Roland SP-404MKII User manual

SP-404MK2 (Version 3.00)
Reference Manual

Table of contents
2
Table of contents
Introduction ..............................................................................4
What You Should Know About This Unit (How Data is
Organized) ............................................................................. 4
What’s a Sample? .............................................................................4
What’s a Pattern? .............................................................................4
Banks and Projects ..........................................................................5
Getting Things Ready ........................................................... 6
Connecting External Equipment ................................................6
About the Power Supply ...............................................................8
Turning the Power On/Off ......................................................... 10
Playing Back Samples (SAMPLE MODE)........................ 12
Selecting a Sample Bank..................................................... 12
Adjusting the Volume for All Banks (BANK VOLUME)....... 13
Playing Back a Sample to the Tempo of a Song (BPM SYNC)
.............................................................................................. 14
Playing Back Only While a Pad is Pressed (GATE) ............. 15
Playing Back Samples Only One Time (One-shot Playback)
.............................................................................................. 16
Playing Back Samples Repeatedly (LOOP) ........................ 17
Playing Back a Sample in Reverse (REVERSE).................... 18
Playing Back Samples in Detailed Steps (ROLL)................ 19
Setting the Roll Interval .............................................................. 19
Setting a Fixed Sample Volume (FIXED VELOCITY) .......... 21
Changing the Sample Volume for Playback (16 VELOCITY)
.............................................................................................. 22
Playing Back Samples in Scale Pitches (CHROMATIC) ...... 23
Muting the Playback of a Sample (PAD MUTE) ................. 24
Playing Back Multiple Pads at the Same Time (PAD LINK
GROUPS) .............................................................................. 25
Preventing Samples from Playing Back at the Same Time
(MUTE GROUP) .................................................................... 26
Stopping All Sample Playback (STOP) ............................... 27
Pausing the Sound of a Sample (PAUSE) .............................. 27
Disabling Buttons that Are Not Used When Playing Live
(LIVE MODE)......................................................................... 28
Using the Effects................................................................... 29
Adding Effects to a Sample (BUS FX) ................................. 29
Assigning Effects to BUS 1 and BUS 2 .................................... 30
Deciding on Effects to Use for Each Sample........................ 30
Using the MFX Effects.................................................................. 31
Editing the Effects ............................................................... 33
Turning Effects On/Off at the Desired Timing................... 34
Temporarily Output Only the Effect Sound (MUTE BUS).. 35
Sampling (SAMPLING) ........................................................ 37
Configuring the Sampling Settings (RECORD SETTING)... 37
Configuring the Input Effects (INPUT FX) ............................. 37
Sampling.............................................................................. 39
Adding a Count-in Before Sampling ...................................... 39
Automatically Setting the End Point of a Sample (END
SNAP) ................................................................................................ 39
Resampling a Sample (RESAMPLE) .................................... 41
Sampling What You Previously Played (SKIP-BACK
SAMPLING) .......................................................................... 42
Editing a Sample (SAMPLE EDIT)..................................... 44
Setting the Playback and Loop Regions (START/END) ..... 44
Processing a Sample.................................................................... 45
Marking and Splitting Samples (MARK) ............................ 46
Using a Marker to Split and Assign a Sample to a Pad
(CHOP)...............................................................................................48
Making Fade-in/Fade-out Settings (ENVELOPE)............... 49
Changing the Pitch or Playback Speed of a Sample
(PITCH/SPEED)..................................................................... 52
Displaying Parameters Set in a Sample ............................. 54
Initializing the Sample Parameters (INIT PARAM) ............ 55
Organizing the Samples ..................................................... 56
Exchanging (Swapping) Samples Between Pads................56
Copying the Sample from a Pad...............................................56
Copying all samples in a bank to another bank..................57
Protecting a Sample (PROTECT) ...............................................57
Deleting the Sample from a Pad ..............................................57
Combining Samples to Create a Pattern (PATTERN
SEQUENCER) .......................................................................... 59
Playing a Pattern................................................................. 59
Creating a New Pattern (Real-time Recording) ................. 60
Adding a Count-in Before Recording a Pattern...................61
Creating a New Pattern (TR-REC) ....................................... 62
Converting Patterns to Samples ........................................ 65
Sampling a Pattern (RESAMPLE)...............................................65
Converting Patterns to Samples (BOUNCE)..........................66
Selecting a Pattern Bank .................................................... 67
Playing Back Patterns in Order (PATTERN CHAIN) ........... 68
Recording Effect Operations to a Pattern (EFX MOTION
REC) ...................................................................................... 71
Deleting Effect Operations Recorded in a Pattern (EFX
MOTION ERASE) .................................................................. 72
Deleting Specific Effect Operations From a Pattern ..........72
Recording Pad Mute Operations to a Pattern (PAD MUTE
MOTION REC)....................................................................... 73
Deleting Pad Mute Operations Recorded in a Pattern (PAD
MUTE MOTION ERASE)........................................................ 74
Deleting Specific Pad Mute Operations from a Pattern ...74
Editing a Pattern (PATTERN EDIT)...................................... 75
Copying and Connecting Patterns (DUPLICATE) ................75
Cropping Unnecessary Sections from a Pattern (CROP) ..75
Aligning the Playback Timing of Samples Inputted to a
Pattern (QUANTIZE)......................................................................76
Organizing the Pattern Data .............................................. 78
Exchanging (Swapping) Patterns Between Pads................78
Copying the Pattern of a Pad ....................................................78
Extracting Specific Samples (Pads) from a Pattern.............79
Copying all patterns in a bank to another bank .................79
Protecting a Pattern (PROTECT)................................................80
Deleting the Pattern from a Pad...............................................80
Setting the Tempo............................................................... 82
Setting the Tempo Data in a Sample ................................. 83
Setting the Tempo for a Bank or Project ........................... 85
Setting the Tempo in Time with the Rhythm (Tap Tempo)
.............................................................................................. 86
Mixing the Samples (DJ MODE)....................................... 87
Playing Back Samples While in DJ Mode (PAD MODE) ..... 89
Playing Back Patterns While in DJ Mode ........................... 90
Playing Back a Sample from the Marker Position............. 91
Adding a Marker While Playing Back a Sample ................ 92
Editing a Marker While Playing Back a Sample....................92

Table of contents
3
Deleting All Set Markers from a Sample............................ 93
Editing a Sample in DJ Mode .............................................. 94
Monitoring with Headphones (CUE).............................. 95
Inputting Sound from an Electronic Musical
Instrument, Mic or Guitar................................................... 96
Inputting Audio from a Computer or Mobile Device
(USB AUDIO)........................................................................... 97
Selecting a Project ............................................................... 98
Organizing Projects ............................................................. 99
Copying a Project ................................................................ 99
Deleting a Project.............................................................. 100
Customizing This Unit.......................................................101
Attaching/Removing the Faceplate of This Unit .............101
Customizing the Opening Screen ....................................103
Preparing an Opening Image .................................................103
Saving an Opening Image to a Project................................103
Customizing the Screen Saver..........................................104
Preparing a Screen Saver Image ............................................ 104
Enabling a Custom Screen Saver........................................... 104
Saving the Screen Saver Image to a Project ......................105
Configuring the Various Settings (UTILITY) ...............106
Editing the Settings Related to this Unit (System)..........106
Configuring the Pad-related Settings (PAD SETTING)....107
Configuring the Effect Settings (EFX SET) .......................108
Configuring the Effect Routing ..............................................108
Adding Effects to the Overall Sound (BUS 3, BUS 4) ....... 109
Changing the Effects Assigned to BUS 3 and BUS 4 .......109
Editing the Effects for BUS 3 and BUS 4............................... 110
Assigning the Desired Effect to an Effect Button (DIRECT
FX) ....................................................................................................111
Configuring the Input Effects (INPUT FX) ...........................112
Sending the Audio Input from the INPUT Jack to a Bus 113
Importing/Exporting (Using the SD Card) .......................114
Importing Samples (IMPORT SAMPLE) ................................ 116
Exporting Samples (EXPORT SAMPLE)................................. 117
Importing a Project (IMPORT PROJECT) ..............................118
Exporting a Project (EXPORT PROJECT)...............................119
Backing up Your Data (BACKUP)............................................120
Restoring from Backup Data (RESTORE)..............................120
Formatting an SD Card.............................................................. 121
Restoring the Factory Settings (FACTORY RESET) .......... 122
Appendix...............................................................................123
Parameter Guide ...............................................................123
SYSTEM........................................................................................... 123
PAD SET..........................................................................................126
EFX SET ...........................................................................................127
MFX List..............................................................................129
Filter+Drive ................................................................................... 129
Resonator ...................................................................................... 129
Sync Delay..................................................................................... 129
Isolator ........................................................................................... 129
DJFX Looper ................................................................................. 130
Scatter ............................................................................................ 130
Downer .......................................................................................... 130
Ha-Dou........................................................................................... 130
Ko-Da-Ma ...................................................................................... 131
Zan-Zou ......................................................................................... 131
To-Gu-Ro ....................................................................................... 131
SBF................................................................................................... 132
Stopper .......................................................................................... 132
Tape Echo...................................................................................... 132
TimeCtrlDly................................................................................... 132
Super Filter ................................................................................... 133
WrmSaturator .............................................................................. 133
303 VinylSim................................................................................. 133
404 VinylSim................................................................................. 133
Cassette Sim................................................................................. 134
Lo-fi ................................................................................................. 134
Reverb ............................................................................................ 134
Chorus ............................................................................................ 134
JUNO Chorus................................................................................ 134
Flanger ........................................................................................... 135
Phaser............................................................................................. 135
Wah ................................................................................................. 135
Slicer................................................................................................ 136
Tremolo/Pan ................................................................................ 136
Chromatic PS................................................................................ 136
Hyper-Reso ................................................................................... 136
Ring Mod ....................................................................................... 137
Crusher........................................................................................... 137
Overdrive....................................................................................... 137
Distortion ...................................................................................... 137
Equalizer ........................................................................................ 138
Compressor .................................................................................. 138
SX Reverb ...................................................................................... 138
SX Delay......................................................................................... 138
Cloud Delay .................................................................................. 138
Back Spin ....................................................................................... 139
Auto Pitch ..................................................................................... 139
Vocoder.......................................................................................... 139
Harmony........................................................................................ 140
Gt Amp Sim .................................................................................. 140
Control change messages and corresponding effects .. 140
List of Shortcut Keys ......................................................... 143
Shortcuts that use the [SHIFT] button................................. 143
Shortcuts that use the [REMAIN] button ............................ 144
Shortcuts that use the [VALUE] button............................... 144
Shortcuts that use the [DEL] button .................................... 145
Shortcuts that use the [COPY] button................................. 145
Shortcuts that use the [MFX] button ................................... 145
Shortcuts used in DJ mode ..................................................... 145
Shortcuts used in TR-REC......................................................... 146
Error Messages .................................................................. 147
Audio Diagram .................................................................. 148
Main Specifications........................................................... 149
MIDI Implementation Chart ............................................. 150
MIDI Note Map ............................................................................ 152

Introduction
4
Introduction
The SP-404MK2 lets you do everything from audio sampling to editing, creating your own songs and performing... all in one unit.
This Reference Manual assumes that your unit is using software version 3.00 or later.
What You Should Know About This Unit (How Data is Organized)
The SP-404MK2 handles a large amount of data, including audio materials and data used to create songs. In this section, we
explain the role of each type of data and the structure used to manage data on the SP-404MK2.
What’s a Sample?
A sample is a collection of audio that has been sampled (recorded audio data) and settings such as loop settings and routings to
BUS FX (effects).
Samples can be assigned to pads [1]–[16] and played back, or you can use them as parts of patterns to construct your song.
A collection of 16 samples is a called a “bank”, and you can store up to 10 banks (A–J).
What’s a Pattern?
A pattern is a set of data that contains the order in which the samples should be played back.
You can create a song by pressing the pads to play back several samples and then recording your performance as a pattern.
Use the pattern sequencer to record patterns.

Introduction
5
A collection of 16 patterns is a called a “bank”, and you can store up to 10 banks (A–J).
Banks and Projects
The 10 banks of samples and 10 banks of patterns are collectively managed as a “project”.
The SP-404MK2 can store 16 different projects.

Introduction
6
Getting Things Ready
Now, let’s get ready to use the SP-404MK2. This section explains how to prepare and connect to external equipment for
outputting sound, as well as the different ways to power this unit.
Connecting External Equipment
To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn off all the units before making any
connections.
1. Connect your amp or speakers to the LINE OUT jacks on the rear panel.
2. Use the PHONES jack when connecting headphones or earphones.
Connect an electronic musical instrument (such as a synthesizer) to the LINE IN jack(s) on the rear panel.
3. Connect your mic or guitar to the INPUT jack on the front panel.
You can change the input impedance of the INPUT jack on the front panel. When connecting a high-impedance instrument
(such as a guitar or bass guitar), flip the [MIC/GUITAR] switch to the right (towards the INPUT jack).

Introduction
7
Connecting to a Computer or Mobile Device
You can transmit and receive audio and MIDI data by connecting a USB cable from your computer or mobile device (smartphone
or tablet) to the SP-404MK2.
You don’t need to install a device driver on your computer or other device to do this (the SP-404MK2 supports USB Audio Device
Class 2.0 specs).
●
Connecting the SP-404MK2 to your computer or mobile device lets you transmit/receive audio output and MIDI data to
and from your computer or mobile device and the SP-404MK2.
●Note that data cannot be directly transmitted/received between the SP-404MK2 and your computer or mobile device if
you’re connecting through a USB hub.
●Do not use a USB cable that is designed only for charging a device. Charge-only cables cannot transmit data.
●We cannot guarantee the correct functionality of all apps.
●Android devices are not guaranteed to work with this unit.
Connecting to your computer
1. Connect your computer and the SP-404MK2 using a USB cable with USB Type-C®connectors on both
ends (commercially available).
●
You can also use a USB Type-C®to USB A cable to connect your computer to the SP-404MK2. However, the computer
cannot be used to power the unit in this case.
When using the latter type of cable, power this unit with the included AC adaptor, or use batteries.
Connecting to a mobile device
For iOS devices with Lightning connectors
1. Connect the AC adaptor to the SP-404MK2, or use batteries.
2. For iOS devices, you must use an Apple-manufactured USB adaptor (such as the Lightning-USB Camera
Adapter, the Lightning to USB 3 Camera Adapter and so on) as a converter for the jack.
3. Use a USB Type-C®to USB A cable (commercially available) to connect the SP-404MK2 to the USB
adaptor.
●
When connecting with a USB cable (USB Type-C®to USB A; commercially available), you cannot power this unit from your
mobile device.
●Commercially available USB Type-C
®
to Lightning conversion cables cannot be used.
When using an iOS device with a USB Type-C®connector
1. Connect your iOS device and the SP-404MK2 using a USB cable with USB Type-C®connectors on both
ends (commercially available).
When doing so, you can power the SP-404MK2 from your iOS device.
Inputting audio from a computer or mobile device
You must make the appropriate settings when inputting audio from a computer or mobile device. For details, refer to “Inputting
Audio from a Computer or Mobile Device (USB AUDIO)(P.97)”.

Introduction
8
About the Power Supply
1. Connect the included adaptor to the DC IN jack of this unit, and plug the adaptor into an AC outlet.
●
You can also use this unit without an adaptor, such as by supplying power to the USB port or by using batteries.
→“Powering the Unit via USB Port(P.9)” “Using Batteries(P.8)”
●If the unit is using multiple power sources, the sources are prioritized in this order: DC IN jack (the included AC adaptor),
USB port, batteries.
Using Batteries
Before installing/removing batteries, make sure to turn off the power to this unit and disconnect all connections to other devices.
When turning the unit over, be careful so as to protect the buttons and knobs from damage. Also, handle the unit carefully; do not
drop it.
Remove the battery compartment cover located on the bottom of this unit, and insert the batteries in the correct polarity
(direction) as marked inside the battery compartment.
Close the cover securely.

Introduction
9
This unit uses six AA batteries (rechargeable Ni-MH or alkaline).
The unit can run for 3.5 hours on rechargeable Ni-MH batteries (1,900 mAh), and for 2.5 hours on alkaline batteries. (Note that
these times may differ depending on the conditions of use and of the batteries.)
If you handle batteries improperly, you risk explosion and fluid leakage. Make sure that you carefully observe all of the items
related to batteries that are listed in leaflet “Read Me First” (USING THE UNIT SAFELY.)
Powering the Unit via USB Port
You can power this unit with a commercially available USB adaptor, from the USB port on your computer and from similar sources.
The following USB power sources can be used.
●USB AC adaptor
●USB bus power (computer, etc.)
●Mobile battery
We cannot guarantee that this unit works universally with all USB AC adaptors, power from USB ports on computers or mobile
batteries.
Conditions for powering this unit via USB port
When supplying power to this unit via the USB port, be sure to use a cable with USB Type-C® connectors on both ends. No other
USB cables can be used, as they cannot provide enough power to operate the SP-404MK2. Also note that even when using cables
that have a USB Type-C® connector on both ends, you cannot power this unit from devices like USB hubs with insufficient current
output.

Introduction
10
The USB port on the device from which this unit draws power must supply 5 V of output voltage and at least 1.5 A of output
current.
When not enough power is supplied to the USB port
In the event that not enough power is supplied to the USB port of this unit (such as when you try to supply power from a USB
Type-A connector or when the output current is less than 1.5 A), the message “Switch to batteries” appears.
When this happens, press the [VALUE] knob to switch to battery power. Note that if there are no batteries installed, the unit
powers down.
Turning the Power On/Off
Before turning the unit on/off, always be sure to turn the volume down. Even with the volume turned down, you might hear
some sound when switching the unit on/off. However, this is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.
Turning the power on
1. To turn on the power, slide the [POWER] switch of this unit to “ON”.
2. Next, turn on any connected devices, and then the amp/speakers, in that order.
3. Adjusts the volume of the connected instrument.
4. Adjust the volume of this unit with the [VOLUME] knob.
About the sample mode display (top screen)
The top screen is shown once you turn on the power of the SP-404MK2 and the unit is ready to play.