Roland to Celebrate 404 Day with SP‑404MKII Update & Worldwide Events

Press release follows:

Roland Celebrates 404 Day and Global Beat Culture with Worldwide Events, Partnerships, and a Major SP‑404MKII Update

Los Angeles, CA, March 30, 2026 — Roland is celebrating 404 Day, the annual global moment honoring the creators, communities, and cultural movements shaped by the SP‑404 and its modern successor, the SP‑404MKII. For nearly two decades, the SP series has been the engine of the underground beat scene. What began as a subculture has evolved into a worldwide force through sonic experimentation and community‑driven expression.

The SP lineage has shaped scenes across Los Angeles, Tokyo, London, Berlin, Melbourne, and beyond. Producers including Dibia$e, Knxwledge, MNDSGN, and the late Ras G have expanded the sampler’s creative vocabulary, inspiring generations of beatmakers to develop their own voices through sample‑based music.

404 Day 2026 Around the World

SP-404 celebrations are building around 404 Day, with partner activations, events, and creator-led moments across the global beat scene. This year’s celebration is anchored by a cornerstone collaboration with Berklee College of Music, and a 404 Day livestream at the Roland Studio in California, alongside workshops and performances.For more information on worldwide events: https://articles.roland.com/ultimate-guide-404-day-2026

Roland 404 Day Live at the Roland Studio

The Roland Studio in Los Angeles will host a warehouse‑style session featuring DIBIASE, Marques Murrey, Bravodomo, Tvkii, and Low Key with special guest Daru Jones (DARUTRONICS). The event streams live on 404 Day across multiple channels, including the Roland Synth +Aira and Dibia$e Instagrams, with performances available on YouTube afterward.

404 Day Activation at Berklee College of Music

Roland Corporation and Berklee College of Music are spotlighting the role of hardware-based beat production in higher education through a 404 Day activation on April 3, 2026. Co-sponsored by Stones Throw Records, the event brings together Berklee’s Electronic Production & Design community with industry mentors to explore how beat culture and sampling are shaping music creation, with a special appearance from Stones Throw recording artist Koreatown Oddity, a Los Angeles-based rapper and producer known for his distinctive sound.

Best Kept Secrets: SP-404—A Lightfoot Music Selection

Boston-based David Bellow, aka Lightfoot, is a deft artist and respected figure in the lo-fi beat community. A producer, DJ, and educator, Lightfoot plays an influential role in guiding young creators at Berklee College of Music. A curated collection of lesser-known SP gems, courtesy of the beat impresario, appears on the Roland Articles platform. Read more: https://articles.roland.com/best-kept-secrets-sp-404-a-lightfoot-selection/

Side Chain Compression: SP‑404MKII Version 5.50 Update

404 Day 2026 coincides with the release of SP‑404MKII Version 5.50, a free user update adding the long‑requested Side Chain Compression feature. This enhancement brings pumping, rhythmic movement alongside expanded control to performance and production workflows. The update will be available on April 2, 2026, at 5 p.m. PDT. For more information, visit: https://www.roland.com/global/products/sp-404mk2/

The Beat Doesn’t Stop: 404 All Month

404 Day is just the beginning. April will see a range of 404 events across the globe—from Tokyo to Brooklyn and beyond. For a full list of happenings, visit the Ultimate Guide to 404 Day 2026: https://articles.roland.com/ultimate-guide-404-day-2026