Roland SP-404A Linear Wave Sampler

If you're looking for the perfect wave sampler to accompany and expand upon the incredible Roland AIRA TR-8, then the Roland SP-404A is exactly that.  Featuring the hallmark fast, hands-on approach of the SP-series performance samplers, this Linear Wave Sampler is the perfect fit, and can be just as effective when used as a standalone unit.

When a legendary sampler and an iconic sequencer meet

With the SP-404A Roland have taken all of the functions and features that made their SP-404SX so popular - including that 16-bit linear sampling capability, 29 onboard DSP effects, smooth switching, professional-grade performance pads etc. - and added even more features and functionality.  To top it all off, the SP-404A also comes complete with an SD card loaded with a huge library of sounds curated by sample-industry leader Loopmasters.  Whether you're a DJ, musician or producer, the SP-404A has an awful lot to offer.

SP-Style Sampling and TR-Sequencing: a match made in heaven

When working in tandem, the SP-404 and TR-8 can work magic.  Their exquisite functionality allows you to incorporate samples from the SP-404A in conjunction with your drum patterns.  Each of the TR-8's 11 tracks can trigger an assigned sample on the SP-404A, play a TR-8 sound, or even both, giving you plenty of interesting layers and accents to play around with.

Sample Scatter and Side Chain

With the ability to use your TR-8 as both a sub-mixer and processor for the SP-404A via the external audio input, you can process all samples using the powerful TR-8 scatter feature to reverse, glitch, gate, truncate, stutter and perform a huge swathe of rhythmic variations ranging from subtle to extreme, whilst remaining perfectly in-sync. Also, if you program a pattern with the TR-8's Side Chain function, you can affect the samples with any of the eight rhythmic ducking and gating effects.

Sounds by Loopmasters

As well as the SP-404A's nine banks of premium samples to get you started, there's also an entire sound library included on the SD card that has been specially curated by industry-leading sample developers Loopmasters. Whilst they've been specifcally chosen to complement the TR-8, they work great for standalone applications too.

You're not restricted to just these samples though: additional samples can be loaded via the SD Card slot, which supports SDHC card sizes up to 32GB.  Simply import your WAV or AIFF audio files from your computer with the dedicated software, then assign them to the appropriate pads on the SP-404A.

Even More Sampling!

Your sample choices aren't limited to the studio with the SP-404A.  Featuring an in-built microphone, you can easily record samples on the move, and the Line inputs allow for direct sampling from a mixer or other external device. 

Fully Interactive Performances

The loop and pattern sequencer controls on the SP-404A make for fun and interactive live performances.  The three non-slip control knobs, 12 rubber trigger pads and Sub Pad (for rapid-repeat triggering in real time) allow you to take full command of your sound, with the illuminated pads helping your performance on even the darkest of stages.

29 Onboard DSP Effects

With 29 powerful onboard DSP effects, the SP-404A allows you to sculpt your signature samples at any time.  These effects include a variety of reverbs and choruses, lush filters and delays, a voice transformer, and a looper, with switching between each effect being seamless thanks to the SP-404A's processing power. 

When used with with a DJ mixer, the unique "limiter" mode comes into play, helping to prevent overloading on 17 of the effect types, and guaranteeing a stable sound without any unwanted sonic artifacts.  This is perfect for live DJ performances, ensuring your sounds are safeguarded at critical moments.

Track Builder

Whilst the SP-404A can handle a near limitless number of loops, you can also utilise the onboard Pattern Sequencer for building entire songs, jams and tracks in seconds.  Featuring a powerful Quantise mode and "shuffle feels" for groove, swing and movement options, the SP-404A is fully optimised for live performances. 

The SP404A enables you to store up to 120 patterns (12 patterns x 10 banks), and recall them as-and-when you wish in an instant.  Additionally, when you play back patterns, the LEDs surrounding the display flash in time with the pattern tempo, which provides you with handy visual feedback during live performances.

Highlights

• Features a built-in mic and battery power, allowing you to sample anytime, anywhere
• Samples can be triggered via the 15-step sequencer in the TR-8 Rhythm performer
• Black and Green AIRA colour scheme matches existing AIRA hardware
• Comes complete with over 100 new stereo samples, effects, and one-shots courtesy of the "Sounds by Loopmasters" SD card
• Includes 29 DSP effects, such as filter, delay, unique voices, subsonic, looper and more
• Intuite controls include three control knobs, 12 trigger pads, and a Sub Pad for rapid-repeat triggering
• Effects switch seemlessly making for smooth, perfect performances
• Pattern sequencer with quantize mode and shuffle feels
• Comes with free Mac/Windows software, enabling you to import audio files and easily assign samples to pads

Technical Specifications

• Maximum Polyphony: 12 Voices
• Recordable Data: 120 Samples (12 sampls x 10 banks), 120 Patterns (12 patterns x 10 banks) stored on SD card
• Sampling Time: Approx 180 minutes (2GB) per single sample (stereo).
• Data Format: 16-bit linear (.wav / .aiff)
• Sampling Frequency: 44.1kHz
• Pattern Sequencer: Approx 16,000 recordable notes (max); 96 ticks per quarter-note resolution; 1-99 measure pattern length; Realtime Loop Recording (with shuffle quantize function)
• Effects: 29 types
• Pads: 12 + Sub Pad
• Controllers: 3 x Control Knob
• Disaply: 7 Segments, 3 Characters (LED)
• Onboard Mic: 1 x Mono
• Connectors: Line In jacks (L, R); Line Out Jacks (L, R); Phones Jack; Mic In Jack; MIDI In; DC In Jack; SD Card Slot
• Power Supply: AC Adaptor OR Alkaline batteries x 6 (AA)
• Battery Life: Approx 5 Hours Continual Use (4 hours if Alkaline)
• Current Draw: 450 mA
• Dimensions: 178mm (W) x 257mm (D) x 73mm (H)
• Weight: 1.2kg
• Accessories: SD Card, AC Adaptor, Owner's Manual