Roland SP-505 Review: The Underrated Sampler Producers Shouldn’t Ignore

The Roland SP-505 doesn’t get as much attention as the SP-303 or the SP-404 — but it absolutely deserves a second look. Packed with deeper editing tools, a larger display, and expanded performance features, the SP-505 sits at a unique crossroads in Roland’s sampler history.

If you’re a beatmaker, collector, or SP enthusiast, here’s why this overlooked sampler might be worth adding to your setup.

A Hidden Gem Between the SP-303 and SP-404

While the SP-303 is iconic, the SP-505 quietly pushes the workflow further. It offers:

• A bigger, more detailed screen

• Advanced wave editing tools

• 16 pads instead of 8

• More sub-menus and control options

• Many of the classic SP effects producers love

It feels like Roland was experimenting with a more MPC-style sampler — and the result is surprisingly capable.

Retro-Futuristic Design With Real Personality

The SP-505 embraces that late-’90s/early-2000s cyber-deck aesthetic. It's chunky, angular, and visually striking. Despite age-related quirks (like fragile RCA ports), it still makes a great desktop piece for SP fans or vintage gear collectors.

SmartMedia Cards: The One Major Drawback

Like other samplers of its era, the SP-505 uses 3.3V SmartMedia cards — a storage format that’s incredibly hard to find today.

The good news? The onboard memory gives you around 40 seconds of sampling, enough for basic chops and idea-building.

Surprisingly Deep Connectivity Options

On the back panel, you’ll find:

• MIDI In/Out

• Optical and coaxial audio inputs

• RCA I/O

• ¼" mic and headphone jacks

That coaxial input is rare, even among vintage samplers.

Flexible Workflow & Creative Sampling Modes

The SP-505 includes:

• Source selection buttons

• Sampling and resampling features

• A handy jog wheel

• Sequence modes (pattern/song)

• Four “parts” you can mute during performance

• A pitch bank for melodic sample mapping

Sampling modes include:

• Standard (CD quality)

• Long (~12-bit character)

• Lo-Fi (crunchy, vintage grit)

Most users find Long mode to be the sweet spot for warmth and texture.

Why Producers Still Love the SP-505

Despite its age, the SP-505 offers:

• Gritty, character-rich sound

• A fun and inspiring workflow

• Plenty of performance tools

• Unique features not found in other SP units

If you enjoy vintage samplers, creative limitations, or the SP ecosystem, the SP-505 is an underrated machine with a lot to offer.