Just turn it on, aim, and record -- no cables and mics to connect. Then get down to the business of making beats and patterns with the pattern sequencer, and add extra color with the great effects built into this little powerhouse.

The sampling and playback quality of this instrument Compact Disc-grade. For lo-fi lovers, the SP-404 also provides a Lo-Fi sampling mode. WAV and AIF files can be imported and exported via CompactFlash card.

The SP-404's onboard pattern sequencer allows up to 8,000 notes to be recorded. Up to 24 patterns, each 1--99 measures long, can be stored in the internal memory simultaneously. An additional 96 patterns can be saved on CompactFlash cards.

Effects are built into the SP-404, all under the control front-panel knobs. Featured in the FX menu: Subsonic, BPM Looper, DJFX Looper, reverb, flanger, delay, Voice Transformer, distortion, filter, Slicer, Isolator, Vinyl Simulator, and more. The SP-404's effects can be applied to multiple samples simultaneously or live input signals.

For more information, visit their web site at www.rolandus.com.