The launch of Roland’s SP-404 MKII sampler in 2021 took a lot of beatmakers by surprise, as there’d been no hint at all that the celebrated pad-based groove machine was about to get an update. It was ...

The SP-404 is primarily a sampler, but it lets you program up your samples into patterns as a sequencer does. Operationally, though, it's more in the style of the old-skool drum machines. You can use ...

Roland and Moodymann – AKA Kenny Dixon Jr. – have teamed up to create a limited edition version of Roland’s “signature” portable sampler, the SP-404MKII. In celebration of Moodymann’s “continuing ...

The original Circuit groovebox developed something of a cult following thanks in large part to Novation’s relentless updates. So it was no surprise that the company decided to give it a proper sequel ...