Sequencers / Grooveboxes

Have Roland finally outgunned Akai's renowned MPC series in the battle for the hip-hop market?

Roland take their MC concept further with new features, flying faders and computer integration. Let's explore...

The latest in Roland's SP series of phrase samplers can also double as a computer and audio interface, and PC users can take advantage of a bundled Cakewalk sequencer/mixer. Is this the best SP yet? We find out...

The new SP808 has little in common with its namesake, the TR808; one was an analogue rhythm unit, the other is a feature-packed sampler, multitrack digital audio recorder, synth and remix tool. Clearly, Roland are hoping that some of the 'hi-tech classic' status of the TR will pass to the new SP.