Klangfeld Labs DOOM OS is a new custom firmware for the Roland SP-404MKII that adds features like a graphical sequencer and improves workflow.
The Roland SP-404MKII hardware sampler is popular. Thanks to constant updates, Roland has also kept the sampler a regular topic of conversation. It’s now on firmware version 5.5 and has gone through a true feature evolution since its official 1.0 release.
However, lots of new features aren’t always a good thing. In my opinion, they significantly hurt the workflow. Many functions require the Shift key, keyboard shortcuts, or features hidden in the menus. The Dutch developer Klanglabs evidently thought the same thing; he hacked the SP-404MKII and released the DOOM OS.
Roland SP-404MKII DOOM OS
Someone recently managed to run Linux VSTs on the Akai MPC/Force. This is only possible through hacks or backdoors. Not only is the MPC OS hackable, but the Roland SP-404MKII firmware is too.
DOOM OS by Klangfeld Labs is a new heavily modified version of the original Roland SP-404MKII 5.52 firmware. It’s currently in alpha version 0.6.
According to the developer, this hack, or let’s say shadow OS, does not delete the original firmware. You retain all the original features. The DOOM OS only adds new features and workflow improvements.
Using a custom patcher, you can flash the custom OS onto the SP-404MKII. For this, you need both the original system update and the custom OS. Once patched, turn the SP on and off. You can access DOOM OS using the key combination REMAIN + SUB PAD.
The DOOM OS Sequencer
DOOM OS brings numerous new features to the SP-404MKII, significantly changing how it works. Perhaps even for the better.
It adds a new pattern sequencer with a graphical interface. You can see and edit your pattern on a grid while it plays. It has a row per sound pad, a column per step, and the playhead running across.
Simply tap a pad to turn a step on or off, and hold one to shape it with the knobs. This new custom OS also includes a piano roll, letting you play melodies on the pads.
Live recording is possible and comes with a rehearse mode and adjustable parameters: quantization, swing, fixed velocity, and note length. From here, you can configure programmed or recorded patterns.
This is available at the track and pattern level, with independent mute, solo, and volume controls. Plus, you have functions like swap pad, paste, clear, tempo control, and pattern length for each.
Deeper, more creative pattern tools are also available per track or for the whole pattern while it plays: quantize, swing, shift, double, halve, reverse, humanize, and transpose. With a 12-level undo/redo function, you can go deep and still switch quickly back to the beginning.
Mixing, Automated Effects & More
The new graphical sequencer is one thing, but Klangfeld Labs’ DOOM OS offers more. It also comes with a built-in mixer with a live level meter for every track. This gives you full and precise control over every track.
In addition to the mixer, DOOM OS also brings a new major improvement to the Roland SP-404MKII effects automation engine.
You can now record your CTRL knobs while REC runs. Press SHIFT + MARK and you open a new automation screen, where you can edit the automations step by step.
Also new is the zoom view, which shows four tracks at a time. This gives you a quicker view of the patterns you are programming.
To reduce the need for keyboard shortcuts and the like, Klangfeld Labs has also incorporated a shortcut system into the DOOM OS. You can create up to eight custom shortcuts that point to features of the SP firmware or to the DOOM OS.
Lastly, you can use a great help mode that shows you what the function does in your current state.
Klangfeld Labs DOOM OS First Impression
I own the Roland SP-404MKII but hardly ever use it because the workflow feels too cerebral. I really welcome that the developer, Quintus Oostendorp, is creating a custom OS for it.
The new features look very interesting and make sense for this SP-404MKII. I like it when the developer tries to improve and simplify the original OS; that is something Roland has failed to do since the release.
DOOM OS is currently in alpha version 0.6. I’m curious to see what else he will add. Also, whether Roland comments on this or secretly patches the firmware so that it’s no longer possible. Well, we will see!
The new Klangfeld Labs DOOM OS is available now in alpha on GitHub
More information here: Klangfeld Labs / GitHub
Available at my partners
Thomann
time 2 get a 404mk2
<3
Roland should hire this man. They’ve added a lot to the SP-404 mk2 over the years, but the interface is in dire need of simplification.
Roland is just like that with the OS of some their products. I work and GC and tell potential buyers all the time that if you don’t have an attention span of more than 8 seconds and don’t like to read product manuals, then the SP404 Mk2 isn’t a product for you. This OS might change that but ˆ’ll wait until this OS mod is finalized before loading it into my SP. AN alpha version is way too early to be putting my faith and paychecks in jeopardy.
Here’s another custom modification, which does something completely different, but very important for a small group of users. It adds a fully functional screen reader to the machine, cutting the skipback/looper buffers shorter to gain space for the added features, as it also adds a built-in speech synthesizer so that the thing is completely autonomous and doesn’t need a computer to access the screen reader.
https://github.com/Mudb0y/tallfree
the pop out windows with all of the options was a way better idea than Roland’s choice to hide everything behind button combinations. This thing really doesn’t have to be as counter-intuitive as it is.
best thing to happen to the Sp in a very long time and tbh improves the value of this instrument 10 fold.
Really cool… And now we need someone doing this for the SH-4D 🙂
Somebody buy this dev a tr1000