About SP-TooL

What is it?

This is a free open source MIDI control interface for the SP-404MKII by Roland. It allows quick access to all FX parameters of the SP-404 when performing live.

How to install:

If the tool does not ask for installation, then add it to your home screen to make it work offline. See: How to Install a PWA if you have issues.

Requirements:

This tool requires MIDI access to communicate with the SP-404MKII using the Web MIDI API. For now, Web MIDI API is only supported by Chrome-based browsers (Chrome, Brave, Edge...) and Opera, as far as I know. To install this tool, please use a compatible browser and give it permission to use use MIDI. See what browsers support Web MIDI API.

Open Source:

The source code for this project is openly available under the MIT License. So you can inspect the code and help improve it or use it with your own projects. The source code is available here on GitHub.

How to update:

When connected to the internet, the tool will check for updates and install the latest version. The new version will be available on restart. Some updates may require a full de- and reinstall and may reset saved parameters. If you have issues after an update try to reinstall it and also clear the browser cache for sptool.dev-zoo.net and try again.

Troubleshooting:

First make sure that you are using a browser that supports the Web MIDI API and that your device is directly connected to the SP-404MKII. Check the MIDI settings on the SP-404. Clear the browser cache and data for sptool.dev-zoo.net and reload or reinstall should also fix most issues. If that all fails, please contact me in the WhatsApp group and send me a screenshot and some information about what device and browser you are using and how to reproduce the issue.

Known Kinks:

Since the SP-404 MKII does not send MIDI data back out, I have to rely on a one-way communication. I am working on ways to improve the workflow, and I'm happy for suggestions. With that in mind, here are a few tips and kinks:

  • To make sure the right effects are in sync with the device, I recommend toggling all FX buses on and off at the start of a session.
  • The FX toggles also send the currently selected effect when clicked, but they do not send the parameters for all controls.
  • Selecting a different effect will turn off (bypass) the FX Bus by default to avoid accidental FX triggering. This is not reflected in the UI, and you will have to turn the bus off and on again if it was on.
  • FX control parameters are only transmitted when they are moved, so they might not reflect the actual value that is set on the device.
  • The last used FX and controls will be saved and reloaded on startup but not transmitted to the SP unless interacted with.
  • I've only tested direct USB connections, and I search and connect directly to a connected SP-404 MKII. Indirect connections over MIDI hubs or other devices are not supported yet.
  • The first 5 FX on buses 1 and 2 are mapped as the factory default FX. If you have other effects loaded here, please use the desired effect from the dropdown list directly.

If you find issues or would like anything added please let me know on the GitHub page listed above or contribute directly to the code.

Disclaimer:

Use at your own risk.

I am making this tool mostly for myself and for the joy of using the SP-404. This tool is provided "as is," and I cannot take any liability for possible damage caused by use or failure of this tool. I've done my best to make it useable and stable and will continue to improve functionality as I see fit.

Content and/or functionality may change with future updates.

I have no affiliation or agreements with Roland Corp., and this is not officially supported software from Roland.

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