Roland SP555 Phrase Sampler
Roland have been manufacturing the popular SP range of phrase samplers for over a decade now. Originally, these units were pretty basic, with just a few seconds sample time and limited features…much has changed, as the latest addition to the range is keen to show. The SP-555 is rammed with innovative new features, is fast, powerful and very easy to use. Grabbing sounds has never been easier via either a line input, phantom-powered Mic input, USB audio streaming, or WAV/AIFF import. Once your audio has been captured, the 555’s powerful effects processor can be used to manipulate and transform sound…it’s even possible to do this sound capturing and manipulating “on the fly”, perfect for DJ’s or other live performers. Memory is expandable up to 2GB via and option Compact flash card, giving you up to a massive 12 hours recording time! Amongst the other realtime controls featured is Roland’s famous “D-BEAM”. This invisible beam can be used to control filters, trigger samples or jam on a synth (much in the way you would play a theromin). The fun visual element will really bring a new dynamic to any live performance.
Onboard Effects
The SP-555 provides 37 types of powerful DSP effects to manipulate your sounds. These high quality effects include Delay, Voice Transformer, Isolator, and the unique Super Filter and DJFX Looper. Whether you what to polish a sound up or really give it some dirt, the highly versatile effects offer almost everything you’ll need. The Effect Memory Recall feature allows you to save and switch you favourite settings using the pads with no glitching.
USB Computer Connection
While the SP-555 is primarily designed as a stand alone unit, it can also be used with a PC. It offers itself up as an audio interface for the bundled Cakewalk SONAR LE software or any other DAW or DJ application on your computer! WAV and AIFF files can be imported with the bundled Wave Converter software. These files can then be assigned to a compact flash card for use in the SP-555 (Compact Flash card reader needed).
