Roland SP-404 MKII 5.0, new firmware turns the hardware sampler into a Serato DJ and Studio controller

Roland SP-404 MKII 5.0, new firmware turns the popular hardware sampler into a fully integrated Serato DJ & Studio controller.

In 2021, Roland released a major MKII upgrade for its hugely popular SP-404 sampler. Over the past four years, Roland has added many extra features to the portable sampler through free updates. The 404 is particularly popular in DJ setups to trigger sounds on the fly.

For the 404th 20th anniversary, Roland further strengthens the 404’s connection to the DJ world. Today, Roland released the SP-404MKII 5.0 firmware, which fully integrates the sampler into the Serato DJ and Studio software.

Roland SP-404 MKII 5.0

The new Roland SP-404 MKII 5.0 firmware is a free update, introducing native support for Serato DJ Lite, DJ Pro, and Serato Studio software. This enables plug-and-play functionality with no complex setup required and turns the hardware sampler into a fully integrated DJ controller.

Firmware 5.0 allows users to switch seamlessly between beat-making, DJing, and live performance in one compact device. According to Roland, the Serato DJ Lite and Pro instantly recognize the SP-404 MKII with firmware 5.0 installed.

Switching to Serato DJ mode gives you hands-on control over the various software features. The range of available features depends on your Serato DJ version.

In Serato DJ, you get control over:

• pre-mapped faders, cue points, pitch bending, and sync
• advanced STEM manipulation to isolate or reshape track elements for live remixing
• real-time effects
• sample triggering and track mixing 
• beat roll and auto loop  with rhythmic stutter effects and locked loops
• library navigation and track loading 
• beat jump for jumping forward/backward to create new flips and rhythmic ideas (only in Serato DJ Pro) 
• key sync: with Pitch N Time DJ, you can put any two songs in the same key using pre-mapped controls (only in Serato DJ Pro)

Serato Studio Integration

In addition to Serato DJ, the Roland SP-404 MKII also gets full integration with Serato Studio software with firmware 5.0. This software is similar to NI Maschine and is designed for beat producers.

It allows you to trigger samples, loops, and one-shots, using SP-404 MKII’s 16 responsive performance pads. The hardware buttons and encoders are pre-mapped to sampling, sequencing, and effects manipulation without needing a mouse or keyboard. 

A highlight of the new Serato Studio integration is that the Roland SP-404 MKII 5.0 becomes not only a fully integrated MIDI controller but also a USB audio interface.

This has the advantage of allowing you to process Serato Studio’s audio through the 404 built-in effects. It is also available for the STEMS.

20th Anniversary

Alongside the new firmware 5.0, Roland also celebrates the SP-404’s 20th anniversary with global events the week of 404 Day n many of the world’s most culturally vibrant cities, including Los Angeles, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston, Portland, Sacramento, Tokyo, Osaka, Kumamoto, Yokohama, Mumbai, Berlin, Rome, São Paulo, Melbourne and more.

These 404 Day parties will showcase live performances, beat battles, artist panels, exclusive 404 Day merchandise giveaways, and more, bringing together the artists, DJs, producers, and beatmaker communities who have built careers and shaped movements around the SP-404.

First Impression

Admittedly, I’m not a DJ expert or DJ equipment user. However, this free SP-404MKII update pushes Roland on the current DJ controller and beat producing market, not directly with a dedicated product but indirectly with one with great long-term recognition. For me, Roland made a clever move here.

The new Roland SP-404 MKII 5.0 is available now for free download for existing users. Serato DJ Lite is also free to download, and Serato DJ Pro and Studio are available separately. The official website has all the details of the Roland 404 anniversary events.

More information here: Roland 

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