Roland SP-404MKII 5.5: hardware sampler now with side chain compression

Ahead of 404 day, Roland has released the SP-404MKII 5.5 update, featuring the long-requested side-chain compression.

After the 303 day comes the 404 day. This year, it falls on a Saturday before Easter. Traditionally, on this day, Roland celebrates the SP-404 sampler, usually with an update for the MKII. 

Last year, update 5.0 transformed the hardware sampler into a Serato DJ control surface. This year, Roland also has an update in store, version 5.5 for the SP-404MKII. However, it’s a smaller one.  

Roland SP-404MKII 5.5

Since its 2021 release, Roland has continually expanded the SP-404MKII sampler with new features. New updates have been released annually.

There is so much in this sampler that you have to perform finger acrobatics or have a big memory to trigger certain functions. If you haven’t used it for a month, good luck relearning all the shortcuts. But that doesn’t stop Roland from expanding the sampler even further.

Now, ahead of 404 Day 2026, Roland has published the free update 5.5 for the SP-404MKII. It introduces the long-requested side chain compression feature. According to Roland, it’s envelope-based. This enhancement brings pumping, rhythmic movement to your beats.

Side-chain compression is also a great feature if you are using more ambient sounds. If you use a massive drone, you can more easily bring certain sonic elements through it.

You can also adjust the intensity and response on the hardware. The sidechain compressor reacts directly to the audio signal rather than a separate trigger, resulting in a particularly natural sound.

Furthermore, the update includes several other improvements. Among other things, it now supports the exFAT file system for SDXC cards, improving compatibility.

404 Events

To mark this year’s 404 day, Roland is also organizing events at various locations.  At the Roland Studio in Los Angeles, they will host a warehouse‑style session featuring DIBIASE, Marques Murrey, Bravodomo, Tvkii, and Low Key with special guest Daru Jones (DARUTRONICS).

The event streams live on 404 Day across multiple channels, including the Roland Synth +Aira andDibia$e Instagrams, with performances available on YouTube afterward. A

Another event at Berklee College of Music spotlights the role of hardware-based beat production in higher education through a 404 Day activation on April 3, 2026.

Co-sponsored by Stones Throw Records, the event brings together Berklee’s Electronic Production & Design community with industry mentors to explore how beat culture and sampling are shaping music creation, with a special appearance from Stones Throw recording artist Koreatown Oddity, a Los Angeles-based rapper and producer known for his distinctive sound.

Plus, there are 404 events worldwide in various locations. You can find more details here.

First Impression

Side Chain Compression was certainly missing in the SP-404MKII, and I am pleased to see that Roland has now added it in update 5.5.

Roland SP-404MKII 5.5 is available now as a free update for existing users. The SP-404MKII is out now for $ 499,99/498 €.

More information here: Roland

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