Roland SP-404 manual

Owner’s Manual Thank you, and congratulations on your choice of the Roland Sampler SP-404. Before using this unit, carefully read the sections entitled: “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” and “IMPORTANT NOTES” (pp. 3–4; pp. 5–6). These sections provide important information concerning the proper operation of the unit. Additionally, in order to f[...]

2 USING THE UNIT SAFELY 001 • Before using this unit, make sure to read the instruc- tions below, and the Owner’s Manual. .......................................................................................................... 002c • Do not open (or modify in any way) the unit or its AC adaptor. .............................................[...]

3 012b • 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: • The AC adaptor, the power-supply cord, or the plug has been damaged; or • If smoke or unusual odor occur[...]

4 IMPORTANT NOTES 291a In addition to the items listed under “USING THE UNIT SAFELY” on page 2–3, please read and observe the following: Power Supply: Use of Batteries 301 • 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 mach[...]

5 IMPORTANT NOTES 558a • To avoid disturbing your neighbors, try to keep the unit’s 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). 559a • When you need to transport the unit, package it in the box (including padding) that it came i[...]

6 Contents USING THE UNIT SAFELY ......................... 2 IMPORTANT NOTES ................................... 4 Before You Start ......................................... 7 Names of Things and What They Do .............................................. 7 Connecting Other Equipment ........................................................10 Turnin[...]

7 Before You Start 1. VOLUME Knob This knob adjusts the volume of the line output and the headphones. 2. CTRL 1–3 Knobs These knobs control the parameters that are assigned to each knob according to the effect you’ve selected. The knobs are also used in the following ways: CTRL 1 Knob You can use this knob to adjust the sample start location or[...]

8 Before You Start 7. PATTERN SELECT Button Use this button to play or record a pattern. When this button is lit, you can press a pad to select a pattern. (p. 13, p. 34, p. 44) LENGTH Button Use this button to specify the length of the pattern when recording a pattern. (p. 35, p. 44) QUANTIZE Button Use this button to make quantize settings for aut[...]

9 Before You Start 1. PHONES Jack A set of stereo headphones can be connected here. They will output the same sound as the LINE OUT jacks. (p. 10) 2. MEMORY CARD Slot A separately available memory card (CompactFlash) can be inserted here. You can use memory card banks C–J to record extended samples that would be too large for the internal memory.[...]

10 Before You Start Refer to the illustration, and make connections in the order given below. 1. Turn off the power of all devices before you make 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. 2. Connect the included A[...]

11 Before You Start The power of the SP-404 must be turned off when you insert or remove a memory card. If you insert or remove a memory card while the power is on, you risk damaging the data of the memory card or rendering it unusable. 1. Insert the memory card into the card slot located on the front panel. Carefully insert the memory card all the[...]

12 Quick Start When the SP-404 is shipped from the factory, pads 1–12 of sample bank A and pads 1 and 2 of sample bank B contain samples. Let’s start by listening to these samples. What’s a sample ? A “sample” is a piece of recorded sound (a sampled waveform) together with various settings that specify how the sound will play, which is as[...]

13 Quick Start 1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted. If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off. 2. Press the pad that plays the sample to which you want to apply the filter + overdrive effect. The pad lights, and the sample begins playing. 3. Press [FILTER+DRIVE] so it’s lit. The filter + overdrive effect is applied to t[...]

14 Quick Start Here’s how to change the playback tempo of a pattern. 1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so it’s lit. 2. Press [TIME/BPM] so it’s lit. 3. Turn the CTRL 2 knob. The playback tempo of the pattern changes. The display indicates the playback tempo as a BPM value. What’s BPM ? This stands for Beats Per Minute, indicating the number of quar[...]

15 Quick Start 6. Adjust the volume of your CD player. Turn the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob all the way to the right, then adjust the volume of the connected CD player so the PEAK indicator lights occasionally. If the PEAK indicator does not light even when you’ve turned the CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob all the way toward the right, the volume of your audio input[...]

16 Chapter 1. Playing Samples On the SP-404, pads 1–12 and the bank buttons are used to play samples. A pad whose sample is playing will light. The pad you pressed most recently to play it is called the current pad . The panel will show the settings for the current pad. When you edit the settings for a sample, your changes apply to the sample tha[...]

17 Chapter 1. Playing Samples The SP-404 lets you control the playing/muted status of (and apply effects to) an external audio input source such as a CD player connected to the LINE IN jacks, a mic connected to the MIC IN jack, or sound from the SP-404’s internal mic. 1. Start playback on your CD player. * Make sure that [MIC] is not lighted. 2. [...]

18 Chapter 2. Using Effects Since the SP-404 provides 29 different effects, you can apply an effect to a sample to modify the sound without needing any other equipment. • Of the 29 effects, five of them—filter + overdrive, pitch shifter, delay, isolator, and vinyl simulator—can be selected directly by pressing a button. The remaining 24 effec[...]

19 Chapter 2. Using Effects If you want an effect to apply to all pads at once, you would have to perform the above procedure for each pad, which would take some time. However if you want to apply the effect to all pads, there’s an easier way. Proceed as follows. This procedure will apply the effect to all pads of banks A–J. 1. Make sure that [[...]

20 Chapter 2. Using Effects : These effects will be limited if Effect Limit mode (p. 19) is on. The ★ symbol in the CTRL 1–3 columns indicates the parameters whose depth will be limited. *1 : For the time parameter (Delay Time), the value is specified in note-value units based on the current tempo for the length of the longest sample to which t[...]

21 Chapter 2. Using Effects 5. PHASER ★ (S/R = ON) DEPTH/RESONANCE (d-r) ★ RATE (rAt) BALANCE (bAL) Adds modulation to the sound. * When Send/Return mode is on: Adjusts both DEPTH and RESO- NANCE simultaneously. Adjusts the rate of modulation. Adjusts the volume balance be- tween the direct sound and effect sound. (S/R = OFF) DEPTH/MANUAL (dPt)[...]

22 Chapter 2. Using Effects : This indicates an effect that will be limited if Effect Limit mode (p. 19) is on. The ★ symbol in the CTRL 1–3 columns indicates the parameters whose depth will be limited. *2 : If “17. SLICER” is selected as the MFX, turning the CTRL 1 knob will select from the following TIMING PTN (timing patterns). *3 : The [...]

23 Chapter 3. Sampling Recording (sampling) audio material whose copyright is owned by another party for any purpose except personal enjoyment without permission of the copyright owner is forbidden by law. Don’t make illegal recordings. Roland Corporation shall assume no responsibility whatsoever with regard to any damages or penalties you may in[...]

24 Chapter 3. Sampling 5. Press BANK [B] so it’s lit. Sample bank B is selected. 6. Press pad 10. Pad 10 lights, and [REC] starts blinking. 7. Press [LO-FI] to select the sampling grade. [LO-FI] unlit: STANDARD (high audio quality) [LO-FI] lit: LO-FI (low fidelity audio) 8. Press [STEREO] so it’s lit. Stereo sampling is selected. If you select [...]

25 Chapter 3. Sampling You can use the CTRL 1 knob and CTRL 2 to adjust the effect at this time. The CTRL 3 knob is used to adjust the sampling level, so you won’t be able to use it to adjust the effect. At this point, you can specify the tempo or enter a count for sampling. For details, refer to “Sampling at a Specific Tempo” (p. 25) or “U[...]

26 Chapter 3. Sampling You can make the SP-404 generate a count (1, 2, 3, 4) when you start sampling. This is convenient when you have a specific tempo or time signature in mind. 1. Make preparations for sampling as described in steps 1 – 10 of “Sampling from a CD” (p. 23) or “Sampling from a Mic” (p. 24). You can specify a BPM (tempo) wh[...]

27 Chapter 3. Sampling 4. Press [FILTER+DRIVE] so it’s lit. The filter + overdrive effect is turned on, and the effect is applied to pad 1 of bank A. As desired, turn the CTRL 1 and CTRL 2 knobs to adjust the effect. If [RESAMPLE] is lit, you can’t use the CTRL 3 knob to adjust the effect. If you want to use the CTRL 3 knob to adjust the effect[...]

28 Chapter 3. Sampling You can change the pad to which a sample is assigned by exchanging samples between two pads. You can also exchange assignments between a pad to which a sample is assigned and a pad to which no sample is assigned. 1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted. If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off. 2. Hold[...]

29 Chapter 4. Changing the Settings of a Sample The SP-404 lets you specify the volume with which each sample is to play. This is a convenient way to create a consistent volume balance between the samples of each pad. 1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted. If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off. 2. Press the pad to which[...]

30 Chapter 4. Changing the Settings of a Sample 1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted. If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off. 2. Press the pad that plays the sample whose Gate/Trigger setting you want to change. The pad lights and the sample begins playing. This pad is now the current pad. 3. Press [GATE] to make the bu[...]

31 Chapter 4. Changing the Settings of a Sample 1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted. If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off. 2. Press the pad that plays the sample whose setting you want to change. The pad lights and the sample begins playing. This pad is now the current pad. If Gate Playback (p. 29) is selected, conti[...]

32 Chapter 4. Changing the Settings of a Sample 1. Make sure that [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted. If it’s lit, press [PATTERN SELECT] to switch it off. 2. Press the pad that plays the sample whose setting you want to change. The pad lights and the sample begins playing. This pad is now the current pad. 3. Press [START/END/LEVEL] so it’s lit. 4[...]

33 Chapter 4. Changing the Settings of a Sample The BPM (tempo) of a sample is determined automatically by the length of the interval between the sample’s Start Point and End Point. However depending on this length, the calculated BPM value may be half or double the correct BPM. If this occurs, proceed as follows to set the BPM correctly. 1. Make[...]

34 Chapter 5. Recording a Performance of Samples (Pattern Sequencer) You can play samples and record this performance as a pattern that can be played back later. 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. If [PATTERN SELECT] is lit, a diffe[...]

35 Chapter 5. Recording a Performance of Samples (Pattern Sequencer) If no memory card is inserted, you can’t select pattern banks C– J. 4. Press the pad to which you want to assign the pattern to be recorded. The pad you pressed lights, and the remaining pads go out. [REC] starts blinking, and the metronome begins sounding. 5. Press [START/END[...]

36 Chapter 5. Recording a Performance of Samples (Pattern Sequencer) If you recorded a pad press by mistake, you can erase it as follows. 1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so it’s lit. “Ptn” appears in the display. Pads to which a pattern is assigned start blinking. If [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted, you’re in Sampling mode. 2. Press [REC] so it?[...]

37 Chapter 5. Recording a Performance of Samples (Pattern Sequencer) Here’s how to delete all patterns from internal memory or the memory card in a single operation. 1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so it’s lit. “Ptn” appears in the display. Pads that have been recorded start blinking. If [PATTERN SELECT] is not lighted, this procedure will delete[...]

38 Chapter 6. Using a Memory Card You must switch OFF the SP-404’s power before inserting or removing a memory card. If you insert or remove a memory card while the power is on, you risk damaging the data on the memory card, or rendering the memory card unusable. Make sure that the memory card is oriented correctly, and push it firmly all the way[...]

39 Chapter 6. Using a Memory Card 4. Select the sample bank into which you want to import the file. Press one of the BANK [A]–[F/J] buttons. The button you pressed lights, and that bank (A–F) is selected. If you press a BANK [C/G]–[F/J] button once again, the button starts blinking, and a G–J bank is selected. 5. Press the import-destinatio[...]

40 Chapter 6. Using a Memory Card Here’s how to save backup data (all of the SP-404’s data including sample banks and pattern banks) to a memory card. You can save up to twelve sets of backup data. If the card runs out of free space because you save large amounts of sample or pattern data, the number of backup sets that can be saved will be few[...]

41 Chapter 7. Other Functions MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface. It is a universal standard that allows electronic musical instruments and computers to exchange performance data. The SP-404 supports the MIDI standard, and provides a MIDI IN connector. You can connect this connector to another MIDI device to do a variety of things[...]

42 Chapter 7. Other Functions 3. Press [TIME/BPM] so its LED goes out. This completes the MIDI synchronization mode setting. This setting is remembered even after you turn off the power. Synchronizing the Pattern Tempo and Playback Start/Stop with an External MIDI Sequencer With the factory settings (MIDI synchronization mode “Aut”), you can si[...]

43 Chapter 7. Other Functions You can enable the Protect setting to prevent samples or patterns from being overwritten or erased accidentally. Protecting All Samples and Patterns 1. While holding down [REMAIN], turn on the power. “P.on” appears in the display; the samples and patterns of banks A–J are now protected. If you use the memory card[...]

44 Chapter 8. Examples of Using the SP-404 In this example we’ll use the factory-assigned samples to create a two-measure rhythm pattern at 102 BPM. We’ll use the following samples that are assigned to sample bank A: Pad 9: Kick Pad 10: Snare Pad 12: Hi-hat Pad 4: Voice 1. Press [PATTERN SELECT] so it’s lit. 2. Press [REC] so it is blinking. [...]

45 Chapter 8. Examples of Using the SP-404 Here’s how you can use the SP-404 to play samples along with a turntable performance. Connections 1. Set the crossfader of your DJ mixer to the turntable position. Start your turntable. 2. While pressing the pads of the SP-404 to play the sounds, monitor the SP-404’s sound through the DJ mixer. Use the[...]

46 Appendices Quick Reference to Operations Purpose Operation Play a sample Pad [1]–[12] Play an external input sound [EXT SOURCE] Mono/stereo setting for external input [EXT SOURCE] –> [STEREO] Sampling [REC] –> Pad [1]–[12] –> [REC] Specify auto sampling [CANCEL] + [REC] –> CTRL 3 (LEVEL) knob –> [REC] Defeat auto sam[...]

47 Appendices This section lists the points to check and the steps to take if you experience problems. Refer to the topic that applies to your situation. No Sound/Insufficient Volume Are the SP-404 and your connected equipment powered up? Are the SP-404 and your external equipment connected correctly? Check the connections. (p. 10) Could the audio [...]

48 Appendices Can’t Sample Could you be out of memory? If you are out of memory, “FUL” (Memory Full) appears in the display when you attempt to sample. Delete unwanted samples to increase the amount of free memory. (p. 27) If you’re sampling into sample banks C–J, is the memory card inserted correctly? Check the memory card. (p. 11) If yo[...]

49 Appendices Can’t Play Samples from an External MIDI Device Is the external MIDI device powered up? Is the MIDI cable connected correctly? Check the connection. Could the MIDI cable be broken? Is the MIDI channel set correctly? Set the SP-404 and the external MIDI device to the same MIDI channel. (p. 41) Is the external MIDI device set to trans[...]

50 Appendices As of the date of writing, Roland has confirmed that the following memory cards work correctly with the SP-404. * Supported capacities: 32 MB, 64 MB, 128 MB, 256 MB, 512 MB, 1 GB Model: SP-404 Date: July 12, 2005 Version: 1.02 1. Receive data ■ Channel Voice Messages * For the correspondence between note numbers and pads, refer to ?[...]

51 Appendices MIDI Implementation Chart Function... Basic Channel Mode Note Number : Velocity After Touch Pitch Bend Control Change Program Change System Exclusive System Common System Real Time Aux Messages Notes Transmitted Recognized Remarks Default Changed Default Messages Altered True Voice Note On Note Off Key’s Channel’s : True Number : [...]

52 Appendices SP-404: Sampler Maximum Polyphony 12 voices Internal Memory Samples: 24 (12 samples x 2 banks) * Including Pre-loaded Samples Patterns: 24 (12 patterns x 2 banks) * Including Pre-loaded Patterns Memory Card (CompactFlash) Samples: 96 (12 samples x 8 banks) Patterns: 96 (12 patterns x 8 banks) Maximum Sampling Time (mono, approx.) Inte[...]

53 Index A A.on ........................................................................................... 43 AC adaptor ............................................................................... 10 AIFF ..................................................................................... 38–39 Assignment Pattern ...........................[...]

54 Index P P.oF ............................................................................................ 43 P.on ............................................................................................ 43 Pad ............................................................................................... 8 Pad Base Ch .......................[...]

This product complies with the requirements of European Directive 89/336/EEC. For EU Countries For Canada This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel brouilleur du Canada. NOTICE A[...]

03909723 ’06-03-3N As of December 10, 2005 (ROLAND) Information When you need repair service, call your nearest Roland Service Center or authorized Roland distributor in your country as shown below. EGYPT Al Fanny Trading Office 9, EBN Hagar A1 Askalany Street, ARD E1 Golf, Heliopolis, Cairo 11341, EGYPT TEL: 20-2-417-1828 REUNION Maison FO - YAM[...]