC] go out.  
If you exceed the available sampling time, “FuL” appears in the  
display and sampling will end automatically. For details on the  
messages that appear in the display, refer to “Message List” (p.  
49).  
2
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  
or silence, you can make settings so that only the desired  
portion of the sample is played. For details, refer to “Omitting  
Unwanted Portions of the Sample (Marker/Start Point/End  
Point)” (p. 30).  
Pads to which a sample is displayed start blinking.  
“dEL” appears in the display.  
2. Press the pad to which the sample you want to delete is  
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.  
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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.  
Simultaneously (Polyphony)  
The pad you pressed most recently to play it is called the current  
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  
two notes.  
When you edit the settings for a sample, your changes apply to  
the sample that is assigned to the current pad.  
The stereo/mono setting of a sample can be specified only at  
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).  
How Samples Are Organized  
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  
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  
card.  
Please note that the polyphony will be four notes when resampling.  
For details on resampling, refer to “Applying an Effect to a  
Sample and Sampling It Again (Resampling)” (p. 26).  
The Number of Samples That Can Play  
Simultaneously  
When the power is turned on, sample bank A is selected.  
Monaural samples  
12  
4
Stereo samples  
6
2
Switching Sample Banks  
Normally  
While resampling  
*
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  
from lit to blinking, and bank G–J will be selected.  
Playing After You Take Your  
Finger Off the Pad (Hold)  
The Hold function allows you to get a sample to continue playing  
even after you take your finger from the pad.  
This is useful when you want a sample to continue repeating. (Loop  
Playback, p. 29)  
If no memory card is inserted in the slot, pressing BANK [C/  
G]–[F/J] will not select sample banks C–J.  
Never remove the memory card while playing a sample from  
sample banks C–J. Doing so may produce a loud sound that  
could damage your speakers or amp, and may damage the  
memory card itself.  
As an example, here’s how to use the Hold function on the sample  
assigned to pad 1 of bank B.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
When you insert an unused memory card (a card that has not  
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].  
Hold is turned on ([HOLD] is lit), and the sample will continue  
playing even after you take your finger off the pad.  
BANK [C/G]–[F/J] changes from blinking to lit, and [DEL]  
begins blinking. Now, if you press [DEL], formatting will begin.  
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.  
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Chapter 1. Playing Samples  
holding down [EXT SOURCE]; the sound from the line and mic  
inputs will be muted when you release the pad (the pad goes  
out).  
Playing an External Input  
Sound (External Source)  
The SP-404 lets you control the playing/muted status of (and apply  
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.  
If [GATE] is not lighted, the sound will alternately be heard  
(pad lit) or muted (pad dark) each time you press [EXT  
SOURCE].  
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  
switches the stereo/mono status of the external audio  
input.  
1. Start playback on your CD player.  
*
Make sure that [MIC] is not lighted.  
[STEREO] lit: The external input will be heard in stereo.  
[STEREO] unlit: The external input will be heard in monaural.  
2. Press [EXT SOURCE] so the pad is lit.  
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  
down [EXT SOURCE]. When you release the pad, the line input  
sound will be muted (the pad goes out).  
You should have [STEREO] lit for sources that are originally  
stereo, such as a CD.  
4. You can apply an effect to the external audio input by  
If [GATE] is not lighted, the sound will alternately be heard  
(pad lit) or muted (pad dark) each time you press [EXT  
SOURCE].  
pressing one of the effect buttons to make it light. (p. 18)  
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  
[REMAIN] (CURRENT PAD) and press [EXT SOURCE]. This  
will cause the effect to be applied to the external audio input.  
You can press [GATE] to switch the lit/unlit status of GATE.  
3. To switch the external input between stereo and monaural,  
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  
Audio Input  
[STEREO] unlit: The external input will be heard in monaural.  
If the external input is distorted because the volume is too high, or if  
there is an obtrusive amount of noise because the volume is too low,  
you should adjust the volume as follows.  
You should have [STEREO] lit for sources that are originally  
stereo, such as a CD.  
1. Press [EXT SOURCE] so the pad is lit. If you’re inputting  
from a mic, you should also press [MIC] so it’s lit.  
The external audio input will be heard.  
4. You can apply an effect to the external audio input by  
pressing one of the effect buttons to make it light. (p. 18)  
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  
[REMAIN] (CURRENT PAD) and press [EXT SOURCE]. This  
will cause the effect to be applied to the external audio input.  
2. Press [START/END/LEVEL] so it’s lit.  
3. Turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob to adjust the volume of the  
audio input.  
Turning the knob toward the left decreases the volume, and  
turning it toward the right increases the volume.  
Adjust the volume so that the PEAK indicator lights occasionally.  
Using Line Input and Mic Input  
Simultaneously  
If the volume of the external audio input does not change when  
you turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob, hold down [REMAIN]  
(CURRENT PAD) and press [EXT SOURCE]. (This operation  
will select the external input as the target for the volume  
adjustment.)  
1. Input an audio signal from the device connected to the LINE  
IN jacks and from the mic.  
2. Press [EXT SOURCE] and [MIC] so they are both lit.  
Then press [START/END/LEVEL] again and turn the CTRL 3  
(LEVEL) knob to adjust the volume.  
If [MIC] is not lighted, you won’t be able to input sound from  
the mic.  
4. Press [START/END/LEVEL] once again.  
[START/END/LEVEL] goes out, and the volume is set.  
Howling could be produced depending on the location of  
microphones relative to speakers. This can be remedied by:  
1. Changing the orientation of the microphone(s).  
2. Relocating microphone(s) at a greater distance from  
speakers.  
If the volume of the signal from the CD player or microphone is  
excessive, distortion may be present even though the PEAK  
indicator has not lighted. On the other hand, if the volume is too  
low, you may be unable to attain a sufficient level even if you  
turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob all the way up. In such cases, you  
should adjust the volume at your CD player, or if using a mic,  
turn the MIC LEVEL knob to adjust the volume appropriately.  
3. Lowering volume levels.  
If [GATE] is lit, the sound will be heard only while you continue  
17  
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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  
equipment.  
Switching the Effect Selected by MFX  
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  
pressing a button.  
Using the CTRL 3/MFX Knob  
The remaining 24 effects are found in MFX (multi-effects), and  
you can select one of these for use.  
1. Hold down [MFX] and turn the CTRL 3/MFX knob.  
knob toward the right to increase the number, or toward the left  
to decrease it.  
You can turn on only one effect at a time. It’s not possible to  
turn more than one effect on simultaneously.  
If you want to use multiple effects on one sample, or apply a  
different effect to each sample, you can perform resampling.  
2. When you’ve selected the number for the desired MFX type,  
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  
Effect to a Sample and Sampling It Again (Resampling)” (p. 26).  
Using the Pads  
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  
Sample  
The display indicates the MFX type as a number 1–24, and MFX  
is turned on.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
Applying an Effect to Multiple  
Samples  
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  
samples.  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
2. Make sure that all effect buttons are dark.  
If any button is lit, press that button to make it go dark.  
3. Press the pad of the sample to which you want to apply an  
effect.  
However, you can use the following procedure to apply an effect to  
multiple pads including the current pad.  
The pad lights, and the sample starts playing. This pad is now  
the current pad.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
4. Press one of the effect buttons.  
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  
dark.  
2. Press the button for the effect you want to use, making the  
button light.  
3. Press [REMAIN] (CURRENT PAD).  
you turn on the effect until the effect is actually applied to the  
sound.  
The current pad starts blinking.  
4. While continuing to hold down [REMAIN] (CURRENT PAD),  
consecutively press each pad to which you want to apply  
the effect.  
5. Turn the CTRL 1–3 knobs to adjust the effect.  
Each pad you press starts blinking, and becomes the current  
pad. Of the pads you’ve pressed, pads other than the current  
pad will be lit.  
The actual change caused by turning the CTRL 1–3 knobs will  
depend on the effect that is selected. For details, refer to “Effect  
List” (p. 20).  
Effect  
Pad lit  
Pad unlit  
Current pad: long blinking  
Current pad: short blinking  
O
X
O
X
Switching an Effect On/Off with  
Precise Timing (Effect Grab)  
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  
particularly difficult to turn an effect on/off rapidly with precise  
timing.  
Each time you hold down [REMAIN] (CURRENT PAD) and  
press the same pad, the effect will alternately be turned on/off  
for that pad.  
In such cases you can use the Effect Grab function.  
To use the Effect Grab function, hold down [TAP TEMPO] (EFFECT  
GRAB) and press an effect button.  
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  
with the tempo of the song.  
5. When you’ve pressed each pad to which you want to apply  
the effect, take your finger off of [REMAIN] (CURRENT  
PAD).  
You can’t apply a different type of effect to each pad. The same  
effect will be applied to each pad you specify.  
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Chapter 2. Using Effects  
Applying an Effect to All  
Samples  
Pre-specifying the Parameters  
of the Effect You’ll Select Next  
If you want an effect to apply to all pads at once, you would have to  
perform the above procedure for each pad, which would take some  
time.  
Here’s how you can pre-specify the desired parameter settings  
before you actually switch the effect type.  
1. Hold down [REMAIN] and turn the CTRL 1–3 knobs to set  
the parameters as desired.  
However if you want to apply the effect to all pads, there’s an easier  
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,  
respectively.  
This procedure will apply the effect to all pads of banks A–J.  
2. Press the effect button for the effect that you want to use  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
next.  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
The knob settings you adjusted in step 1 will be applied to the  
2. Hold down [REMAIN] (CURRENT PAD) and press the button  
of the effect you want to use.  
next effect.  
The selected effect button starts blinking.  
If you turn the CTRL 1–3 knobs while no effect is applied, the  
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 in step 2), there’s no need to perform step 1 Hold  
down [REMAIN].”  
All pads will be lit (the current pad will blink), and the effect  
will be applied to all pads.  
Effect button  
Effect  
Lit  
The effect will be applied to one or more  
samples.  
Blinking  
The effect will be applied to all 120 samples  
(10 banks x 12 pads).  
Effect Limit Mode  
If you turn on Effect Limit mode, the depth of the effect will be  
limited to prevent unintentionally loud sounds or oscillation. You  
may find this function convenient in high-volume situations, such as  
in a club or live performance.  
Pads to which no sample is assigned will not light.  
To return to the state in which the effect is applied only to the  
current pad, once again hold down [REMAIN] (CURRENT  
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  
When you turn on the power, this function will be off.  
Checking the Previously Used  
Effect  
This function is convenient when you’ve forgotten the type of effect  
(current effect) you were previously using.  
Send/Return Mode  
(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  
sound and direct sound) for the FLANGER or PHASER effect.  
This allows you to completely eliminate the direct sound.  
When Send/Return mode is ON, the CTRL 1 knob can be used to  
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  
the CTRL 3 knob adjusts the RESONANCE.  
You can check this when an effect is not applied.  
1. Hold down [TAP TEMPO].  
The button of the current effect will blink while you hold down  
[TAP TEMPO].  
When you turn on the power, FILTER+DRIVE will be the  
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  
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Chapter 2. Using Effects  
Effect List  
Effects You Can Select by Directly Pressing a Button  
Type  
FILTER+DRIVE ★  
Low-pass filter with overdrive.  
Cuts the high range and adds dis-  
tortion.  
CTRL 1 (display)  
CUTOFF (CoF)  
Adjusts the frequency at which  
the cut occurs.  
CTRL 2 (display)  
RESONANCE (rES) ★  
Adjusts the amount of peak lo-  
cated at the cutoff frequency.  
CTRL 3 (display)  
DRIVE (drV) ★  
Adds distortion.  
PITCH ★  
PITCH (Pit)  
FEEDBACK (Fdb) ★  
BALANCE (bAL)  
Changes the pitch.  
Specifies the pitch change in a +/  
-2 octave range.  
Adjusts the amount by which the  
pitch-shifted sound is repeated.  
Adjusts the volume balance be-  
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  
sound is repeated. (*1)  
Adjusts the number of times that  
the sound is repeated.  
Adjusts the volume balance be-  
tween the direct sound and the  
effect sound.  
ISOLATOR ★  
LOW (Lo) ★  
MID (Mid) ★  
HIGH (Hi) ★  
Extracts or eliminates low/mid/  
high ranges from the sound.  
Extracts or eliminates the low  
range.  
Extracts or eliminates the mid  
range.  
Extracts or eliminates the high  
range.  
VINYL SIM  
COMPRESSOR (CMP)  
NOISE LEVEL (noS)  
WOW FLUTTER (FLu)  
Gives the sound a character simi-  
lar to an analog record.  
Adjusts the amount of compres-  
sion that is typical of an analog  
record.  
Adjusts the volume of the noise  
that is typical of an analog  
record.  
Adjusts the irregularity of rota-  
tion that is typical of an analog  
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  
Type  
1. REVERB  
CTRL 1 (display)  
REVERB TIME (tiM)  
CTRL 2 (display)  
TONE (ton)  
CTRL 3 (display)  
BALANCE (bAL)  
Adds reverberation to the sound.  
Adjusts the reverberation time.  
Adjusts the tone of the reverbera-  
tion.  
Adjusts the volume balance be-  
tween the direct sound and effect  
sound.  
2. TAPE ECHO ★  
REPEAT RATE (rAt)  
INTENSITY (int) ★  
BALANCE (bAL)  
Simulates a tape-based echo unit  
of the past.  
Specifies the tape speed.  
Specifies the amount of echo re-  
peats.  
Adjusts the volume balance be-  
tween the direct sound and effect  
sound.  
3. CHORUS  
DEPTH (dBt)  
RATE (rAt)  
BALANCE  
Adds spaciousness and depth to  
the sound.  
Adjusts the depth of modulation.  
Adjusts the rate of modulation.  
Adjusts the volume balance be-  
tween the direct sound and effect  
sound.  
4. FLANGER (S/R = ON)  
DEPTH/RESONANCE (d-r) ★  
RATE (rAt)  
BALANCE (bAL)  
Creates a twisting modulation  
reminiscent of a jet airplane tak-  
ing off and landing.  
Adjusts both DEPTH and RESO-  
NANCE simultaneously.  
Adjusts the rate of modulation.  
Adjusts the volume balance be-  
tween the direct sound and effect  
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.  
If the CTRL 2 knob (RATE) is  
turned all the way to the left, this  
knob adjusts the pitch (MANU-  
AL).  
Adjusts the rate of modulation. If  
this knob is turned all the way to  
the left, the modulation will stop,  
and the CTRL 1 knob (DEPTH)  
will adjust the pitch (MANUAL).  
Gives a distinctive character to  
the sound.  
20  
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Chapter 2. Using Effects  
Type  
CTRL 1 (display)  
DEPTH/RESONANCE (d-r) ★  
CTRL 2 (display)  
RATE (rAt)  
CTRL 3 (display)  
BALANCE (bAL)  
5. PHASER (S/R = ON)  
Adds modulation to the sound.  
* When Send/Return mode is on:  
Adjusts both DEPTH and RESO-  
NANCE simultaneously.  
Adjusts the rate of modulation.  
Adjusts the volume balance be-  
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.  
If the CTRL 2 knob (RATE) is  
turned all the way to the left, this  
knob adjusts the pitch (MANU-  
AL).  
Adjusts the rate of modulation. If  
this knob is turned all the way to  
the left, the modulation will stop,  
and the CTRL 1 knob (DEPTH)  
will adjust the pitch (MANUAL).  
Gives a distinctive character to  
the sound.  
6. TREMOLO/PAN  
DEPTH (dPt)  
RATE (rAt)  
WAVEFORM (trM/PAn)  
Cyclically varies the volume or  
pan.  
Adjusts the amount of volume/  
pan change.  
Adjusts the speed of volume/  
pan change.  
Changes the type of curve by  
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 ★  
Intensely distorts the sound.  
8. OVERDRIVE ★  
Mildly distorts the sound.  
9. FUZZ ★  
DRIVE (drV) ★  
Adjusts the amount of distortion.  
DRIVE (drV) ★  
Adjusts the amount of distortion.  
DRIVE (drV) ★  
Adjusts the amount of distortion.  
TONE (ton) ★  
Adjusts the tone.  
TONE (ton) ★  
Adjusts the tone.  
TONE (ton) ★  
Adjusts the tone.  
LEVEL (LEV) ★  
Adjusts the volume.  
LEVEL (LEV) ★  
Adjusts the volume.  
LEVEL (LEV) ★  
Adjusts the volume.  
Adds overtones to the sound to  
distort it intensely.  
10. WAH ★  
SENS (SnS)  
FREQUENCY (Frq)  
RESONANCE (rES) ★  
Creates a wah effect.  
Adjusts the sensitivity of the wah  
effect.  
Adjusts the pitch of the effect  
sound.  
Adjusts the peak amount of the  
wah.  
11. OCTAVE  
-2OCT LEVEL (oC2)  
-1OCT LEVEL (oC1)  
DIRECT LEVEL (dir)  
Adds a lower pitch at octave in-  
tervals.  
Adds a pitch two octaves below.  
Adds a pitch one octave below.  
Adjusts the volume of the direct  
sound.  
12. COMP ★  
(LIMIT = OFF)  
SUSTAIN (SuS)  
ATTACK (Att)  
LEVEL (LEV) ★  
Makes the volume more consis-  
tent.  
Adjusts the amount of compres-  
sion.  
Adjusts the sense of attack.  
Adjusts the volume.  
* 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-  
sion.  
Adjusts the sense of release.  
Adjusts the volume.  
13. EQUALIZER ★  
LOW (Lo) ★  
MID (Mid) ★  
HIGH (Hi) ★  
Adjusts the volume of each fre-  
quency range.  
Adjusts the volume of the low-  
frequency range.  
Adjusts the volume of the mid-  
frequency range.  
Adjusts the volume of the high-  
frequency range.  
14. LO-Fi ★  
SAMPLE RATE (rAt)  
BIT (bit) ★  
FILTER (FLt)  
Gives the sound a low-fidelity  
character.  
Adjusts the sampling frequency.  
Adjusts the bit depth.  
Adjusts the filter depth.  
15. NOISE GEN ★  
COLOR (CoL)  
QUALITY (qLt) ★  
LEVEL (LEV) ★  
Creates noise.  
Adjusts the tone of the “shhh”  
noise.  
Adjusts how often scratch noise  
(typical of an analog record) will  
be heard.  
Adjusts the level of the “shhh”  
noise.  
16. RADIO TUNING  
TUNING (tun)  
NOISE LEVEL (noS)  
FREQUENCY RANGE (Frq)  
Simulates the sound heard from  
a radio.  
Adjusts the tuning drift of a ra-  
dio.  
Adjusts the volume of the noise.  
Adjusts the tonal character.  
17. SLICER ★  
TIMING PTN (P01–16)  
RATE (t1–t8)  
FEEDBACK (Fdb) ★  
Repetitively cuts the sound. A  
flanger is also applied.  
Specifies the timing at which the  
sound is cut. (*2)  
Adjusts the length of TIMING  
PTN. (*3)  
Adjusts the depth of the flanger.  
18. RING MOD ★  
FREQUENCY (Frq) ★  
SENS (SEn) ★  
BALANCE (bAL)  
Gives a metallic character to the  
sound.  
Adjusts the pitch of the metallic  
sound.  
Adjusts the depth of frequency  
modulation.  
Adjusts the volume balance of  
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  
that changes the pitch in semi-  
tone steps.  
Adjusts Pitch 1 in semitone steps  
over a +/-1 octave range.  
Adjusts Pitch 2 in semitone steps  
over a +/-1 octave range.  
Adjusts the volume balance of  
the direct sound and effect  
sound.  
21  
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Chapter 2. Using Effects  
Type  
CTRL 1 (display)  
CTRL 2 (display)  
CTRL 3 (display)  
20. VOICE TRANS.  
FORMANT (FrM)  
EFFECT LEVEL (EFF)  
DIRECT LEVEL (dir)  
Transforms a human voice into  
various other voices.  
Adjusts the basic character (for-  
mant) of the voice.  
Adjusts the volume of the effect  
sound.  
Adjusts the volume of the direct  
sound.  
21. C.CANCELER  
L-R BALANCE (L-r)  
LOW BOOST (Lo)  
HIGH BOOST (Hi)  
Cancels the vocal or other sound  
localized at the center of the  
soundfield.  
Find the point at which the un-  
wanted sound is cancelled most  
effectively.  
Boosts the low-frequency sound  
localized at the center of the  
soundfield, such as the bass.  
Boosts the high-frequency  
sound.  
22. SUBSONIC  
PITCH (Pit)  
THRESHOLD (tHr)  
BALANCE (bAL)  
Adds a low-frequency sine wave  
according to the volume that is  
being input to the effect. (*4)  
Adjusts the frequency of the sine  
wave.  
Adjusts the volume level at  
which the sine wave begins to  
sound.  
Adjusts the volume balance of  
the direct sound and effect  
sound.  
23. BPM LOOPER ★  
LENGTH (LEn) ★  
TIMING (oFF, 1–8)  
LOOP SW (oFF, on)  
Loops the input sound at a rapid  
rate.  
Specifies the length of the loop.  
Specifies the timing (8th note  
units) at which the looped sound  
will play automatically within  
the measure. (*5)  
If you turn this on while playing  
sound, the sound at that moment  
will be looped. Turn this off to  
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  
LOOPER where TIMING is re-  
placed by SPEED. You can  
change the playback direction  
and playback speed of the input  
sound, creating an effect as  
though you were manipulating a  
turntable.  
Specifies the length of the loop.  
and speed. Turning the knob left  
of the 12 o’clock position will  
play the sound in reverse, and  
turning it right of the 12 o’clock  
position will play the sound for-  
ward. Playback will stop at the 12  
o’clock position.  
If you turn this on while playing  
sound, the sound at that moment  
will be looped. Turn this off to  
defeat looping.  
: 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  
P02  
P03  
P04  
P05  
P06  
P07  
P08  
P09  
P10  
P11  
P12  
P13  
P14  
P15  
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  
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Chapter 3. Sampling  
About the Sampling Time  
The time available for sampling into the SP-404’s internal memory  
and a memory card is described below.  
Recording (sampling) audio material whose copyright is owned  
by another party for any purpose except personal enjoyment  
without permission of the copyright owner is forbidden by law.  
Don’t make illegal recordings.  
The times given here are for monaural sampling. For sampling  
into the SP-404’s internal memory, the time shown is the total  
time for sample banks A and B. For sampling into a memory  
card, the time shown is the total time for sample banks C–J.  
Roland Corporation shall assume no responsibility whatsoever  
with regard to any damages or penalties you may incur by  
using Roland products to make illegal recordings.  
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  
available.  
The SP-404’s Internal Memory  
STANDARD  
LO-FI  
Approximately 5 minutes  
Approximately 11 minutes  
Choosing High Quality or Lo-Fi  
Sampling (Sampling Grade)  
Memory Card  
Capacity  
32 Mbyte  
STANDARD  
Approximately  
12 minutes  
Approximately  
24 minutes  
Approximately  
48 minutes  
Approximately  
96 minutes  
Approximately  
193 minutes  
Approximately  
386 minutes  
LO-FI  
Approximately  
24 minutes  
Approximately  
48 minutes  
Approximately  
96 minutes  
Approximately  
193 minutes  
Approximately  
386 minutes  
Approximately  
772 minutes  
For each pad, you can choose from two levels of audio quality  
(Sampling Grade): STANDARD or LO-FI.  
Use the [LO-FI] button to switch the sampling grade.  
[LO-FI] unlit: STANDARD  
64 Mbyte  
128 Mbyte  
256 Mbyte  
512 Mbyte  
1 Gbyte  
Choose this when you want to sample with high audio quality.  
[LO-FI] lit: LO-FI  
Choose this when you want to sample with lower fidelity for a  
much longer sampling time.  
You can’t change the sampling grade after you’ve sampled.  
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.  
If you’ve already sampled to all pads, or have used up the  
available sampling time, you’ll need to delete unneeded  
details, refer to “Deleting a Sample” (p. 27).  
Press [STEREO] so it’s lit for stereo sampling, or make the button go  
dark for monaural sampling.  
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.  
3. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
4. Press [REC] so it’s lit.  
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.  
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Chapter 3. Sampling  
5. Press BANK [B] so it’s lit.  
Sample bank B is selected.  
Sampling from a Mic  
Here’s how to sample an audio source from a mic (monaural).  
6. Press pad 10.  
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)  
[LO-FI] lit: LO-FI (low fidelity audio)  
1. Connect a mic to the MIC IN jack as described on p. 10.  
*
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 it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
If you select monaural sampling when the input source is  
stereo, the same sound will be recorded for L/R. In this case, the  
sense of stereo will be lost, but the sound will use only one note  
of polyphony and the memory consumption will also be half  
that of stereo; use the setting that’s appropriate for your  
situation.  
3. Press [REC] so it’s lit.  
The pads to which sampling is possible 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.  
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  
applied to the sound of the CD.  
Sample bank B is selected.  
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,  
so you won’t be able to use it to adjust the effect.  
6. Press [LO-FI] to select the sampling grade.  
[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  
indicator lights occasionally.  
7. If [STEREO] is lit, press [STEREO] so its LED goes out.  
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  
monaural, but this will use twice as much polyphony and  
consume twice as much memory space.  
11. Start playback of your CD, and press [REC] at the moment  
you want to begin sampling.  
[REC] lights, and sampling begins.  
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  
other samples as well.  
9. Turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob all the way to the right, and  
while inputting sound into the mic, turn the MIC LEVEL  
knob to adjust the sampling level so that the PEAK  
indicator lights occasionally.  
12. At the moment you want to stop sampling, press [REC].  
[REC] and pad 10 go out.  
If you applied effects in step 10 while sampling, the effect  
button will also go dark.  
If the audio input is distorted, turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob  
toward the left until the sound is no longer distorted.  
13. Press pad 10 to play back the sound you just sampled.  
Howling could be produced depending on the location of  
microphones relative to speakers. This can be remedied by:  
1. Changing the orientation of the microphone(s).  
2. Relocating microphone(s) at a greater distance from  
speakers.  
If the beginning or end of the sample contains unwanted sound  
or silence, you can make settings so that only the desired  
portion of the sample is played. For details, refer to “Omitting  
Unwanted Portions of the Sample (Marker/Start Point/End  
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  
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Chapter 3. Sampling  
If you specify a BPM (tempo) while you’re in sampling-standby  
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.  
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,  
so you won’t be able to use it to adjust the effect.  
At this point, you can specify the tempo or enter a count for  
sampling. For details, refer to “Sampling at a Specific Tempo”  
(p. 25) or “Using a Count When You Sample” (p. 26).  
1. Make preparations for sampling as described in steps 110  
of “Sampling from a CD” (p. 23) or “Sampling from a Mic”  
(p. 24).  
11. Press [REC].  
2. Press [TIME/BPM] so it’s lit.  
[REC] lights, and sampling begins.  
3. Turn CTRL 2 (BPM) to specify the desired BPM.  
Turning the knob toward the right will increase the BPM (faster  
tempo), and turning it toward the left will decrease the BPM  
(slower tempo). If you turn the knob all the way toward the left,  
“---” appears in the display and the tempo setting will be  
canceled.  
Never turn off the power while sampling is in progress. Doing  
so may damage not only the sample being recorded, but also  
other samples as well.  
12. When you want to stop sampling, press [REC].  
[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  
portion of the sample is played. For details, refer to “Omitting  
Unwanted Portions of the Sample (Marker/Start Point/End  
Point)” (p. 30).  
As an alternative to using the CTRL 2 (BPM) knob, you can set  
the BPM by using [TAP TEMPO]. When you press [TAP  
TEMPO] at regular intervals, those intervals will be taken to be  
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  
you don’t know the actual BPM value.  
Sampling to a Memory Card  
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.  
[REC] lights, and sampling begins.  
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  
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.  
[REC] and the pad go out.  
When sampling ends, the end point will automatically be set  
Refer to “Omitting Unwanted Portions of the Sample (Marker/  
Start Point/End Point)” (p. 30).  
1. Insert the memory card into the front panel card slot.  
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  
less than one measure, the displayed BPM value may be  
doubled or halved. In this case, press [TIME/BPM] so it’s lit,  
and turn the CTRL 2 (BPM) knob to correct the value as desired.  
If the memory card has not been formatted for the SP-404,  
BANK [C/G]–[F/J] will blink, and the display will show “FMt”  
to indicate that you need to format the card.  
1. Press any one of the BANK [C/G]–[F/J] buttons.  
begins blinking.  
The displayed BPM value is an approximation based on the  
sampled time, and is subject to a certain amount of inaccuracy.  
2. Press [DEL] to begin formatting the card.  
While the card is being formatted, the dot in the display will  
be blinking.  
Depending on the BPM value, the time corresponding to the  
BPM may not precisely match the time between the Start Point  
and End Point. For this reason, the timing may drift if you use  
Loop Playback (p. 29) to continue looping the sample for an  
extended length of time.  
When formatting is complete, the blinking will stop.  
3. Press BANK [C] once again so it’s lit.  
4. For the rest of the procedure, refer to “Sampling from a CD”  
(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  
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Chapter 3. Sampling  
4. Press [REC] to confirm the sampling-start level.  
[REC] goes out.  
Sample  
You can make the SP-404 generate a count (1, 2, 3, 4) when you start  
sampling. This is convenient when you have a specific tempo or time  
signature in mind.  
5. Make preparations for sampling as described in steps 110  
of “Sampling from a CD” (p. 23) or “Sampling from a Mic”  
(p. 24).  
6. Press [REC].  
[REC] lights, and the SP-404 waits for an input signal. “rdY”  
1. Make preparations for sampling as described in steps 110  
of “Sampling from a CD” (p. 23) or “Sampling from a Mic”  
(p. 24).  
appears in the display.  
When the input from the LINE IN or mic exceeds the sampling-  
start level, sampling will begin.  
When sampling begins, the indication in the display changes to  
“rEC.”  
You can specify a BPM (tempo) while in sampling-standby  
mode. For details, refer to “Sampling at a Specific Tempo.”  
Never turn off the power while sampling. Doing so may  
destroy not only the sample being recorded, but also the other  
samples as well.  
2. Press [START/END/LEVEL] so it’s lit.  
3. Press [REC].  
[REC] lights, and the display will indicate “-1-” -> “-2-” -> “-3-”  
-> “-4-” -> “rEC.” A count will also sound.  
Sampling begins when the “rEC” indication appears.  
7. At the point where you want to stop sampling, press [REC].  
[REC] and the pad go out.  
4. At the point where you want to stop sampling, press [REC].  
When You Want to Disable Auto  
Sampling  
[REC], the pad, and [START/END/LEVEL] go out.  
5. Press the pad into which you sampled, and the sound you  
sampled will play.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
Initiating Sampling  
Automatically (Auto  
Sampling)  
2. Hold down [CANCEL] and press [REC].  
[REC] starts blinking.  
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  
sampling to start automatically when the audio input signal exceeds  
the level you specify. This is useful when you want to begin  
sampling a song from the beginning.  
4. Press [REC].  
[REC] goes out.  
The procedure described below will set the sampling-start level.  
Sampling will begin automatically when the input exceeds this level.  
Applying an Effect to a  
Sample and Sampling It  
Again (Resampling)  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
The SP-404 lets you play back one or more samples with an effect  
applied, and sample the result as a new sample. This process is  
called resampling.  
2. Hold down [CANCEL] and press [REC].  
[REC] starts blinking and “-0-” appears in the display  
3. Turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob to set the level.  
The level at which the PEAK indicator lights will be the  
sampling-start level. Turning the knob toward the right  
increases the level. The display shows the level (ten steps from  
0–9) you’ve specified.  
In the following example we’ll explain how to apply the “filter +  
overdrive” effect to pad 1 of bank A, and resample the result to pad  
12 of bank B.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
Example display: -3-  
2. Press [RESAMPLE] so it’s lit.  
“LEV” appears in the display.  
If the display shows “-0-”, normal sampling (no auto sampling)  
will occur.  
3. Press BANK [A] (the resampling source) so it’s lit, and then  
press pad 1.  
Pad 1 lights, and the sample of pad 1 starts playing.  
If you decide to cancel auto sampling at this point, press  
[CANCEL] so [REC] goes out.  
26  
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Chapter 3. Sampling  
4. Press [FILTER+DRIVE] so it’s lit.  
The filter + overdrive effect is turned on, and the effect is  
applied to pad 1 of bank A.  
3. Use the bank buttons and pads to specify the bank and pad  
for the sample you want to delete.  
The selected pad lights, and [DEL] begins blinking again.  
Nothing will happen if you press a pad to which no sample is  
assigned (i.e., an unlit pad).  
As desired, turn the CTRL 1 and CTRL 2 knobs to adjust the  
effect.  
You can simultaneously select more than one pad within the  
same bank.  
If [RESAMPLE] is lit, you can’t use the CTRL 3 knob to adjust  
the effect. If you want to use the CTRL 3 knob to adjust the  
effect, press [CANCEL] to make [RESAMPLE] go dark.  
If you specify a bank that is protected (p. 43), “Prt” (Protected)  
appears in the display, and you won’t be able to delete the  
sample.  
5. Turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob to adjust the sampling level  
so that the PEAK indicator lights occasionally.  
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].  
4. Press [DEL].  
7. Specify the resampling-destination by pressing the BANK  
[B] button to make it light, and then press pad 12.  
Pad 12 lights.  
[DEL] changes from blinking to lit, and the dot in the display  
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  
may destroy not only the sample you’re deleting but also other  
samples and even the memory card.  
8. Press [LO-FI] to select the sampling grade.  
[LO-FI] unlit: STANDARD (high audio quality)  
[LO-FI] lit: LO-FI (low fidelity audio)  
9. Press [STEREO] to select stereo or monaural sampling.  
[STEREO] lit: stereo sampling  
Deleting All Samples  
[STEREO] unlit: monaural sampling  
Here’s how to delete all samples from internal memory or the  
memory card in a single operation.  
10. Press [REC] so it’s lit.  
Resampling has not yet started at this point.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
11. To specify the resampling source, press BANK [A] so it’s lit,  
and press pad 1.  
2. Hold down [CANCEL] and press [DEL].  
“dAL” appears in the display and [DEL] lights. BANK [A]–[F/J]  
begin blinking.  
The pad 1 sample starts playing, and resampling starts at the  
same moment.  
Never turn off the power while resampling is in progress.  
Doing so may destroy not only the sample being resampled, but  
also other samples as well.  
will not blink.  
3. Press one of the bank buttons to specify the memory that  
you want to delete.  
12. At the point where you want to stop resampling, press  
[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].  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
4. Press [DEL].  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
[DEL] changes from blinking to lit, and the dot in the display  
2. Press [DEL] so it’s lit.  
begins blinking.  
“dEL” appears in the display. and pads to which samples are  
assigned start blinking.  
Once the samples have been deleted, the dot will go dark.  
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so  
may destroy not only the samples you’re deleting but also other  
samples and even the memory card.  
If no samples are assigned to any pad in a bank, “EMP” appears  
in the display and you won’t be able to execute the Delete  
operation.  
27  
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Chapter 3. Sampling  
Exchanging Sample Pad  
Assignments  
You can change the pad to which a sample is assigned by  
exchanging samples between two pads.  
Checking the Remaining  
Sampling Time  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
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.  
If you want to check the remaining time for internal memory,  
press BANK [A] or [B] so it’s lit.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
If you want to check the remaining time for a memory card,  
press one of the BANK [C/G]–[F/J] buttons so it’s lit.  
2. Hold down [DEL] and press [REC].  
“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  
any button of BANK [B/G]–[F/J]).  
3. Use the bank buttons and the pads to select one of the  
samples that you want to exchange.  
3. Press [REMAIN].  
The pad you pressed changes from blinking to lit.  
The display shows the remaining time available for sampling at  
the “STANDARD” “monaural” setting.  
4. Use the bank buttons and the pads to select the other  
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  
[CANCEL].  
minute second  
5. Press [REC].  
There will be a small amount of inaccuracy in the remaining  
time indication.  
[DEL] and [REC] both light, and the dot in the display starts  
blinking.  
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  
than ten minutes, only the number of seconds in the ten’s place  
and higher will be displayed.  
When exchanging samples between internal memory and a  
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.  
Never turn off the power while the dot in the display is  
blinking. Doing so may destroy not only the samples being  
exchanged, but also the entire contents of internal memory and  
the memory card.  
minute  
(x10 sec)  
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  
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Chapter 4. Changing the Settings of a Sample  
Specifying the Volume of a  
Sample  
Making a Sample Play Only  
While You Hold Down the Pad  
(Gate Playback) or Continue  
Even If You Release the Pad  
(Trigger Playback)  
The SP-404 lets you specify the volume with which each sample is to  
play.  
This is a convenient way to create a consistent volume balance  
between the samples of each pad.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
If you choose Gate Playback, the sample will begin playing when  
you press the pad and will stop playing when you release the pad.  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
Press the pad  
Release the pad  
2. Press the pad to which the sample whose volume you want  
to adjust is assigned.  
The pad lights, and the sample starts playing. This pad is now  
the current pad.  
Start playback  
Stop playback  
3. Press [START/END/LEVEL] so it’s lit.  
If you choose Trigger Playback, the sample will begin playing when  
you press the pad and will continue playing even when you release  
the pad.  
4. Turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob to adjust the volume of the  
sample.  
Turning the knob toward the left decreases the volume, while  
turning the knob toward the right increases it. A setting of 127 is  
the maximum volume. This will be the same volume as  
immediately after sampling.  
whether the sample is set to One-shot or Loop playback.  
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.  
Press and release  
the pad  
Press and release  
the pad  
This completes the volume setting.  
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  
the original setting. If you press [START/END/LEVEL] to  
make the button go dark without turning the knobs back to the  
center, the Start Point and End Point will be remembered in  
their edited state.  
Start playback  
Start playback  
If Loop Playback is selected ([LOOP] is lit):  
The sample playback will stop.  
Press and release  
the pad  
Press and release  
the pad  
Playing a Phrase Repeatedly  
(Loop Playback) or Only Once  
(One-shot Playback)  
Start playback  
Stop playback  
Use Loop Playback when you want to sample a phrase of several  
measures and play it back repeatedly.  
If you want a long phrase to continue playing, you’ll probably  
choose Trigger Playback and Loop Playback as the settings  
here. In the case of a drum sample, you will usually choose  
Trigger Playback and One-shot Playback so that the sample will  
play to the end even if you press the pad only briefly.  
Use One-shot Playback when you want the sample to play only once  
when you press the pad, for example in the case of a drum sound.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
After sampling, the following settings are made automatically.  
If the length resulting from automatic BPM calculation (p. 33) is  
less than one measure: Trigger Playback  
If the length resulting from automatic BPM calculation (p. 33) is  
one measure or greater: Gate Playback  
2. Press the pad to which the sample whose setting (Loop/  
One-shot) you want to change is assigned.  
The pad lights, and the sample begins playing. This pad is now  
the current pad.  
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  
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.  
[LOOP] unlit: One-shot playback  
29  
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Chapter 4. Changing the Settings of a Sample  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
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  
setting you want to change.  
of the Sample (Marker/Start  
Point/End Point)  
The pad lights and the sample begins playing. This pad is now  
the current pad.  
For each sample in the SP-404, you can specify the portion of that  
sample’s waveform data that will actually play.  
3. Press [GATE] to make the button light or go dark.  
[GATE] lit: Gate Playback  
The point at which the waveform data will start being played is  
called the Start Point, and the point at which playback will end is  
called the End Point.  
[GATE] unlit: Trigger Playback  
If the beginning of a sample you recorded contains unwanted noise  
or silence, you can set the Start Point to omit this portion. Similarly,  
you can set the End Point to omit an unwanted portion at the end.  
If [LOOP] is not lighted, and the sample plays to the end,  
playback will stop automatically and the pad will go dark even  
if you continue holding down the pad.  
End of  
Beginning of  
the sample  
the sample  
Playing a Sample Backward  
(Reverse Playback)  
Reverse Playback plays a sample backward, creating an effect similar  
to playing a tape in the opposite direction.  
unwanted  
unwanted  
Start point  
End point  
Normal  
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  
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,  
refer to “Changing a Sample’s BPM” (p. 33).  
Reverse playback  
You can’t use Time Modify (p. 33) and Reverse Playback at the  
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  
possible to calculate or adjust the BPM value correctly.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
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  
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Chapter 4. Changing the Settings of a Sample  
Changing Both the Start Point and the  
Changing Only the End Point  
End Point  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
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  
The pad lights and the sample begins playing. This pad is now  
the current pad.  
to change.  
The pad lights and the sample begins playing. This pad is now  
the current pad.  
If Gate Playback (p. 29) is selected, continue holding down the  
pad.  
If Gate Playback (p. 29) is selected, continue holding down the  
pad.  
3. Release [MARK].  
[MARK] starts blinking, and “---” appears in the display  
3. When you reach the point that you want to specify as the  
Start Point, press [MARK].  
4. When you reach the point that you want to specify as the  
End Point, press [MARK].  
[MARK] starts blinking, and “---” appears in the display  
When the setting has been made, [MARK] lights.  
4. When you reach the point that you want to specify as the  
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  
dark, and try again from step 1.  
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  
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  
to the moment you pressed [MARK] in step 4 (i.e., a number of  
beats from the Start Point). To specify the BPM, you can press  
[TIME/BPM] so it’s lit and turn the CTRL 2 knob, or press [TAP  
TEMPO] several times.  
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  
to the moment you pressed [MARK] in step 4 (i.e., a number of  
beats from the Start Point). To specify the BPM, you can press  
[TIME/BPM] so it’s lit and turn the CTRL 2 knob, or press [TAP  
TEMPO] several times.  
Changing Only the Start Point (the  
End Point Is the End of the Sample)  
beat  
beat  
beat  
beat timing at which  
you pressed  
Start point  
[
]
MARK  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
2. Press the pad that plays the sample whose setting you want  
to change.  
adjusted  
newly adjusted End Point  
The pad lights and the sample begins playing. This pad is now  
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  
the lit [MARK] button once again during playback to make it go  
dark, and try again from step 1.  
31  
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Chapter 4. Changing the Settings of a Sample  
Making Fine Adjustments to the Start  
Point or End Point  
Deleting an Unwanted Portion  
(Truncate)  
Adjusting the Start/End Points will result in some of the waveform  
data being unneeded.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
You can delete (truncate) this portion of the waveform to make the  
most efficient use of memory.  
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 current pad.  
End of  
the sample  
Beginning of  
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  
earlier, or turn it toward the right to move the Start Point later  
in time.  
unwanted  
unwanted  
Start point  
End point  
the portion which is played back  
Truncate  
If the Start Point is set at the beginning of the sample, turning  
the knob toward the left won’t move the Start Point.  
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  
Point. Turn the knob toward the left to move the End Point  
earlier, or turn it toward the right to move the End Point later in  
time.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
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 current pad.  
If the End Point is set at the end of the sample, turning the knob  
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  
“0.”  
4. Press [DEL] so it’s lit.  
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  
display.  
Performing this procedure once allows you to move the Start  
Point or End Point a maximum of approximately 130 ms  
forward or backward. If you need to move a point farther than  
this, simply repeat steps 36 as many times as necessary.  
6. Press [DEL].  
[DEL] lights, and the Truncate operation is executed.  
The dot in the display will blink while the operation is being  
executed.  
You can’t set the Start Point and End Point closer than  
approximately 100 ms from each other.  
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so  
may destroy not only the sample being truncated, but also the  
other samples or the memory card itself.  
If the Start Point and End Point both return to the beginning  
and end of the sample (respectively) as a result of this  
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  
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Chapter 4. Changing the Settings of a Sample  
Changing a Sample’s BPM  
Changing the Length of a  
Pitch (Time Modify)  
If you want to consecutively play samples that are in the same key  
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.  
The BPM (tempo) of a sample is determined automatically by the  
length of the interval between the sample’s Start Point and End  
Point. However depending on this length, the calculated BPM value  
may be half or double the correct BPM. If this occurs, proceed as  
follows to set the BPM correctly.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
2. Press the pad that plays the sample whose setting you want  
If Reverse Playback (p. 30) is enabled, the Time Modify setting  
is ignored and will not be applied. If you want to use Time  
Modify, you’ll need to turn Reverse Playback off.  
to change.  
The pad lights and the sample begins playing. This pad is now  
the current pad.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
3. Press [TIME/BPM] so it’s lit.  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
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  
value, or toward the right if you want to double it.  
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 current pad.  
5. Press [TIME/BPM] once again so it’s no longer lit.  
This completes the BPM setting.  
3. Press [TIME/BPM] so it’s lit.  
4. Turn the CTRL 1 (TIME) knob.  
Note that while [TIME/BPM] is lit, you can also use the CTRL 1  
(TIME) knob to adjust the sample playback time.  
The BPM value shown in the display changes, and the length of  
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  
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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  
you take your finger off of the pad.  
create rhythm patterns.  
Once playback begins, the pattern will continue playing even after  
To stop pattern playback, press [CANCEL] (PATTERN STOP).  
How Patterns Are Organized  
If [PATTERN SELECT] is lit, a different pattern can be assigned to  
When [PATTERN SELECT] is lit and the display indicates  
“Ptn,” you can also stop pattern playback by pressing the lit  
pad (the pad for the currently playing pattern).  
each of the pads 1–12. A group of twelve patterns assigned to the  
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  
Switching Patterns During  
memory, and pattern banks C–J are on the memory card.  
Playback  
When you turn on the power, pattern bank A is selected.  
1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so it’s lit.  
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. Press one of the BANK [A]–[F/J] buttons to specify the bank  
Changing the Tempo of a  
of the pattern you want to select. (The selected bank button  
lights.)  
Pattern  
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.  
1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so it’s lit.  
3. Press the pad of the desired pattern.  
“Ptn” appears in the display.  
If you press a pad while a pattern is already playing, the pattern  
of the newly pressed pad will be reserved for playback next.  
When the currently playing pattern has played to the end, the  
reserved pattern will begin playing automatically.  
2. Press [TIME/BPM] so it’s lit.  
The pattern tempo (BPM) appears in the display.  
If the pattern tempo is synchronized to the tempo of your MIDI  
sequencer (p. 42), “Mid” appears in the display and you won’t  
be able to perform the remaining steps of this procedure.  
You can switch immediately to another pattern by holding  
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.  
Turning the knob toward the right increases the BPM (faster  
tempo), while turning it toward the left decreases the BPM  
(slower tempo).  
If you press a pad to which no pattern is assigned (i.e., an unlit  
pad), nothing will happen.  
Recording a Pattern  
Range: 40–200  
When you play samples and record your performance as a pattern,  
recording will continue repeatedly over the specified number of  
measures (Loop Recording), allowing you to continue layering  
(overdubbing) samples to build up your pattern.  
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,  
190, 193, 196, or 200.  
1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so it’s lit.  
“Ptn” appears in the display and the pads to which patterns are  
assigned start blinking.  
4. Press [TIME/BPM] so its LED goes out.  
This completes the BPM setting.  
If [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted, the SP-404 is in Sampling  
mode.  
Matching the Tempo of a CD or  
Turntable  
2. Press [REC] so it’s lit.  
You can set the pattern tempo by pressing [TAP TEMPO] in rhythm  
with the playback of a CD or turntable.  
All pads to which no pattern is assigned begin blinking.  
3. Press one of the BANK [A]–[F/J] buttons to select the  
When you press [TAP TEMPO] at regular intervals, those intervals  
will be detected as quarter notes and the BPM will be set  
accordingly. This value will appear in the display.  
pattern bank that you want to use for recording.  
34  
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Chapter 5. Recording a Performance of Samples (Pattern Sequencer)  
The indications in the display have the following meanings.  
4:  
4-3: Adjust timing to quarter note triplet intervals.  
8: Adjust timing to eighth note intervals.  
Adjust timing to quarter note intervals.  
If no memory card is inserted, you can’t select pattern banks C–  
J.  
4. Press the pad to which you want to assign the pattern to be  
recorded.  
8-3: Adjust timing to eighth note triplet intervals.  
16: Adjust timing to sixteenth note intervals.  
16-3: Adjust timing to sixteenth note triplet intervals.  
32: Adjust timing to thirty-second note intervals  
oFF: No quantization. The exact timing you use in pressing  
pads will be recorded.  
The pad you pressed lights, and the remaining pads go out.  
[REC] starts blinking, and the metronome begins sounding.  
5. Press [START/END/LEVEL] so it’s lit.  
6. Turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob to adjust the metronome  
13. Press [QUANTIZE] so its LED goes out.  
volume.  
14. Press [REC].  
7. Press [TIME/BPM] so it’s lit.  
[REC] changes from blinking to lit, and recording begins.  
A one-measure count will occur before recording actually  
begins. Wait for one measure while you listen to the  
metronome. During the count, the display will show the count  
as -4, -3, -2, -1.  
The display shows the pattern tempo (BPM).  
8. While listening to the metronome, turn the CTRL 2 (BPM)  
knob to adjust the pattern tempo.  
Range: 40–200  
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.  
Pads you play during the count will not be recorded.  
If the BPM is 180–200, you can specify a value of 180, 183, 186,  
190, 193, 196, or 200.  
15. Press pads at the desired timing to record them.  
During recording, pressing the pads will play the assigned  
samples. You can also use the bank buttons to switch sample  
banks.  
You can also set the tempo by pressing [TAP TEMPO] several  
times at a regular interval. If you use [TAP TEMPO], you’ll be  
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  
specified length of the pattern, recording will automatically  
return to the first measure and continue (Loop Recording).  
At this time, the performance you recorded on the previous  
passes will play.  
The display shows the length of the pattern to be recorded (as a  
number of measures).  
10. Turn the CTRL 3 knob to specify the length of the pattern.  
The display shows the pattern length (the number of measures)  
that you specify.  
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  
recorded. If you press [REC] once again so it’s lit, rehearsal  
mode will be cancelled and you will return to normal recording.  
Rehearsal mode provides a convenient way to check the sound  
of the sample you intend to record next.  
Range: 1–99  
If a pattern already contains data, you can’t make it shorter than  
its current length.  
Lengths of 1–20 measures can be specified in one-measure  
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  
pad presses you recorded on the previous pass. (This is called  
overdubbing.) This allows you to build up complex  
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  
1. Press [QUANTIZE] so it’s lit.  
11. Press [QUANTIZE] so it’s lit.  
[LENGTH] goes out.  
The display shows the current quantization setting.  
What is quantization?  
When you press the pads to play samples, a certain amount of  
timing inaccuracy will inevitably occur. Quantization is a  
function that automatically corrects these timing inaccuracies  
when you record. If you’re using quantization, the recorded  
timing will automatically be corrected to precise intervals of  
quarter notes, eighth notes, sixteenth notes, etc. In particular for  
groove-based music, this function is a convenient way to ensure  
that your timing is tight. It’s also convenient when creating  
rhythm patterns.  
2. Turn the CTRL 3 knob to change the quantization setting.  
3. Press [QUANTIZE] to turn off its LED.  
The new quantization setting is activated, and is  
immediately applied to pattern recording.  
17. When you have finished recording, press [CANCEL].  
The dot in the display starts blinking. When the recorded data  
has been stored, the blinking stops.  
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so  
may destroy not only the recorded pattern but also other  
patterns and even the memory card.  
12. Turn the CTRL 3 knob to specify the quantization.  
The display shows the quantization setting you specify.  
35  
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Chapter 5. Recording a Performance of Samples (Pattern Sequencer)  
Erasing Mistakes from the Recorded  
Data  
1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so it’s lit.  
“Ptn” appears in the display.  
If you recorded a pad press by mistake, you can erase it as follows.  
Pads that have been recorded start blinking.  
1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so it’s lit.  
“Ptn” appears in the display.  
If [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted, this procedure will delete  
samples (p. 27).  
Pads to which a pattern is assigned start blinking.  
If [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted, you’re in Sampling mode.  
2. Press [DEL] so it’s lit.  
“dEL” appears in the display.  
2. Press [REC] so it’s lit.  
3. Press the pad for the pattern that contains the performance  
with the mistake you want to delete.  
If no patterns are assigned to any pads of the bank, “EMP”  
appears in the display and you won’t be able to execute the  
Delete operation.  
The pad you pressed lights, and the other pads go out.  
[REC] starts blinking, and the metronome begins sounding.  
3. Use the bank buttons and pads to specify the bank and pad  
of the pattern you want to delete.  
4. Press [REC].  
[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  
same bank.  
5. Press [DEL] so it’s lit.  
“ErS” is shown in the display.  
6. At the appropriate moment, press the pad of the sample  
you want to erase.  
If you specify a bank that is protected (p. 43), “Prt” (Protected)  
appears in the display, and you won’t be able to delete the  
pattern.  
While you hold down the pad, the dot in the display will blink,  
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.  
When the pattern you specified has been deleted, the blinking  
will stop.  
7. Repeat step 6 as necessary.  
8. When you’re finished erasing mistakes, press [DEL].  
[DEL] goes out, and the pattern returns to normal recording  
mode.  
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so  
may destroy not only the pattern you’re deleting but also other  
patterns and even the memory card.  
If you press a sample pad at this time, it will be recorded.  
9. Press [CANCEL].  
The dot in the display starts blinking. Once the data you  
specified has been erased, the blinking stops.  
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so  
may destroy not only the recorded pattern but also other  
patterns and even the memory card.  
36  
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Chapter 5. Recording a Performance of Samples (Pattern Sequencer)  
Deleting All Patterns  
memory card in a single operation.  
Changing the Assignments of  
Patterns to Pads  
You can change the pad to which a pattern is assigned by  
exchanging patterns between two pads.  
1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so it’s lit.  
“Ptn” appears in the display.  
You can also exchange assignments between a pad to which a  
pattern is assigned and a pad to which no pattern is assigned.  
Pads that have been recorded start blinking.  
1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so it’s lit.  
If [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted, this procedure will delete  
samples (p. 27).  
“Ptn” appears in the display.  
2. Hold down [CANCEL] and press [DEL].  
“dAL” appears in the display and [DEL] lights. BANK [A]–[F/J]  
begin blinking.  
If [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted, this operation will change  
the assignments of samples (p. 28).  
2. Hold down [DEL] and press [REC].  
[DEL] and [REC] both light, and “CHG” is indicated in the  
display.  
will not blink.  
Pads to which patterns are assigned start blinking.  
3. Press one of the bank buttons to specify the memory that  
you want to delete.  
3. Use the bank buttons and the pads to select one of the  
patterns that you want to exchange.  
The pad lights.  
BANK [A] or [B]: Internal memory  
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 display, and you won’t be able to delete any patterns.  
The pad lights, and [REC] starts blinking.  
5. Press [REC].  
[DEL] and [REC] both light, and the dot in the display starts  
blinking.  
If you decide not to delete, press [CANCEL].  
Once the exchange is complete, the dot goes dark.  
4. Press [DEL].  
[DEL] changes from blinking to lit, and the dot in the display  
begins blinking.  
When exchanging patterns between internal memory and a  
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.  
Once the patterns have been deleted, the dot will go dark.  
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so  
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  
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Chapter 6. Using a Memory Card  
Importing Audio Files  
Here’s how to import audio files from a memory card.  
You must switch OFF the SP-404’s power before inserting or  
removing a memory card. If you insert or remove a memory  
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)  
When you use a computer or other device to copy or save  
an audio file (WAV/AIFF) onto a memory card, you must  
place the file in the root folder (top level) of the memory  
card. If the file is placed anywhere else on the card, you  
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.  
Before using a memory card for the first time, you must format  
that was formatted on another device.  
When inserting or removing a memory card, refer to  
“Inserting/Removing a Memory Card” (p. 11).  
You cannot use a period “.” at the beginning of a file name.  
Certain other characters (\ / : , ; * ? “ < > |) can also not be  
used in a file name.  
For a list of the recommended memory cards, refer to  
“Recommended Memory Cards” (p. 50) in the appendix.  
The file name extension for WAV files must be WAV, and  
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  
their file names.  
Formatting (Initializing) a  
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  
incorrect.  
Formatting a memory card will erase all the data on the card.  
The loop point settings of a AIFF file will be ignored.  
If you attempt to import a WAV/AIFF file in a format that  
the SP-404 does not support, the error message “UnS”  
(Unsupported) will appear, and you will be unable to  
import the file.  
1. Hold down [CANCEL] and press [REMAIN].  
BANK [C/G]–[F/J] begins blinking, and “FMt” appears in the  
display.  
2. Press any one of the BANK [C/G]–[F/J] buttons.  
BANK [C/G]—[F/J] changes from blinking to lit, and [DEL]  
begins blinking.  
You cannot import compressed audio files.  
In some cases, you may be unable to import extremely  
short audio files.  
An import will require approximately the same length of  
time as playing the audio file.  
If you decide not to format the card, press [CANCEL].  
3. Press [DEL].  
You cannot cancel an import operation once you have  
started it.  
[DEL] begins blinking, and formatting of the card begins.  
While formatting is in progress, the dot in the display will blink.  
When the blinking stops, formatting is complete.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so  
may damage the memory card, rendering it unusable.  
2. Hold down [CANCEL] and press [RESAMPLE].  
“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  
recognize the card correctly if you do so.  
3. Press [REC].  
“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.  
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Chapter 6. Using a Memory Card  
Exporting a Sample to an Audio File  
4. Select the sample bank into which you want to import the  
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  
BANK [C/G]–[F/J] button once again, the button starts  
blinking, and a G–J bank is selected.  
Here’s how to convert a sample to an audio file and write it to a  
memory card.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
5. Press the import-destination pad.  
The pad you pressed lights, while the other pads stop blinking.  
Also, [REC] begins blinking.  
2. Hold down [CANCEL] and press [RESAMPLE].  
“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  
pads if there are two or more files), it will be overwritten.  
3. Press [RESAMPLE]. “EXP” (File Export) appears in the  
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)  
appears in the display and you will be unable to import the 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  
BANK [C/G]–[F/J] button once again, the button starts  
blinking, and a G–J bank is selected.  
6. Press [REC] so it’s lit.  
If there is more than one file, the files will be imported in the  
order of their file name, starting with the pad you selected in  
step 5.  
While the import is in progress, the dot in the display will blink.  
When the blinking stops, the import is complete.  
Pads to which a sample is assigned begin blinking.  
5. Select the export-source pad.  
The pad you pressed lights, and the remaining pads stop  
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.  
When the export is complete, the blinking will cease.  
With the factory settings, samples will be exported as WAV files. If  
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  
of the memory card, it will be overwritten.  
1. Hold down [RESAMPLE] and turn on the power.  
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/  
AIFF) Will Appear  
3. Press [RESAMPLE] to confirm your choice of file type.  
Audio files (WAV/AIFF) exported to a memory card will be in  
the root directory (top level) of the memory card.  
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  
This setting will be remembered even after the power is  
switched off.  
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  
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Chapter 6. Using a Memory Card  
Saving Backup Data  
(Backup Save)  
Here’s how to save backup data (all of the SP-404’s data including  
sample banks and pattern banks) to a memory card. You can save up  
to twelve sets of backup data.  
If you decide to cancel the operation at this point, press  
[CANCEL].  
3. Press [REC].  
[REC] lights, and the Backup Load operation begins. The dot in  
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  
that can be saved will be fewer.  
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so  
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  
(Backup Delete)  
“SAV” appears in the display and pads for which backup data  
has not been saved begin blinking.  
Here’s how to delete unwanted backup data (containing all of the  
SP-404’s data including sample banks and pattern banks) from a  
memory card.  
2. Select a backup-destination pad.  
The selected pad lights, and the other pads stop blinking. [REC]  
begins blinking.  
1. Hold down [DEL] and press one of the BANK [C/G]–[F/J]  
buttons.  
You can’t select a pad that was dark in step 1 (i.e., a pad for  
which data has already been saved).  
“bdL” appears in the display and the pads for which backup  
data has been saved begin blinking.  
2. Press a pad to select the backup data that you want to  
If you decide to cancel the operation at this point, press  
[CANCEL].  
delete.  
The selected pad lights, and the other pads stop blinking. [DEL]  
begins blinking.  
3. Press [REC].  
[REC] lights, and the Backup Save operation begins. The dot in  
the display will blink while the operation is in progress. When  
saving is complete, the blinking will stop.  
You can’t select a pad that was dark in step 1 (i.e., a pad for  
which no data has been saved).  
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so  
may damage the backup data or the memory card.  
If you decide to cancel the operation at this point, press  
[CANCEL].  
3. Press [DEL].  
Loading Backup Data  
(Backup Load)  
Here’s how to load backup data (all of the SP-404’s data including  
sample banks and pattern banks) from a memory card.  
[DEL] lights, and the Backup Delete operation begins. The dot  
in the display will blink while the operation is in progress.  
When the Backup Delete operation is complete, the blinking  
will stop.  
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so  
may damage the backup data or the memory card.  
When you execute the Backup Load operation, the internal  
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  
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Chapter 7. Other Functions  
Changing the MIDI Channel  
Using the SP-404 with Other  
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  
1. Refer to the following table, and turn on the power while  
holding down the pad that corresponds to the channel you  
want to use.  
standard that allows electronic musical instruments and computers  
to exchange performance data. The SP-404 supports the MIDI  
standard, and provides a MIDI IN connector. You can connect this  
connector to another MIDI device to do a variety of things.  
The SP-404’s MIDI IN connector receives MIDI messages from  
another connected MIDI device.  
Channel  
Display  
C. 1  
Pad  
1
1
:
:
:
12  
13  
14  
15  
C.12  
C.13  
C.14  
C.15  
12  
HOLD  
EXT SOURCE  
SUB PAD  
The “MIDI Implementation Chart” (p. 51) provides an easy way  
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.  
Synchronizing to an External MIDI  
Device  
MIDI on the SP-404  
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.  
The MIDI synchronization mode will appear in the display. The  
MIDI synchronization mode determines how the SP-404  
operates in synchronization with another device.  
MIDI Ch  
Note  
Note#  
Pad Base Ch  
Pad Base Ch + 1  
A2#  
46 (0x2E)  
EXT SOURCE  
MIDI syn-  
chronization  
mode  
Explanation  
B2  
:
A3#  
47 (0x2F)  
:
58 (0x3A)  
[A] Pad 1  
:
Pad 12  
Aut”  
(Auto Sync)  
When MIDI Clock messages are received,  
the SP-404 will automatically detect them  
and synchronize to their tempo. MIDI  
Start/Stop/Continue messages can be re-  
ceived to start/stop pattern playback.  
* MIDI Start/Stop/Continue messages will  
not be received during pattern recording.  
When MIDI Clock messages are received,  
the SP-404 will automatically detect them  
and synchronize to their tempo. MIDI  
Start/Stop/Continue messages will not be  
received.  
* Choose this setting if you want to play the  
SP-404’s patterns at the timing you choose  
but in synchronization with a perfor-  
mance sent from an external MIDI se-  
quencer.  
B3  
:
A4#  
B4  
:
A5#  
B5  
:
A6#  
B6  
:
A7#  
59 (0x3B)  
:
70 (0x46)  
71 (0x47)  
:
82 (0x52)  
83 (0x53)  
:
94 (0x5E)  
[B] Pad 1  
:
Pad 12  
[C] Pad 1  
[G] Pad 1  
:
:
Pad 12  
[D] Pad 1  
Pad 12  
[H] Pad 1  
tMp”  
(Tempo Sync)  
:
:
Pad 12  
[E] Pad 1  
Pad 12  
[I] Pad 1  
95 (0x5F)  
:
:
:
106 (0x6A)  
107 (0x6B)  
:
Pad 12  
[F] Pad 1  
Pad 12  
[J] Pad 1  
B7  
:
A8#  
:
:
118 (0x76)  
Pad 12  
Pad 12  
oFF”  
(Sync OFF)  
MIDI Clock and Start/Stop/Continue mes-  
sages will not be received.  
You can change the MIDI channel by changing the Pad Base  
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  
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Chapter 7. Other Functions  
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  
MIDI Sequencer  
With the factory settings (MIDI synchronization mode “Aut”), you  
can simply connect your external MIDI sequencer to the SP-404 and  
control pattern playback Start/Stop and tempo from your sequencer.  
1. Hold down [TAP TEMPO] and turn on the power.  
“LEd” appears in the display.  
2. Turn the CTRL 1 knob to adjust the speed.  
[REC] will blink as you turn the knob.  
Setting  
Explanation  
oFF”  
No blinking.  
* The illumination will not blink even during pat-  
tern playback.  
1. Use a MIDI cable to connect the MIDI OUT connector of your  
external MIDI sequencer to the SP-404’s MIDI IN connector.  
1–9”  
The illumination will blink at a fixed speed. High-  
er values produce faster blinking.  
2. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so it’s lit.  
3. Press one of the BANK [A]–[F/J] buttons to select the bank  
of the pattern you want to play.  
* During pattern playback, the illumination will  
blink in synchronization with the pattern tempo.  
You can select pattern banks G–J by pressing BANK [C/G]–[F/  
J] once again to make the button blink.  
Ptn”  
The illumination will blink in synchronization  
with the pattern tempo.  
3. Press [REC] to confirm the blinking speed you specified.  
If you decide to cancel, press [CANCEL].  
You can’t select pattern banks C–J if no memory card is  
inserted.  
4. Hold down [HOLD] and press the pad of the pattern you  
want to play. (This specifies the pattern.)  
This setting is remembered even after you turn off the power.  
The pad of the specified pattern lights.  
If you simply press a pad without holding down [HOLD], the  
pattern will begin playing immediately.  
Checking the Remaining  
Battery Level  
5. Start your external MIDI sequencer.  
The pattern you selected will begin playing in synchronization  
with your external MIDI sequencer.  
1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted.  
If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off.  
The pattern tempo will synchronize to the tempo of your  
external MIDI sequencer.  
2. Hold down [REMAIN].  
While you hold down the button, the BANK [A]–[F/J] buttons  
light to indicate the remaining battery level.  
6. When you stop your external MIDI sequencer, pattern  
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  
to the sequencer, it is possible that the sequencer is not  
transmitting MIDI Clock or Start/Continue/Stop messages.  
Refer to the owner’s manual for your external MIDI sequencer,  
and check its settings.  
BANK [A] only lit: Replace the batteries. If you continue using  
the SP-404, “Lo” appears in the display and it will no longer be  
possible to operate the SP-404.  
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  
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Chapter 7. Other Functions  
Using the Protect Setting  
You can enable the Protect setting to prevent samples or patterns  
from being overwritten or erased accidentally.  
Initializing the SP-404’s  
Internal Memory  
Performing this operation will erase all samples and patterns  
from internal memory (banks A and B).  
Protecting All Samples and Patterns  
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)  
You can’t initialize if the Protect setting is on. (“Prt” appears in  
the display.)  
If you use the memory card on the same SP-404 unit, the card  
banks will be protected. However, if you use the same memory  
card on another device or computer, the banks of that card will  
not be protected.  
1. While holding down [CANCEL], [REMAIN], and [DEL], turn  
on the power.  
“ini” appears in the display and [REC] begins blinking.  
This setting is remembered even after you turn off the power.  
If you decide to cancel at this point, simply turn off the power.  
Protecting the Preset Samples and  
Patterns (Sample Bank A, Pattern  
Bank A)  
2. If you are sure you want to initialize the internal memory,  
press [REC].  
[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  
A are now protected.  
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking. Doing so  
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  
are protected.  
Checking the Version Number  
1. While holding down [MARK], turn on the power.  
The version number is indicated in the display.  
With the factory settings, samples are assigned to pads 1 and 2  
of sample bank B, but these samples are not protected.  
Press [CANCEL] to return to normal operation.  
Canceling the Protect Setting  
Setting the Internal Processing  
Level of the SP-404  
1. While holding down [CANCEL], turn on the power.  
“P.oF” appears in the display; the samples and patterns of  
banks A–J are now unprotected.  
The internal processing of the SP-404 can be modified in order to  
adjust the overall volume.  
The factory-set samples and patterns will no longer be  
protected. If you erase or modify them, it will not be possible to  
restore their factory-set state. (p. 12)  
1. Hold down [CANCEL] while you also hold down [START/  
END/LEVEL], and turn the CTRL 3 knob.  
Range: -3 dB, 0 dB, 3 dB, 6 dB, 9 dB, 12 dB  
This setting is remembered even after you turn off the power.  
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  
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Chapter 8. Examples of Using the SP-404  
11. On the next cycle, enter pad 10 (snare) on the second and  
fourth beats.  
Using the Pattern Sequencer  
QUANTIZE = 4  
to Create a Rhythm Pattern  
SNARE  
SNARE  
In this example we’ll use the factory-assigned samples to create a  
KICK  
KICK  
two-measure rhythm pattern at 102 BPM.  
We’ll use the following samples that are assigned to sample bank A:  
Pad 9: Kick  
Pad 10: Snare  
Pad 12: Hi-hat  
Pad 4: Voice  
12. Switch the quantization to 8th notes.  
Press [QUANTIZE] so it’s lit, and turn the CTRL 3 knob to make  
the display indicate “8.”  
Press [QUANTIZE] once again so its LED goes out.  
1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so it’s lit.  
13. From the beginning of the next cycle, enter pad 12 (hi-hat)  
at 8th note intervals.  
2. Press [REC] so it is blinking.  
Notice that the hi-hat sound is played back precisely on the  
beat.  
All pads to which no pattern is assigned begin blinking.  
3. Press one of the BANK [A]–[F/J] buttons to select the  
QUANTIZE = 8  
pattern bank you want to use for recording.  
You can't select pattern banks C–J if no memory card is inserted.  
SNARE  
SNARE  
KICK  
KICK  
4. Press the pad to which you want to assign the pattern  
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  
“oFF” to be shown in the display.  
Press [QUANTIZE] once again so its LED goes out.  
5. Adjust the metronome level.  
Press [START/END/LEVEL] so it’s lit, and turn the CTRL 3  
(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  
the display indicate “4.”  
KICK  
KICK  
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  
that pad will continue being deleted as long as you continue  
holding down that pad. Deletion will stop when you release the  
pad. (p. 36)  
If you press [REC] once again and get it to start blinking, “rEH”  
appears in the display, meaning you are in rehearsal mode. In  
this mode, samples will sound when you press the pads, but  
will not be recorded. To cancel rehearsal mode and return to  
normal recording mode, press [REC] once again so it lights  
steadily.  
[DEL] lit  
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  
for this duration  
SNARE  
10. While listening to the metronome, enter pad 9 (kick) on the  
SNARE  
first beat and third beat.  
KICK  
KICK  
QUANTIZE = 4  
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  
the beat.  
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking.  
44  
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Chapter 8. Examples of Using the SP-404  
Applying Effects to the Sound of a  
Turntable  
Here’s how you can apply the SP-404’s effects to the turntable or  
other sounds routed through your DJ mixer.  
Using the SP-404 with a  
Turntable  
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  
turntable performance.  
Power Amplifier  
Connections  
Power Amplifier  
Turntable  
DJ Mixer  
Turntable  
PHONO A  
LINE B  
1. Lower the send level and return level of your DJ mixer.  
2. Start the turntable.  
Turntable  
DJ Mixer  
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  
6. Gradually raise the send level and return level of the DJ  
position.  
mixer to adjust the volume.  
Start your turntable.  
7. Turn CTRL 1–3 to modify the effect.  
2. While pressing the pads of the SP-404 to play the sounds,  
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...  
1. With no sample or pattern playing, press [EXT SOURCE]  
so it's lit.  
3. Set the crossfader of the DJ mixer to the center position.  
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  
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Appendices  
Quick Reference to Operations  
Purpose  
Operation  
Play a sample  
Pad [1]–[12]  
Play an external input sound  
Mono/stereo setting for external input  
Sampling  
[EXT SOURCE]  
[EXT SOURCE] –> [STEREO]  
[REC] –> Pad [1]–[12] –> [REC]  
Specify auto sampling  
Defeat auto sampling  
Resampling  
Delete individual samples  
Delete all samples  
Set the volume of a sample  
Set start point  
Set end point  
[CANCEL] + [REC] –> CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob –> [REC]  
[CANCEL] + [REC] –> turn CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob to the far left –> [REC]  
[RESAMPLE] –> CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob –> [REC] –> Pads [1]–[12] –> [REC] –> Pads [1]–[12]  
[DEL] –> Pad [1]–[12] –> [DEL]  
[CANCEL] + [DEL] –> BANK [A]–[F/J] –> [DEL]  
Pad [1]–[12] –> [START/END/LEVEL] –> CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob  
Pad [1]–[12] –> [MARK] –> press pad [1]–[12] once again to stop sound  
[MARK] + pad [1]–[12] –> [MARK]  
Set start/end points  
Adjust start/end points  
Time Modify setting  
Exchange samples between pads  
Save backup  
Load backup  
View remaining sampling time  
Select MFX type  
Pad [1]–[12] –> [MARK] –> [MARK]  
Pad [1]–[12] –> [START/END/LEVEL] –> CTRL 1 (START) knob / CTRL 2 (END) knob  
Pad [1]–[12] –> [TIME/BPM] –> CTRL 1 (TIME) knob  
[DEL] + [REC] –> specify source pad –> specify destination pad –> [REC]  
[CANCEL] + BANK [C/G]–[F/J] –> press pad [1]–[12] to specify an area –> [REC]  
[CANCEL] + BANK [A] or [B] –> press pad [1]–[12] to specify the area –> [REC]  
[REMAIN]  
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  
Effect grab  
[REMAIN] + effect button  
[TAP TEMPO] + effect button  
Play pattern  
[PATTERN SELECT] –> pad [1]–[12]  
Stop pattern (1)  
[CANCEL]  
Stop pattern (2)  
Record a pattern  
[PATTERN SELECT] –> pad of currently playing pattern  
[PATTERN SELECT] –> [REC] –> pad [1]–[12] –> [CANCEL]  
[PATTERN SELECT] –> [TIME/BPM] –> CTRL 2 (BPM) knob  
[PATTERN SELECT] –> press [TAP TEMPO] several times  
While recording a pattern or in recording standby, [QUANTIZE] –> CTRL 3 knob  
In standby mode, [LENGTH] –> CTRL 3 knob  
While recording a pattern or in recording standby, [START/END/LEVEL] –> CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob  
During pattern recording, [REC]  
During pattern recording, [DEL] –> pad [1]–[12]  
[PATTERN SELECT] –> [DEL] + [REC] –> pad [1]–[12] –> pad [1]–[12] –> [REC]  
[PATTERN SELECT] –> [DEL] –> pad [1]–[12] –> [DEL]  
[PATTERN SELECT] –> [CANCEL] + [DEL] –> BANK [A]–[F/J] –> [DEL]  
Specify pattern tempo (1)  
Specify pattern tempo (2)  
Quantize setting  
Specify pattern length  
Metronome volume setting  
Rehearse pattern recording  
Delete recorded notes  
Exchange patterns between pads  
Delete individual pattern  
Delete all patterns  
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  
Initialize internal memory  
Turn off Protect  
[TIME/BPM] + Switch ON power –> CTRL 1 (TIME) knob –> [TIME/BPM]  
[CANCEL] + [DEL] + [REMAIN] + Switch ON power  
[CANCEL] + Switch ON power  
Protect a bank A–J  
[REMAIN] + Switch ON power  
Protect bank A  
Format memory card  
Effect Limit Mode  
[REMAIN] + BANK [A] + Switch ON power  
[CANCEL] + [REMAIN] –> BANK [C/G]–[F/J] –> [DEL]  
[CANCEL] + [MFX]  
Send/Return Mode  
[CANCEL] + [VINYL SIM]  
Set the internal processing level  
[CANCEL] + [START/END/LEVEL] + CTRL 3 knob  
46  
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Appendices  
Sound from a Device Connected to  
Troubleshooting  
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.  
LINE IN Is Inaudible or Too Soft  
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  
No Sound/Insufficient Volume  
Could the level of the external input be  
lowered?  
Turn the CTRL 3 knob to adjust the level appropriately. (p. 17)  
Are the SP-404 and your connected equipment  
powered up?  
Are the SP-404 and your external equipment  
connected correctly?  
Could the volume of the device connected to  
LINE IN be lowered?  
Adjust the level appropriately.  
Check the connections. (p. 10)  
Are the audio cables connected correctly?  
Could the audio cables be broken?  
Could you be using an audio cable with a  
built-in resistor?  
Check the connections. (p. 10)  
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  
connected amp or mixer?  
Use connection cables that do not contain resistors (such as one from  
the Roland PCS series).  
Adjust the level appropriately.  
Sound from the Mic Is Inaudible or Too  
Soft  
Could the SP-404’s volume be lowered?  
Adjust the level appropriately.  
Is [EXT SOURCE] lit?  
In order to hear the sound from the mic input, you must press [EXT  
SOURCE] so its LED is turned on.  
If you hear sound from the headphones, a connection cable may be  
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]  
so it’s lit.  
If you’re using a memory card, is it inserted  
correctly?  
Could the external input level be lowered?  
Check the memory card. (p. 11)  
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  
or the SP-404’s internal mic be lowered?  
When you press the pad of a sample, that sample will sound. If a pad  
does not light when you press it, no sample has been assigned to that  
pad.  
Turn the MIC LEVEL knob to adjust the level appropriately.  
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  
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Appendices  
Can’t Sample  
Problems with Memory  
Could you be out of memory?  
Data Is Not Correctly Saved in Internal  
Memory  
If you are out of memory, “FUL” (Memory Full) appears in the  
display when you attempt to sample. Delete unwanted samples to  
increase the amount of free memory. (p. 27)  
You may have turned off the power while  
data was being written into internal memory  
(while the dot in the display was blinking).  
The lost data cannot be recovered.  
the memory card inserted correctly?  
Check the memory card. (p. 11)  
In this case, it is possible that all of the data in internal memory has  
been damaged. Since there is a danger that the SP-404 will not  
operate correctly if you continue using it in this state, please  
initialize the internal memory. (p. 43)  
If you’re sampling into sample banks C–J, has  
404?  
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  
Memory Card  
You can’t sample if there are no vacant pads. Delete unwanted  
samples to free up some of the pads. (p. 27)  
You may have turned off the power while  
data was being written into the memory card  
(while the dot in the display was blinking).  
The lost data cannot be recovered.  
Could [PATTERN SELECT] be lit?  
If [PATTERN SELECT] is lit, you will be selecting patterns; you  
cannot sample in this state.  
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  
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  
format the memory card. (p. 38)  
Could [DEL] be lit or blinking?  
If [DEL] is lit or blinking, you are deleting samples; you cannot  
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  
You Insert It  
Can’t Select Data from the Memory  
Card  
Is the input level appropriate?  
If the input level is too high, the sampled sound will be distorted. If  
the input level is too low, the sampled sound will be noisy. Adjust  
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  
any noise that is present.  
The SP-404 can use CompactFlash cards of a capacity ranging from  
32 MB to 1 GB. No other types of memory card can be used. (p. 50)  
Try turning the effect off temporarily to see whether the original  
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  
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Appendices  
Pattern Sequencer Does Not  
Synchronize to the External MIDI  
Device’s Tempo  
Problems with MIDI or  
Synchronization  
Can’t Play Samples from an External  
MIDI Device  
Is the pattern sequencer correctly set to  
synchronize?  
Check the setting. (p. 41)  
Is the external MIDI device powered up?  
Is the external MIDI device set to transmit MIDI  
Clock messages?  
Is the MIDI cable connected correctly?  
Check the connection.  
Some devices have a setting to turn MIDI Clock transmission on/off.  
Some external devices such as sequencers may transmit MIDI Clock  
messages only during playback.  
Could the MIDI cable be broken?  
Is the MIDI channel set correctly?  
Could the tempo of the external MIDI device  
be exceeding the range of tempos to which  
the SP-404 can synchronize?  
Set the SP-404 and the external MIDI device to the same MIDI  
channel. (p. 41)  
Is the external MIDI device set to transmit MIDI  
Note messages?  
The SP-404 can synchronize to a tempo in the range of 40–200. It may  
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)  
AiF (AIFF)  
Bank A is protected.  
Audio files will be exported in AIFF format.  
Backup data will be deleted.  
Pre-adjust the parameters of the effect you will select next.  
Samples or patterns will be exchanged between two pads.  
All samples or patterns in the bank will be deleted.  
The sample or pattern will be deleted.  
bdL (Backup Delete)  
C-1, C-2, C-3 (CTRL 1–3)  
CHG (Change)  
dAL (Delete All)  
dEL (Delete)  
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.  
Faulty data was found in internal memory; it has been repaired or deleted.  
Data will be erased from the pattern.  
Err (Error)  
ErS (Erase)  
EXP (File Export)  
FiL (File I/E)  
FMt (Format)  
The sample will be exported as WAV or AIFF.  
WAV or AIFF data will be imported/exported.  
Memory card will be formatted.  
FUL (Memory Full)  
iMP (File Import)  
ini (Initialize)  
Processing could not be executed because there is insufficient memory.  
WAV or AIFF data will be imported.  
All data will be initialized.  
L.oF (Limit mode off)  
L.on (Limit mode on)  
LEd (LED)  
Effect Limit mode is off.  
Effect Limit mode is on.  
The blinking speed of the display illumination will be specified.  
The resampling volume (level) will be specified.  
If the batteries run down completely, no further operations will be possible. Replace the batteries immediately.  
Backup data will be loaded.  
LEV (Level)  
Lo (Battery Low)  
Lod (Backup Load)  
Mid (MIDI)  
Synchronized to MIDI Clock.  
P.oF (Protect off)  
P.on (All data protect on)  
Prt (Protected)  
Ptn (Pattern)  
Protect is turned off.  
All banks are protected.  
The operation cannot be performed because Protect is enabled.  
Pattern playback or recording will be performed.  
Waiting for input signal during Auto Sampling.  
rdy (Ready)  
49  
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Appendices  
Message  
Meaning  
rEC (Recording)  
rEh (Rehearsal)  
S.oF (Send/Return mode off)  
S.on (Send/Return mode on)  
SAV (Backup Save)  
trC (Truncate)  
Sampling. Resampling. Recording a pattern.  
Rehearsal mode during pattern recording.  
Send/Return mode is off.  
Send/Return mode is on.  
Backup data will be saved.  
Sample will be truncated.  
UnS (Unsupported format)  
WAV  
The operation was cancelled because the WAV or AIFF is in a format not supported by the SP-404.  
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  
BUFFALO  
HAGIWARA SYS-COM  
I•O DATA  
Model  
RCF-G (256 MB, 1 GB), RCF-X (32 MB, 64 MB, 128 MB, 512 MB)  
Zpro: HPC-CF128ZP (128 MB), HPC-CF512ZP (512 MB), HPC-CF1GZP (1 GB)  
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:  
Date:  
SP-404  
July 12, 2005  
Version: 1.02  
System Common Message  
1. Receive data  
Channel Voice Messages  
Song Position Pointer  
Status  
2nd byte  
3rd byte  
llH  
F2H  
mmH  
(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.  
System Realtime Message  
Note Off  
Status  
2nd byte  
kkH  
3rd byte  
vvH  
8nH  
Timing Clock  
Status  
9nH  
kkH  
00H  
F8H  
n = MIDI channel number: 0H - FH (ch.1 - ch.16)  
kk = note number: 2EH - 76H (46 - 118)  
vv = note off velocity: 00H - 7FH (0 - 127)  
*
This message is received if Sync Mode is AUTO or TEMPO.  
Start  
Note On  
Status  
Status  
2nd byte  
kkH  
3rd byte  
vvH  
FAH  
9nH  
*
This message is received if Sync Mode is AUTO.  
n = MIDI channel number: 0H - FH (ch.1 - ch.16)  
kk = note number: 2EH - 76H (46 - 118)  
vv = note on velocity: 01H - 7FH (1 - 127)  
Continue  
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  
on, and those note-off messages will be recorded.  
Stop  
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  
n = MIDI channel number: 0H - FH (ch.1 - ch.16)  
FEH  
*
If the All Sound Off message is received, all notes will be silenced regardless of their  
channel.  
50  
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Appendices  
MIDI Implementation Chart  
Date : July 12, 2005  
Version : 1.02  
Model SP-404  
MIDI Implementation Chart  
Function...  
Transmitted  
Recognized  
Remarks  
Basic  
Channel Changed  
Default  
X
X
1–16  
1–16  
Default  
Messages  
Altered  
X
X
Mode 3  
X
Mode  
**************  
Note  
Number :  
X
46–118  
46–118  
True Voice  
**************  
Note On  
Note Off  
X
X
O
X
Velocity  
After  
Touch  
Key’s  
Channel’s  
X
X
X
X
Pitch Bend  
X
X
X
X
X
Control  
Change  
Program  
Change  
X
**************  
: True Number  
System Exclusive  
X
X
: Song Position  
: Song Select  
: Tune Request  
X
X
X
O
X
X
*1  
System  
Common  
System  
Real Time : Commands  
: Clock  
X
X
O
O
*2  
*1  
X
X
X
X
X
X
O
X
X
X
O
X
*3  
: All Sound Off  
: Reset All Controllers  
Aux  
Messages  
: Local On/Off  
: All Notes Off  
: Active Sensing  
: System Reset  
* 1 Received if Sync Mode is AUTO.  
* 2 Received if Sync Mode is AUTO or TEMPO.  
Notes  
* 3 All notes will be silenced regardless of their channel.  
Mode 1 : OMNI ON, POLY  
Mode 3 : OMNI OFF, POLY  
Mode 2 : OMNI ON, MONO  
Mode 4 : OMNI OFF, MONO  
O : Yes  
X : No  
51  
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Appendices  
Specifications  
Display  
SP-404: Sampler  
7 segments, 3 characters (LED)  
Maximum Polyphony  
Onboard Mic  
12 voices  
Mono x 1  
Internal Memory  
Connectors  
Samples: 24 (12 samples x 2 banks)  
*
Including Pre-loaded Samples  
Patterns: 24 (12 patterns x 2 banks)  
Including Pre-loaded Patterns  
LINE INPUT Jacks (L, R) (RCA phono type)  
LINE OUTPUT Jacks (L, R) (RCA phono type)  
Headphones (PHONES) Jack (Stereo 1/4 inch phone type)  
MIC Jack (1/4 inch phone type)  
*
Memory Card (CompactFlash)  
MIDI IN Connector  
AC Adaptor Jack  
Samples: 96 (12 samples x 8 banks)  
Patterns: 96 (12 patterns x 8 banks)  
Memory Card Slot (CompactFlash)  
Power Supply  
Maximum Sampling Time (mono, approx.)  
DC 9 V (Dry battery LR6 (AA) type x 6 or AC Adaptor)  
Internal Memory (Including Pre-loaded Samples)  
STANDARD  
LO-FI  
Expected battery life under continuous use:  
5 min.  
11 min.  
Alkaline: 6 hours  
Memory Card  
*
These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.  
Card capacity  
32 MB  
STANDARD  
12 min.  
LO-FI  
24 min.  
48 min.  
96 min.  
193 min.  
386 min.  
772 min.  
Current Draw  
64 MB  
24 min.  
300 mA  
128 MB  
256 MB  
512 MB  
1 GB  
48 min.  
96 min.  
193 min.  
386 min.  
Dimensions  
177.6 (W) x 256.7 (D) x 72.1 (H) mm  
7 (W) x 10-1/8 (D) x 2-7/8 (H) inches  
Sampling Frequency  
44.1 kHz  
Weight  
1.3 kg  
Data Format  
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  
appearance of this unit are subject to change without prior notice.  
*
Including Pre-loaded Patterns  
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  
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A
AIFF ..................................................................................... 38–39  
Assignment  
File Import ................................................................................ 38  
B
H
Backup Data ............................................................................. 40  
Backup Delete .......................................................................... 40  
Internal Memory ........................................ 23, 27–28, 34, 37, 43  
C
C-3 .............................................................................................. 19  
CANCEL ....................................................... 8, 13, 29, 34–35, 44  
Current Effect ........................................................................... 19  
L
LINE IN ..................................................................... 9–10, 17, 23  
D
dEL ................................................................................. 15, 27, 36  
Delete  
M
MIC LEVEL .................................................................... 9, 17, 24  
MIDI Channel .......................................................................... 41  
Multi-Effects ............................................................................. 18  
E
End Point ...................................................................... 25, 30–32  
ErS .............................................................................................. 36  
EXP ............................................................................................ 39  
Export ........................................................................................ 39  
EXT SOURCE ................................................................. 8, 17, 45  
External MIDI Device ............................................................. 41  
External MIDI Sequencer ....................................................... 42  
External Source ........................................................................ 17  
N
Note Number ........................................................................... 41  
O
One-shot .................................................................................... 29  
Overdubbing ............................................................................ 34  
53  
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Index  
P
Polyphony ................................................................................ 16  
POWER ................................................................................. 9–10  
Protect ....................................................................................... 43  
Protected ........................................................... 27, 36–37, 39–40  
Send Level ................................................................................ 45  
Send/Return Mode ................................................................. 19  
Q
R
REMAIN ............................................................. 8, 17–19, 28, 42  
RESAMPLE .......................................................................... 8, 26  
Resampling ............................................................................... 26  
RETURN ................................................................................... 19  
Return Level ............................................................................. 45  
REVERSE .............................................................................. 8, 30  
Rhythm Pattern ........................................................................ 44  
Root ...................................................................................... 38–39  
TIME .......................................................................................... 33  
Time Modify ............................................................................. 33  
trC .............................................................................................. 32  
Trigger ....................................................................................... 29  
U
Unsupported ............................................................................ 38  
V
Version Number ...................................................................... 43  
VOLUME ............................................................ 7, 17, 29, 35, 44  
W
WAV .................................................................................... 38–39  
54  
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For EU Countries  
For the USA  
This product complies with the requirements of European Directive 89/336/EEC.  
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.  
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Information  
When you need repair service, call your nearest Roland Service Center or authorized Roland  
distributor in your country as shown below.  
PHILIPPINES  
COSTA RICA  
TRINIDAD  
NORWAY  
JORDAN  
AFRICA  
G.A. Yupangco & Co. Inc.  
339 Gil J. Puyat Avenue  
Makati, Metro Manila 1200,  
PHILIPPINES  
JUAN Bansbach Instrumentos  
AMR Ltd  
Roland Scandinavia Avd.  
MUSIC HOUSE CO. LTD.  
Ground Floor  
Musicales  
Kontor Norge  
FREDDY FOR MUSIC  
P. O. Box 922846  
Amman 11192 JORDAN  
TEL: (06) 5692696  
EGYPT  
Al Fanny Trading Office  
9, EBN Hagar A1 Askalany  
Street,  
ARD E1 Golf, Heliopolis,  
Cairo 11341, EGYPT  
TEL: 20-2-417-1828  
Maritime Plaza  
Barataria Trinidad W.I.  
TEL: (868) 638 6385  
Ave.1. Calle 11, Apartado 10237,  
San Jose, COSTA RICA  
TEL: 258-0211  
Lilleakerveien 2 Postboks 95  
Lilleaker N-0216 Oslo  
NORWAY  
TEL: (02) 899 9801  
TEL: 2273 0074  
SINGAPORE  
SWEE LEE MUSIC  
COMPANY PTE. LTD.  
150 Sims Drive,  
SINGAPORE 387381  
TEL: 6846-3676  
URUGUAY  
Todo Musica S.A.  
Francisco Acuna de Figueroa  
1771  
C.P.: 11.800  
Montevideo, URUGUAY  
TEL: (02) 924-2335  
CURACAO  
Zeelandia Music Center Inc.  
Orionweg 30  
Curacao, Netherland Antilles  
TEL:(305)5926866  
KUWAIT  
EASA HUSAIN AL-YOUSIFI  
& SONS CO.  
Abdullah Salem Street,  
Safat, KUWAIT  
TEL: 243-6399  
POLAND  
MX MUSIC SP.Z.O.O.  
UL. Gibraltarska 4.  
PL-03664 Warszawa POLAND  
TEL: (022) 679 44 19  
REUNION  
Maison FO - YAM Marcel  
25 Rue Jules Hermann,  
Chaudron - BP79 97 491  
Ste Clotilde Cedex,  
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC  
Instrumentos Fernando Giraldez  
Calle Proyecto Central No.3  
Ens.La Esperilla  
Santo Domingo,  
Dominican Republic  
TEL:(809) 683 0305  
TAIWAN  
ROLAND TAIWAN  
ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.  
Room 5, 9fl. No. 112 Chung  
Shan N.Road Sec.2, Taipei,  
TAIWAN, R.O.C.  
PORTUGAL  
Roland Iberia, S.L.  
Portugal Office  
Cais das Pedras, 8/9-1 Dto  
4050-465, Porto, PORTUGAL  
TEL: 22 608 00 60  
LEBANON  
Chahine S.A.L.  
Gerge Zeidan St., Chahine  
Bldg., Achrafieh, P.O.Box: 16-  
5857  
Beirut, LEBANON  
TEL: (01) 20-1441  
VENEZUELA  
Instrumentos Musicales  
Allegro,C.A.  
Av.las industrias edf.Guitar  
REUNION ISLAND  
TEL: (0262) 218-429  
SOUTH AFRICA  
That Other Music Shop(PTY)Ltd.  
11 Melle St., Braamfontein,  
Johannesbourg,  
SOUTH AFRICA  
TEL: (011) 403 4105  
import  
#7 zona Industrial de Turumo  
Caracas, Venezuela  
TEL: (212) 244-1122  
TEL: (02) 2561 3339  
ROMANIA  
FBS LINES  
Piata Libertatii 1,  
535500 Gheorgheni,  
ROMANIA  
ECUADOR  
Mas Musika  
Rumichaca 822 y Zaruma  
Guayaquil - Ecuador  
THAILAND  
OMAN  
Theera Music Co. , Ltd.  
330 Soi Verng NakornKasem,  
New Road, Sumpantawongse,  
Bangkok 10100, THAILAND  
TEL: (02) 224-8821  
TALENTZ CENTRE L.L.C.  
Malatan House No.1  
Al Noor Street, Ruwi  
SULTANATE OF OMAN  
TEL: 2478 3443  
FAX: (011) 403 1234  
EUROPE  
TEL:(593-4)2302364  
TEL: (266) 364 609  
Paul Bothner(PTY)Ltd.  
Royal Cape Park, Unit 24  
Londonderry Road, Ottery 7800  
Cape Town, SOUTH AFRICA  
TEL: (021) 799 4900  
EL SALVADOR  
OMNI MUSIC  
75 Avenida Norte y Final  
Alameda Juan Pablo II,  
Edificio No.4010 San Salvador,  
EL SALVADOR  
AUSTRIA  
Roland Elektronische  
Musikinstrumente HmbH.  
RUSSIA  
MuTek  
Dorozhnaya ul.3,korp.6  
117 545 Moscow, RUSSIA  
TEL: (095) 981-4967  
VIETNAM  
SAIGON MUSIC  
DISTRIBUTOR  
(TAN DINH MUSIC)  
138 Tran Quang Khai Street  
Dist. 1, Ho Chi Minh City  
VIETNAM  
QATAR  
Al Emadi Co. (Badie Studio &  
Stores)  
P.O. Box 62, Doha, QATAR  
Austrian Office  
Eduard-Bodem-Gasse 8,  
A-6020 Innsbruck, AUSTRIA  
TEL: (0512) 26 44 260  
TEL: 262-0788  
TEL: 4423-554  
SPAIN  
ASIA  
Roland Iberia, S.L.  
Paseo García Faria, 33-35  
08005 Barcelona SPAIN  
TEL: 93 493 91 00  
GUATEMALA  
SAUDI ARABIA  
aDawliah Universal  
Electronics APL  
Corniche Road, Aldossary  
Bldg., 1st Floor, Alkhobar,  
SAUDI ARABIA  
BELGIUM/FRANCE/  
HOLLAND/  
LUXEMBOURG  
Roland Central Europe N.V.  
Houtstraat 3, B-2260, Oevel  
(Westerlo) BELGIUM  
CHINA  
Roland Shanghai Electronics  
Co.,Ltd.  
5F. No.1500 Pingliang Road  
Shanghai 200090, CHINA  
TEL: (021) 5580-0800  
Casa Instrumental  
Calzada Roosevelt 34-01,zona 11  
Ciudad de Guatemala  
Guatemala  
TEL: (08) 848-4068  
SWEDEN  
Roland Scandinavia A/S  
SWEDISH SALES OFFICE  
Danvik Center 28, 2 tr.  
S-131 30 Nacka SWEDEN  
TEL: (0)8 702 00 20  
TEL:(502) 599-2888  
AUSTRALIA/  
NEW ZEALAND  
AUSTRALIA/  
NEW ZEALAND  
Roland Corporation  
Australia Pty.,Ltd.  
38 Campbell Avenue  
Dee Why West. NSW 2099  
AUSTRALIA  
HONDURAS  
Almacen Pajaro Azul S.A. de C.V.  
BO.Paz Barahona  
3 Ave.11 Calle S.O  
San Pedro Sula, Honduras  
TEL: (504) 553-2029  
P.O.Box 2154, Alkhobar 31952  
SAUDI ARABIA  
TEL: (03) 898 2081  
TEL: (014) 575811  
Roland Shanghai Electronics  
Co.,Ltd.  
(BEIJING OFFICE)  
10F. No.18 3 Section Anhuaxili  
Chaoyang District Beijing  
100011 CHINA  
CZECH REP.  
K-AUDIO  
Kardasovska 626.  
CZ-198 00 Praha 9,  
CZECH REP.  
SYRIA  
Technical Light & Sound  
Center  
Rawda, Abdul Qader Jazairi St.  
Bldg. No. 21, P.O.BOX 13520,  
Damascus, SYRIA  
SWITZERLAND  
Roland (Switzerland) AG  
Landstrasse 5, Postfach,  
CH-4452 Itingen,  
SWITZERLAND  
TEL: (061) 927-8383  
MARTINIQUE  
Musique & Son  
Z.I.Les Mangle  
97232 Le Lamantin  
Martinique F.W.I.  
TEL: 596 596 426860  
TEL: (2) 666 10529  
TEL: (010) 6426-5050  
DENMARK  
Roland Shanghai Electronics  
Co.,Ltd.  
(GUANGZHOU OFFICE)  
2/F., No.30 Si You Nan Er Jie  
Yi Xiang, Wu Yang Xin Cheng,  
Guangzhou 510600, CHINA  
TEL: (020) 8736-0428  
Roland Scandinavia A/S  
Nordhavnsvej 7, Postbox 880,  
DK-2100 Copenhagen  
DENMARK  
TEL: (011) 223-5384  
For Australia  
UKRAINE  
TIC-TAC  
Mira Str. 19/108  
P.O. Box 180  
295400 Munkachevo,  
UKRAINE  
TEL: (03131) 414-40  
Tel: (02) 9982 8266  
For New Zealand  
Tel: (09) 3098 715  
TURKEY  
ZUHAL DIS TICARET A.S.  
Galip Dede Cad. No.37  
Beyoglu - Istanbul / TURKEY  
TEL: (0212) 249 85 10  
Gigamusic SARL  
10 Rte De La Folie  
97200 Fort De France  
Martinique F.W.I.  
TEL: 596 596 715222  
TEL: 3916 6200  
FINLAND  
Roland Scandinavia As, Filial  
Finland  
Elannontie 5  
FIN-01510 Vantaa, FINLAND  
TEL: (0)9 68 24 020  
CENTRAL/LATIN  
AMERICA  
HONG KONG  
Tom Lee Music Co., Ltd.  
Service Division  
22-32 Pun Shan Street, Tsuen  
Wan, New Territories,  
HONG KONG  
U.A.E.  
Zak Electronics & Musical  
Instruments Co. L.L.C.  
Zabeel Road, Al Sherooq Bldg.,  
No. 14, Grand Floor, Dubai,  
U.A.E.  
UNITED KINGDOM  
MEXICO  
Roland (U.K.) Ltd.  
Atlantic Close, Swansea  
Enterprise Park, SWANSEA  
SA7 9FJ,  
Casa Veerkamp, s.a. de c.v.  
Av. Toluca No. 323, Col. Olivar  
de los Padres 01780 Mexico  
D.F. MEXICO  
ARGENTINA  
Instrumentos Musicales S.A.  
Av.Santa Fe 2055  
(1123) Buenos Aires  
ARGENTINA  
TEL: (011) 4508-2700  
GERMANY  
Roland Elektronische  
Musikinstrumente HmbH.  
Oststrasse 96, 22844  
Norderstedt, GERMANY  
TEL: (040) 52 60090  
TEL: 2415 0911  
TEL: (04) 3360715  
UNITED KINGDOM  
TEL: (01792) 702701  
TEL: (55) 5668-6699  
Parsons Music Ltd.  
NICARAGUA  
Bansbach Instrumentos  
Musicales Nicaragua  
Altamira D'Este Calle Principal  
de la Farmacia 5ta.Avenida  
1 Cuadra al Lago.#503  
Managua, Nicaragua  
8th Floor, Railway Plaza, 39  
Chatham Road South, T.S.T,  
Kowloon, HONG KONG  
TEL: 2333 1863  
BARBADOS  
NORTH AMERICA  
A&B Music Supplies LTD  
12 Webster Industrial Park  
Wildey, St.Michael, Barbados  
TEL: (246)430-1100  
MIDDLE EAST  
GREECE  
STOLLAS S.A.  
Music Sound Light  
155, New National Road  
Patras 26442, GREECE  
TEL: 2610 435400  
CANADA  
Roland Canada Music Ltd.  
(Head Office)  
5480 Parkwood Way  
Richmond B. C., V6V 2M4  
CANADA  
INDIA  
Rivera Digitec (India) Pvt. Ltd.  
409, Nirman Kendra  
Mahalaxmi Flats Compound  
Off. Dr. Edwin Moses Road,  
Mumbai-400011, INDIA  
TEL: (022) 2493 9051  
BAHRAIN  
Moon Stores  
No.16, Bab Al Bahrain Avenue,  
P.O.Box 247, Manama 304,  
State of BAHRAIN  
BRAZIL  
Roland Brasil Ltda.  
Rua San Jose, 780 Sala B  
Parque Industrial San Jose  
Cotia - Sao Paulo - SP, BRAZIL  
TEL: (011) 4615 5666  
TEL: (505)277-2557  
PANAMA  
TEL: (604) 270 6626  
SUPRO MUNDIAL, S.A.  
Boulevard Andrews, Albrook,  
Panama City, REP. DE  
PANAMA  
TEL: 17 211 005  
HUNGARY  
Roland East Europe Ltd.  
Warehouse Area ‘DEPO’ Pf.83  
H-2046 Torokbalint,  
HUNGARY  
CYPRUS  
Radex Sound Equipment Ltd.  
17, Diagorou Street, Nicosia,  
CYPRUS  
Roland Canada Music Ltd.  
(Toronto Office)  
170 Admiral Boulevard  
Mississauga On L5T 2N6  
CANADA  
INDONESIA  
PT Citra IntiRama  
J1. Cideng Timur No. 15J-150  
Jakarta Pusat  
INDONESIA  
TEL: (021) 6324170  
CHILE  
Comercial Fancy II S.A.  
Rut.: 96.919.420-1  
Nataniel Cox #739, 4th Floor  
Santiago - Centro, CHILE  
TEL: (02) 688-9540  
TEL: 315-0101  
TEL: (23) 511011  
PARAGUAY  
Distribuidora De  
Instrumentos Musicales  
J.E. Olear y ESQ. Manduvira  
Asuncion PARAGUAY  
TEL: (595) 21 492147  
TEL: (022) 66-9426  
TEL: (905) 362 9707  
IRELAND  
Roland Ireland  
G2 Calmount Park, Calmount  
Avenue, Dublin 12  
Republic of IRELAND  
TEL: (01) 4294444  
IRAN  
MOCO INC.  
No.41 Nike St., Dr.Shariyati Ave.,  
Roberoye Cerahe Mirdamad  
Tehran, IRAN  
U. S. A.  
KOREA  
Roland Corporation U.S.  
5100 S. Eastern Avenue  
Los Angeles, CA 90040-2938,  
U. S. A.  
Cosmos Corporation  
1461-9, Seocho-Dong,  
Seocho Ku, Seoul, KOREA  
TEL: (02) 3486-8855  
COLOMBIA  
Centro Musical Ltda.  
Cra 43 B No 25 A 41 Bododega 9  
Medellin, Colombia  
PERU  
Audionet  
Distribuciones Musicales SAC  
Juan Fanning 530  
Miraflores  
TEL: (021) 285-4169  
TEL: (323) 890 3700  
ITALY  
Roland Italy S. p. A.  
Viale delle Industrie 8,  
20020 Arese, Milano, ITALY  
TEL: (02) 937-78300  
ISRAEL  
Halilit P. Greenspoon & Sons  
Ltd.  
8 Retzif Ha'aliya Hashnya St.  
Tel-Aviv-Yafo ISRAEL  
TEL: (03) 6823666  
TEL: (574)3812529  
MALAYSIA  
Roland Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd.  
45-1, Block C2, Jalan PJU 1/39,  
Dataran Prima, 47301 Petaling  
Jaya, Selangor, MALAYSIA  
TEL: (03) 7805-3263  
Lima - Peru  
TEL: (511) 4461388  
As of December 10, 2005 (ROLAND)  
03909723  
’06-03-3N  
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