I write this after two years of incessant use and shows... I love this unit.

This is my desert island sampler and it has become so essential to all of my projects that I'm currently considering buying a second one. I love this unit that much.

Yes, there are shortcuts to learn, and step sequencing can be a pain at first, but if you apply yourself, you will find no better piece of equipment to work with.

This is not just something for hip hop and lo-fi. It works with all genres.

Very,Very Impressed. It is Intimidating Until you use it and come up with a workflow. I'm holding this at a very high standard of Sonic's.
Don't be Fooled By Its Size.

I've been doing experimental noise/industrial adjacent music for a long time. I've always relied on looper pedals for sample playback during live sets. Looper pedals have worked for my needs, or more likely, I've adapted my live sets to work within their limitations. The 404 mkii has opened my eyes to a new workflow.
I found this device so compelling that after unboxing it, 12 hours passed in a blink. Suddenly I was using the 404 like I knew what I was doing. Immersion learning!

It's the first instrument (and it IS an instrument) in a long time that makes me really want to play. Once you get a feel for it. The possibilities are endless.

There are a ton of built in sounds to get you started. Some are super cheesy and geared toward what I imagine somebody into the 'Samurai Champloo' trip hop anime soundtrack would love (no shame!).
But even the silly pads and patterns, some not super edgy or interesting, still sound surprisingly good. You can run them through an array of fx, resample them and turn them into something new and nasty.

I quickly began uploading my own samples. There are many ways to do this. I've found that a lightning to 1/4" ts cable from my iphone into the front mic/gtr input works best for me. If I find a clip of morbid dialogue in a movie, or a useful melody from a stupid commercial, I can immediately put those sounds into a pad and manipulate them with no mercy. I've recorded sounds from my looper pedals to the 404 as well. In that case I've sometimes needed to EQ or boost the output from the looper pedal to get a higher volume. The front gtr/mic input on the 404 has a gain knob which helps boost quiet incoming samples.
The amount of fx on this machine is staggering. Some are useful, some are bizarre but they are all fun.
I love the ability to loop or reverse any sample with a button press. Resampling is a blast to try out different effects on your samples or layer multiple pads/loops together.

The number of buttons and functions is formidable, that's why some people get overwhelmed. But if you can record with a DAW, you'll figure the 404 out no problem.
Do some research to figure out if the sp 404 mkii is right for you.

This device's potential isn't limited by genre or style.
I know darkwave artists, synthpop people, DJs, even a solo blackmetal guy, all who use the 404 mkii.
You don't have to be a beatmaker to make it work for you. There are a lot of people in the power electronics and noise communities who use a 404 to great effect.
Every time I sit down with my mkii, I figure out some other feature or way to use it.
There's enough internal storage to allow for improvisation and a wide pallette of samples. I've still only scratched the surface as my needs are fairly simple. I know I'll continue to find uses for my new 404, both live and for recording.

Awesome sampler, the effects are super useful. There are a ton of features that I will probably never use but it's good to know they are available

This thing has a lot crammed into a portable package! You can record from phone or tablet or Guitar or mic or synth. The effects are great. You can import sounds from an sd card or connect to computer for imports/exports. MP3s can be imported. Whole arrangements can be imported and you can play along and add effects. There is a learning curve but once you know where everything is you can quickly resample and have a ton of fun. Love it! It also has a whole dj mode which I will dive into later.

It sounds great. I love the effects section. With the newest firmware I can have up to 1TB of samples on an SD card. For me it's a keeper.

I'm a guitar player, but I use this thing all the time as a live looper and also to construct songs on the fly. The thing is a beast and Roland keeps coming out with better and better updates for it. It takes a little bit to get used to the workflow, but it's pretty easy to learn...at least it was form me.

I love it so much, I bought it twice. The original MKII I let a friend of mine borrow it, and THEY loved it too, so I let him keep it and got me another one.

This thing is awesome! I've had mine for around a month, (Shoutout to Brandon Younglao for getting it to me faster than I've had anything shipped to me in my life, lol.) and I use it daily. It is so much fun, the sound quality is incredible, and all of the updates to the system are incredible! Version 4.04 was just released a few days ago, and although some minor bugs have been reported by users, Roland is quickly addressing and fixing them. The new additions include new effects, new settings, a noise generator (This thing is now a SYNTH!), and an integration with the Koala App. I saw another user who left a review around 2021 comparing the SP-404mkII with the Koala App. Well now you can use them together! Roland is really continuously knocking it out of the park with this little device. I still haven't learned everything about it, I'm learning new things every day, and it just keeps getting more and more cool with every new thing I learn. Not to mention it can be powered with 6 AA batteries so I'm able to take it literally anywhere to play with it. Roland also upgraded the SD card options so it can now take up to 1TB SD cards instead of the old 32gb limit. For anyone looking for a legitimate Sampler/Effector, or just looking for something plain FUN, I would totally recommend the Roland SP-404mkII.

This is my second 404 and it is a major improvement over the older models.
My only concern is with midi implementation. Even when you use midi mode B, which requires two midi channels, it appears it still uses midi channels 1 - 4 to control the 4 effects busses. This means when using an external sequencer, if you have instruments on channels 1 to 4, cc's you use for them will be received by the effects busses on the 404. I cannot find a way to disable midi control for the effects. I wrote to Roland but it seemed they didn't understand my question. What was more amazing the rep from Roland told me he didn't have a 404 set up to investigate with, I mean if not them, then who?

To end on a bright note..........
Kevin Scott was excellent in getting this machine to me in record quick time. Thanks Kevin and Sweetwater.

I really wanted to use this as a sampler with found sounds using the mic input. It hasn't worked since day one. Sending it back.

I used to have a 404 SX which I absolutely loved, but ultimately decided to sell because of some limitations I just couldn't get over. The Mark 2, especially with the 3.2 update (most current at the time of this review) addresses every single issue I had and many more. This is a 404 that is light years beyond the SX.

The sound quality is crystal clear, however with access to effects from the entire history of 404 models and vinyl sim going back to the OG 404, you can make it as gritty and lofi as you want. Being able to edit, auto chop and manage samples with an OLED display is a huge win.

For me there are a couple of key things that made me purchase this:

1. 16 MPC style rubberized pads. These are so comfortable and responsive; they are an evolutionary leap beyond the hard plastic buttons of earlier models.
2. The ability to sample while listening to pattern playback, WITHOUT resampling the pattern. This alone is the most important feature to me, and always ensures I can sample exactly in time with what I've already done without giving up the use of the pattern sequencer.
3. The enormous polyphony which makes all the other pro-level work possible.

This is not just a sampler or sequencer. For me, this is a DAW, a 160 track recorder with multiple effects. I absolutely love it and I'm so glad for all the updates.

The MK2 is a dream come true!

I couldn't, for the life of me figure out how to sync this box to either my Roland MC707 or 101.
I had a MIDI adaptor from another product... That didn't work. Then bought a couple from Sweetwater, those didn't work either.
I had to buy THE Roland cable they (Roland) showcase on their website as an accessory. So have that in mind if you want to pair this to other gear.

With that out of the way, this box is awesome. My sole intention for getting this, is to play stems in sync with my 101-707 grooveboxes since, I use a lot of soft synths but don't want to carry my laptop around. I just import the stems into the SP404 mk2, and play along with my MC projects. So far, this setup has been flawless.

This isn't just for Lo-Fi or hip hop beats. You can do a whole lot of this with it, once you figure out all the bells and whistles.

Regarding Sweetwater, they sent me this little gadget in no time, and I love that it has 2 year warranty, just in case something goes wrong which, I don't think that's gonna be the case.

I bought the Roland SP-404 MKII to create drums and tracks alongside my other gear. However, it's greatest feature is that it works natively with my iPad Pro by just plugging in the C cable - nothing else to do. I can now record the myriad synths and drums I bought on the iPad the way I want. The unit has a learning curve due to having so many functions, but that's a good thing.

I already have a MPC One and I noticed a lot of my fellow MPC owners also owned this Roland SP404MK II. I decided to pick one up to join the club and I'm pleasantly surprised. There is a lot you can do with it, but it's a very different workflow coming from the modern MPC One. There's a screen, but it's nowhere near as detailed as the MPCs screen. You can work with waveforms and chop samples on the MKII, but you really have to sit and focus on what you're doing when making music on this thing. I'm sure eventually muscle memory will take over and I'll be able to fly through all the menu diving, but for now it's a bit of a learning curve. I am enjoying that curve though, and this thing can do a lot musically. The effects are amazing and I know I've only scratched the surface of what this baby can do. I'm looking forward to learning how to use it more effectively. I would say if you're a person that was thinking of picking up an OLDER model MPC, like the 1000, 3000, etc... maybe give the SP404 MKII a look. It gives you that old school feel of beat-making with minimalist bells and whistles. You'll pay a much more reasonable price than what people ask for the older MPCs and you'll be able to get busy cooking up beats pretty quickly. Make sure you pick up a 32GB SD Card wherever you can and load it with some dope samples/sounds after you format it from the 404MKII. I'm very happy with my purchase. I have a skin coming from Styleflip.com and I plan ok taking this baby into the field with me and hashing out ideas as they come to me when I'm out and about. It will fit in your backpack but I'd recommend picking up a case for it anyway to protect the knobs and buttons. I would give it 10 stars if I could, because that's how much I'm enjoying using this sucker. Pick one up for yourself and see what all the hype is about!

its great!

Ok so the sequencer isnt the best still but i really don't use it for that , i sample drum breaks and excerpts from movies , shows ect
It works wonderfully for that and to overlay and remix tracks w effects for live performance or to recrecord those tracks GET IT you wont be disappointed ..if you are sequencing might i suggest a mpc live or digitak

If you love sampling this is a must. I never had the older SPs and this is my first one. I do find myself reaching for it daily. The effects are a chef's kiss and the workflow is unique and can become rapid with muscle memory. Love the fact that they have included a USB C that can sample and power the device. It can be used as an audio interface and this makes content creation a breeze. The updates have been incredible and the machine runs smooth. My only gripe is lack of an internal rechargeable battery. I really think they could have done it and knocked it out of the park if they did.

I LOVE IT! This Reminds me of the way I use to produce tracks back in the late 80's
for Skyywalker Records.
The 404 has some limits, but that is what makes it So POWERFUL! It forces you to be
CREATIVE and that's what I LOVE about it.

For 10 years I've wanted an SP-404 but always put it off as there were quite a few deal breakers for me. This new model fixes most of them which include having projects, velocity sensitive pads, decent MIDI implementation, and a functioning sequencer that you could resample.

The SP-404 is all about committing to audio. You have a sequencer but it's a very basic sequencer. You're not gonna be able to meticulously edit note placement and automate effects parameters like you could on Maschine, MPC, or an Elektron piece. Instead you have to re-record as you twist knobs and record over that. It's an entirely different philosophy to making beats that's more akin to the OP-1 than it is to an MPC.

Where that pays off though is you get really great sounding effects, some of the best I've heard on gear like this (and I've tried most modern samplers these days, this blows the MPC line out of the water).

You also get the ability to just plug in a phone (iOS users with lightning cable, you'll need the lightning to usb camera adapter) and sample your device directly over USB. That means you get a fairly portable battery powered sampler and the entire internet as a library source to sample from… it's crazy cool.

The experience isn't perfect though. While I have had no performance issues (no crashes) there are definitely quirks with navigation. As an example, instead of just pressing a button to go to the sample edit or switch to the pattern editor you often have to press Exit to back out and then press the page you want to view. There's also an indecision on whether the Enter knob or the Shift button should act as a shift button. Weird little quirks that I'll get used to but also stuff that can hopefully be ironed out in some future updates. I'm an Octatrack user so I'm used to some head scratchers but some of decisions on this can't really be explained, just a bit unintuitive.

That said, they are more minor annoyances than anything. The MKII is a huge upgrade for the SP family. After holding out for 10 years hoping there would be a worthy successor I feel like Roland did an in the park home run with this. The minor grievances can certainly be fixed but for now I'm still very happy with this device and would recommend it for anyone looking for a hardware sampler.

The Roland SP-404MKII is a killer beat making machine. I was lucky enough to get an early pre-order from my awesome Sweetwater team member Ryan Vlahovich. A shout out to Ryan for his help making this happen. I was making beats within 20 minutes of opening the box having never played a Roland SP-404. The beat making monster is intuitive, fun, fast, and the build quality is great.

Having owned an MPC One, 1010 Music Blackbox, PO 33, Circuit, and Model Samples, I can say this is in a league of its own. The MPC One is a monster and highly recommend for making complete songs and albums. The 1010 Music Blackbox is killer for hooking up other synths and launching clips like Ableton. Where the SP-404MKII shines is the fun factor and fast workflow. Its ideal for hip-hop, electronica, and ambient.

The Pros:
• Fun and fast workflow
• Build quality is superb with tough pads and knobs
• Multi-use machine for making beats, DJing, FX unit, and recording
• Dual headphones for making beats with a friend (used it 1st day)
• Legendary FX. The new effects are excellent and the Vinyl 303/404 are great
• Large storage. 16GB with additional 32 GB SD card option
• Easy to use App to transfer, edit, and manipulate samples (This makes a fast and fun workflow)
• Audio Interface....yes you can use this to record guitar, bass, synths, vocals into your DAW
• Customize the unit. I've already ordered new skins to make it rock

Cons:
• None

The only comparable beat making instrument that comes close to this is the Koala App. But then you need an i Pad and a MIDI controller and you still can't do as many things. I highly recommend the Roland SP-404MK2. Its one of the funnest beat making instruments I've ever used. Every hour I use this I realize another potential use for it for live shows to studio production work. I can see this instrument becoming an every day feature of my workflow process and creative output. Where words fail, music speaks. And this magic box makes plenty of awesome music.