Roland SP-404SX Portable Power-Sampler w/FX (SP404SX)

Absolutely amazing machine for some bedroom music making. Lots to learn, but the internet is a hive of information and video guides to help you. Waited extra long to find a brand new SX and was so happy to see one from Amazon sellers in the US.Paid a fair bit for import to UK. But they dispatched it on a Tuesday from Texas and the product was in my kitchen in the UK on the Thursday.I am majorly happy, and can not recommend buying your expensive gear from these guys, do not take a risk with ebay and Japan. Wait for these guys.

I've been through a few samplers in my time including and MPC 2500 and a Maschine but this has proven to be the best value for money and the most fun to use for beat making.I've managed to successfully build straight up hip-hop bangers and mellow lo-fi beats with this box, all of which have a very characteristic sound. I've also done live DJ sets thanks to the stupidly long sample time allowed on each pad.If you like loops with a heavy humanised feel or want to venture into the lo-fi world this box is the one. Sometimes you'll be amazed at what comes out of it. The resampling method means you can 'bounce' and easily build loops/beats. (Youtube it if you're not sure how it works, its really simple). Alternatively you can finger drum and trigger your samples live whist recording to an external unit like a laptop...or another sp :)The SP does have a pattern maker but it leaves a little to be desired and I've struggled to use it due to its bad quantising and general poor quality. I haven't mastered it but I know artists like Samiyam have produced entire albums using it so there is definitely scope to have it in your workflow if you wanted to. Its fine if you don't though - you can just build beats with resample or by bouncing to an external recording device!The built in effects are really amazing - everything from simulated vinyl to chorus and distortion effects. Resample means you can also combine effects (you can't use more than one at a time by default) to generate some really interesting vibes.Sampling is so quick and intuitive but appreciate that trimming etc is done entirely by ear. There is no way of looking at wave forms with the SP its all about listening and using 'trim' points for the start and end of samples. Like other reviews have mentioned you will be getting audio into this box in minutes of opening it and building your first beat almost straight away.In terms of sampling external sound you have the standard phono input on the back so you can use any sound source you like as long as you can eventually make it go through a phono lead or some kind of adapter. There is also a standard jack input on the front so the only limitation is your imagination really. One amazing feature of this sampler is also the built in mic for recording sounds wherever you are. Don't forget this thing can run on batteries as well so its really portable which is great for soundscapes and getting noises around the house to put in your beats.The pads feel good, they've got a nice grippy texture and dont mind a bit of abuse. the numbers have started to wear off slowly but they aren't even really needed. They are backlit and all the indication you need is done through this. Be warned though if you are coming over from an MPC you might find the transition a bit challenging at first.There is a bit of a learning curve with SP when you come from a traditional sampler that rely so much on the sequencer, but once you realise you can build beats with 'resample' you start to realise the possibilities of this unassuming box. It doesn't come without limitation but they almost shape the way you make beats and there are ways around everything. I've not wanted to move back to my MPC since getting this beast. It takes time to master but the journey is fully worth it.

I regret buying it just a bit, because I don't use it that much, but for appreciation and desire, was totally worth it.It is a very good sampler, it does everything it's designed for very well.However... The quantizer is TOTAL trash!.. Just gotta learn a bit more about that topic then.

Very good value for money sampling unit. What you put in is what you get out unless you tweak it a bit or change it out of recognition with the excellent effects (far better than I expected for this kind of money). The SD card slot enables immense memory. Very user friendly controls..you,ll be sampling within 10 mins of opening the box. Would have got 5 star if all inputs were 1/4" jack with XLR for mic but its really no hassle.

Literally had a HUGE shipping mishap with this with a whole lot of drama. I called my courier and they figured it out. The 404sx is literally the best either you are using it for the sampler, fx or for live shows this is the thing to buy a little cheaper than the 404a so why not. Got mine new from japan!