Free Roland SP-404mk2 v4.04 Firmware Update For 404 Day
Roland let us know that their SP-404MKII i Creative Sampler & Effector is getting a new firmware update, version 4.04, in celebration of ‘404 Day’.
This is the SP-404MKII’s most extensive update yet. The update brings enhanced looping, multitrack output, Koala Sampler integration and a 15-waveform sound generator to the popular sampler
The good news is there does seem to be quite a lot packed into the 4.04 update, the first major enhancement being Loop Capture. This essentially lets you get all Ed Sheeran with your SP by creating loops within the unit and then sampling other loops over them (internally or externally) to create entire pieces.
Loop Capture was present and correct in Roland’s SP-555 which came out in 2008 as this classic Roland Loop Capture video demonstrates, so has taken a little while to reach the 404, but is a welcome addition.
Next up, the SP-404 MkII now has integration with the Koala iOS and Android app, a touch-based phone/tablet sampler. You can now control the app parameters with the SP-404MKII and send audio from Koala to and from the SP via USB.
A further update will please DAW users because you can now send audio from selected pads as individual multitrack stems, so you can either edit them in your DAW or send them out for remixes.
Another useful addition is Sound Generator which is based around 15 waveforms generated by the SP-404MKII with which you can create basslines and other melodies. There’s also a new Groove Function that is said to be “inspired by VP-9000 VariPhrase” and it allows you to add subtle or extreme swing to your grooves.
Lastly, we get some extras that all aim to improve the SP-404’s workflow including Preset Measure Sampling, TR-REC Microscope Editing, Sample Merge, and Bounce Pattern Chains.
Here’s what’s new:
- Loop Capture, inspired by the iconic SP-555: Experience fluid live looping by capturing and layering audio of internal samples, external instruments, and mic’d-up sound sources.
- Koala App Integration: Adjust a range of app parameters directly from the SP-404MKII using Koala controller mode, or send audio from Koala to and from your SP via USB for adding effects or recording samples,
- Multipad Export: Send all or selected pads of a pattern as individual multitrack audio for refining SP sessions in a DAW or share files with collaborators for remixing.
- Groove Function: Infuse rhythmic loops and other audio with subtle to extreme groove swing, inspired by VP-9000 VariPhrase.
- Sound Generator: Create basslines and other melodic content using 15 different waveforms generated directly by the SP-404MKII.
- Plus a range of additional new features to further improve workflow like Preset Measure Sampling, TR-REC Microscope Editing, Sample Merge, and Bounce Pattern Chains.
The best news of all is that the 4.04 update is free, so it’s a happy 404 Day to all existing owners. And a bit of a tempter for new ones.
The SP-404Mk2 sells for around £429 / $449 and you can find more information to download the free update from the Roland website.
