To mark the 20th anniversary of the iconic SP-404 sampler, Roland and Serato have announced official integration of the SP-404MKII with Serato DJ and Serato Studio, delivered via Roland’s free V5 firmware update.
This collaboration bridges the gap between DJing and music production, making the SP-404MKII a more powerful and accessible tool than ever before. It combines Serato’s advanced audio features with the SP’s beloved performance effects, opening up creative possibilities for DJs, producers, and live performers alike.
Integration with Serato DJ Pro…
For DJs, this marks the first time the SP-404MKII can be natively used with Serato DJ. The sampler now offers pre-mapped control over Serato features including stems, looping, hot cues, and FX — turning the compact SP into a portable, standalone performance rig.
Whether used as a supplement to a traditional DJ set-up or as a minimal mobile solution, it enables smooth transitions and expressive real-time mixing with both Serato and SP effects. (Serato DJ Pro licence required for full access.)
…and with Serato Studio
Producers using Serato Studio can now treat the SP-404MKII as a dedicated controller and USB audio interface. Audio from Serato Studio can be routed through the SP’s built-in effects in real time, while the 16 performance pads allow for intuitive triggering of stems, loops, and one-shots.
The result is a flexible, portable setup that brings Serato’s power into a hands-on creative workflow.
The integration is available now via the SP-404MKII V5 update and works with Serato DJ Lite (limited), Serato DJ Pro, and Serato Studio. Want to see it in action? Check out the full tutorial from Roland:
Digital DJ Tips Says…
While the broader SP-404 community has expressed mixed feelings – many preferring standalone workflows and calling for long-requested production features – DJs and Serato users have shown cautious optimism. For those already using Serato DJ or Studio, this update is a welcome surprise, opening up new performance and control possibilities with the SP-404MKII.
Get the skills: Serato Made Easy
Some see it as a creative bridge between hardware and software, offering fresh potential for live sets, stems-based mixing, or integrated beat sets. Others are curious about its place in hybrid set-ups or eager to experiment with Serato FX and sequencing.
It’s clear this update is not for everyone – but for Serato users, it may be just the beginning of something exciting.
Phil Morse
