Original SP-404 designer Kenji Yamada and current project leader Takeo Shirato discuss the 404 concept, its widespread popularity, and more.
Break down the techniques to create 303-based sounds, complete with step-by-step programming tips and real-world track references.
Roland uses a “V” to indicate instruments embodying a specific set of virtues. Learn about the engineering process culminating in V-STAGE.
FEATURES
See All »
Relive the inspiring performances, exclusive product debuts, and groundbreaking discussions showcased at the 2025 NAMM Show.
David Bellow, aka Lightfoot, and Michele Darling explain the process of establishing a groundbreaking SP-404 course at Berklee.
Leftfield came from the same primordial soup as the greatest British dance acts. Explore this iconic track and the TB-303's role in it.
Peer inside this idiosyncratic fest with four unique acts from spring 2025 who discuss their artistry and what makes CRSSD so special.
LISTENING GUIDE
Synthesizers in music production brought about a massive cultural shift. Take a trip into this groundbreaking genre.
Jim Keltner has been a go-to session drummer since the '70s. From ex-Beatles to Bob Dylan to Steely Dan, here’s a taste of the legendary player.
The trailblazer combined synthesizers, tight songwriting chops, and an evolving glam sci-fi image. Probe the outer limits of his discography.
Stones Throw Records challenges perceptions, demonstrating how a scrappy indie can create a deep cultural impact. Explore these essentials.
Broken beat was created by a community of producers with roots in London's various club scenes. Here are some of the genre's foundational records.
Learn
See All »
From humble beginnings to working with James Blake, Bob Mackenzie explains how the Roland SP-404MKII fuels creativity
Join the 404 Day worldwide takeover with community-driven SP-powered events, showcases, workshops, and interactive demos.
The lead designers behind the SP-404MKII provide an exclusive look inside the making of the updated version of the beloved classic.
Add presence, bite and spatial width to synth basses, leads, pads and more with the JC-120 Jazz Chorus guitar amplifier software effect.
SOUND BEHIND THE SONG
Sometimes, a song’s intro transports us back to a specific time. Learn how the CR-78 formed the playful rhythmic bed for "Heart of Glass."
Mantronix mixed Kraftwerk's experimental feel with the warmth of Grandmaster Flash. "Scream" remains a landmark electro-funk hip-hop mashup.
At the heart of the classic is its use of the TR-909. The drum machine's crisp attack evokes the heady world of NYC and its fashionistas.
At the heart of Tangerine Dream’s hypnotic “White Eagle” lies a secret—one kept between the band and a pair of JUPITER-8s.
SP-404MKII
KDJ Records Limited Edition
Roland Future Design Lab
The Making of Tone Explorer: An Interview with Kazuyoshi Sasamori of Roland Future Design Lab
Learn about the Tone Explorer concept, challenges, and what might come next from Roland Future Design Lab.
Roland Future Design Lab at Audio Developer Conference 2024
Follow the RFDL team recently to the birthplace of trip-hop, Bristol, UK, for the annual ADC 2024 Audio Developer Conference.
Tone Explorer: Technology Preview for GALAXIAS
Tone Explorer is a technology preview from Roland Future Design Lab, made available for music creators to try as a GALAXIAS Labs Experiment.
DRUMS
Learn how Blondie drummer Dr. Clem Burke has worked alongside a team of academics to study the physical benefits of drumming.
There's an excitement to playing a drum set for the first time. As a father, Oli Raud gets to revisit that feeling with his children.
The V-Drums Acoustic Design (VAD) series combines the Roland technology drummers love with classic acoustic drum set styling.
Chris Wood does more behind the kit than just playing drums. Learn how his hybrid kit informs Bastille’s uplifting, layered sound.
For a top-of-the-line electronic drum kit, look no further than the TD-50X series. Every element combines for a superb drumming experience.
Our Contributors
See All »
Jack is Digital Marketing Assistant at Roland Corporation Australia. He is passionate about video games music production and composition, so outside of work, you'll likely find him holed up somewhere playing games or making music.
Jake Uitti’s work appears in Interview, Vanity Fair, The Washington Post, American Songwriter, The Seattle Times and other publications. The son of Ivy League professors, Jake grew up amidst tomes of French literature, but soulful meals, compelling conversation, and thoughtful music are his true loves.
Matthew Presley is a Product Manager for Zenbeats and Roland Cloud. He lives in Austin, Texas where he plays with his band Bali Yaaah.
Mark is Roland Keys & Production Product Manager at Roland Corporation Australia. He has written and produced music for Universal Music recording artists, TV, theater, live shows, and theme parks, as well as being a successful recording artist himself.
A FEW MINUTES WITH
Italian duo MARNIK discusses '90s inspiration, all-star collaboration, and how their V-MODA headphones can withstand a meteorological event.
Few names are more synonymous with New York house than Roger Sanchez. The legendary DJ talks about process, philosophy, and Roland Cloud.
Brooklyn trio Nation of Language demonstrates how its '80s-synth pop credentials are not just future past but future present.
Where some people see a sampler, Lionclad sees a world of possibilities. She shares about mixtapes, puppet shows, analog synths, and more.
Devo's cult status remains indelible. Co-founder Gerald V. Casale reminisces about the band and its longstanding association with Roland.