{
  "guide": {
    "slug": "roland-sp-404mkii",
    "archetype": "product-refresh",
    "title": "Roland SP–404MKII Buyer Guide",
    "subtitle": "Put sampling and effects under your fingers.",
    "summary": "SP–404MKII is a strong fit for triggering samples, resampling and performing effects. Its 16GB internal storage and USB audio suit a performance setup, but six AA cells provide hours rather than an all-day battery promise.",
    "category": {
      "slug": "hardware",
      "name": "Hardware",
      "description": "Product factsheets for computers, devices, peripherals, and buying decisions."
    },
    "tags": [
      "music-hardware",
      "buyer-guide",
      "te-ep-samplers"
    ],
    "version": "2026-10-18.1",
    "publishedAt": "2026-10-18",
    "updatedAt": "2026-10-18",
    "freshness": {
      "status": "Source checked",
      "checkedAt": "2026-10-18",
      "horizon": "Recheck firmware, exact hardware revision and offers before buying.",
      "note": "Battery figures are manufacturer estimates with different conditions. Dated availability observations are not stock or delivery guarantees."
    },
    "heroLabel": "Music hardware",
    "vaultPath": "Research/Technology/Hardware/Roland SP–404MKII Buyer Guide.md",
    "r2JsonKey": "guides/roland-sp-404mkii/2026-10-18.1.json",
    "thesisCards": [
      {
        "title": "Buy for",
        "body": "Choose it for live sample triggering and effects-led performance, particularly when a mic/guitar input matters."
      },
      {
        "title": "Choose another route when",
        "body": "Choose SmplTrek instead when building songs across sequencer and global audio tracks is the main job; the SP pad-and-effects workflow asks you to think differently."
      }
    ],
    "stats": [
      {
        "label": "Architecture",
        "value": "16GB internal storage; 32 voices; 16 pads plus sub pad; real-time and TR-REC patterns."
      },
      {
        "label": "Power",
        "value": "Six AA: approx. 2.5h alkaline or 3.5h NiMH under continuous use; USB-C or AC also supported."
      },
      {
        "label": "Connections",
        "value": "Two line-input jacks form a stereo pair; separate mic/guitar jack; USB audio/MIDI; SD import/export/backup."
      }
    ],
    "sections": [
      {
        "id": "bottom-line",
        "eyebrow": "Bottom Line",
        "title": "Put sampling and effects under your fingers.",
        "body": "SP–404MKII is a strong fit for triggering samples, resampling and performing effects. Its 16GB internal storage and USB audio suit a performance setup, but six AA cells provide hours rather than an all-day battery promise."
      },
      {
        "id": "mechanism",
        "eyebrow": "Mechanism",
        "title": "What you will work with.",
        "bullets": [
          "16GB internal storage; 32 voices; 16 pads plus sub pad; real-time and TR-REC patterns.",
          "Two line-input jacks form a stereo pair; separate mic/guitar jack; USB audio/MIDI; SD import/export/backup.",
          "Six AA: approx. 2.5h alkaline or 3.5h NiMH under continuous use; USB-C or AC also supported."
        ]
      },
      {
        "id": "decision",
        "eyebrow": "Decision",
        "title": "Choose the workflow before the specification.",
        "bullets": [
          "Choose it for live sample triggering and effects-led performance, particularly when a mic/guitar input matters.",
          "Choose SmplTrek instead when building songs across sequencer and global audio tracks is the main job; the SP pad-and-effects workflow asks you to think differently."
        ]
      },
      {
        "id": "edge-cases",
        "eyebrow": "Edge Cases",
        "title": "Check the ownership constraints.",
        "bullets": [
          "SD is transfer/backup storage, not extra internal sample RAM; battery results depend on cells and use."
        ]
      },
      {
        "id": "current-comparison",
        "eyebrow": "Comparison ladder",
        "title": "Five ways to solve this buying decision.",
        "body": "Editorial buying jobs, not sales rank or a universal quality ranking. Battery estimates use unlike manufacturer conditions. Historical reviews are labelled and do not establish current firmware or stock.",
        "table": {
          "columns": [
            "Product",
            "Buy for",
            "Main tradeoff"
          ],
          "rows": [
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–133 K.O. II 128MB (TE032AS002)",
              "Choose a general-purpose sample palette and fader-based performance without a genre-specific library.",
              "Older 64MB hardware is still listed by Amazon; firmware does not turn that unit into the 128MB revision."
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–1320 Medieval",
              "Choose the medieval instrument library when that built-in palette is the reason to buy.",
              "Only 32MB is user sample space; total memory is not freely replaceable sample capacity."
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–40 Riddim",
              "Choose synced loops, dub effects and an onboard bass/lead synth for reggae-oriented performance.",
              "The themed library is a workflow choice; a historical free Ting microphone offer is not an included-accessory guarantee."
            ],
            [
              "Roland SP–404MKII",
              "Choose sample chopping, resampling and performance effects with substantially more internal storage.",
              "SD is transfer/backup storage, not extra internal sample RAM; battery results depend on cells and use."
            ],
            [
              "Sonicware SmplTrek",
              "Choose sample-based songwriting and audio clips rather than primarily finger-drummed effects performance.",
              "Thirteen internal tracks do not mean thirteen recording inputs; song construction needs more setup than immediate sample triggering."
            ]
          ]
        }
      },
      {
        "id": "comparison-evidence",
        "eyebrow": "Evidence",
        "title": "Comparison facts and their sources.",
        "body": "Source IDs below resolve to the full source list. Fit and tradeoff judgments combine those sources; published specifications are not head-to-head tests.",
        "table": {
          "columns": [
            "Product",
            "Dimension",
            "Value",
            "Sources",
            "Evidence"
          ],
          "rows": [
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–133 K.O. II 128MB (TE032AS002)",
              "Choose it for",
              "Choose a general-purpose sample palette and fader-based performance without a genre-specific library.",
              "mh-ep133; mh-te-community",
              "Editorial judgment"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–1320 Medieval",
              "Choose it for",
              "Choose the medieval instrument library when that built-in palette is the reason to buy.",
              "mh-ep1320; mh-ep1320-review",
              "Editorial judgment"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–40 Riddim",
              "Choose it for",
              "Choose synced loops, dub effects and an onboard bass/lead synth for reggae-oriented performance.",
              "mh-ep40; mh-ep40-review",
              "Editorial judgment"
            ],
            [
              "Roland SP–404MKII",
              "Choose it for",
              "Choose sample chopping, resampling and performance effects with substantially more internal storage.",
              "mh-sp404; mh-sp404-review",
              "Editorial judgment"
            ],
            [
              "Sonicware SmplTrek",
              "Choose it for",
              "Choose sample-based songwriting and audio clips rather than primarily finger-drummed effects performance.",
              "mh-smpl; mh-smpl-review; mh-sampler-community",
              "Editorial judgment"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–133 K.O. II 128MB (TE032AS002)",
              "Workflow and architecture",
              "128MB current revision; 12 stereo or 16 mono voices; scene chaining and resampling.",
              "mh-ep133; mh-ep-family",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–1320 Medieval",
              "Workflow and architecture",
              "128MB total, split into 96MB ROM and 32MB user samples; 6 stereo or 12 mono voices.",
              "mh-ep1320",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–40 Riddim",
              "Workflow and architecture",
              "128MB system memory; subtractive synth and grid-synced loops; 12 stereo or 16 mono voices.",
              "mh-ep40",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Roland SP–404MKII",
              "Workflow and architecture",
              "16GB internal storage; 32 voices; 16 pads plus sub pad; real-time and TR-REC patterns.",
              "mh-sp404",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Sonicware SmplTrek",
              "Workflow and architecture",
              "Ten sequencer tracks plus three global audio tracks; SD card required for sampling.",
              "mh-smpl",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–133 K.O. II 128MB (TE032AS002)",
              "Power and battery conditions",
              "Four AAA cells or USB-C; runtime not established here.",
              "mh-ep133",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–1320 Medieval",
              "Power and battery conditions",
              "Four AAA cells or USB-C; runtime not established here.",
              "mh-ep1320",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–40 Riddim",
              "Power and battery conditions",
              "Four AAA cells or USB-C; runtime not established here.",
              "mh-ep40",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Roland SP–404MKII",
              "Power and battery conditions",
              "Six AA: approx. 2.5h alkaline or 3.5h NiMH under continuous use; USB-C or AC also supported.",
              "mh-sp404",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Sonicware SmplTrek",
              "Power and battery conditions",
              "Six AA or included AC adapter; maker rates alkaline cells at approximately 4h.",
              "mh-smpl",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–133 K.O. II 128MB (TE032AS002)",
              "Connections and storage",
              "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS2.5 adds USB-audio recording/monitoring.",
              "mh-ep133",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–1320 Medieval",
              "Connections and storage",
              "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS1.5 adds USB audio.",
              "mh-ep1320",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–40 Riddim",
              "Connections and storage",
              "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS2.5 USB-audio recording/monitoring.",
              "mh-ep40",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Roland SP–404MKII",
              "Connections and storage",
              "Two line-input jacks form a stereo pair; separate mic/guitar jack; USB audio/MIDI; SD import/export/backup.",
              "mh-sp404",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Sonicware SmplTrek",
              "Connections and storage",
              "Two physical input jacks: L line/guitar/dynamic mic and R line/dynamic mic; USB audio is 2-in/2-out.",
              "mh-smpl",
              "Manufacturer specification"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–133 K.O. II 128MB (TE032AS002)",
              "Main tradeoff",
              "Older 64MB hardware is still listed by Amazon; firmware does not turn that unit into the 128MB revision.",
              "mh-ep133; mh-te-community; mh-ep133-amazon-old",
              "Editorial judgment"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–1320 Medieval",
              "Main tradeoff",
              "Only 32MB is user sample space; total memory is not freely replaceable sample capacity.",
              "mh-ep1320; mh-ep1320-review",
              "Editorial judgment"
            ],
            [
              "Teenage Engineering EP–40 Riddim",
              "Main tradeoff",
              "The themed library is a workflow choice; a historical free Ting microphone offer is not an included-accessory guarantee.",
              "mh-ep40; mh-ep40-review",
              "Editorial judgment"
            ],
            [
              "Roland SP–404MKII",
              "Main tradeoff",
              "SD is transfer/backup storage, not extra internal sample RAM; battery results depend on cells and use.",
              "mh-sp404; mh-sp404-review",
              "Editorial judgment"
            ],
            [
              "Sonicware SmplTrek",
              "Main tradeoff",
              "Thirteen internal tracks do not mean thirteen recording inputs; song construction needs more setup than immediate sample triggering.",
              "mh-smpl; mh-smpl-review; mh-sampler-community",
              "Editorial judgment"
            ]
          ]
        }
      },
      {
        "id": "review-signal",
        "eyebrow": "Review Signal",
        "title": "What independent evidence can tell you.",
        "bullets": [
          "In a Reddit owner comparison, SmplTrek’s scene-based songwriting and the SP–404MKII’s performance workflow appeal to different uses. Treat these personal preferences as a prompt to try the workflow, not as a controlled ranking.",
          "MusicRadar finds the MKII strong for sample performance, with responsive pads and flexible effects routing. The reviewed workflow centers on playing and resampling; its original 2021 observations are not a test of later firmware additions.",
          "MusicTech praises detailed sample editing and effects routing but finds some button labels and menu navigation unclear. That 2021 assessment explains why the deep sampler rewards learning its shortcuts."
        ]
      },
      {
        "id": "offer-caveats",
        "eyebrow": "Offer Caveats",
        "title": "Match the exact unit before checkout.",
        "body": "Exact-model Amazon identities are retained where verified. Other options link to the manufacturer or named retailer because a reliable exact Amazon product page was not established. Firmware, warranty, condition, seller and current supply still require checking."
      },
      {
        "id": "what-changed",
        "eyebrow": "What Changed",
        "title": "What changed from SP-404SX/A.",
        "body": "MKII carries forward the SP sample-triggering and effects workflow while adding an OLED screen, new pads and expanded sequencing and effects. Those changes make inspecting samples and shaping performances the upgrade case; the current manual’s storage and USB-audio specifications should be checked separately from older SP-404SX/A tutorials."
      }
    ],
    "sources": [
      {
        "id": "mh-ep-family",
        "title": "EP family comparison",
        "publisher": "teenage.engineering",
        "url": "https://teenage.engineering/products/ep",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "official",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-ep1320",
        "title": "EP–1320 Medieval",
        "publisher": "teenage.engineering",
        "url": "https://teenage.engineering/store/ep-1320",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "official",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-ep1320-review",
        "title": "EP–1320 review",
        "publisher": "musicradar.com",
        "url": "https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/samplers/teenage-engineering-ep-1320-medieval-review",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "review",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-ep133",
        "title": "EP–133 K.O. II current store",
        "publisher": "teenage.engineering",
        "url": "https://teenage.engineering/store/ep-133",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "official",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-ep133-amazon-old",
        "title": "EP–133 K.O. II 64MB Amazon identity",
        "publisher": "amazon.com",
        "url": "https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C8BV1RTJ?tag=sourcebottle-20",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "merchant",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-ep40",
        "title": "EP–40 Riddim",
        "publisher": "teenage.engineering",
        "url": "https://teenage.engineering/store/ep-40",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "official",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-ep40-review",
        "title": "EP–40 and Ting review",
        "publisher": "musicradar.com",
        "url": "https://www.musicradar.com/music-tech/samplers/teenage-engineering-ep-40-riddim-and-ep-2350-ting-review",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "review",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-sampler-community",
        "title": "SP–404MKII / SmplTrek owner comparison",
        "publisher": "reddit.com",
        "url": "https://www.reddit.com/r/sonicware/comments/1armjof",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "community",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-smpl",
        "title": "SmplTrek User Manual rev3",
        "publisher": "sonicware.co.jp",
        "url": "https://www.sonicware.co.jp/DL/SmplTrek/DOC/SmplTrek_manual_en_r3.pdf",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "official",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-smpl-review",
        "title": "SmplTrek review",
        "publisher": "soundonsound.com",
        "url": "https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/sonicware-smpltrek",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "review",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-sp404",
        "title": "SP–404MKII v5.50 specifications",
        "publisher": "static.roland.com",
        "url": "https://static.roland.com/manuals/sp-404mk2_reference_v550/en-US/8010023578592395.html",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "official",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-sp404-launch",
        "title": "Roland SP-404MKII launch",
        "publisher": "roland.com",
        "url": "https://www.roland.com/CMSPages/GetFile.aspx?guid=7fea6695-a53c-417c-b537-a6b0836960f9",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "official",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-sp404-review",
        "title": "SP–404MKII review",
        "publisher": "soundonsound.com",
        "url": "https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/roland-sp-404-mkii",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "review",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-te-community",
        "title": "EP family owner discussion",
        "publisher": "reddit.com",
        "url": "https://www.reddit.com/r/teenageengineering/comments/1va4n3t/ep133_vs_ep1320_advice/",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "community",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-sp404-musicradar",
        "title": "SP–404MKII hands-on review",
        "publisher": "www.musicradar.com",
        "url": "https://www.musicradar.com/reviews/roland-sp-404-mkii",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "review",
        "role": "claim-support"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-sp404-musictech",
        "title": "SP–404MKII hands-on review",
        "publisher": "musictech.com",
        "url": "https://musictech.com/reviews/hardware-instruments/roland-sp-404mkii-review/",
        "accessedAt": "2026-10-18",
        "sourceType": "review",
        "role": "claim-support"
      }
    ],
    "claims": [
      {
        "id": "mh-support-ep133",
        "claim": "128MB storage; 12 stereo/16 mono voices; OS 2.5 USB audio and auto-chop; four AAA or USB-C.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep133",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-te-community",
        "claim": "Useful workflow distinctions, but old memory and firmware statements superseded by current official pages.",
        "sourceId": "mh-te-community",
        "evidenceType": "community",
        "confidence": "low",
        "caveat": "Anecdotal and firmware-dependent; not a failure rate or controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-ep1320",
        "claim": "128MB total: 96MB ROM and 32MB user memory; six stereo/12 mono voices; OS1.5 USB audio; four AAA or USB-C.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep1320",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-ep1320-review",
        "claim": "Enjoyable themed sound library; restricted user memory and learning friction.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep1320-review",
        "evidenceType": "review",
        "confidence": "medium",
        "caveat": "Review observations apply to the reviewed generation and firmware.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-ep40",
        "claim": "128MB system memory, subtractive synth, synced loops, 12 stereo/16 mono voices, OS2.5 USB audio; four AAA or USB-C.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep40",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-ep40-review",
        "claim": "Performance-oriented reggae/dub effects and presets; reviewed bundle is a historical promotion, not current included mic proof.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep40-review",
        "evidenceType": "review",
        "confidence": "medium",
        "caveat": "Review observations apply to the reviewed generation and firmware.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-sp404",
        "claim": "16GB internal storage; SD backup/import/export; stereo line pair plus mic/guitar input; USB audio/MIDI. Six AA cells: approximately 2.5h alkaline or 3.5h NiMH, conditional on battery and use.",
        "sourceId": "mh-sp404",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-sp404-review",
        "claim": "Effects-focused performance and sample triggering; historical firmware.",
        "sourceId": "mh-sp404-review",
        "evidenceType": "review",
        "confidence": "medium",
        "caveat": "Review observations apply to the reviewed generation and firmware.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-smpl",
        "claim": "Manual confirms ten sequencer plus three global tracks, two physical inputs, 2-in/2-out USB audio, six AA or included AC adapter, approximately four hours alkaline; SD required.",
        "sourceId": "mh-smpl",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-smpl-review",
        "claim": "Frames SmplTrek as a songwriting machine including audio/MIDI/loops, versus SP performance emphasis.",
        "sourceId": "mh-smpl-review",
        "evidenceType": "review",
        "confidence": "medium",
        "caveat": "Review observations apply to the reviewed generation and firmware.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-sampler-community",
        "claim": "Some owners find short-loop workflows less immediate on SmplTrek; subjective and firmware-dependent.",
        "sourceId": "mh-sampler-community",
        "evidenceType": "community",
        "confidence": "low",
        "caveat": "Anecdotal and firmware-dependent; not a failure rate or controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-ep-family",
        "claim": "Current EP–133 has 128MB only on paper-foam SKU TE032AS002; earlier hardware remains distinct.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep-family",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-mechanism-teenage-engineering-ep-1320",
        "claim": "128MB total, split into 96MB ROM and 32MB user samples; 6 stereo or 12 mono voices.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep1320",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: teenage-engineering-ep-1320 / mechanism",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-mechanism-teenage-engineering-ep-40",
        "claim": "128MB system memory; subtractive synth and grid-synced loops; 12 stereo or 16 mono voices.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep40",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: teenage-engineering-ep-40 / mechanism",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-mechanism-roland-sp-404mkii",
        "claim": "16GB internal storage; 32 voices; 16 pads plus sub pad; real-time and TR-REC patterns.",
        "sourceId": "mh-sp404",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: roland-sp-404mkii / mechanism",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-mechanism-sonicware-smpltrek",
        "claim": "Ten sequencer tracks plus three global audio tracks; SD card required for sampling.",
        "sourceId": "mh-smpl",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: sonicware-smpltrek / mechanism",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-power-teenage-engineering-ep-133",
        "claim": "Four AAA cells or USB-C; runtime not established here.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep133",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: teenage-engineering-ep-133 / power",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-power-teenage-engineering-ep-1320",
        "claim": "Four AAA cells or USB-C; runtime not established here.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep1320",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: teenage-engineering-ep-1320 / power",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-power-teenage-engineering-ep-40",
        "claim": "Four AAA cells or USB-C; runtime not established here.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep40",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: teenage-engineering-ep-40 / power",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-power-roland-sp-404mkii",
        "claim": "Six AA: approx. 2.5h alkaline or 3.5h NiMH under continuous use; USB-C or AC also supported.",
        "sourceId": "mh-sp404",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: roland-sp-404mkii / power",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-power-sonicware-smpltrek",
        "claim": "Six AA or included AC adapter; maker rates alkaline cells at approximately 4h.",
        "sourceId": "mh-smpl",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: sonicware-smpltrek / power",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-io-teenage-engineering-ep-133",
        "claim": "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS2.5 adds USB-audio recording/monitoring.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep133",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: teenage-engineering-ep-133 / io",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-io-teenage-engineering-ep-1320",
        "claim": "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS1.5 adds USB audio.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep1320",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: teenage-engineering-ep-1320 / io",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-io-teenage-engineering-ep-40",
        "claim": "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS2.5 USB-audio recording/monitoring.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep40",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: teenage-engineering-ep-40 / io",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-io-roland-sp-404mkii",
        "claim": "Two line-input jacks form a stereo pair; separate mic/guitar jack; USB audio/MIDI; SD import/export/backup.",
        "sourceId": "mh-sp404",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: roland-sp-404mkii / io",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-cell-io-sonicware-smpltrek",
        "claim": "Two physical input jacks: L line/guitar/dynamic mic and R line/dynamic mic; USB audio is 2-in/2-out.",
        "sourceId": "mh-smpl",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer specification; battery estimates are not a controlled comparison.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison: sonicware-smpltrek / io",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-support-ep133-amazon-old",
        "claim": "Title explicitly says 64 MB; rejected for the selected 128MB hardware.",
        "sourceId": "mh-ep133-amazon-old",
        "evidenceType": "merchant",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Dated source observation; not a live offer or common laboratory test.",
        "guideLocation": "Comparison evidence",
        "sectionId": "comparison-evidence"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-predecessor-delta",
        "claim": "Roland describes new OLED display, pads, effects and sequencing in the SP-404MKII refresh.",
        "sourceId": "mh-sp404-launch",
        "evidenceType": "official",
        "confidence": "high",
        "caveat": "Manufacturer description; not a controlled comparison of the two generations.",
        "sectionId": "what-changed",
        "guideLocation": "What Changed"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-repair-review-1",
        "claim": "In a Reddit owner comparison, SmplTrek’s scene-based songwriting and the SP–404MKII’s performance workflow appeal to different uses. Treat these personal preferences as a prompt to try the workflow, not as a controlled ranking.",
        "sourceId": "mh-sampler-community",
        "evidenceType": "review",
        "confidence": "medium",
        "caveat": "Attributed finding; historical firmware and individual owner limitations are stated in the claim.",
        "guideLocation": "Review signal",
        "sectionId": "review-signal"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-repair-review-2",
        "claim": "MusicRadar finds the MKII strong for sample performance, with responsive pads and flexible effects routing. The reviewed workflow centers on playing and resampling; its original 2021 observations are not a test of later firmware additions.",
        "sourceId": "mh-sp404-musicradar",
        "evidenceType": "review",
        "confidence": "medium",
        "caveat": "Attributed finding; historical firmware and individual owner limitations are stated in the claim.",
        "guideLocation": "Review signal",
        "sectionId": "review-signal"
      },
      {
        "id": "mh-repair-review-3",
        "claim": "MusicTech praises detailed sample editing and effects routing but finds some button labels and menu navigation unclear. That 2021 assessment explains why the deep sampler rewards learning its shortcuts.",
        "sourceId": "mh-sp404-musictech",
        "evidenceType": "review",
        "confidence": "medium",
        "caveat": "Attributed finding; historical firmware and individual owner limitations are stated in the claim.",
        "guideLocation": "Review signal",
        "sectionId": "review-signal"
      }
    ],
    "relatedGuides": [
      {
        "slug": "teenage-engineering-ep-133",
        "role": "alternative",
        "rank": 1,
        "reason": "Choose a general-purpose sample palette and fader-based performance without a genre-specific library."
      },
      {
        "slug": "teenage-engineering-ep-1320",
        "role": "alternative",
        "rank": 2,
        "reason": "Choose the medieval instrument library when that built-in palette is the reason to buy."
      },
      {
        "slug": "teenage-engineering-ep-40",
        "role": "alternative",
        "rank": 3,
        "reason": "Choose synced loops, dub effects and an onboard bass/lead synth for reggae-oriented performance."
      },
      {
        "slug": "sonicware-smpltrek",
        "role": "alternative",
        "rank": 4,
        "reason": "Choose sample-based songwriting and audio clips rather than primarily finger-drummed effects performance."
      }
    ],
    "comparison": {
      "title": "Portable sample-based grooveboxes",
      "intro": "Five choices for different workflows. Power figures are manufacturer claims under different conditions, not a common endurance test.",
      "alternatives": [
        "teenage-engineering-ep-133",
        "teenage-engineering-ep-1320",
        "teenage-engineering-ep-40",
        "sonicware-smpltrek"
      ],
      "includeCurrent": true,
      "dimensions": [
        {
          "id": "job",
          "label": "Choose it for",
          "values": {
            "teenage-engineering-ep-133": "Choose a general-purpose sample palette and fader-based performance without a genre-specific library.",
            "teenage-engineering-ep-1320": "Choose the medieval instrument library when that built-in palette is the reason to buy.",
            "teenage-engineering-ep-40": "Choose synced loops, dub effects and an onboard bass/lead synth for reggae-oriented performance.",
            "roland-sp-404mkii": "Choose sample chopping, resampling and performance effects with substantially more internal storage.",
            "sonicware-smpltrek": "Choose sample-based songwriting and audio clips rather than primarily finger-drummed effects performance."
          }
        },
        {
          "id": "mechanism",
          "label": "Workflow and architecture",
          "values": {
            "teenage-engineering-ep-133": "128MB current revision; 12 stereo or 16 mono voices; scene chaining and resampling.",
            "teenage-engineering-ep-1320": "128MB total, split into 96MB ROM and 32MB user samples; 6 stereo or 12 mono voices.",
            "teenage-engineering-ep-40": "128MB system memory; subtractive synth and grid-synced loops; 12 stereo or 16 mono voices.",
            "roland-sp-404mkii": "16GB internal storage; 32 voices; 16 pads plus sub pad; real-time and TR-REC patterns.",
            "sonicware-smpltrek": "Ten sequencer tracks plus three global audio tracks; SD card required for sampling."
          }
        },
        {
          "id": "power",
          "label": "Power and battery conditions",
          "values": {
            "teenage-engineering-ep-133": "Four AAA cells or USB-C; runtime not established here.",
            "teenage-engineering-ep-1320": "Four AAA cells or USB-C; runtime not established here.",
            "teenage-engineering-ep-40": "Four AAA cells or USB-C; runtime not established here.",
            "roland-sp-404mkii": "Six AA: approx. 2.5h alkaline or 3.5h NiMH under continuous use; USB-C or AC also supported.",
            "sonicware-smpltrek": "Six AA or included AC adapter; maker rates alkaline cells at approximately 4h."
          }
        },
        {
          "id": "io",
          "label": "Connections and storage",
          "values": {
            "teenage-engineering-ep-133": "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS2.5 adds USB-audio recording/monitoring.",
            "teenage-engineering-ep-1320": "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS1.5 adds USB audio.",
            "teenage-engineering-ep-40": "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS2.5 USB-audio recording/monitoring.",
            "roland-sp-404mkii": "Two line-input jacks form a stereo pair; separate mic/guitar jack; USB audio/MIDI; SD import/export/backup.",
            "sonicware-smpltrek": "Two physical input jacks: L line/guitar/dynamic mic and R line/dynamic mic; USB audio is 2-in/2-out."
          }
        },
        {
          "id": "constraint",
          "label": "Main tradeoff",
          "values": {
            "teenage-engineering-ep-133": "Older 64MB hardware is still listed by Amazon; firmware does not turn that unit into the 128MB revision.",
            "teenage-engineering-ep-1320": "Only 32MB is user sample space; total memory is not freely replaceable sample capacity.",
            "teenage-engineering-ep-40": "The themed library is a workflow choice; a historical free Ting microphone offer is not an included-accessory guarantee.",
            "roland-sp-404mkii": "SD is transfer/backup storage, not extra internal sample RAM; battery results depend on cells and use.",
            "sonicware-smpltrek": "Thirteen internal tracks do not mean thirteen recording inputs; song construction needs more setup than immediate sample triggering."
          }
        }
      ]
    },
    "commerce": {
      "disclosure": "As an Amazon Associate, Field Guides may earn from qualifying purchases. Links establish product identity, not current offers.",
      "primaryLinkId": "mh-roland-sp-404mkii",
      "priceApi": {
        "provider": "merchant-observed",
        "status": "not_configured",
        "note": "Prices and stock must be confirmed with the merchant."
      },
      "links": [
        {
          "id": "mh-teenage-engineering-ep-133",
          "merchant": "Manufacturer",
          "title": "Teenage Engineering EP–133 K.O. II 128MB (TE032AS002)",
          "label": "Teenage Engineering EP–133 K.O. II 128MB (TE032AS002)",
          "description": "Choose a general-purpose sample palette and fader-based performance without a genre-specific library.",
          "url": "https://teenage.engineering/store/ep-133",
          "relationship": "direct",
          "role": "alternative",
          "factCard": {
            "summary": "128MB current revision; 12 stereo or 16 mono voices; scene chaining and resampling.",
            "details": [
              "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS2.5 adds USB-audio recording/monitoring."
            ],
            "caveat": "Older 64MB hardware is still listed by Amazon; firmware does not turn that unit into the 128MB revision. Price, stock and checkout terms require confirmation."
          }
        },
        {
          "id": "mh-teenage-engineering-ep-1320",
          "merchant": "Amazon",
          "title": "Teenage Engineering EP–1320 Medieval",
          "label": "Teenage Engineering EP–1320 Medieval",
          "description": "Choose the medieval instrument library when that built-in palette is the reason to buy.",
          "url": "https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D98LZ6TL?tag=sourcebottle-20",
          "relationship": "affiliate",
          "role": "alternative",
          "factCard": {
            "summary": "128MB total, split into 96MB ROM and 32MB user samples; 6 stereo or 12 mono voices.",
            "details": [
              "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS1.5 adds USB audio."
            ],
            "caveat": "Only 32MB is user sample space; total memory is not freely replaceable sample capacity. Price, stock and checkout terms require confirmation."
          },
          "asin": "B0D98LZ6TL"
        },
        {
          "id": "mh-teenage-engineering-ep-40",
          "merchant": "Amazon",
          "title": "Teenage Engineering EP–40 Riddim",
          "label": "Teenage Engineering EP–40 Riddim",
          "description": "Choose synced loops, dub effects and an onboard bass/lead synth for reggae-oriented performance.",
          "url": "https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FXXQ88PV?tag=sourcebottle-20",
          "relationship": "affiliate",
          "role": "alternative",
          "factCard": {
            "summary": "128MB system memory; subtractive synth and grid-synced loops; 12 stereo or 16 mono voices.",
            "details": [
              "Stereo input/output, MIDI and sync in/out; OS2.5 USB-audio recording/monitoring."
            ],
            "caveat": "The themed library is a workflow choice; a historical free Ting microphone offer is not an included-accessory guarantee. Price, stock and checkout terms require confirmation."
          },
          "asin": "B0FXXQ88PV"
        },
        {
          "id": "mh-roland-sp-404mkii",
          "merchant": "Manufacturer",
          "title": "Roland SP–404MKII",
          "label": "Roland SP–404MKII",
          "description": "Choose sample chopping, resampling and performance effects with substantially more internal storage.",
          "url": "https://www.roland.com/global/products/sp-404mk2/",
          "relationship": "direct",
          "role": "primary",
          "factCard": {
            "summary": "16GB internal storage; 32 voices; 16 pads plus sub pad; real-time and TR-REC patterns.",
            "details": [
              "Two line-input jacks form a stereo pair; separate mic/guitar jack; USB audio/MIDI; SD import/export/backup."
            ],
            "caveat": "SD is transfer/backup storage, not extra internal sample RAM; battery results depend on cells and use. Price, stock and checkout terms require confirmation."
          }
        },
        {
          "id": "mh-sonicware-smpltrek",
          "merchant": "Manufacturer",
          "title": "Sonicware SmplTrek",
          "label": "Sonicware SmplTrek",
          "description": "Choose sample-based songwriting and audio clips rather than primarily finger-drummed effects performance.",
          "url": "https://sonicware.jp/pages/smpltrek",
          "relationship": "direct",
          "role": "alternative",
          "factCard": {
            "summary": "Ten sequencer tracks plus three global audio tracks; SD card required for sampling.",
            "details": [
              "Two physical input jacks: L line/guitar/dynamic mic and R line/dynamic mic; USB audio is 2-in/2-out."
            ],
            "caveat": "Thirteen internal tracks do not mean thirteen recording inputs; song construction needs more setup than immediate sample triggering. Price, stock and checkout terms require confirmation."
          }
        }
      ]
    }
  },
  "publicUrl": "https://fieldguides.co/g/roland-sp-404mkii"
}