Loopop release review of SP404 Mk2 on 13 October 2021
Roland announced a release video for 13 October (shared 11 October from @wedley) :
Initial leak details from 30 September 2021 (click arrow to expand original details):
https://www.samash.com/rsp404mk2 (got taken down around 2-3pm cst, 2021 09 30)
Quick Features scan:
Oled screen for waveform editing, velocity sensitve pads now, 32 voice poly, 16gb internal memory, new effects like cassette sim vocoder, lol screesavers and personalized startup logos, 25 seconds skip back sampling, bus fx for LAYERIng effects, pattern chaining, dj mode for mixing two files (useful if you use the SP as a dj deck), sequencer resolution says 480 ppqn, gained 4 more pads (12 vs 16), lost the memory card but traded for internal memory, fixed velocity option, 16 levels velocity, chromatic on pads, mute groups, ping pong looping, i see both pitch and speed for samples
Edit, price said $499 when first shared
Price was listed at just over $600 when I screenshot before closing the browser, website isn’t accessible anymore.
Details from Sam Ash website (ty @craig) :
Bigger, better, faster, stronger.
The SP-404MKII has everything people love about its predecessor—with some serious upgrades like 17 ultra-expressive pads and updated knobs for smooth, hands-on control. And beatmaking is even quicker with speedy boot time, swift project loading and sample import, and easy project access via 16 GB of internal storage. Longtime users and new beatmakers alike will feel right at home with the intuitive layout and classic SP effects, plus a revamped sampling and sequencing workflow, Skip Back Sampling for quick performance capture, DJ mode to mix beats live, and more.
Guerilla beatmaking.
People who make music with SP samplers love the rapid workflow, portability, and tactile approach they offer. The SP-404MKII takes this experience even further, retaining the lightweight-yet-rugged design while adding features that make it even easier to create in any scenario. Bang out beats anywhere with AA or mobile battery power, capture audio from or stream direct to your mobile device via USB, or collaborate with a partner using the dual headphones outputs and mic/guitar input.
A sampler with soul.
With the SP404MKII’s vivid OLED screen and zoomable waveform view, sample editing is smooth like butter. Chop up samples by tapping out edit points in real time, or use auto chop to slice samples automatically. Then finesse them with envelope and pitch shift, and use the new resampling workflow to re-record patterns and effects layers for detailed sound design. And with Skip Back Sampling, you can instantly grab those golden moments by capturing up to 25 seconds of audio from your last performance.
All about effects.
Process, flip, and twist your sounds with legendary SP effects and a selection of new classics. SP staples like Vinyl Simulator and DJFX Looper are now joined with powerful additions that include Lo-fi, Cassette Simulator, and Resonator. Layer and route multiple simultaneous bus effects for intricate sound textures, or plug into the mic/guitar input and jam with ready-to-go Vocoder, Auto Pitch, and Guitar Amp Simulator effects.
Performance-tuned sequencing.
The SP-404MKII gives you the flexibility to create patterns with unique feel and energy. There’s adjustable input quantize and shuffle for custom swing, Pad Link for firing off multiple samples with a single tap, a Roll button for variable note repeat, and BPM-per-bank for instant tempo changes. It’s also possible to organize patterns for different sets and chain them together to automate playback. With your hands freed up, you can stretch out on the SP effects controls or let rip on your favorite synth.
Sound stash.
Dive into beatmaking with the pre-loaded sounds in the SP-404MKII’s blazing-fast 16 GB of internal memory. There’s a huge collection of curated samples to choose from and plenty of room to augment them with your private sound stash. And you can now load even more sounds at once, with 160 samples across each project for expanded performance and beatmaking combinations.
Break beats. Not banks.
You shouldn’t need to take out a bank loan to make beats or produce tracks. The SP-404MKII is more powerful and more affordable than ever, making it easy to add its rapid workflow and characteristic sound to your existing setup. And with all it can do, the SP-404MKII may be the only piece you need for production and performance.
Customize it.
You work hard to be a unique artist—so why play on cookie-cutter gear that looks like everyone else’s? Personalize your SP-404MKII with your own style or branding for a look that’s as distinctive as your sound. Grab the faceplate template to create custom overlays, style your startup screen with personalized logos, or select a screensaver that matches your vibe.
Additional Info/Specs (ty @illojones):
