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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 .
Contents Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Panel Descriptions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 About Batteries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Before You Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Recording a Pattern. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Panel Descriptions 1 2 3 4 5 9 6 10 11 12 7 13 8 14 15 Name 1 2 [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 ..
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 sample’s 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].
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 .
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Before You Start Connecting the SP-404SX to Your Speakers Make sure that the SP-404SX and your amplified speakers (which we’ll 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 .
Turning the Power On NOTE 1. 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 . Minimize.the.volume.of.the.SP-404SX.and.your.speakers . Turn the SP-404SX’s [ VOLUME] knob all the way to the left . Deutsch 2. Turn.the.SP-404SX’s.[.POWER].switch.ON . Français Italiano NOTE This unit is equipped with a protection circuit .
Inserting an SD card If you insert a commercially available SD card into the SP-404SX, you’ll 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 won’t be necessary .
Playing Sounds Playing Samples What’s 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 Français What’s a sample bank? A sample bank is a set of twelve samples assigned to the pads . The SP-404SX has ten sample banks, A–J .
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) .
Applying Effects The SP-404SX contains 29 types of effects . As an example, here’s how to apply the “FILTER + DRIVE” to a sample . Press.a.pad.to.play.its.sample . 2. Press.the.[FILTER.+.DRIVE].button . English 1. Use these buttons to switch effects (to switch an effect off, get the button’s light to go out) . You can’t apply multiple effects simultaneously . Deutsch You can use any of the following ways to change the effect selected by MFX .
Playing Patterns What’s 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, A–J . Use the [A/F]–[E/J] buttons to switch pattern banks .
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.
Recording Samples— Basic Operation STEP 1: Connecting Equipment Connecting a Portable Music Player or Stereo If you’re connecting your portable music player, stereo, or CD player, use audio cables to connect your device’s output jacks (LINE OUT jacks, AUX OUT jacks, etc .) to the SP-404SX’s LINE IN jacks . Your portable music player’s output jack Audio amp or Phono equalizer Your stereo’s LINE OUT jacks A record player (turntable) cannot be connected directly to the SP-404SX .
Connecting a Mic To use a mic, connect it to the MIC IN jack, then press the [MIC] button so it’s lit . English Press the [MIC] button so it’s lit . MEMO If you’re not using a mic, leave this button unlit . Deutsch Using the built-in mic If you want to use the built-in mic, don’t connect anything to the MIC IN jack . The built-in mic won’t operate if a mic is connected to the MIC IN jack . MIC IN jack Français Howling could be produced depending on the location of mics relative to speakers .
STEP 2: Sampling Here we’ll explain how to use Sampling to record to pad [1] of bank J . 1. Make.sure.that.the.[PATTERN.SELECT].button.is.extinguished . If it’s 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.it’s.blinking . If the button is lit, bank E is selected; press the [E/J] button once again so it’s blinking . Pads to which you can sample will blink . 4.
Applying an effect while you sample By pressing an effect button at this time, you can sample the sound processed by the effect . MEMO 6. 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 . .Adjust.the..recording.level 6-2. Adjust.the.volume.of.the.device.(e .g .,.portable.music.player).connected.to.the.SP-404SX.so.that.the. PEAK.
7. Produce.sound.on.the.device.that’s.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 .
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 . Press.the.[.DEL].button . 2. The.display.will.indicate.“dEL ,”.and.the.pads.that.can.be.deleted.will.blink . English 1. Deutsch Select a bank . Protected banks (p . 38) are indicated as “Prt ” and cannot be selected . Pads that can be deleted will blink . Français 3. Press.the.pad.that.you.want.to.delete .
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 . 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 you’re finished, click [Exit] button to exit the software . Card reader (sold separately) 1 Select the SD card drive .
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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. 2. 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).
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). 1. Hold down the [RESAMPLE] button and turn on the power. 2. Press the [PATTERN SELECT] button to switch between WAV and AIF.
Sampling with a Specified Tempo Resampling You can play back a sample with an effect applied, and then newly sample the result. This is called “resampling.” If you specify the BPM (tempo) while you’re 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. 1. 1. Prepare for sampling as described in steps 1–6 of “STEP 2: Sampling” (p. 18). 2.
Editing a Sample MEMO For details on setting a sample’s GATE, LOOP, REVERSE, and LO-FI parameters, refer to p. 12. Here’s how to adjust the volume of each pad. 1. Press the pad to which the sample whose volume you want to adjust is assigned. The pad will light, and that sample will play. Press the [START/END/LEVEL] button so the button is lit. 4. Turn the [CTRL 3] (LEVEL) knob to adjust the sample’s volume. 5.
Adjusting Both the Start Point and End Point 1. 2. Make sure that the [PATTERN SELECT] button is extinguished. If it is lit, press the [PATTERN SELECT] button to turn it off. 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.
Making Fine Adjustments to the Start Point and End Point 2. Play the pad whose playback region you want to adjust, making it the current pad. 3. Press the [START/END/LEVEL] button so the button is lit. 4. Use the [CTRL 1] knob to adjust the start point, and the [CTRL 2] knob to adjust the end point. 5. When you’ve finished making adjustments, press the [START/END/LEVEL] button to turn off its light.
Changing a Sample’s BPM 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 .”) A sample’s BPM (tempo) is automatically determined by the length between the sample’s 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.
Exchanging Samples between Two Pads Copying a Sample to Another Pad You can copy a sample from one pad to another pad. This lets you create another sample based on an existing sample. MEMO MEMO If you decide to cancel this operation during the procedure, press the [CANCEL] button. 1. If you decide to cancel this operation during the procedure, press the [CANCEL] button. 1. The display will indicate “CHG ,” and the [DEL] button and the [REC] button will light. The display will indicate “CPY .” 2.
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 we’ll 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).
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. If you’ve played a sample by mistake while recording, you can use the corresponding pad to erase it from the recorded pattern. 1. During recording, you can use the pads to play samples. You can also press a bank button to switch sample banks.
Deleting a Pattern 1. • If protection is in effect (p. 38), “Prt ” (Protected) will be displayed, and you won’t be able to carry out the deletion. Press the [PATTERN SELECT] button so the button is lit. The display will indicate “Ptn ” and the pads that have been recorded will blink. 2. MEMO Press the [DEL] button so the button is lit. • If you decide not to delete the patterns, press the [CANCEL] button. 4.
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 Use a commercially available card reader to copy the entire contents of the SD card to your computer . Copying to another SD card For example, if you’ve 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 you’ve purchased . Proceed as follows .
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.card’s.“/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.
Saving Backup Data (Backup Save) MEMO The selected pad will light, and the other pads will go out. The [REC] button will blink. MEMO If you decide to cancel, press the [CANCEL] button. 3. 2. Select the desired save-destination pad. MEMO If you decide to cancel, press the [CANCEL] button. 3. Press the [REC] button. Deleting Backup Data (Backup Delete) This operation will delete backup data on the SD card. 1.
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. Protecting an Individual Bank 1. 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.
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 1 COPY Copies a sample or pattern p ..31,.p ..34 2 EXCHANGE Exchanges the patterns or samples of pads p ..31,.p ..34 3 IMPORT Imports WAV/AIFF files from the SD card p ..36 4 AUTO.TRIG.
Restoring the Factory Settings (Factory Reset) This operation will restore the SD card’s sample and pattern data, as well as the SP-404SX’s internal settings and data to their factory-set condition. In order to perform this operation, you’ll need a computer and a commercially available card reader. 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.
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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). 2. Turn the [CTRL 3] knob to make the setting. 3.
No. 5 7 9 dPt )N CTRL 2 function (display) rAt ) RATE ( MANUAL ( Adjusts the depth of modulation. 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.
No. 22 23 24 Type CTRL 1 function (display) L-r ) CTRL 2 function (display) Lo ) C.CANCELER L–R 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.
Error Message List Message Description EJC Eject Processing is not possible because the SD card was removed. * Don’t 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.
Problem Acoustic feedback (a whine or howl) is heard Can’t 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 doesn’t have any more free space? If there is insufficient memory, the display will indicate “FUL ” (Memory Full) when you attempt to sample.
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. 1. Hold down the [FUNC] button and press the pad [10] (MIDI SYNC). 2. Turn the [CTRL 3] knob to specify the MIDI sync mode. MIDI Sync Mode MIDI Channel (Pad Base Ch.
MIDI Implementation Chart Date : July 01, 2009 Model SP-404SX Version : 1.00 Transmitted Function...
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 .
Index A H S 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 D
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.
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.
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.
