Roland SP-404MKII Creative Sampler and Effector

I have been jamming non stop since I got it. I have it running through the aux send on my board so it's easy to take samples from my synths and drumlogue. Plus I can use the mfx on my different channels!

Ther arent any instructions, online there is nothing but tutorials and some of those are hard to watch or are distracting for one reason or another. You would think that there would be some tangible road map inside the box but there isnt, its all online. Sure they give you the physical paper for the voltage and safety but in terms of learning the combination of buttons to push well think again. So you must already know how to operate this i suppose. I've had it about a month now and because it is so completely and entirely, difficult to learn. I am losing interest. I know many of the roland products are a challenge. I've worked with the synthesizers and even the old 404, but this one is a doozy. Also those came with instructions (see the difference here). Online is not an easy one to maneuver either. Registering took a while as it wasnt something that snapped to the product once the serial number was added to the site. No you have to go hunting for it. Good luck. Seriously. It took me about 2 hours to get it all worked out and updated, as there was a sizeable download for the product and that also required a ridiculous amount of time. I dont often have many complaints, these products are tanks and they are so broad and have so many features- but you also can drown in them and if you arent in the know on some of the 500 + (and im guessing here but i can calculate that at least there is this many) possible button combinations to operate. It is not beginner friendly and it to a degree does operate much like other makes and models but they dont leave you in the dark making how to operate a big stupid secret.

This sampler has more features than I expected! User friendly and so many possibilities. You don't have to stick to one way of doing things, excited to explore!

I purchased this so that I could make music without being tethered to my computer. It does require some other device or hardware to be most useful. It comes loaded with fun, but once you start making your own beats/patterns/songs then you will need a phone, microphone, or other source to sample/play to get material for chopping. This is a really deep and fun device, but it can be intimidating. I normally do reviews, but #sweepstakes makes it even more worthwhile. You should buy one if you want to be able to make music almost anywhere.

I'm still learning the ins and outs of it, but so far I dig it. There is a very solid set of videos on YouTube by Roland to teach you how to use it. It's definitely different than the sampler I've used in the past, but I love that it's compact, and I can use it standalone on the couch with my headphones.

Between the size and portability of the 404 itself, solid feel of the pads, working / accurate MIDI clock/start/stop sync from my Eurorack master clock and especially the Skip Back feature, I've found my solution. The hype is warranted. Huge community as well - very happy with this.