Just bought SP-555, will we see an SP-888?

19 May 2008, 06:11

Hi,

I recently looked for a portable sampler, something that I could take around with me and that would be useful in my set up and decided to get an SP-555 from Gear4Music in York.

I really love it. It reminds me of getting my SP-808 ten years ago! I wish that Roland would make a slightly more "pro" version though (maybe an SP-888?) with more voices, a more editable sequencer and maybe even a graphic display? I know the MV-8800 has all of this (I own one), but it just isn't as fun to use (IMHO), as it's more of a serious, studio orientated tool and I'd never think of taking mine out live because it's not really what you'd call portable like the 555 is.

How about it Roland? And how about bringing back the step modulator for the synth too, it was great having that little step sequencer in there on the SP-808 (and the EX version, which I also had!).

SekondThought
"Computers are cool, but hardware rules".

Re: Just bought SP-555, will we see an SP-888?

26 May 2008, 02:54

I think their marketing section thinks somewhat like me: the MV-8800 is the new SP-808. Indeed there can be a model between it and the 555 but the price difference would be too small to not to get the MV.

Re: Just bought SP-555, will we see an SP-888?

26 May 2008, 06:22

Yes, I agree - it does seem that the MV-8800 is the new SP-808 - but sadly, it seems a massive step here in the UK where the SP-555 sells for £359 and the MV sells for £1349, which is a step up of £1K. I know a few people who are put off the MV because it seems too much to learn from the SP-555. Roland really could make a bridge product or something that seems like the top of the tree for SP users for around £750, so not as big a price jump and still with the performance features SP users love.

SekondThought
"Computers are cool, but hardware rules".