sp404sx PDF

English
Deutsch
Franais
Italiano
Espaol
Portugus
Nederlands
Features
Quick and Easy Sampling!
Sample anywhere, anytime using the built-in mic and battery power .
Line and mic inputs are also available .
Killer Effects Onboard!

Create a signature sound using the 29 DSP effects including the standard filter, delay and unique
effects such as voice transformer and looper FX .
Effects switch seamlessly during live performance .
Realtime Performance!
3 non-slip control knobs, 12 trigger pads, and an extra Sub Pad for rapid repeat triggering in
realtime .
Create Your Own Tracks!

Record patterns in realtime with the Pattern Sequencer, complete with quantize mode including
shuffle feels .
SD Card Memory!
Get sampling right away with the included SD card . Expand using up to 32GB SDHC .
Easily import audio files from your computer and assign samples to the pads using the included
software (Mac/PC) (p . 22) .
Copyright 2009 ROLAND CORPORATION

All rights reserved . No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without the written permission of ROLAND
CORPORATION .
Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: USING THE UNIT SAFELY (p . 51) and IMPORTANT NOTES (p . 52) . These sections provide
important information concerning the proper operation of the unit . Additionally, in order to feel assured that you have gained a good grasp
of every feature provided by your new unit, Owners manual should be read in its entirety . The manual should be saved and kept on hand as a
convenient reference .
Contents
Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Panel Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
About Batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Before You Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32
Recording a Pattern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Deleting a Pattern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Deleting All Patterns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Exchanging the Patterns of Two Pads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Copying a Pattern to Another Pad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
7
About SD Card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
35
Formatting an SD card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Connecting the SP-404SX to Your Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Exporting WAVE Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Turning the Power On. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Importing WAVE Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Inserting an SD card. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Saving Backup Data

(Backup Save). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
11
Playing Samples . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Applying Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Adjusting the Tempo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Recording Samples Basic Operation. . . . .
16
STEP 1: Connecting Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

STEP 2: Sampling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Importing Wave Files from Your Computer .
Advanced Operation
23
24
Adjusting the Volume of the EXT SOURCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Recording Samples Advanced Operation. 25

About the Available Sampling Times. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Starting Sampling Automatically (Auto Sampling). . . . . 25
Sampling with a Specified Tempo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Using a Count-in. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Resampling. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
27
Setting a Samples Volume. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Adjusting the Playback Region of a Sample. . . . . . . . . . . 27
Deleting an Unwanted Portion (Truncate). . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Changing a Samples BPM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Changing the Length of a Sample without
Changing the Pitch (Time Modify). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
39
List of Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Adjusting the Input Gain. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Adjusting the Output Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Restoring the Factory Settings (Factory Reset). . . . . . . . . 40
Display Illumination and Sleep Settings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Checking the Version Number. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Appendix
Effect List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
41
42
Effect Limit Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Error Message List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
45
Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
45
About MIDI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
47
MIDI Implementation Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
49
Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
50
USING THE UNIT SAFELY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
51
IMPORTANT NOTES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
52
Nederlands
Editing a Sample. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Portugus
Specifying the Type of Data to Create when Sampling.25
About the Protect Function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Espaol
Playing an External Input Sound. . . . . . . . . . .
22
Deleting Backup Data

(Backup Delete). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Italiano
Deleting a Sample . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Loading Backup Data

(Backup Load). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Franais
Playing Patterns. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Deutsch
Playing Sounds. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
English
Basic Operation
Pattern Sequencer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deleting All Samples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Exchanging Samples between Two Pads. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Copying a Sample to Another Pad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Panel Descriptions
1
2
3
4
5
9
6
10
11
12
13
8
14
15
Name
[VOLUME].knob
[CTRL.1][CTRL.3].knobs
Page
This adjusts the volume .
p ..9
These knobs control effect parameters .

You can also use each knob to make the following settings .
p ..13
CTRL.1
The starting location of a sample

The playback time of a sample
p ..29
p ..30
CTRL.2
The BPM (tempo) of the pattern

The ending location of a sample
p ..15
p ..28
CTRL.3/MFX
The type of MFX

The sampling level
The volume of the sample
p ..13
p ..19
p ..27
PEAK.indicator
Indicates the analog input level of the LINE IN jacks .

Adjust the volume of your connected equipment so that this indicator lights occasionally .
p ..19
Eff.ect.buttons
Use these buttons to select the effect you want to use .
p ..13
Display
This shows information such as the BPM (tempo), the values of various settings, and error
messages (p . 45) .
Display.illumination
This will blink in synchronization with the patterns tempo .

During sampling, this will light red if the level of the audio signal is excessive .
p ..40
p ..19
[PATTERN.SELECT].button
Press this when you want to play or record a pattern .
p ..14
[LENGTH].button
Specifies the length of the pattern when recording a pattern .
p ..32
[QUANTIZE].button
Specifies quantization (automatic timing correction) when recording a pattern .
p ..32
[DEL].button
Deletes a sample or pattern .
p ..21
[REC].button
Starts/stops sampling or pattern recording .
p ..18
[RESAMPLE].button
Applies an effect to the sound of a sample and resamples the result .
p ..26
[CANCEL].button
Cancels an operation such as sampling, pattern playback, or recording .

By pressing this button four times in rapid succession, you can stop all sounds that are
currently playing .
p ..12
Makes the display indicate the remaining time available for sampling .
p ..25
[REMAIN].button
In addition, you can hold down this button and press a pad to specify the sample to which
you want to apply an effect, or to specify the sample whose settings you want to edit (modify
current pad) .
p ..13
[MARK].button
Use this button when you want to play only a portion of a sampled sound .
p ..27
Description
Name
Description
Page
Use this button when you want to change the playback start/end points of a sample or to
adjust its volume .
p ..27
[TIME/BPM].button
Use this button when you want to specify a samples playback time or BPM (tempo) .
p ..15
You can change the tempo by pressing this button several times at the desired timing .
p ..15
[TAP.TEMPO].button
To temporarily stop the production of sound, hold down the [FUNC] button while you press
the [TAP TEMPO] (PAUSE) button .
p ..12
[LO-FI].button
Switches the samples playback quality (standard/lo-fi) .
p ..12
[STEREO].button
Specifies whether youll be sampling in monaural or in stereo .
p ..18
[GATE].button
Switches between Gate playback (the sample will play only while you hold down the pad)
and Trigger playback (the sample will alternate between play and stop each time you press
the pad) .
p ..12
[LOOP].button
Switches between Loop playback (the sample will play repeatedly) and One-Shot playback
(the sample will play only once) .
p ..12
[REVERSE].button
Switches to Reverse playback, in which the sample will play backward .
p ..12
11
[BANK].buttons
Use these buttons to switch between sample or pattern banks .
p ..11
12
[FUNC].button
Use this button to make various settings .
p ..39
[HOLD].pad
This pad allows you to have a sample keep playing even after you take your finger off the pad .
p ..12
[EXT.SOURCE].pad
This pad plays the sound of the external (line or mic) input .
p ..24
[SUB.PAD].pad
This pad plays the sample of the pad you struck most recently .
p ..12
[MIC].button
This button switches the mic input on/off .
p ..17
Internal.mic
This is the SP-404SXs built-in mic . If you connect your own mic (sold separately) to the MIC
jack of the top panel, this internal mic will not function .
p ..17
10
13
14
15
Italiano
[START/END/LEVEL].button
Franais
p ..11
p ..14
Deutsch
When you press these pads, youll hear the samples that are assigned to the pads .
If the [PATTERN SELECT] button is lit, the pads will select patterns .
English
Pads.[1][12]
Espaol
16
17
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
Description
26
Page
PHONES.jack
You can connect stereo headphones here to listen to the same sound as from LINE OUT jacks .
p ..8
17
SD.card.slot
Insert an SD card here . There is a cover on the SD card slot, and this cover is fastened in place
with a screw when the SP-404SX is shipped from the factory . Remove the screw as described
in Remove the card lock screw to detach the card cover! (p . 10) .
p ..10
18
[MIC.LEVEL].knob
This adjusts the volume of the SP-404SXs internal mic or a mic connected to the MIC jack .
p ..19
19
MIC.IN.jack
You can connect a mic (separately sold) to this jack .
p ..17
20
Functional.ground.terminal
If necessary, connect this terminal to an external electrical ground .
p ..8
21
DC.IN.jack
Connect the included AC adaptor here .
p ..8
22
[POWER].switch
This turns the power on/off .
p ..9
23
MIDI.IN.jacks
You can connect a MIDI device to this connector .
p ..47
24
LINE.IN.jacks
Here you can connect your portable music player or other audio source device from which
you want to sample .
p ..16
25
LINE.OUT.connector
Connect your amplified speakers or mixer system here .
p ..8
.Security.slot.(
http://www.kensington.com/
26
Nederlands
16
Portugus
Name
18
About Batteries
Remove the battery compartment cover located on the bottom of the SP404SX, and insert the batteries in the correct polarity (direction) as marked
inside the battery compartment . Then close the cover securely .
NOTE
Battery handling
Incorrect handling of batteries, rechargeable batteries, or a battery charger can cause leakage, overheating, fire, or explosion . Before use, you must read and strictly
observe all of the precautions that accompany the batteries, rechargeable batteries, or battery charger .
When using rechargeable batteries and a charger, use only the combination of rechargeable batteries and charger specified by the battery manufacturer .
When turning the unit upside-down, get a bunch of newspapers or magazines, and place them under the four corners or at both ends to prevent damage to the
buttons and controls . Also, you should try to orient the unit so no buttons or controls get damaged .
When the batteries run low

When the batteries run low, the displays illumination will turn off, and the dot in the lower right of the display and
the [FUNC] button will start blinking . If the batteries run down completely, Lo appears in the display and no further
operations will be possible . If this occurs, replace the batteries immediately .
MEMO
When the remaining battery capacity decreases, the sound may be distorted when the [VOLUME] knob is in certain
positions . If this occurs, replace the batteries .
Types of Batteries That Can be Used

with the SP-404SX
You can use the following types of batteries
with the SP-404SX .
Do not use any other type of batteries .
Alkaline AA SIZE Dry Battery
Ni-MH AA SIZE Rechargeable Battery
Specifying the type of batteries used

Youll need to specify the type of batteries youre using
(alkaline or Ni-MH rechargeable) . The SP-404SX will
calculate its remaining battery power based on the setting
you make here .
1. While.holding.down.the.[FUNC].button,.turn.on.
the.power .
2. Turn.the.[CTRL.3].knob.to.specify.the.type.of.
batteries.youre.using .
The [REC] button will blink when you turn the knob .
Value
Description
AL
Alkaline dry battery
ni
Ni-MH rechargeable battery
3. Press.the.[REC].button.to.confi.rm.the.setting .
MEMO
This setting will be remembered even while the power
is turned off .
Checking the Remaining Battery

Power
1. Make.sure.that.the.[PATTERN.SELECT].button.is.
unlit .
If its lit, press the [PATTERN SELECT] button to turn it off .
2. Press.the.[REMAIN].button .
While you hold down the button, the remaining battery
power is indicated by the number of BANK buttons that
are lit . If only the BANK [A/F] button is lit, its time to
replace the batteries . A while after this indication, the
display will indicate Lo , and it will no longer be possible
to operate the SP-404SX .
MEMO
When the power is on with the AC adaptor connected,
all of the [BANK] buttons will be lit .
About Sleep Mode

If youve selected the SLP (sleep) setting in Display
illumination and sleep settings (p . 40), all of the SP-404SXs
buttons will go out when it has not been operated for approximately five minutes, and it will enter Sleep mode . This
will extend the battery life when operating on batteries .
English
Deutsch
Basic Operation
Franais
Italiano
Espaol
Portugus
Nederlands
Before You Start

Connecting the SP-404SX to Your Speakers
Make sure that the SP-404SX and your amplified speakers (which well simply call speakers) are powered off, and then make
connections as shown below .
Audio cables
(sold separately)
AC adaptor
LINE IN jacks
Amplified speakers
(sold separately)
LINE OUT jacks
Place the AC adaptor so the side with

the indicator (see illustration) faces
upwards and the side with textual
information faces downwards .
The indicator will light when you plug
the AC adaptor into an AC outlet .
DC IN jack
If youre using headphones

(sold separately), connect them
here .
NOTE
To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn down the volume, and turn off the power
on all devices before making any connections .
About Functional Ground Terminal

Depending on the circumstances of a particular setup, you may experience a discomforting sensation, or perceive that the
surface feels gritty to the touch when you touch this device, mics connected to it, or the metal portions of other objects .
This is due to an infinitesimal electrical charge, which is absolutely harmless . However, if you are concerned about this,
connect the ground terminal (see figure) with an external ground . When the unit is grounded, a slight hum may occur,
depending on the particulars of your installation . If you are unsure of the connection method, contact the nearest Roland
Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the Information page .
Unsuitable places for connection
Water pipes (may result in shock or electrocution)
Gas pipes (may result in fire or explosion)
Telephone-line ground or lightning rod (may be dangerous in the event of lightning)
Turning the Power On

NOTE
English
Once the connections have been completed, turn on power to your various devices in the order specified . By turning on
devices in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction and/or damage to speakers and other devices .
1. Minimize.the.volume.of.the.SP-404SX.and.your.speakers .
Turn the SP-404SXs [ VOLUME] knob all the way to the left .
Deutsch
2. Turn.the.SP-404SXs.[.POWER].switch.ON .
Franais
Italiano
NOTE
This unit is equipped with a protection circuit . A brief interval (a few seconds) after power up is required before the unit will
operate normally .
3. Turn.on.the.power.of.your.speakers .
Espaol
4. Adjust.the.volume .
While striking the pads of the SP-404SX to produce sound, slowly turn the [VOLUME] knob toward the right, and adjust the
volume on the SP-404SX and on your speakers .
Portugus
Nederlands
Turning the Power Off

1. Minimize.the.volume.of.the.SP-404SX.and.your.speakers .
2. Turn.off..the.power.of.your.speakers .
3. Turn.the.SP-404SXs.[POWER].switch.OFF .
Inserting an SD card
If you insert a commercially available SD card into the SP-404SX, youll be able to sample for longer times .
This section explains how to insert an SD card; however, when you purchase the SP-404SX, an SD card containing the factoryset preload data is already inserted, so the procedure described here wont be necessary .
Remove the card lock screw to detach the card cover!

When the SP-404SX is shipped, the card cover is locked by a screw installed at
the location marked CARD LOCK on the bottom panel . To remove the card
cover, you must first use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the CARD LOCK screw .
The screw was placed there for stability during transportation from the factory;
you can discard it without reusing it .
NOTE
Take care that the screw you removed is not accidentally swallowed by small children .
When turning the unit upside-down, get a bunch of newspapers or magazines, and place them under the four corners or at both ends to prevent damage to
the buttons and controls . Also, you should try to orient the unit so no buttons or controls get damaged .
Never insert or remove an SD card while this units power is on . Doing so may corrupt the units data or the data on the SD card .
1. Remove.the.card.cover.from.the.front.panel .
2. Insert.the.SD.card.into.the.slot,.and.replace.the.cover .
Carefully insert the SD card all the way inuntil it is firmly in place .
SD cards usable with the SP-404SX

The SP-404SX supports SDHC/SD cards up to a capacity of 32 GB .
Preparing an SD card for use

Before you can use a commercially available SD card with the SP-404SX, you must format it as described in Formatting an
SD card (p . 35) . However, do not format the SD card that was included with the SP-404SX . All of the preload data on the
card will disappear if you format the included SD card .
The SD card must be unlocked!

The SP-404SX will be unable to function properly if the SD card is locked. (LoC will appear
in the display .) Make sure that the SD card is not locked .
Removing an SD card
1. Press.the.SD.card.inward .
2. Grasp.the.card.and.pull.it.out.toward.yourself .
10
Card must be
unlocked!
Playing Sounds
Playing Samples
Whats a sample?
English
Samples are pieces of sampled (recorded) sound together with their loop settings, etc . That are assigned to the twelve
pads . You can play a sample by pressing the corresponding pad [1][12] .
When you press a pad, its sample will play . The pad
will light red while the sample is playing .
Deutsch
Franais
Whats a sample bank?

A sample bank is a set of twelve samples assigned to the pads . The SP-404SX has ten sample banks, AJ .
Use the [A/F][E/J] buttons to switch the sample
bank . To select bank F, Press the [A/F] button twice
so it starts blinking .
Italiano
How many samples can play simultaneously?

Espaol
The SP-404SX can play 12 monaural samples or 6 stereo samples simultaneously .

While resampling (p . 26), the maximum is 4 monaural or 2 stereo samples .
The SD card inserted when the SP-404SX is shipped from the factory has samples assigned to pads [1][12] of sample banks
[A][F] . Youll probably want to start by listening to these .
Portugus
1. Make.sure.that.the.[PATTERN.SELECT].button.is.extinguished .
If it is lit, press the button to turn it off .
Nederlands
2. Press.the.BANK.[A/F].button.so.the.button.is.lit .
If the button is blinking, bank F is selected . Press
the [A/F] button once again so it lights steadily .
11
3. Press.a.pad.to.play.its.sample .
That pad will blink while its sample is playing .

You can press two or more pads to play them simultaneously .
Try playing samples using the functions described below .
Holding a sample
While holding down a pad, press the [HOLD]
[HOLD] pad to make the sample
continue playing even after you release the pad . To stop the sample,
press the pad once again .
Playing the sound of the external input

This pad plays the sound from the LINE IN jacks or mic input (p . 24) .
Repeated strikes
When you press the [SUB
[SUB PAD] pad, the same sample as the previously
pressed pad will play . This makes it easy to use both hands to play rapid
notes in succession .
Viewing or editing the sample settings

These buttons indicate the sample settings of the pad you pressed most recently (the current pad) .
You can change the sample settings by pressing these buttons
* With.the.factory.settings,.the.samples.in.banks.AF.of.the.included.SD.card.are.protected,.and.cannot.be.edited ..
For.details.on.how.to.turn.off..the.protect.setting,.refer.to.About.the.Protect.Function.(p ..38) .
Button
When.lit
When.not.lit
.LO-FI
Play back with a lo-fi sound
Play back with the standard sound
.GATE
Sample playback will stop when you release the pad
Sample playback will continue even if you release the pad
.LOOP
Play back repeatedly (looped)
Play back once (not looped)
.REVERSE
Play backward
Play normally
Pausing the sound (PAUSE)

Hold down the [FUNC] button and press the [TAP TEMPO] (PAUSE) button; the sound
will pause, and button operations will be disabled except for the operation of resuming
playback .
To resume playback, once again hold down the [FUNC] button and press the [TAP TEMPO]
(PAUSE) .
If the sound wont stop!

If the sound wont stop, Press the [CANCEL] button four times in rapid succession . All of the
SP-404SXs sounds will stop .
12
Applying Effects
The SP-404SX contains 29 types of effects . As an example, heres how to apply the FILTER + DRIVE to a sample .
1. Press.a.pad.to.play.its.sample .
English
2. Press.the.[FILTER.+.DRIVE].button .
Use these buttons to switch effects (to switch an effect off, get the buttons
light to go out) . You cant apply multiple effects simultaneously .
Deutsch
You can use any of the following ways to change the effect selected by
MFX .
Hold down the [MFX] button and turn the [CTRL 3] knob
Hold down the [MFX] button and press a pad [1][12] (MFX 112)
If the effect buttons are off, pressing the [TAP
TEMPO] button will cause the button for the effect
that was used most recently to blink, reminding
you which effect was in use .
Hold down the [MFX] and [DJFX LOOPER] buttons and press a pad
[1][12] (MFX 1324)
Display
Result
CTRL.1
CoF (CUTOFF)
Adjusts the filters cutoff frequency .
CTRL.2
rES (RESONANCE)
Adjusts the filters resonance .
CTRL.3
drU (DRIVE)
Adjusts the amount of drive (distortion) .
Pre-specifying parameters for the

effect youll use next
Hold down the [REMAIN] button and turn the
[CTRL 1][CTRL 3] knobs to edit the parameters .
When you next press an effect button, that effect
will be applied with the parameter values you
pre-specified .
Italiano
Knob
Franais
3. Turn.the.[CTRL.1][CTRL.3].knobs.to.adjust.the.eff.ect .
For details on each effect, refer to Effect List (p . 42) .
Applying an effect to multiple samples

Espaol
Normally, the effect will be applied only to the pad you pressed most recently . However, by making use of [REMAIN]
button, you can set it so an effect is applied to multiple samples .
While holding down [REMAIN] button, press the desired pads to have the
effect be applied to each pad that is lit .
Portugus
If you hold down the

[REMAIN] button and press
the button of the effect you
want to use, the effect will
be applied to all samples .
Nederlands
Applying an effect only while you hold down the button (EFFECT GRAB)
If you hold down the [TAP TEMPO] (EFFECT GRAB) button and press an effect button, the
effect will be applied only while you hold down that effect button . This is a way to quickly
turn an effect on/off in time with your performance .
13
Playing Patterns
Whats a pattern?
The SP-404SX lets you successively play several samples by pressing a pad, and create a song by recording this performance . Such a succession of samples is called a pattern .
Pads to which a pattern is assigned will blink red .

When you press a blinking pad, the pattern will
play .
What is a pattern bank?

A pattern bank is a set of twelve patterns assigned to the pads . The SP-404SX has ten pattern banks, AJ .
Use the [A/F][E/J] buttons to switch pattern banks .
To select F, Press the [A/F] button twice so it starts
blinking .
On the factory-installed SD card, patterns are assigned to pads [1][12] of pattern banks [A][E] . Youll probably want to start by
listening to these .
1. Press.the.[.PATTERN.SELECT].button.so.its.lit .
The display will indicate Ptn .
2. Press.the.BANK.[A/F].button.so.the.button.is.lit .
If the button is blinking, bank F is selected . Press
the [A/F] button once again so it lights steadily .
14
3. Press.a.pad,.and.the.pattern.will.play .
The pad will change from blinking to lit, and the
pattern will begin playing .
English
4. Press.another.pad.to.reserve.the.next.pattern .
If you press another pad while a pattern is playing,
the pattern to play next will be reserved, and that
pad will blink . When the currently playing pattern has
finished playing, the reserved pattern will play .
Deutsch
If you hold down the [SUB PAD] pad and press a pad,
the pattern will change immediately .
5. Press.the.currently.playing.pad,.and.the.pattern.will.stop.playing .
Franais
Pattern playback will also

stop if you press the [CANCEL]
button .
MEMO
For details on how to create a pattern, refer to Recording a Pattern (p . 32) .
Italiano
Adjusting the Tempo

Heres how to change the playback tempo of the pattern .
1. Press.the.[.TIME/BPM].button.so.its.lit .
Espaol
MEMO
If the [PATTERN SELECT] button is lit, youll be changing the patterns
tempo . If the [PATTERN SELECT] button is extinguished, youll be
changing the current samples tempo .
2. Turn.the.[CTRL.2].knob .
Portugus
The display will indicate the tempo in terms of the BPM, and the pattern playback
tempo will change .
Permissible values for the BPM range from 40 up to 200 . However, if the BPM is
within the 4060 or 160180 ranges, it can be set only in even-numbered values .
If the BPM is above 180, you can set it to either 180, 183, 186, 190, 193, 196, or
200 .
Nederlands
You can also set the tempo by pressing the

[ TAP TEMPO] button several times at quarter note
intervals of the desired tempo .
3. .Once.youve.specifi.ed.the.tempo,.press.the.[TIME/BPM].button.to.turn.it.off. .
Whats BPM?
This stands for Beats Per Minute, which is the number of quarter-note beats played in one minute .
15
Recording Samples Basic Operation

STEP 1: Connecting Equipment
Connecting a Portable Music Player or Stereo
If youre connecting your portable music player, stereo, or CD player, use audio cables to connect your devices output jacks
(LINE OUT jacks, AUX OUT jacks, etc .) to the SP-404SXs LINE IN jacks .
Your portable music

players output jack
Audio amp
or
Phono equalizer
Your stereos LINE
OUT jacks
A record player (turntable) cannot be connected directly
to the SP-404SX . If you want to connect a record player,
you must use an audio amp that will accept a connection
from a record player, or use a phono equalizer between
the record player and the SP-404SX .
LINE IN jacks
Caution when making connections

To prevent malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices, always turn down the volume, and turn off the power
on all devices before making any connections .
When connection cables with resistors are used, the volume level of equipment connected to the inputs (LINE IN) may be
low . If this happens, use connection cables that do not contain resistors .
16
Connecting a Mic
To use a mic, connect it to the MIC IN jack, then press the [MIC] button so its lit .
English
Press the [MIC] button so its lit .
MEMO
If youre not using a mic, leave this button
unlit .
Deutsch
Using the built-in mic

If you want to use the built-in mic, dont
connect anything to the MIC IN jack .
The built-in mic wont operate if a mic is
connected to the MIC IN jack .
MIC IN jack
Franais
Howling could be produced depending on the location of

mics relative to speakers . This can be remedied by:
1 . Changing the orientation of the mic(s) .
2 . Relocating mic(s) at a greater distance from speakers .
3 . Lowering volume levels .
Italiano
Espaol
Portugus
Importing WAVE files from your computer

By using the included SP-404SX Wave Converter software, WAV or AIFF files from your computer can be written to an SD
card and assigned to the pads of the SP-404SX .
For details, refer to Importing Wave Files from Your Computer (p . 22) .
Nederlands
Card reader (sold separately)
WAV
AIFF
Use the SP-404SX Wave Converter software on
your computer to copy the data to SD card
Load the data from SD

card into the SP-404SX
17
STEP 2: Sampling
Here well explain how to use Sampling to record to pad [1] of bank J .
1. Make.sure.that.the.[PATTERN.SELECT].button.is.extinguished .
If its lit, press the button to turn it off .
2. Press.the.[.REC].button.so.the.button.is.lit .
If you decide to
cancel sampling, Press the
[CANCEL] button .
3. Press.the.BANK.[E/J].button.so.its.blinking .
If the button is lit, bank E is selected; press the [E/J] button
once again so its blinking .
Pads to which you can sample will blink .
4. Press.the.pad.[1] .
Pad [1] will light, and the [REC] button will blink .
5. .Make..STEREO.setting .
Turn this off if youre sampling in
monaural from a mic, etc .
How this affects the sampling time

Sampling in monaural will give you approximately twice as much sampling time as stereo .
Monaural sampling also allows you to play twice as many samples simultaneously (12 monaural samples, or 6 stereo
samples) .
18
Applying an effect while you sample

By pressing an effect button at this time, you can sample the sound processed by the effect .
MEMO
English
In this case, you can use the [CTRL 1] and [CTRL 2] knobs to adjust the effect settings . Because the [CTRL 3] knob is used
to adjust the digital input level, it cannot be used to adjust the effect settings .
6. .Adjust.the..recording.level
Franais
6-2. Adjust.the.volume.of.the.device.(e .g .,.portable.music.player).connected.to.the.SP-404SX.so.that.the.

PEAK.indicator.lights.occasionally .
Deutsch
6-1. Produce.sound.on.the.device.thats.connected.to.the.SP-404SX.(if.youre.using.a.mic,.vocalize.into.the.
mic) .
Adjust the volume of your audio source (e .g .,

portable music player)
MEMO
If the volume of your device is not adjustable,
and the PEAK indicator stays lit, set the SP404SXs input gain to -10 dB as described on p . 39 .
The PEAK indicator should

light occasionally
Italiano
If youre using a mic, turn the [MIC

LEVEL] knob to adjust the level .
If this lights red, the digital input level is

too high!
Espaol
6-3. If.the..display.illumination.lights.red,.the.internal.digital.input.level.is.excessive;.turn.the.[CTRL.3].knob.
toward.the.left.until.the.display.does.not.illuminate.red .
Turn the [CTRL 3] knob all the way to the right, and then turn it
toward the left until the red illumination no longer appears .
Portugus
LINE IN jacks
MIC IN jack
Input Gain
Analog signal
PEAK
Refer to p . 39
indicator
Digital signal
[CTRL 3]
knob
Nederlands
Signal ow
Display illumination
Eects
[MIC IN]
knob
Adjust so this
lights occasionally
Resampling
If lit red, level

is too high!
19
7. Produce.sound.on.the.device.thats.connected.to.the.SP-404SX,.and.Press.the.[REC].button.when.you.want.to.
start.sampling .
[REC] button will light, and
sampling will begin .
NOTE
Never turn off the power while sampling is in progress . If you turn off the power, not only the sample being recorded but
also other samples may also be destroyed .
8. When.you.want.to.stop.sampling,.press.the.[REC].button .
[REC] button will go out, and
sampling will end .
If the display indicates FUL

In the following cases, the display will indicate FUL , and sampling will end automatically .
When there is no remaining free space on the SD card
When the sample currently being recorded exceeds 2 GB (approximately 180 minutes in stereo)
9. Press.the.pad.[1].to.play.back.the.sound.you.just.sampled .
If the sample included an unwanted portion

If there is unwanted sound or silence at the beginning or end of the sample, you can make settings so that only the
desired portion will be heard .
For details, refer toAdjusting the Playback Region of a Sample (p . 27) .
If you want to re-record the sample

Delete the sample as described in Deleting a Sample (p . 21) on the following page, and then re-record the sample .
20
Deleting a Sample
If you are not satisfied with the sound you sampled, use the following procedure to delete it, and then sample the sound again .
1. Press.the.[.DEL].button .
English
Deutsch
2. The.display.will.indicate.dEL ,.and.the.pads.that.can.be.deleted.will.blink .
Select a bank . Protected banks (p . 38) are indicated as
Prt and cannot be selected .
Pads that can be deleted will blink .
Franais
3. Press.the.pad.that.you.want.to.delete .
The selected pad will change from blinking to lit .
You can select multiple pads .
Italiano
4. Press.the.[DEL].button.to.delete.the.sample .
Espaol
NOTE
Portugus
Never turn off the power before the deletion is complete . When the deletion is complete, the dAL indication in the
display will disappear .
Nederlands
21
Importing Wave Files from Your Computer

By using the included SP-404SX Wave Converter software,
WAV or AIFF files from your computer can be written to an
SD card and assigned to pads of the SP-404SX .
Card reader (sold separately)
4. Use.Wave.Converter.to.load.WAVE.fi.les .
Using the procedure described as follows, assign WAVE
files (or AIFF files) to the pads of the SP-404SX . When youre
finished, click [Exit] button to exit the software .
1
Select the SD card drive .
WAV
AIFF
Use the SP-404SX Wave Converter software on
your computer to copy the data to SD card
1. Installing.Wave.Converter .
Windows users
Navigate to the Wave Converter folder on the SP-404SX
UTILITY CD-ROM and double-click Setup.exe .
Click the pad to

which you want to
assign the WAVE
file . The border of
the selected pad
will turn green .
Click [Import] button to open a dialog
box . Select the WAVE file that you want to
import .
Mac OS X users
2. Connect.the.card.reader.(sold.separately).to.your.
computer,.and.insert.an.SD.card .
Select the sample

bank .
Load the data from SD

card into the SP-404SX
Navigate to the Wave Converter folder on the SP-404SX

UTILITY CD-ROM and double-click
SP-404SX Wave Converter Installer.pkg .
Exit the
software .
5. Insert.the.SD.card.into.the.SP-404SX,.and.switch.
on.its.power .
Youll be able to play the imported WAVE files on the
SP-404SX .
MEMO
You must first format
the SD card on the
SP-404SX (p . 35) .
3. Start.up.Wave.Converter .
Windows users
Select the SP-404SX Wave Converter from the Start
menu .
Mac OS X users
Double-click the SP-404SX Wave Converter icon .
22
For more about using SP-404SX Wave Converter, refer

to the online help .
The online help is a PDF file . Youll need Adobe Reader
(available free of charge) in order to read it .
If you want to import audio files from an SD card
without using the included SP-404SX Wave Converter
software, refer to Importing WAVE Files (p . 36) .
English
Deutsch
Advanced Operation
Franais
Italiano
Espaol
Portugus
Nederlands
Playing an External Input Sound

Audio input from an external source (such as from a
portable music player connected to the LINE IN jacks or a
mic connected to the MIC IN jack) can be handled much
like samples are on the SP-404SX; it can be played and
effects can be applied to it.
1. Connect your portable music player or mic to the

SP-404SX as described in Connecting a Portable
Music Player or Stereo (p. 16) or Connecting a Mic
(p. 17).
2. Press the [EXT SOURCE] pad so the pad is lit. If
youre inputting from a mic, you should also press
the [MIC] button so its lit.
The external audio input will be heard while the pad is lit.
MEMO
If the [GATE] button is lit, the sound will be heard only
while you hold down the [EXT SOURCE] pad.
3. To switch the external input between stereo and

monaural, press the [STEREO] button to make the
button light or go dark.
Stereo is selected when the button is lit.
MEMO
You should have the [STEREO] button lit for sources that
are originally stereo, such as a portable music player.
4. You can apply an effect to the external audio input

by pressing one of the effect buttons to make it
light (p. 13).
MEMO
If the effect is not applied to the external audio input
when you press an effect button to make it light, you
should hold down the [REMAIN] (CURRENT PAD) button
and press the [EXT SOURCE] pad. This will cause the
effect to be applied to the external audio input.
24
Adjusting the Volume of the

EXT SOURCE
You can adjust the volume of the [EXT SOURCE] pad. You
should adjust the volume as follows.
1. Press the [EXT SOURCE] pad so the pad is lit. If

youre inputting from a mic, you should also press
the [MIC] button so its lit.
The external audio input will be heard.
2. Press the [START/END/LEVEL] button so its lit.

3. Turn the [CTRL 3] (LEVEL) knob to adjust the
volume of the audio input.
If the SP-404SXs display illumination lights red, the
internal digital input level is overloading; turn the [CTRL
3] knob toward the left until the display illumination is no
longer lit red.
MEMO
If the volume of the external audio input does not
change when you turn the [CTRL 3] (LEVEL) knob, hold
down the [REMAIN] button (CURRENT PAD) and press
the [EXT SOURCE] pad. (This operation will select the
external input as the target for the volume adjustment.)
Then press the [START/END/LEVEL] button again and
turn the [CTRL 3] (LEVEL) knob to adjust the volume.
4. Press the [START/END/LEVEL] button once again.

The [START/END/LEVEL] button goes out, and the volume
is set.
MEMO
When the power is turned on, this will always be the
default value (127).
Recording Samples Advanced Operation

MEMO
This section explains more advanced methods of
sampling. For basic sampling, refer to Recording
Samples Basic Operation (p. 16).
The maximum sampling time (size) for a single sample is

approximately 180 minutes in stereo (2 GB).
The following table shows the approximate total sampling

time of the samples that can be stored on one SD card.
Stereo .
(mono)
Card
capacity
Stereo .
(mono)
1 GB
Approx. 90 min.
(180 min.)
8 GB
Approx. 720 min.

(24 hours)
2 GB
Approx. 180 min.

(360 min.)
16 GB
Approx. 24 hours
(48 hours)
4 GB
Approx. 360 min.

(720 min.)
32 GB
Approx. 48 hours
(96 hours)
Since the 1 GB SD card included with the SP-404SX

contains preload data, the available sampling time will
be less than the time above.
Remaining sampling time
0.11 10.3 173 24H

Min.
Sec.
Min.
x10 Sec.
Min.
Hours
The indication shows the time available for sampling

in stereo mode. The remaining time indication is an
estimate.
MEMO
This setting will be remembered even after the power
is switched off.
Starting Sampling
Automatically (Auto Sampling)
The Auto Sampling function will cause sampling to begin
automatically when the input signal (sound) exceeds a
specified level. This is convenient when you want to begin
sampling from the introduction of a song. Before you enter
sampling standby mode, adjust the sampling trigger level
as described below.
1. Hold down the [FUNC] button and press the pad

[4] (AUTO TRIG LEVEL).
The [REC] button will blink, and the display will indicate
-0- .
Portugus
MEMO
3. Press the [RESAMPLE] button to confirm your

choice of file type.
Espaol
1. When you press the [REMAIN] button, the display

will indicate the remaining time.
Either UAU (WAV) or AiF (AIFF) appears in the display

when you press this button, showing you the current
selection.
Italiano
MEMO
2. Press the [PATTERN SELECT] button to switch

between WAV and AIF.
Franais
Card
capacity
1. Hold down the [RESAMPLE] button and turn on

the power.
Deutsch
Youll be able to store a larger number of samples if you

use a high-capacity SDHC card.
The data produced when sampling with the SP-404SX

can be saved in either the WAV (.wav) format or AIFF (.aif )
format. If you want to change the format of the data that is
created when you sample, carry out the procedure below.
English
About the Available Sampling

Times
Specifying the Type of Data to

Create when Sampling
2. Turn the [CTRL 3] (LEVEL) knob to set the level.

The sampling trigger level will be the level at which the
PEAK indicator lights. Turning the knob toward the right
will raise the level. The display will indicate the level you
specified (ten stages, 09).
When -0- is indicated, conventional sampling will
occur (i.e., auto sampling will not be used). Choose the
-0- setting if you dont want to use auto sampling.
3. To check the sampling trigger level, press the

[REC] button once again.
When you start sampling with auto sampling specified,
the display will indicate rdY until a signal exceeding the
sampling trigger level is received.
25
Nederlands
MEMO
Sampling with a Specified

Tempo
If you specify the BPM (tempo) while youre still in
sampling standby mode, the end point (the timing at
which the sound stops playing) will be automatically set
after sampling to a beat of the BPM value you specified.
Resampling
You can play back a sample with an effect applied, and
then newly sample the result. This is called resampling.
1. Make sure that the [PATTERN SELECT] button is

extinguished.
If it is lit, press the [PATTERN SELECT] button to turn it off.
1. Prepare for sampling as described in steps 16 of

STEP 2: Sampling (p. 18).
2. Apply an effect to the original sample, and adjust

the effect parameters.
2. Adjust the tempo as described in Adjusting the

Tempo (p. 15).
3. Press the [RESAMPLE] button so the button is lit.
3. Press the [REC] button to start sampling.
4. Play back the original sample.
4. Press the [REC] button once again to stop

sampling.
MEMO
When sampling ends, the end point will automatically
be set according to the BPM, and the [MARK] button
will light. Refer to Adjusting the Playback Region of a
Sample (p. 27).
If the sampled time is multiple measures or less than
one measure, the BPM indication may be double or half.
In this case, press the [TIME/BPM] button so the button
is lit, then turn the [CTRL 2] (BPM) knob to set the
desired value. Refer to Changing a Samples BPM (p. 30).
The displayed BPM value is an approximation derived
from the sampled time, and may not be accurate.
Depending on the BPM value, the time corresponding
to the BPM may not precisely match the time from the
start point to the end point. For this reason if you use
Loop playback (p. 12) to continuously play a sample for
an extended time, the timing will gradually drift.
Using a Count-in
You can add a count-in (1, 2, 3, 4) when you start sampling.
This is convenient when you are sampling with a specific
tempo or time signature in mind.
1. Specify the tempo as described in steps 12 of

Sampling with a Specified Tempo (p. 26)
2. Press the [START/END/LEVEL] button so the
button is lit.
3. Press the [REC] button.
The metronome will sound, and the display will successively indicate.
-1- -> -2- -> -3- -> -4- -> rEC .
Sampling will begin when the rEC indication appears.
The display will indicate LEU .
5. Adjust the [CTRL 3] (LEVEL) knob so that the

display illumination does not light red.
MEMO
While the [RESAMPLE] button is lit, you cant use the
[CTRL 3] knob to adjust the effect depth. If you want to
use the [CTRL 3] knob to adjust the effect depth, press
the [CANCEL] button to make the [RESAMPLE] button
go out.
6. Press the [REC] button so the button is blinking.

The bank buttons and pads to which resampling is
possible will start blinking.
7. Press the pad to which you want to resample, so

the pad is lit.
You can also resample to a different bank.
NOTE
You cant resample to a pad to which a sample is
already assigned.
8. Use the [STEREO] button to specify the stereo/

mono setting.
For details, refer to step 5 of p. 18.
9. Press the [REC] button so the button is lit.

Resampling will not yet begin at this point.
10. Press the pad to which you want to resample.

The sample will begin playing, and resampling will start.
NOTE
Never turn off the power during resampling. Turning off
the power at this time may destroy not only the sample
being resampled, but also other samples as well.
11. When resampling is finished, press the [REC]

button.
MEMO
During resampling, you can simultaneously play up to
four monaural samples or two stereo samples.
26
Editing a Sample
MEMO
For details on setting a samples GATE, LOOP, REVERSE,
and LO-FI parameters, refer to p. 12.
Heres how to adjust the volume of each pad.
1. Make sure that the [PATTERN SELECT] button

is extinguished. If it is lit, press the [PATTERN
SELECT] button to turn it off.
The pad will light, and that sample will play.

button is lit.
The point within the waveform data at which playback

will begin is called the Start Point, and the point at which
playback will end is the End Point.
If there is unwanted sound or silence at the beginning
of a sampled sound, you can omit this by adjusting the
Start Point. If the unwanted material is at the end, you can
adjust the End Point.
Start sampling
Stop sampling
5. When youve finished making adjustments, press

the [START/END/LEVEL] button to turn off its light.
MEMO
Start Point
End Point
This region will sound
MEMO
When you specify the start point or end point, the BPM
(tempo) will be automatically calculated according
to the newly specified duration, and displayed. If the
duration is multiple measures or less than one measure,
the displayed BPM value may be half or double the
actual value. To set the BPM to the desired value, refer
to Changing a Samples BPM (p. 30).
In some cases, such as if the length of the region is
three beats, it may not be possible to calculate or adjust
the BPM value correctly.
Portugus
Canceling the Adjusted Playback

Region (Deleting a Marker)
Espaol
While the [START/END/LEVEL] button is lit, you can

adjust not only the volume but also the start point
and end point (p. 27) by using the [CTRL 1] and [CTRL 2]
knobs. If youve moved the [CTRL 1] or [CTRL 2] knobs
by accident, set them back to the center position. The
settings will return to their previous values. If you press
the [START/END/LEVEL] button to turn off the buttons
light without returning the knobs to the center, the
modified start point and end point settings will be set.
Unwanted
Italiano
Turning the [CTRL 3] (LEVEL) knob toward the left will

reduce the volume, and turning it toward the right will
increase the volume. A setting of 127 is the maximum
volume. The default value immediately after sampling is
127.
Unwanted
Franais

samples volume.
Deutsch
2. Press the pad to which the sample whose volume

you want to adjust is assigned.
For each sample, the SP-404SX lets you specify the region
within the samples waveform data that will actually play.
English
Setting a Samples Volume
Adjusting the Playback Region

of a Sample
MEMO
By carrying out the procedure explained in Deleting
an Unwanted Portion (Truncate) (p. 29), you can delete
the portions other than the specified playback region,
so that the start point and end point are the beginning
and end of the sample.
27
Nederlands
The [MARK] button will light if youve specified either

the start point or end point. If you want to cancel these
settings, press the lit the [MARK] button during playback
to turn off the buttons light.
Adjusting Both the Start Point and

End Point
2. Press the pad whose playback region you want to
adjust, making it sound.
MEMO
If the [MARK] button is lit, the start point or end point
has already been adjusted. In this case, cancel the start
point/end point setting (p. 27) before you proceed with
the steps below.
3. While listening to the sound, press the [MARK]

button at the timing of the desired start point.
4. Press the [MARK] button again at the timing of the
desired end point.
Stop sampling
Start sampling
Adjusting Only the End Point

2. Hold down the [MARK] button, and press the
pad whose playback region you want to adjust,
making it sound.
3. When the sound begins to play, release the
[MARK] button.
4. While the sound plays, press the [MARK] button at
the timing of the desired end point.
MEMO
If you press the [MARK] button to turn off its light while
the sound is playing, the change in the start point and
end point will be cancelled.
Adjusting Only the Start Point

Unwanted
Unwanted
2. Press the pad whose playback region you want to

adjust, making it sound.
MEMO
Press the [MARK]

button
Press the [MARK]

button
MEMO
If you specify the BPM (tempo) between steps 3 and 4,
the end point will automatically be set to the location
of the beat that is closest to the timing at which you
press the [MARK] button in step 4 (in units of beats of
the BPM value, beginning at the start point). To specify
the BPM, you can either press the [TIME/BPM] button
so the button is lit and then turn the [CTRL 2] knob, or
press the [TAP TEMPO] button several times.
Beat
Start Point
Beat
Beat
Beat
Timing at which
you press the
[MARK] button
Adjusted
Specified end point
28
If the [MARK] button is lit, the start point or end point

has already been adjusted. In this case, cancel the start
point/end point setting (p. 27) before you proceed with
the steps below.
3. While listening to the sound, press the [MARK]

button at the timing of the desired start point.
4. Stop the pad playback.
Making Fine Adjustments to the Start

Point and End Point
Start sampling
Stop sampling
Unwanted
Deutsch
2. Play the pad whose playback region you want to

adjust, making it the current pad.
By specifying the start/end points and then deleting the

unneeded portion (Truncate), you can make more efficient
use of memory.
English

Deleting an Unwanted Portion

(Truncate)

button is lit.
4. Use the [CTRL 1] knob to adjust the start point,
and the [CTRL 2] knob to adjust the end point.
Unwanted
5. When youve finished making adjustments, press

the [START/END/LEVEL] button to turn off its light.
Start sampling
Start Point
End Point
Stop sampling
Franais
Truncate
[CTRL 2]
End Point
MEMO
You can press the pad to produce sound even while
making adjustments.
You cant adjust the playback region beyond the beginning or end of the sample.
2. Make sure that the [MARK] button is lit (indicating

that the playback region has been adjusted).
3. Press the [DEL] button.
4. Press the [MARK] button. The display indication
will change to trC .
5. Press the [DEL] button, and the truncation process
will begin. When trC disappears from the
display, the operation is complete.
MEMO
Never turn off the power before this operation has
been completed. Doing so will destroy the SD card.
Nederlands
The range of movement for a single operation is approximately 130 milliseconds before or after the current
start point or end point. If you want to adjust the point by
a greater amount, repeat the same procedure.
This operation cannot be undone.
1. Play the pad that you want to truncate, making it

the current pad.
Portugus
If you decide to cancel the adjustment, return the [CTRL

1] and [CTRL 2] knobs to the center position so that the
indication is 0.
NOTE
Espaol
For both the [CTRL 1] and [CTRL 2] knobs, turning the knob
toward the left will move the start point/end point toward
the beginning of the sound, and turning the knob toward
the right will move the point toward the end of the sound.
Italiano
[CTRL 1]
Start Point
You cant set the start point and end point closer than
approximately 100 milliseconds.
If your adjustment results in the start point and end point
being respectively at the beginning and end of the sample,
the [MARK] button will go out.
If the [MARK] button is extinguished (i.e., if the playback
region has not been adjusted), adjusting the samples start
point or end point will cause the [MARK] button to light.
When you move the start point or end point, the samples
BPM (tempo) will automatically change accordingly.
However, there will be a small discrepancy in the BPM.
29
Changing a Samples BPM

A samples BPM (tempo) is automatically determined by
the length between the samples start point and end point.
However, depending on this length, the calculated BPM
value may be half or double the actual BPM. In this case,
you can correct the BPM as follows.
1. Play the pad that you want to change, making it

the current pad.
2. Press the [TIME/BPM] button so the button is lit.
3. Turn the [CTRL 2] (BPM) knob to change the BPM
value. Turn the knob toward the left if you want
to halve the displayed value, or toward the right if
you want to double it.
4. When youve made the change, press the [TIME/
BPM] button once again to turn off the buttons
light.
MEMO
While youre performing this operation, the [CTRL 1]
knob will perform the Time Modify function. Be careful
not to change it inadvertently.
Changing the Length of a Sample without

Changing the Pitch (Time Modify)
If you want to consecutively play samples of differing
tempo, you can use the Time Modify function to create
natural-sounding transitions so that the tempo is not
interrupted.
If youve specified Reverse Playback (p. 12), the Time Modify
setting is disabled, and the effect wont be obtained. If
you want to use Time Modify, you must turn off Reverse
Playback.
1. Play the pad that you want to change, making it

the current pad.
2. Press the [TIME/MODIFY] button so the button is
lit.
3. Turn the [CTRL 1] (TIME) knob to change the
length. The display will indicate the sample length
in terms of the BPM.
4. When youve finished making the change, press
the [TIME/BPM] button once again to turn off the
buttons light.
MEMO
Turning the [CTRL 1] (TIME) knob all the way to the left
will turn Time Modify off, so that the sample will play at
its original length (The display will indicate oFF .)
Turning the [CTRL 1] (TIME) knob all the way to the
right will cause the sample to play at the tempo of the
pattern (The display will indicate Ptn .)
The BPM can be adjusted to any value from half to
approximately 1.3 times the original BPM. However, the
BPM must fall within the 40200 range.
If Time Modify is set to Ptn , the tempo of the sample
will change according to the patterns tempo within
a range of between half and approximately 1.3 times
the samples original BPM. If the patterns tempo is set
outside this range, the samples tempo is limited to the
maximum value (200) or minimum value (40).
Please be aware that a sample for which youve
specified Time Modify may sound quavery or noisy.
Deleting All Samples

Heres how to delete the samples of all banks in a single
operation.
MEMO
If you want to delete only one or several samples, refer
to Deleting a Sample (p. 21).
1. Make sure that the [PATTERN SELECT] button is

extinguished.
If it is lit, press the [PATTERN SELECT] button to turn it off.
2. While holding down the [CANCEL] button, press

the [DEL] button.
The display will indicate dAL , and the [DEL] button will
light. The [BANK] buttons will blink.
3. Press one of the [BANK] buttons.

MEMO
If you specify a bank that is protected (p. 38), the display
will indicate Prt (Protected), and you wont be able
to delete anything.
If you decide to cancel the operation at this point, press
the [CANCEL] button.

When the deletion is complete, the dAL indication in the
display will disappear.
NOTE
Never turn off the power before the deletion is
complete. Doing so will destroy the SD card.
30
Exchanging Samples between

Two Pads
MEMO
If you decide to cancel this operation during the
procedure, press the [CANCEL] button.
The display will indicate CHG , and the [DEL] button and
the [REC] button will light.
MEMO

[1] (COPY).
The display will indicate CPY .
2. Press the pad for one of the samples you want to

exchange.
2. Press the pad for the copy-source sample.
3. Press the other pad.
3. Press the copy-destination pad.
You can also select to a different bank.

When the two pads have been pressed, the [REC] button
will blink.
MEMO
You can also select to a different bank.
When the two pads have been pressed, the [REC] button
will blink.
4. When you press the [REC] button, the copy will

begin.
When the CHG indication in the display has disappeared,

the exchange is complete.
When the indication of CPY in the display has disappeared, the copy is complete.
NOTE
NOTE
Never turn off the power before the exchange has been
completed. Doing so will destroy the SD card.
If there is not enough free memory to perform the

copy, the display will indicate FUL and the copy
cannot be performed.
Espaol
If there is not enough free memory to perform the

exchange, the display will indicate FUL and the
exchange cannot be performed.
Italiano
4. When you press the [REC] button, the exchange

will begin.
Pads that are available as copy sources will blink.
Franais
MEMO
Deutsch

[2] (EXCHANGE).
You can copy a sample from one pad to another pad.

This lets you create another sample based on an existing
sample.
English
You can exchange samples between two pads. This lets

you bring together the desired samples into a single bank.
Copying a Sample to Another

Pad
Never turn off the power before the copy has been
completed. Doing so will destroy the SD card.
Portugus
Nederlands
31
Pattern Sequencer
The SP-404SX contains a Pattern Sequencer function that
can record sample-playback operations. Another way to
use this capability is to combine several phrase samples
to create a simple song, or to combine rhythm samples to
create rhythm patterns.
MEMO
Here well explain how to record into the pattern
sequencer, and also describe some advanced uses. For
details on playing back the pattern sequencer, refer to
Playing Patterns (p. 14).
If the pattern already contains data, you cant make it

shorter than its current length.
You can specify the pattern length in one-measure units
for the range of 120 measures, and in four-measure units
for longer patterns.
11. Press the [QUANTIZE] button so the button is lit.

The [LENGTH] button will go out, and the display will
indicate the quantize setting.
MEMO
What is quantization?
Recording a Pattern
Quantization is a function that automatically corrects

the slight inaccuracies in timing that can sometimes
occur when you are pressing pads and playing samples
to produce a recording. Once youve specified a
quantize setting, your performance will be recorded
at accurate intervals of quarter notes, eighth notes, or
sixteenth notes.
When you play samples and record your performance as

a pattern, recording will occur repeatedly for the number
of measures you specify (i.e., loop recording), allowing
you to continue layering (overdubbing) additional samples
onto the pattern.
1. Press the [PATTERN SELECT] button so the button

is lit.
The display will indicate Ptn and the pads to which a
pattern is assigned will blink.
12. Turn the [CTRL 3] knob to specify the desired

quantize setting.
The display will indicate the quantize setting you specify.
The indication has the following significance.
S.8
Quantize to 8th notes using shuffle quantize.
S.16
Quantize to 16th notes using shuffle quantize.
3. Press one of the [BANK] buttons to select the

pattern bank into which you want to record.
Quantize to quarter notes.
4. Press the pad to which you want to assign the

pattern youre going to record.
4.3
Quantize to quarter-note triplets.
Quantize to eighth notes.
8.3
Quantize to eighth-note triplets.
16
Quantize to sixteenth notes.
16.3
Quantize to sixteenth-note triplets.
32
Quantize to thirty-second notes.
oFF
Quantize will not be used. The actual timing at which you

pressed the pad will be recorded.
All pads to which no pattern is assigned will blink.
The pad you pressed will light, and the remaining pads will
go out. The [REC] button will blink, and the metronome
will begin sounding

button is lit.
metronome volume.
7. Press the [TIME/BPM] button so the button is lit.
The display will indicate the pattern tempo (BPM).
8. Specify the pattern tempo, either by turning the

[CTRL 2] (BPM) knob, or by pressing the [TAP
TEMPO] button several times at the desired
tempo.
9. Press the [LENGTH] button so the button is lit.
The display will indicate the length (number of measures)
of the pattern that will be recorded.
10. Turn the [CTRL 3] knob to specify the length of the

pattern.
The display will indicate the pattern length you specify.
Range: 199
32
MEMO
If you use shuffle quantize (S . 8, S . 1 6), use the [CTRL 2]
knob to specify the amount of shuffle for backbeats.
A setting of 50 will produce a straight rhythm with
no shuffle. Settings in a range of 6066 will usually
produce a pleasant shuffle feel.
13. Press the [QUANTIZE] button to extinguish the

button.
The [REC] button will change from blinking to lit, and

recording will begin.
When the count ends, recording will begin, and the display
will indicate the measure and beat.
15. Press the pads at the desired timing.

During recording, you can use the pads to play samples.
You can also press a bank button to switch sample banks.
This gives you a convenient way to find the next sample

that you want to play.
16. Press the pads of samples that you want to

overdub.
During this recording process, you can change the

quantization as follows.
2. Turn the [CTRL 3] knob to change the quantize

setting.
The new quantize setting will be applied immediately.
17. When you want to stop recording, press the

[CANCEL] button.
4. Press the [REC] button to start recording.

The [REC] button will change from blinking to lit, and
recording will begin.
The recorded performance will play back. If you press the
pad of a sample at this time, it will be recorded.
5. Press the [DEL] button so the button is lit.

The display will indicate ErS .
6. Press the pad for the sample that you want to

erase, throughout the period where you want the
erasure to take place.
The dot in the display will blink, and any occurrences of
that sample will be erased from the pattern during the
duration that you hold down the pad.
MEMO
By holding down the [HOLD] pad you can erase the
performances of all pads.
7. Repeat step 6 as desired.

8. When youve finished erasing mistakes, press the
[DEL] button.
The [DEL] button will go out, and the pattern will return to
normal recording.
If you press the pad of a sample at this time, it will be
recorded.
9. Press the [CANCEL] button to carry out the

erasure.
The dot in the display will blink. When the blinking stops,
recording is complete.
The dot in the display will blink while the erasure is

being carried out. When the blinking stops, the erasure is
complete.
NOTE
NOTE
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking.

Doing so may destroy the SD card.
Nederlands
3. When youve made the desired setting, press

the [QUANTIZE] button to extinguish the
button.
The pad you pressed will light, and the other pads will go
out. The [REC] button will blink, and the metronome will
begin sounding.
Portugus
1. Press the [QUANTIZE] button so the button is

lit.
3. Press the pad for the pattern containing the

performance from which you want to delete the
mistake.
Espaol
The pad performance that you recorded on the previous

pass will be recorded along with your newly added pad
performance (overdubbed). You can use this method
to gradually build up complex rhythms that would be
impossible to play all at once.
Italiano
If you press the [REC] button once again so the button is

blinking, the display will indicate rEH and youll be in
Rehearsal mode. In this state, pressing the pads will play
the corresponding samples, but they wont be recorded.
When you press the [REC] button once again so the
button is lit, youll exit Rehearsal mode and return to the
conventional recording mode.
The display will indicate Ptn and pads to which a

pattern is assigned will blink.
Franais
When the measure number shown in the display reaches

the pattern length you specified, you will automatically
return to measure one, and recording will continue (loop
recording). The previously recorded performance will play
back during this time.

is lit.
Deutsch
The samples of the pads you pressed will play, and will be
recorded at the timing specified by the selected quantize
setting.
If youve played a sample by mistake while recording,

you can use the corresponding pad to erase it from the
recorded pattern.
English
There will be a one-measure count before recording

actually begins, so wait for one measure while listening to
the metronome. During this time, the display will indicate
a count of -4, -3, -2, -1.
Erasing a Mistake from Your

Performance

33
Deleting a Pattern
is lit.
The display will indicate Ptn and the pads that have
been recorded will blink.
2. Press the [DEL] button so the button is lit.

The display will indicate dEL .
If the display indicates ENP , that bank does not contain
any pads to which a pattern is assigned.
3. Press a bank button and a pad to specify the bank

and pad of the pattern you want to delete.
The selected pad will light, and the [DEL] button will blink.
MEMO
Nothing will happen if you press a pad to which no
pattern is assigned (i.e., a pad that is not lit).
You can simultaneously select more than one pad if
they are in the same bank.
If you specify a bank thats protected (p. 38), the display
will indicate Prt (Protected) and you wont be able
to delete a pattern.
If you decide not to delete a pattern, press the
[CANCEL] button.
4. Press the [DEL] button to carry out the deletion.

During this process, the [DEL] button will change from
blinking to lit, and the dot in the display will blink. When
the dot stops blinking, deletion has been completed.
NOTE
Deleting All Patterns

Heres how to delete the patterns of all banks in a single
operation.

is lit.
The display will indicate Ptn , and pads that are recorded
will blink.
2. While holding down the [CANCEL] button, press

the [DEL] button.
The display will indicate dAL , and the [DEL] button will
light. The [BANK] buttons will blink.
3. Press one of the [BANK] buttons.
MEMO
If protection is in effect (p. 38), Prt (Protected) will
be displayed, and you wont be able to carry out the
deletion.
If you decide not to delete the patterns, press the
[CANCEL] button.
4. Press the [DEL] button to carry out the deletion.

During this process, the [DEL] button will change from
blinking to lit, and the dot in the display will blink. When
the dot stops blinking, the deletion has been completed.
NOTE
Exchanging the Patterns of Two

Pads
By exchanging patterns between two pads, you can
change the way in which patterns are assigned to the
pads.
MEMO

is lit.
2. Exchange the patterns, using the procedure

described in Exchanging Samples between Two
Pads (p. 31).
In the procedure, read pattern wherever the explanation
says sample.
Copying a Pattern to Another

Pad
You can copy a pattern from one pad to another pad. This
lets you create a new pattern based on an existing pattern.
MEMO

is lit.
2. Copy the patterns, using the procedure described

in Copying a Sample to Another Pad (p. 31).
In the procedure, read pattern wherever the explanation
says sample.
34
About SD Card
MEMO
For details on recommended SD cards, and on how to
insert or remove an SD card, refer to Inserting an SD
card (p . 10) .
Formatting an SD card
NOTE
Do not format the SD card included with the

SP-404SX!
The included SD card contains preload data . All of this
data will be lost if you format the included SD card .
To restore the SD card included with the SP-404SX

to its factory-set condition, refer to Restoring the
Factory Settings (Factory Reset) (p . 40) .
The [BANK] buttons will blink, and the display will indicate
FNt .
2. Press.any.one.of.the.[BANK].buttons .
MEMO
If you decide not to format the card, press the [CANCEL]
button .
The [DEL] button will light, and formatting will begin .
During the formatting process, the dot in the display will
blink .
When the blinking stops, formatting is complete .
Never turn off the power while the dot is blinking . Doing so may damage the SD card, rendering it unusable .
Dont modify or delete the files or folders that are
created when an SD card is formatted . The SP-404SX
will not recognize the card correctly if you do so .
Exporting WAVE Files

Data sampled by the SP-404SX is saved on the SD card
as WAVE files (WAV/AIFF) (Specifying the Type of Data to
Create when Sampling (p . 25)) . You can use a commercially
available card reader to copy the contents of the SD card
into your computer so that WAVE files (WAV/AIFF) sampled
on the SP-404SX can be used on your computer .
How WAVE files (WAV/AIFF) are shown

The WAVE files (WAV/AIFF) are located in the following
folder of the SD card .
ROLAND/SP-404SX/SMPL
When you use your computer to view the contents of
the above folder, youll see the file names of the WAVE
files (WAV/AIFF) as follows .
A0000001.WAV
A0000002.WAV
:
A0000012.WAV
B0000001.WAV
:
J0000001.WAV
Nederlands
NOTE
3. Using.your.computer,.copy.the.data.you.
copied.in.step.1.to.the.SD.card.you.formatted.
in.step.2,.overwriting.any.fi.les.that.were.on.
the.card .
Portugus
3. Press.the.[DEL].button .
2. Format.the.purchased.SD.card.on.the.SP404SX.(p ..35) .
Espaol
The [BANK] buttons will change from blinking to lit, and

the [DEL] button will blink .
1. Copy.the.entire.contents.of.the.1.GB.SD.card.
to.your.computer .
Italiano
1. While.holding.down.the.[CANCEL].button,.press.
the.[REMAIN].button .
For example, if youve used up all the available

space on a 1GB SD card, you can copy your data to a
higher-capacity card (such as a 16 GB one) that youve
purchased . Proceed as follows .
Franais
Restoring the included SD card to the factoryset condition
Copying to another SD card
Deutsch
When you format an SD card, all data on that card will

be erased .
Use a commercially available card reader to copy the

entire contents of the SD card to your computer .
English
For details on SD card capacity and available sampling

times, refer to About the Available Sampling Times
(p . 25) .
Saving the contents of an SD card to your

computer
MEMO
The letter at the beginning of the file name
indicates the bank name, and the number
indicates the pad name .
For example, B0000003.WAV is the sample for pad
[3] of bank B .
35
Importing WAVE Files

You can import WAVE files via SD card and assign them to
pads .
MEMO
By using the included SP-404SX Wave Converter
software, you can easily import WAVE files from your
computer . For details, refer to Importing Wave Files
from Your Computer (p . 22) .
1. Using.your.computer,.copy.the.WAVE.fi.le.(WAV/
AIFF).into.the.SD.cards./ROLAND/IMPORT.folder .
2. Insert.the.SD.card.into.the.SP-404SX,.then.switch.
on.power.to.the.SP-404SX .
3. Make.sure.that.the.[PATTERN.SELECT].button.is.
extinguished .
If it is lit, press the [PATTERN SELECT] button to turn it off .
4. Hold.down.the.[FUNC].button.and.press.the.pad.
[3].(.IMPORT) .
The display will indicate iNP (File Import), the [REC]
button will light, and pads the [1]the [12] will blink .
5. Select.the.import-destination.sample.bank .
Press one of the [BANK] buttons .
MEMO
If you specify a bank that is protected (p . 38), the display
will indicate Prt (Protected), and you wont be able
to import the file .
6. Select.the.import-destination.pad .
Rules for importing

The WAVE files will be imported in the ASCII code
order (follows this order: numerals, uppercase letters,
then lowercase letters) of their file names .
If there are multiple files, they will be imported in
order of their filename, starting with the pad you
selected .
If samples already exist, they will be overwritten when
you import . However, if there are protected banks,
those banks will be skipped when importing .
The WAVE files (WAV/AIFF) in the imported /ROLAND/
IMPORT folder will be deleted automatically .
Caution when importing

Use an SD card that was formatted by the SP-404SX .
If youre using the SD card that was included with the
SP-404SX, dont format the card .
Importing will take approximately half as long as the
playback time of the WAVE file .
Once you start the import process, you cannot cancel
it before completion .
A maximum of 120 WAVE files can be handled when
importing . If youve placed a larger number of WAVE
files than this on the SD card, it wont be possible to
import the files in their ASCII code order .
Loop point settings in an AIFF file will be ignored .
If the display indicates ENP
The pad you pressed will light, and the other pads will stop
blinking .
If there are no WAVE files in the SD cards

/ROLAND/IMPORT folder, the display will indicate
ENP (Empty), and import will not be possible .
The [REC] button will also blink . If a sample is assigned to

the selected pad (or subsequent pads if you selected more
than one pad), it will be overwritten .
You cant use the . (period) character at the beginning of a file name . Nor can certain other characters (
/ : , : * ? " < > |) be used in a file name .
7. Press.the.[REC].button.so.the.button.is.lit .
The import process will begin . During the import process,
the dot in the display will blink . When the blinking dot has
disappeared, the import process has been completed .
If the display indicates UnS

If you attempt to import a WAV/AIFF file whose format
is not supported by the SP-404SX, the error message
UnS (Unsupported) will appear, and you wont be
able to import the file .
Compressed WAVE files cannot be imported .
In some cases, it may not be possible to import WAVE
files of an extremely short duration (shorter than 100
ms) .
36
Saving Backup Data

(Backup Save)
MEMO
If youve saved numerous samples and patterns on a
card, and it doesnt have much space remaining, youll
only be able to save a small number of backup sets.
The display will indicate SAU , and the pads to which

backup data has not been saved will blink.
2. Select the desired save-destination pad.
MEMO
If you decide to cancel, press the [CANCEL] button.
NOTE
NOTE
Once you execute the Backup Load procedure, all of
your existing samples and patterns will be overwritten
by the backup data as it is loaded.
The display will indicate Lod , and the pads to which

backup data has been saved will blink.
Deleting Backup Data

(Backup Delete)
This operation will delete backup data on the SD card.

[5] (BACKUP LOAD) to access the Backup Load
screen.
The display will indicate bdL , and the pads to which
backup data has been saved will blink.
3. Press a pad to specify the backup data you want

to delete.
The selected pad will light, and the other pads will go out.
The [DEL] button will blink.
MEMO

The [DEL] button will light, and the backup delete
operation will be executed. During execution, the dot in
the display will blink. When the blinking stops, the Backup
Delete operation has been completed; you will return to
the Backup Load screen.
NOTE
Nederlands

[5] (BACKUP LOAD).

Portugus
This operation will load backup data (all data including

sample banks and pattern banks) from the SD card.
NOTE
Espaol
Loading Backup Data

(Backup Load)
The [REC] button will light, and the backup load operation
will be executed. During execution, the dot in the display
will blink. When the blinking stops, the backup load
operation has been completed.
Italiano
The [REC] button will light, and the backup save operation
will be executed. During execution, the dot in the display
will blink. When the blinking stops, the backup save
operation has been completed.
Franais
The selected pad will light, the other pads will go out, and
the [REC] button will light.
MEMO
Deutsch

[6] (BACKUP SAVE).
The selected pad will light, and the other pads will go out.
The [REC] button will blink.
English
This operation will save backup data (all data including

sample banks and pattern banks) to the SD card. You can
save up to 12 backups.
2. Press a pad to select the backup data that you

want to load.

MEMO
If the memory is protected (p. 38), the display will indicate
Prt (Protected) and the backup load operation
cannot be executed.
If there is no backup data on the SD card, the display
will indicate ENP and the backup load operation
cannot be executed.
37
About the Protect Function

You can protect an SD card so that the samples and
patterns on the card cannot be overwritten or deleted
accidentally.
NOTE
On the SD card included with the SP-404SX, sample
banks [A][F] and pattern banks [A][E] contain preload
data and are protected. If you cancel protection
for these banks, it is possible that the data may be
overwritten or deleted. If you want to restore the SD
card to its factory-set state, refer to Restoring the
Factory Settings (Factory Reset) (p. 40).
Protecting all Samples and Patterns

1. While holding down the [REMAIN] button, turn on
the power.
The display will indicate P.on , and the samples and
patterns of banks AJ will be protected.
NOTE
If you use an SD card with the same SP-404SX, the card
banks will also be protected, but the card will not be
protected when used with your computer.
MEMO
This setting is retained even while the power is turned
off.
Cancelling Protection for All Data

1. While holding down the [CANCEL] button, turn on
the power.
The display will indicate P.oF , and protection will be
cancelled for the samples and patterns of banks AJ.
MEMO
Protection will be cancelled for the factory-set samples
and patterns.
off.
Protecting an Individual Bank

1. Press the [PATTERN SELECT] button to select the
type of data (samples or patterns) that you want
to protect.
To protect sample banks, the [PATTERN SELECT] button
needs to be extinguished.
To protect pattern banks, the [PATTERN SELECT] button
needs to be lighted.
2. Press the [BANK] button to select the bank that

you want to protect.
3. Hold down the [FUNC] button and press the
[REMAIN] button.
The display will indicate P.on .
MEMO

The selected bank will be protected.
Cancelling Protection for an

Individual Bank
1. Press the [PATTERN SELECT] button to select the
type of data (samples or patterns) for which you
want to cancel protection.
To cancel protection for a sample bank, the [PATTERN
SELECT] button needs to be extinguished.
To cancel protection for a pattern bank, the [PATTERN
SELECT] button needs to be lighted.
2. Press the [BANK] button to select the bank for

which you want to cancel protection.
3. Hold down the [FUNC] button and press the
[CANCEL] button.
The display will indicate P.oF .
MEMO

Protection will be cancelled for the selected bank.
38
Other Functions
List of Functions
You can access the following functions by holding down the [FUNC] button and pressing the corresponding pad .
For details on each function, refer to the page listed in the table below .
Page
TAP.TEMPO
PAUSE
Stops all sound
p ..12
COPY
Copies a sample or pattern
p ..31,.p ..34
EXCHANGE
Exchanges the patterns or samples of pads
p ..31,.p ..34
IMPORT
Imports WAV/AIFF files from the SD card
p ..36
AUTO.TRIG.LEVEL
Adjusts the trigger level for auto sampling
p ..25
BACKUP.LOAD
Loads backup data
p ..37
BACKUP.SAVE
Saves backup data
p ..37
ILLUMINATION
Display illumination and sleep settings
p ..40
EFFECT.LIMIT
Used to make settings for Effect Limit mode
p ..42
MIDI.CH
Changes the MIDI channel
p ..47
10
MIDI.SYNC
Synchronization with an external MIDI device
p ..47
11
INPUT.GAIN
Adjusts the input gain
p ..39
12
OUTPUT.GAIN
Adjusts the output gain
p ..39
Adjusting the Output Gain
Heres how to adjust the SP-404SXs input gain .
Heres how to adjust the overall volume of the SP-404SX .
MEMO
MEMO
If the PEAK indicator stays lit and its not possible to

adjust the volume of your audio source device, set the
SP-404SXs input gain to -10 dB .
2. Turn.the.[CTRL.3].(LEVEL).knob.to.make.the.
setting .
MEMO
If you decide to cancel, press the [CANCEL] button .
LINE IN jacks
MIC IN jack
Input Gain
[MIC IN]
knob
PEAK
indicator
[12].(.OUTPUT.GAIN) .
2. Turn.the.[CTRL.3].(LEVEL).knob.to.adjust.the.
setting .
Nederlands

off .
Portugus
Range: -10 dB, 0 dB
The SP-404SX has a maximum polyphony of twelve

notes . There will be a major difference in the volume
depending on whether one note or twelve notes are
being produced . If you are playing only a few pads at
a time, or if you have connected the SP-404SX to a DJ
mixer or other device, and are using it as an effects
processor, raising this internal processing level will
allow you to output a higher level . If you are playing a
larger number of pads simultaneously and the sound
is distorting, you should lower this internal processing
level .
Espaol
[11].(.INPUT.GAIN) .
Italiano
Adjusting the Input Gain
Franais
Description
Deutsch
Function
English
Pad
Range: -3 dB, 0 dB, 3 dB, 6 dB, 9 dB, 12 dB
MEMO
If you decide to cancel, press the [CANCEL] button .
off .
39
Restoring the Factory Settings

(Factory Reset)
This operation will restore the SD cards sample and
pattern data, as well as the SP-404SXs internal settings
and data to their factory-set condition. In order to perform
this operation, youll need a computer and a commercially
available card reader.
NOTE
When you perform this operation, the sample and pattern data of all banks, as well as the SP-404SXs internal
settings will all be lost. If you wish to keep any of this
data, you must back it up before proceeding (p. 37).
1. Prepare an SD card that has been formatted on

the SP-404SX (p. 35).
If youre using the SD card that was included with the
SP-404SX, or an SD card that is currently being used with
the SP-404SX, theres no need to format the card.
2. While holding down the [CANCEL] button, turn on

the power to cancel all protection.
The display will indicate P.oF indicating that protection
has been turned off for all samples and patterns.
3. Switch off the SP-404SXs power.

4. Using your computer, copy the FCTRY folder
of the SP-404SX UTILITY CD-ROM to the root
directory (the top level) of the SD card.
MEMO
The SD card included with the SP-404SX already has the
FCTRY folder, so step 4 will not be necessary.
The FCTRY folder of the SP-404SX UTILITY CD-ROM
contains the factory-set preset data.
5. Insert the SD card into the SP-404SX, and while

holding down the [CANCEL], [REMAIN], and [DEL]
button buttons, turn on the power.
The display will indicate ini , and the [REC] button will
blink.
Erasing the sample/pattern data of all banks

By executing this procedure starting with step 5 with
an SD card that has no FCTRY folder, you can make
the sample and pattern data of all banks be empty. The
internal settings of the SP-404SX itself will be the factory
settings.
Restoring only the SP-404SXs internal settings to the factory-set state

By executing step 5 and following without inserting an
SD card, you can restore only the internal settings to their
factory-set state.
Display Illumination and Sleep

Settings
Heres how to specify the color of the illumination around
the display, and make Sleep settings.
1. While holding down the [FUNC] button, press the

pad [7] (ILLUMINATION).
2. Turn the [CTRL 3] knob to change the setting.
The [REC] button will blink when you turn the knob.
Setting
Description
oFF
The illumination will not blink.

It will not blink even during pattern playback.
r b
The illumination will blink in two colors, red and

blue (default setting).
The illumination will blink only in blue.
The illumination will blink only in red.
SLP
After approximately five minutes have elapsed

without any operation being performed, all of the
SP-404SXs buttons will go out and it will enter
Sleep mode. This will extend the battery life if
youre running on batteries.
When in Sleep mode, the three dots in the
display will blink sequentially.
To exit Sleep mode, press any button.
The display illumination setting will be the
same as oFF.
No sound will be produced while in Sleep
mode.
MEMO
If you decide not to proceed with this Factory Reset
operation, you can simply turn off the power at this
point.
6. If youre sure that you want to restore the

SP-404SX to its factory-set state, press the [REC]
button.
The [REC] button will light, and the dot in the display
will blink. When the operation has been completed, the
blinking will stop.
NOTE
MEMO
If youre using the SD card included with the SP-404SX
or an SD card that is being used with the SP-404SX, and
are executing this procedure from step 2, the backup
data on the card will not be erased by this procedure.
40
3. Press the [REC] button to confirm the setting.

MEMO
off.
Checking the Version Number

1. While holding down the [MARK] button, turn on
the power.
The display will indicate the version number.
MEMO
Press the [CANCEL] button to return to the normal state.
English
Deutsch
Appendix
Franais
Italiano
Espaol
Portugus
Nederlands
Effect List
Effect Limit Mode
If you turn on Effect Limit mode, the depth of the effect will be limited to prevent unintentionally loud sounds or oscillation.
You may find this function convenient in high-volume situations, such as in a club or live performance.
Parameters that are affected by Effect Limit mode are marked by a N symbol in the Effect List.
1. Hold down [FUNC] button and press the pad [8]

(EFFECT LIMIT).
3. Press the [REC] button to confirm the setting.

MEMO
2. Turn the [CTRL 3] knob to make the setting.

off.
L.on : Effect Limit mode is on

L.oF : Effect Limit mode is off
Effects that You Can Select by Directly Pressing a Button

Type
CTRL 1 function (display)
CoF )
FILTER+DRIVE
CUTOFF (
A low-pass filter with overdrive. It

cuts the high frequencies and adds
distortion.
Adjusts the frequency that will be cut.
RESONANCE (
FrN )
VOICE TRANS
FORMANT (
Processes a human voice to create a

variety of characters.
Adjusts the character (formant) of the

voice.
DELAY
DELAY TIME (
t32 t1 )*1
Repeats the sound.
Adjusts the interval of the repeats.
ISOLATOR
LOW (
Isolates or removes the low, mid, or high

frequency ranges.
Isolates/removes the low-frequency

range.
DJFX LOOPER
LENGTH (
Loops a short portion of the input

sound. You can vary the playback direction and playback speed of the input
sound to add turntable-type effects.
Lo )N
rES )N
Adjusts peak frequency response at the

cutoff frequency.
EFFECT LEVEL (
EFF )
Adjusts the volume of the effect sound.

FEEDBACK (
Fdb )N
Adjusts the number of the repeats.
Nid )N
LEn )N
Specifies the length of the loop.
drU )N
DRIVE (
Adds distortion.
DIRECT LEVEL (
dir )
Adjusts the volume of the direct sound.
bAL )
BALANCE (
Adjusts the volume balance between

the direct sound and effect sound.
Hi )N
MID (
HIGH (
Isolates/removes the mid-frequency

range.
Isolates/removes the high-frequency

range.
-1.0 1.0 )
oFF /on )
SPEED (
LOOP SW (
Specifies the playback direction and

playback speed. Turning the knob to
the left of 12 oclock produces backward
playback, and turning the knob to the
right of 12 oclock produces forward
playback. At 12 oclock, the playback is
stopped.
If you turn this on while sound is

playing, the sound at that point will be
looped. Turn this off to cancel the loop.
MFX
No.
Type
REVERB
tiN )
42
ton )
REVERB TIME (
TONE (
Adds reverberation to the sound.
Adjusts the reverberation time.
Adjusts the tone of the reverberation.
TAPE ECHO
RATE (
rAt )
Simulates a tape-type echo unit of

the past.
Specifies the tape speed.
CHORUS
DEPTH (
dPt )
Adds spaciousness and richness to

the sound.
Adjusts the depth of modulation.
FLANGER
DEPTH (
Creates modulation reminiscent of a

jet airplane taking off and landing.
dPt )
INTENSITY (
int )N
Specifies the amount of echo repeat.

RATE (
rAt )
Adjusts the rate of modulation.

RATE (
rAt )
Adjusts the speed of modulation.

BALANCE (
bAL )

bAL )
BALANCE (

BALANCE (
bAL )

FEEDBACK (
Fdb )N
Adjusts the proportion of effect

sound that is returned to the input.
No.
5
dPt )N
rAt )
RATE (
MANUAL (
Adjusts the speed of modulation.
Adjusts the pitch of the effect sound.
TREMOLO/PAN
DEPTH (
Cyclically varies the volume or

panning.
dPt )
RATE (
Adjusts the amount of change in

volume/panning.
drU )N
rAt )
WAVEFORM (
Adjusts the speed of volume/

panning change.
ton )N
DRIVE (
TONE (
LEVEL (
Adjusts the degree of distortion.
Adjusts the tone.
Adjusts the volume.
OVERDRIVE
DRIVE (
TONE (
LEVEL (
Mildly distorts the sound.
Adjusts the tone.
Adjusts the volume.
FUZZ
DRIVE (
TONE (
LEVEL (
Adds overtones and intensely

distorts the sound.
Adjusts the tone.
Adjusts the volume.
drU )N
ton )N
drU )N
ton )N
PEt )
rAt )
WAH
PEAK (
RATE (
Produces a wah effect.
Adjusts the width of frequencies to

which effect is applied.
Adjust the speed of modulation.
OCTAVE
-2OCT LEVEL (
oC2 )
Adds a pitch at lower octaves.
Adds a pitch two octaves below.
COMP
SUSTAIN (
SUS )
oC1 )
Adds a pitch one octave below.
Att /rEL )N
Adjusts the pitch of the effect sound.

DIRECT LEVEL (
dir )
Adjusts the volume of the direct

sound.
LEU )N
LEVEL (
Makes the sound more consistent.
Adjusts the depth of the compressor.
EQUALIZER
LOW (
MID (
HIGH (
Adjusts the volume of each

frequency region.
Adjusts the low-frequency volume.
Adjusts the mid-frequency volume.
Adjusts the high-frequency volume.
Lo )N
Nid )N
rAt )
bit ) N
SAMPLE RATE (
BIT (
Adjusts the sample rate.
Adjusts the bit depth.
NOISE GEN
WHITE NOISE (
Applies a lo-fi effect, and also adds

noises such as white noise and
record noise.
Adjusts the volume of the hiss

noise.
UHt )
rnG )
FREQUENCY RANGE (
Simulates sound heard from an

analog record.
Adjusts the frequency response of

the playback system.
RADIO TUNING
DETUNE (
tUn )
diS )
Adjusts the volume of the pop

noise.
NOISE LEVEL (
noS )
Adjusts the volume of noise.

NOISE LEVEL (
noS )
Adjusts the tuning drift of the radio.
SLICER+FLG
TIMING PTN (
Repeatedly cuts the sound. A flanger

is added.
The timing at which the sound is cut.
P01 P16 ) (*2)

Frq )N
Adjusts the volume of noise.
t32 t1 ) (*1)
FLt )
FILTER (
Adjusts the filter depth.

HUM NOISE (
HUN )
Adjusts the volume of the hum

noise.
WOW/FLUTTER (
FLU )
Adjusts the rotational instability of

the analog record.
BALANCE (
bAL )

Fdb )N
RATE (
FEEDBACK (
Adjusts the length of TIMING PTN.
Adjusts the flanger depth.
SEn )N
bAL )
RING MOD
FREQUENCY (
SENS (
BALANCE (
Gives the sound a metallic character.
Adjusts the pitch of the metallic

sound.
Adjusts the depth to which the

frequency is modulated.

CHROMATIC PS
PITCH1 (
A two-voice pitch shifter that

changes the pitch in semitone steps.
Changes pitch 1 in semitone steps

over a +/-1 octave range.
PITCH
PITCH (
Changes the pitch.
Adjusts the amount of pitch change.
- C CC )
Pit )
21
PITCH2 (
- C CC )
Changes pitch 2 in semitone steps

over a +/-1 octave range.
FEEDBACK (
Fdb )N
Adjusts the amount of pitch-shifted

sound that is fed back.
Nederlands
Simulates sound heard from a radio.
Hi )N
Portugus
VINYL SIM
DISC NOISE (
Adjusts the volume.
Espaol
BIT CRASH
Produces an extreme lo-fi effect.
19
20
NAn )
Italiano
Adjusts the attack. If Limit mode is

on (rEL ), this adjusts the release.
17
18
LEU )N
MANUAL (
-1OCT LEVEL (
ATTACK (
LEU )N
Franais
16
LEU )N
DISTORTION
12
15
trN /PAn )
Specifies the volume/panning

modulation curve. Turn knob to left
to vary the volume, or to the right to
vary the panning.
Intensely distorts the sound.
11
14
NAn )
DEPTH (
Creates modulation by adding a

phase-shifted sound.
10
13
Deutsch
PHASER
English
Type
BALANCE (
bAL )

bAL )
BALANCE (

43
No.
22
23
24
Type
L-r )
Lo )
C.CANCELER
LR BALANCE (
LOW BOOST (
Cancels the vocal or other sound

located in the center.
Adjusts the point at which maximum

cancellation occurs.
Boosts the low-frequency sounds

located in the center, such as the
bass.
SUBSONIC
PITCH (
Adds a low-frequency sine wave

based on the volume being input to
the effect (*3).
Adjusts the frequency of the sine

wave.
BPM LOOPER
LENGTH (
Loops the input sound over a short

period.
Pit )
LEn )N
Adjusts the length of the loop.
THRESHOLD (
tHr )
Adjusts the volume at which the sine

wave will begin sounding.
oFF , 1 8 )

HIGH BOOST (
Hi )
Boosts the high-frequency sounds.
BALANCE (
bAL )

oFF /on )
TIMING (
LOOP SW (
Specifies the timing at which the

looped sound will automatically start
sounding (in 8th note intervals) (*4).
Set this to o F F if you dont want the
loop to play automatically.
If you turn this on while the sound

is heard, the sound at that point will
be looped. Turn this off to defeat
looping.
For FLANGER and PHASER, you can use [MFX] button + [CTRL 1] knob to adjust the volume balance between the direct sound and effect sound.
*1:
It is specified as a note value relative to the tempo of the longest sample of the samples to which the effect is being applied.
Note values that you can specify:
32nd note (t32) / 16th note (t16) / 8th note triplet (t8t) / dotted 16th note (t16.) / 8th note (t8) / quarter note triplet (t4t) / dotted 8th note (t8.) / quarter note (t4) / half note
triplet (t2t) / dotted quarter note (t4.) / half note (t2) / dotted half note (t2.) / whole note (t1)
However, you cant select a setting that would cause the delay time to exceed approximately 2000 milliseconds. If a pattern is playing, the tempo of the pattern is used as
the reference.
*2:
You can select the following patterns by turning the [CTRL] knob.
The TIMING PTN interval will synchronize to the tempo of the longest sample of the samples to which the effect is being applied. However, if a pattern is playing, the
interval will synchronize to the tempo of the pattern.
You can use RATE to adjust the synchronization speed as follows.
RATE maximum (turn the [CTRL 2] knob all the way to the right): One cycle of TIMING PTN corresponds to one measure.
RATE minimum (turn the [CTRL 2] knob all the way to the left): One cycle of TIMING PTN corresponds to a 32nd note.
By turning the [CTRL 2] knob you can change this to any value from a 32nd note up to one measure.
*3:
Turn the [CTRL 3] balance toward 12 oclock, turn the [CTRL 1] knobs pitch all the way to the right, and use the [CTRL 2] knob to adjust the threshold so that the sine wave
is sounded appropriately according to the input source. When youve finished setting the threshold, adjust the pitch and balance. This is a convenient way to supplement
the kick drum.
*4:
The TIMING cycle will synchronize to the tempo of the longest sample to which the effect is being applied. However, if a pattern is playing, it will synchronize to the tempo
of the pattern.
44
Error Message List

Message
Description
EJC
Eject
Processing is not possible because the SD card was removed.

* Dont remove the card while the power is on.
LoC
Lock
The SD card is locked. The SP-404SX will be unable to function properly if the SD card is locked. (L o C will appear in the
display.) Make sure that the SD card is not locked (p. 10).
ENP
Empty
There is no sample, pattern, or backup data to delete.
English
There is no backup data to load.

There is no WAV or AIFF to import.
Error
Invalid data was found, and it was repaired or deleted.
FUL
Memory Full
Processing could not be performed because of insufficient memory.

While sampling, the sample exceeded 2 GB (approximately 180 minutes for stereo). Sampling was stopped.
Prt
Protected
Processing could not be performed because Protect is enabled.

If you want to continue the operation, turn off Protect as described in About the Protect Function (p. 38).
UnS
Unsupported format
Processing was halted because the WAV or AIFF was in a format not supported by the SP-404SX.
Deutsch
Err
This section lists some items to check and actions to take if you experience problems. Refer to the section appropriate for your
situation.
Problem
Points to check
Has the power to the SP-404SX and your connected
equipment been turned on?
Check the connections.
Could an audio cable be broken?
Replace the cable.
Could the volume of the connected amp or mixer be

turned down?
Adjust the volume to an appropriate level.
Could the SP-404SXs volume be lowered?
Adjust the volume to an appropriate level.
Check whether you hear sound in your headphones.
If you hear sound in your headphones, the connection cable may be broken, or there
may be a problem with the connected amp or mixer. Check the connections and the
connected equipment.
If youre using an SD card, is the card inserted

correctly?
Check the SD card.
If youre attempting to play a sample, is its pad lit?
The sample will play when you press a lit pad. No sample is assigned to a pad that is
unlit.
Could the sample level be lowered?
Adjust the level of the sample (p. 19).
Could the effect level be lowered?
For some effect types, the level can be adjusted by a control knob. For details on effect
types and the control knob assignments, refer to Effect List (p. 42).
Could OUTPUT GAIN be set too low?
Check the setting for OUTPUT GAIN (p. 39).
Is [EXT SOURCE] pad lit?
To play sounds from the line input, press the [EXT SOURCE] pad so its lit.
Could the volume of the device connected to LINE IN

jacks be lowered?
Adjust the level appropriately.
Is the audio cable connected correctly?
Check the connection.
Could the audio cable be broken?
Replace the cable.
Could you be using an audio cable that contains a

built-in resistor?
Use a connection cable that does not contain a built-in resistor (such as the Roland PCS
series).
Could INPUT GAIN be set too low?
Check the setting for INPUT GAIN (p. 39).
Is [MIC] button lit?
To play sound from the mic input, press the [MIC] button so its lit.
Could the MIC IN level be lowered?
Turn the [MIC IN] knob to adjust the level appropriately.
Is the mic cable connected correctly?
Check the connections.
Could the mic cable be broken?
Replace the cable.
The [MIC IN] knob cant be turned down to zero
If youre not using the mic, turn the [MIC] button off.
Nederlands
The mic picks up noise
Make sure that fresh batteries are installed.
Are the SP-404SX and your external equipment

connected correctly?
Portugus
No sound or
insufficient volume
from a mic
Use the dedicated AC adaptor.
Espaol
No sound or insufficient volume from

equipment connected
to LINE IN jacks
Action
Italiano
No sound / Insufficient
volume
Franais
Troubleshooting
45
Problem
Acoustic feedback
(a whine or howl) is
heard
Cant sample
Points to check
Action
Howling could be produced depending on the

location of mics relative to speakers.
This can be remedied by:
1. Changing the orientation of the mic(s).

2. Relocating mic(s) at a greater distance from speakers.
3. Lowering volume levels.
Is it possible that your SD card doesnt have any more

free space?
If there is insufficient memory, the display will indicate FUL (Memory Full) when you
attempt to sample. Delete unneeded samples to increase the amount of free memory
(p. 21).
Is the SD card inserted correctly?
Make sure that the SD card is inserted correctly (p. 10).
Is the SD card formatted correctly?
Format the SD card using the SP-404SX (p. 35).
Are samples assigned to all pads?
You cant sample if there are no vacant pads. Delete unwanted samples to free up some
pads (p. 21).
Could [PATTERN SELECT] button be lit?
If the [PATTERN SELECT] button is lit, youre recording patterns, and will not be able to
sample.
Press the [PATTERN SELECT] button so its light is turned off.
Excessive noise or
distortion in the
sampled sound
Could [DEL] button be lit or blinking?
If the [DEL] button is lit or blinking, you are deleting samples, and will not be able to
sample. Press the [CANCEL] button (p. 21).
Is the input level appropriate?
The sampled sound will be distorted if the input level is too high, and if the level is too
low there will be excessive noise. Adjust the volume of the connected device so that the
PEAK indicator lights occasionally (p. 19).
Are the effect settings appropriate?
Some types of effect will make the level higher than the original sample, or may distort
the sound itself. Some effects also emphasize the noise. Try turning the effect off, and
check whether the noise or distortion is present in the original sample itself. Then adjust
the effect settings appropriately.
Could you be playing more than one sample

simultaneously?
Even if the level of each sample is appropriate, playing multiple samples simultaneously
will raise the overall level excessively, possibly causing distortion. Lower the level of each
sample to avoid distortion.
If the sound wont

stop!
Displayed BPM value
is wrong
Press the [CANCEL] button four times in rapid succession. All of the SP-404SXs sounds
will stop.
If the sampled time is multiple measures or less than
one measure, the BPM indication may be double
or half.
Press the [TIME/BPM] button so the button is lit, then turn the [CTRL 2] (BPM) knob to set
the desired value. Refer to Changing a Samples BPM (p. 30).
In some cases, such as if the length of the region is three beats, it may not be possible to calculate or adjust the BPM value correctly.
An inserted SD card
is not recognized, or
its data cannot be
selected
Data is not saved
correctly in the SD
card
Pattern sequencer
does not synchronize
to an external MIDI
device
46
Is the SD card inserted correctly?
Check the SD card.
Is the SD card an appropriate type?
Use an SD card or an SDHC card. Other types of cards cannot be used.
Is the SD card formatted correctly?
SD cards formatted by a device other than the SP-404SX cannot be used. Please format
the SD card (p. 35).
It is possible that the power was turned off while data

was being written into the SD card (i.e., while the dot
was blinking in the display). The lost data cannot be
recovered.
In this case, it is possible that all data in the SD card has been destroyed. Additional
malfunctions may occur if you attempt to continue using the card. Please format the SD
card (p. 35).
When you format the SD card, all data in the card will be lost.
Have you made the correct settings so that the

pattern sequencer can synchronize?
Check the settings (p. 47).
Is the external MIDI device set to transmit MIDI clock

messages?
Some devices have a setting that turns MIDI clock transmission on/off. Also, some
external devices, such as sequencers, transmit MIDI clock only during playback.
Does the tempo of the external MIDI device exceed

the tempo range to which the SP-404SX is able to
synchronize?
The SP-404SX can synchronize to a tempo in the 40200 range. It may be unable to
synchronize to a tempo that is outside this range.
About MIDI
About MIDI
MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, and is
a global standard that allows electronic musical instruments and computers to exchange performance data.
Note
Note #
Pad Base Ch
MIDI Ch
Pad Base Ch+1
MIDI Sync Mode
AUt
(Auto Sync)
tNp
(Tempo Sync)
oFF
(Sync OFF)
EXT SOURCE
B2
:
A3#
47 (0x2F)
:
58 (0x3A)
[A] Pad1
:
Pad12
[F] Pad1
:
Pad12
B3
:
A4#
59 (0x3B)
:
70 (0x46)
[B] Pad1
:
Pad12
[G] Pad1
:
Pad12
B4
:
A5#
71 (0x47)
:
82 (0x52)
[C] Pad1
:
Pad12
[H] Pad1
:
Pad12
B5
:
A6#
83 (0x53)
:
94 (0x5E)
[D] Pad1
:
Pad12
[I] Pad1
:
Pad12
B6
:
A7#
95 (0x5F)
:
106 (0x6A)
[E] Pad1
:
Pad12
[J] Pad1
:
Pad12

[9] (MIDI CH).
2. Turn the [CTRL 3] knob to specify the MIDI
channel.
MEMO
off.
With the factory settings this is set to AUt .
3. Press the [REC] button so its light is turned off.

MEMO
off.
Synchronizing the pattern tempo and playback

start/stop with an external sequencer
With the factory settings, the SP-404SX (whose MIDI
synchronization mode will be set to A U t) can be connected to your external MIDI sequencer, and the external
MIDI sequencer can control the start/stop and tempo of
the pattern playback.
1. Use a MIDI cable to connect your external MIDI

sequencers MIDI OUT to the SP-404SXs MIDI IN
connector.
is lit.
3. While holding down the [HOLD] pad, press the
pad of the pattern you want to play.
If you simply press the pad without pressing the [HOLD]
pad, the pattern will begin playing immediately.
4. When you stop your external MIDI sequencer, the

pattern will stop playing.
If the pattern playback does not start when you start
your external MIDI sequencer, or if the tempo does not
synchronize to your external MIDI sequencer, it is possible
that your external MIDI sequencer is not transmitting
MIDI clock or start/continue/stop messages. Refer to the
owners manual of your external MIDI sequencer and check
its settings.
47
Nederlands
3. Press the [REC] button to save the setting.
MIDI clock and start/stop/continue messages will

not be received. Select this mode of operation
if you only want to play the SP-404SXs samples
using note messages sent by your external MIDI
sequencer.
Portugus
Changing the MIDI channel

(Pad Base Ch.)
When MIDI clock is received, the SP-404SX will

automatically synchronize its own tempo to it.
MIDI start/stop/continue messages will not be
received. Select this mode of operation if you want
to play the SP-404SXs patterns later at the desired
timing in synchronization with the performance
of your external MIDI sequencer, so that the two
performances do not begin at the same time.
Espaol
46 (0x2E)
When MIDI clock is received, the SP-404SX will

automatically synchronize its own tempo to it. If
MIDI start/stop/continue messages are received,
the pattern will start/stop playing. MIDI start/
stop/continue will not be received during pattern
recording.
Italiano
A2#
Description
Franais
Use the following MIDI channels and note numbers when

playing the SP-404SXs samples from an external MIDI
device.
2. Turn the [CTRL 3] knob to specify the MIDI sync

mode.
Deutsch
MIDI Channel (Pad Base Ch.) and Note

Numbers

[10] (MIDI SYNC).
English
MIDI Implementation Chart (p. 48) is a chart that provides

an easy way of checking which MIDI messages the
SP-404SX is able to receive. By comparing the MIDI
implementation charts of the SP-404SX and some other
MIDI device, you can see which messages are compatible
between the two devices.
Synchronizing the SP-404SX with

another MIDI device
MIDI Implementation Chart

Date : July 01, 2009
Model SP-404SX
Version : 1.00
Transmitted
Function...
Basic
Channel
Default
Changed
X
X
116
116
Mode
Default
Messages
Altered
X
X
Mode 3
X
Note
Number :
True Voice
**************
46106
46106
Velocity
Note On
Note Off
X
X
O
X
After
Touch
Keys
Channels
X
X
X
X
Pitch Bend
Control
Change
Program
Change
: True Number
**************
System
Common
: Song Position
: Song Select
: Tune Request
X
X
X
O
X
X
*1
System
Real Time
: Clock
: Commands
X
X
O
O
*2
*1
: All Sound Off

: Reset All Controllers
: Local On/Off
: All Notes Off
: Active Sensing
: System Reset
X
X
X
X
X
X
O
X
X
X
O
X
*3
Aux
Messages
Notes
Mode 1 : OMNI ON, POLY

Mode 3 : OMNI OFF, POLY
Remarks
**************
System Exclusive
48
Recognized
* 1 Received if Sync Mode is AUTO.

* 2 Received if Sync Mode is AUTO or TEMPO.
* 3 All notes will be silenced regardless of their channel.
Mode 2 : OMNI ON, MONO
Mode 4 : OMNI OFF, MONO
O : Yes
X : No
Specifications
SP-404SX: Sampler
Maximum Polyphony
Recordable Data
12 voices
Samples:
120 (12 samples x 10 banks) (stored on SD card)
Patterns:
120 (12 patterns x 10 banks) (stored on SD card)
English
The maximum sampling time (size) for a single sample is approximately 180 minutes in stereo (2 GB).
The following table shows the approximate total sampling time of the samples that can be stored on
one SD card.
Sampling Time .
(Total Time for All Samples)
Stereo (mono)
Card
capacity
Stereo (mono)
1 GB
Approx. 90 min. (180 min.)
8 GB
Approx. 720 min. (24 hours)
2 GB
16GB
Approx. 24 hours (48 hours)
4 GB
32 GB
Approx. 48 hours (96 hours)
Deutsch
Card
capacity
Since the 1 GB SD card included with the SP-404SX contains preload data, the available sampling time
will be less than the time above.
Data Format
16-bit Linear (.wav/aiff )
Sampling Frequency
44.1 kHz
Pattern Sequencer
Franais
Maximum recordable notes: Approx. 16,000 notes

Resolution: 96 ticks per quarter note
Pattern Length: 199 measures
Recording method: Realtime Loop Recording (with shuffle quantize function)
29 types
Pads
12 + SubPad x 1
Controllers
Control Knob x 3
Display
7 segments, 3 characters (LED)
Onboard Mic
Mono x 1
Italiano
Effects
LINE IN jacks (L, R) (RCA phono type)

LINE OUT jacks (L, R) (RCA phono type)
Espaol
Headphones (PHONES) jack (Stereo 1/4 inch phone type)

Connectors
MIC IN jack (1/4 inch phone type)

MIDI IN connector
DC IN jack
SD card slot
DC 9 V (Ni-MH AA SIZE Rechargeable Battery x 6, Alkaline AA SIZE Dry Battery x 6 or AC Adaptor)
* Batteries sold separately
Portugus
Power Supply
Ni-MH Rechargeable batteries: approximately 5 hours

Battery Life for Continuous Use
Alkaline dry batteries: approximately 4 hours
Current Draw
450 mA
Dimensions
177.6 (W) x 256.7 (D) x 72.1 (H) mm

7 (W) x 10-1/8 (D) x 2-7/8 (H) inches
Weight
1.2 kg
2 lbs 11 oz
(excluding batteries)
* These figures will vary depending on the actual conditions of use.
Nederlands
SD card (1GB)
Accessories
SP-404SX UTILITY CD-ROM

AC Adaptor PSB-1U
Owners Manual
* In the interest of product improvement, the specifications and/or appearance of this unit are subject to change without
prior notice.
49
Index
A
AC adaptor 8
AIFF 25, 35
Auto Sampling 25
AUTO TRIG LEVEL 25
headphones 8
HOLD pad 12
sample 11
sample bank 11
Sampling 16, 25
Sampling Times 25
SD Card 10, 22, 35
Security slot 5
shuffle quantize 32
Sleep Setting 40
SP-404SX Wave Converter 22
Speakers 8
START/END/LEVEL button 27
STEREO button 18
SUB PAD 12
B
Backup Delete 37
BACKUP LOAD 37
BACKUP SAVE 37
Batteries 6
BPM 15
built-in mic 17
C
CANCEL button 12
card lock screw 10
Computer 22, 35
COPY 31
Count-in 26
D
DC IN jack 8
DELAY 42
DEL button 21, 30, 34
Deleting a Marker 27
Display Illumination 19, 40
DJFX LOOPER 42
E
Editing a Sample 27
Effect 13, 42
EFFECT GRAB 13
EFFECT LIMIT 42
Effect Limit Mode 42
Error Message List 45
EXCHANGE 31
External Input Sound 24
EXT SOURCE pad 24
I
IMPORT 36
INPUT GAIN 19, 39
ISOLATOR 42
L
LENGTH button 32
LINE IN jacks 16
LINE OUT jacks 8
LO-FI button 12
LOOP button 12
M
MARK button 27
MFX 42
MIC button 17
MIC IN jack 17
MIC LEVEL knob 19
MIDI 47
MIDI CH 47
MIDI SYNC 47
O
OUTPUT GAIN 39
P
pattern 14
pattern bank 14
PATTERN SELECT button 14, 32
Pattern Sequencer 32
PAUSE 12
PEAK indicator 19
POWER switch 9
Protect Function 38
Factory Reset 40
FILTER+DRIVE 42
Formatting an SD card 35
FUL 20
FUNC button 39
Functional Ground 8
quantization 32
QUANTIZE button 32
G
GATE button 12
Ground Terminal 8
50
R
REC button 18
recording level 19
Recording Samples 16, 25
REMAIN button 13
Resampling 26
REVERSE button 12
T
TAP TEMPO button 15
Tempo 15
TIME/BPM button 15
Time Modify 30
Troubleshooting 45
Truncate 29
turntable 16
V
Version Number 40
VOICE TRANS 42
VOLUME knob 9
W
WAV 25, 35
WAVE File 22, 35, 36
USING THE UNIT SAFELY

Used for instructions intended to alert the
user to the risk of death or severe injury
should the unit be used improperly.
* Material damage refers to damage or

other adverse effects caused with respect
to the home and all its furnishings, as well
to domestic animals or pets.
The
symbol alerts the user to items that must never be
carried out (are forbidden). The specific thing that must
not be done is indicated by the design contained within
the circle. In the case of the symbol at left, it means that
the unit must never be disassembled.
The symbol alerts the user to things that must be carried
out. The specific thing that must be done is indicated by
the design contained within the circle. In the case of the
symbol at left, it means that the power-cord plug must be
unplugged from the outlet.
Never install the unit in any of the following

locations.
Subject to temperature extremes (e.g., direct
sunlight in an enclosed vehicle, near a heating
duct, on top of heat-generating equipment);
or are
Damp (e.g., baths, washrooms, on wet floors);
or are
Subject to salt exposure; or are
Humid; or are
Exposed to rain; or are
Dusty or sandy; or are
Subject to high levels of vibration and
shakiness.
Use only the attached power-supply cord. Also,

the supplied power cord must not be used with
any other device.
Do not excessively twist or bend the power
cord, nor place heavy objects on it. Doing so can
damage the cord, producing severed elements
and short circuits. Damaged cords are fire and
shock hazards!
Do not allow any objects (e.g., flammable material, coins, pins); or liquids of any kind (water, soft
drinks, etc.) to penetrate the unit.
The unit does not appear to operate normally

or exhibits a marked change in performance.
In households with small children, an adult
should provide supervision until the child is
capable of following all the rules essential for the
safe operation of the unit.
Protect the unit from strong impact.
(Do not drop it!)
Do not force the units power-supply cord to
share an outlet with an unreasonable number
of other devices. Be especially careful when
using extension cords-the total power used by
all devices you have connected to the extension
cords outlet must never exceed the power rating
(watts/amperes) for the extension cord. Excessive
loads can cause the insulation on the cord to
heat up and eventually melt through.
Before using the unit in a foreign country, consult
with your retailer, the nearest Roland Service
Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as
listed on the Information page.
Batteries must never be recharged, heated, taken
apart, or thrown into fire or water.
DO NOT play a CD-ROM disc on a conventional

audio CD player. The resulting sound may be of
a level that could cause permanent hearing loss.
Damage to speakers or other system components may result.
Never expose battery to excessive heat such as
sunshine, fire or the like.
CAUTION
Try to prevent cords and cables from becoming

entangled. Also, all cords and cables should be
placed so they are out of the reach of children.
Never climb on top of, nor place heavy objects
on the unit.
Never handle the AC adaptor or its plugs with
wet hands when plugging into, or unplugging
from, an outlet or this unit.
Before moving the unit, disconnect the AC
adaptor and all cords coming from external
devices.
Before cleaning the unit, turn off the power and
unplug the AC adaptor from the outlet (p. 9).
Whenever you suspect the possibility of lightning in your area, disconnect the AC adaptor
from the outlet.
If used improperly, batteries may explode or
leak and cause damage or injury. In the interest
of safety, please read and observe the following
precautions (p. 6).
Carefully follow the installation instructions
for batteries, and make sure you observe the
correct polarity.
Avoid using new batteries together with
used ones. In addition, avoid mixing different
types of batteries.
Remove the batteries whenever the unit is
to remain unused for an extended period
of time.
If a battery has leaked, use a soft piece of
cloth or paper towel to wipe all remnants
of the discharge from the battery compartment. Then install new batteries. To avoid
inflammation of the skin, make sure that
none of the battery discharge gets onto your
hands or skin. Exercise the utmost caution
so that none of the discharge gets near your
eyes. Immediately rinse the affected area
with running water if any of the discharge
has entered the eyes.
The unit and the AC adaptor should be located

so their location or position does not interfere
with their proper ventilation.
Never keep batteries together with metallic

objects such as ballpoint pens, necklaces,
hairpins, etc.
Always grasp only the plug on the AC adaptor

cord when plugging into, or unplugging from,
an outlet or this unit.
Used batteries must be disposed of in compliance with whatever regulations for their safe
disposal that may be observed in the region in
which you live.
Nederlands
This unit, either alone or in combination with an

amplifier and headphones or speakers, may be
capable of producing sound levels that could
cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate
for a long period of time at a high volume level,
or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you
should immediately stop using the unit, and
consult an audiologist.
The unit has been exposed to rain (or

otherwise has become wet); or
Portugus
Be sure to use only the AC adaptor supplied with

the unit. Also, make sure the line voltage at the
installation matches the input voltage specified
on the AC adaptors body. Other AC adaptors
may use a different polarity, or be designed for
a different voltage, so their use could result in
damage, malfunction, or electric shock.
Objects have fallen into, or liquid has been

spilled onto the unit; or
Espaol
Make sure you always have the unit placed so it is

level and sure to remain stable. Never place it on
stands that could wobble, or on inclined surfaces.
If smoke or unusual odor occurs
Italiano
Exposed to steam or smoke; or are
The AC adaptor, the power-supply cord, or the

plug has been damaged; or
CAUTION
At regular intervals, you should unplug the AC
adaptor and clean it by using a dry cloth to
wipe all dust and other accumulations away
from its prongs. Also, disconnect the power
plug from the power outlet whenever the unit
is to remain unused for an extended period of
time. Any accumulation of dust between the
power plug and the power outlet can result in
poor insulation and lead to fire.
Franais
Do not attempt to repair the unit, or replace

parts within it (except when this manual provides
specific instructions directing you to do so). Refer
all servicing to your retailer, the nearest Roland
Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on the Information page.
WARNING
Immediately turn the power off, remove the AC
adaptor from the outlet, and request servicing by
your retailer, the nearest Roland Service Center,
or an authorized Roland distributor, as listed on
the Information page when:
Deutsch
WARNING
Do not open (or modify in any way) the unit or
its AC adaptor.
English
Used for instructions intended to alert the

user to the risk of injury or material damage
should the unit be used improperly.
The
symbol alerts the user to important instructions or
warnings.The specific meaning of the symbol is
determined by the design contained within the triangle. In
the case of the symbol at left, it is used for general
cautions, warnings, or alerts to danger.
Should you remove the functional ground

terminals screw (p. 8), the CARD LOCK screw
(p. 10) or the SD card keep them in a safe place
out of childrens reach, so there is no chance of
them being swallowed accidentally.
51
IMPORTANT NOTES
Power Supply
Power Supply: Use of Batteries
Do not connect this unit to same electrical outlet that is
being used by an electrical appliance that is controlled
by an inverter (such as a refrigerator, washing machine,
microwave oven, or air conditioner), or that contains a
motor. Depending on the way in which the electrical
appliance is used, power supply noise may cause this
unit to malfunction or may produce audible noise. If it is
not practical to use a separate electrical outlet, connect
a power supply noise filter between this unit and the
electrical outlet.
The AC adaptor will begin to generate heat after long
hours of consecutive use. This is normal, and is not a cause
for concern.
The use of an AC adaptor is recommended as the units
power consumption is relatively high. Should you prefer
to use batteries, please use the nickel hydrogen type.
When installing or replacing batteries, always turn off
the power on this unit and disconnect any other devices
you may have connected. This way, you can prevent
malfunction and/or damage to speakers or other devices.
Before connecting this unit to other devices, turn off the
power to all units. This will help prevent malfunctions
and/or damage to speakers or other devices.
Placement
Using the unit near power amplifiers (or other equipment
containing large power transformers) may induce hum. To
alleviate the problem, change the orientation of this unit;
or move it farther away from the source of interference.
This device may interfere with radio and television
reception. Do not use this device in the vicinity of such
receivers.
Noise may be produced if wireless communications
devices, such as cell phones, are operated in the vicinity
of this unit. Such noise could occur when receiving
or initiating a call, or while conversing. Should you
experience such problems, you should relocate such
wireless devices so they are at a greater distance from this
unit, or switch them off.
Do not expose the unit to direct sunlight, place it near
devices that radiate heat, leave it inside an enclosed
vehicle, or otherwise subject it to temperature extremes.
Excessive heat can deform or discolor the unit.
When moved from one location to another where the
temperature and/or humidity is very different, water
droplets (condensation) may form inside the unit.
Damage or malfunction may result if you attempt to use
the unit in this condition. Therefore, before using the
unit, you must allow it to stand for several hours, until the
condensation has completely evaporated.
Depending on the material and temperature of the
surface on which you place the unit, its rubber feet may
discolor or mar the surface.
You can place a piece of felt or cloth under the rubber feet
to prevent this from happening. If you do so, please make
sure that the unit will not slip or move accidentally.
Maintenance
For everyday cleaning wipe the unit with a soft, dry cloth
or one that has been slightly dampened with water. To
remove stubborn dirt, use a cloth impregnated with a
mild, non-abrasive detergent. Afterwards, be sure to wipe
the unit thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth.
Never use benzine, thinners, alcohol or solvents of any
kind, to avoid the possibility of discoloration and/or
deformation.
Repairs and Data

Please be aware that all data contained in the units
memory may be lost when the unit is sent for repairs.
Important data should always be backed up the SD card,
or written down on paper (when possible). During repairs,
due care is taken to avoid the loss of data. However, in
certain cases (such as when circuitry related to memory
itself is out of order), we regret that it may not be possible
to restore the data, and Roland assumes no liability
concerning such loss of data.
52
Additional Precautions
Copyright
Please be aware that the contents of memory can be

irretrievably lost as a result of a malfunction, or the
improper operation of the unit. To protect yourself against
the risk of loosing important data, we recommend that
you periodically save a backup copy of important data
you have stored in the SD card.
Recording, duplication, distribution, sale, lease, performance, or broadcast of copyrighted material (musical
works, visual works, broadcasts, live performances, etc.)
belonging to a third party in part or in whole without the
permission of the copyright owner is forbidden by law.
Unfortunately, it may be impossible to restore the

contents of data that was stored on an SD card once it
has been lost. Roland Corporation assumes no liability
concerning such loss of data.
Use a reasonable amount of care when using the units
buttons, sliders, or other controls; and when using
its jacks and connectors. Rough handling can lead to
malfunctions.
Never strike or apply strong pressure to the display.
When connecting / disconnecting all cables, grasp the
connector itself-never pull on the cable. This way you will
avoid causing shorts, or damage to the cables internal
elements.
To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keep the
units volume at reasonable levels. You may prefer to use
headphones, so you do not need to be concerned about
those around you (especially when it is late at night).
When you need to transport the unit, package it in the
box (including padding) that it came in, if possible.
Otherwise, you will need to use equivalent packaging
materials.
Some connection cables contain resistors. Do not use
cables that incorporate resistors for connecting to this
unit. The use of such cables can cause the sound level to
be extremely low, or impossible to hear. For information
on cable specifications, contact the manufacturer of
the cable.
Before Using Cards

Using SD Cards
Do not use this unit for purposes that could infringe

on a copyright held by a third party. We assume
no responsibility whatsoever with regard to any
infringements of third-party copyrights arising through
your use of this unit.
The sounds, phrases and patterns contained in this
product are sound recordings protected by copyright.
Roland hereby grants to purchasers of this product the
permission to utilize the sound recordings contained
in this product for the creation and recording of
original musical works; provided however, the sound
recordings contained in this product may not be sampled,
downloaded or otherwise re-recorded, in whole or in part,
for any other purpose, including but not limited to the
transmission of all or any part of the sound recordings via
the internet or other digital or analog means of transmission, and/or the manufacture, for sale or otherwise, of
any collection of sampled sounds, phrases or patterns, on
CD-ROM or equivalent means.
The sound recordings contained in this product are
the original works of Roland Corporation. Roland is not
responsible for the use of the sound recordings contained
in this product, and assumes no liability for any infringement of any copyright of any third party arising out of use
of the sounds, phrases and patterns in this product.
For U.S.
The samples in SAMPLE BANK D and the patterns in
PATTERN BANK D were created with the cooperation of
ueberschall sample service gmbh.
For International
The samples in SAMPLE BANK A and the patterns in
PATTERN BANK A were created with the cooperation of
ueberschall sample service gmbh.
Carefully insert the SD card all the way in-until it is firmly

in place.
Never touch the terminals of the SD card. Also, avoid
getting the terminals dirty.
SD cards are constructed using precision components;
handle the cards carefully, paying particular note to the
following.
To prevent damage to the cards from static
electricity, be sure to discharge any static electricity
from your own body before handling the cards.
Do not touch or allow metal to come into contact
with the contact portion of the cards.
Do not bend, drop, or subject cards to strong shock
or vibration.
Do not keep cards in direct sunlight, in closed
vehicles, or other such locations (storage
temperature: -25 to 85 C).
Do not allow cards to become wet.
Do not disassemble or modify the cards.
Handling CD-ROMs
Avoid touching or scratching the shiny underside
(encoded surface) of the disc. Damaged or dirty CD-ROM
discs may not be read properly. Keep your discs clean
using a commercially available CD cleaner.
Roland is a registered trademark of Roland Corporation in

the United States and/or other countries.
MMP (Moore Microprocessor Portfolio) refers to a patent
portfolio concerned with microprocessor architecture,
which was developed by Technology Properties Limited
(TPL). Roland has licensed this technology from the TPL
Group.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation.
The screen shots in this document are used in compliance
with the guidelines of the Microsoft Corporation.
Windows is known officially as: Microsoft Windows
operating system.
Mac OS is a trademark of Apple Inc.
Fugue 19992009 Kyoto Software Research, Inc.
All rights reserved.
The SD logo (
) and SDHC logo
) are trademarks of SD-3C, LLC.
(
Featuring digital fonts by Yourname, Inc.
Digital font: Copyright Yourname, Inc.
All product names mentioned in this document are
trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective
owners.
For China
For EU Countries
For EU Countries
This product complies with the requirements of EMC Directive 2004/108/EC.
For the USA
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

RADIO FREQUENCY INTERFERENCE STATEMENT
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the
FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Unauthorized changes or modification to this system can void the users authority to operate this equipment.
This equipment requires shielded interface cables in order to meet FCC class B Limit.
For Canada
NOTICE
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations.
AVIS
Cet appareil numrique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Rglement sur le matriel brouilleur du Canada.
For C.A. US (Proposition 65)
WARNING
This product contains chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects and other reproductive harm, including lead.

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English

Killer Effects Onboard!

Create Your Own Tracks!

Copyright 2009 ROLAND CORPORATION

Before You Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Connecting the SP-404SX to Your Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Exporting WAVE Files. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Turning the Power On. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Importing WAVE Files . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Saving Backup Data

Recording Samples Basic Operation. . . . .

STEP 1: Connecting Equipment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Importing Wave Files from Your Computer .

Adjusting the Volume of the EXT SOURCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Recording Samples Advanced Operation. 25

Setting a Samples Volume. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Effect Limit Mode. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Error Message List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MIDI Implementation Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

USING THE UNIT SAFELY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Specifying the Type of Data to Create when Sampling.25

About the Protect Function. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Playing an External Input Sound. . . . . . . . . . .

Deleting Backup Data

Loading Backup Data

Deleting All Samples. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

This adjusts the volume .

These knobs control effect parameters .

The starting location of a sample

The BPM (tempo) of the pattern

The type of MFX

Indicates the analog input level of the LINE IN jacks .

Use these buttons to select the effect you want to use .

This will blink in synchronization with the patterns tempo .

Press this when you want to play or record a pattern .

Specifies the length of the pattern when recording a pattern .

Specifies quantization (automatic timing correction) when recording a pattern .

Deletes a sample or pattern .

Starts/stops sampling or pattern recording .

Applies an effect to the sound of a sample and resamples the result .

Cancels an operation such as sampling, pattern playback, or recording .

Switches the samples playback quality (standard/lo-fi) .

Specifies whether youll be sampling in monaural or in stereo .

Switches to Reverse playback, in which the sample will play backward .

Use these buttons to switch between sample or pattern banks .

Use this button to make various settings .

This button switches the mic input on/off .

You can connect a mic (separately sold) to this jack .

If necessary, connect this terminal to an external electrical ground .

Connect the included AC adaptor here .

This turns the power on/off .

You can connect a MIDI device to this connector .

Connect your amplified speakers or mixer system here .

When the batteries run low

Types of Batteries That Can be Used

Specifying the type of batteries used

Alkaline dry battery

Ni-MH rechargeable battery

Checking the Remaining Battery