OVERVIEW
The SP-555 is a high-quality sampler workstation with USB connectivity from the popular SP family series of samplers (think a majorly upgraded SP-404). It not only gives DJs, producers, and sample-based musicians powerful realtime control of their sounds with 16 velocity sensitive pads, but also gives you instant sound capturing via line and mic inputs and USB audio streaming. In addition, over 37 effects are at your disposal plus unique interface options such as the D Beam feature that allows you to control the SP-555 without touching it!

FEATURES
Samples processed through the SP-555 sound excellent thanks to the 44.1kHz/24-bit sample rate. Getting any sound onto your pads is made incredibly simple as well thanks to easy sampling via RCA ins, the 1 XLR/TRS mic input (with selectable 48V phantom power) or USB. Once sounds are loaded, 16 velocity sensitive pads are available as triggers. Also use the SP-555's live loop capturing feature to capture a piece of audio and instantly play it back in sync with your other tracks. You can even load loops onto the pads or layered with other loops. Support for a 2GB compactflash card means you can record up to 12 hours of sound.

Effects are a big deal on the SP-555 as it boasts 37 high quality DSP effects. Everything from delay, voice transformer, isolator and more are at your disposal as well as the unique Super Filter and DJFX looper. Plus the handy Effect Memory feature allows you to recall your favorite samples instantly. It also features the innovative V-LINK that lets you connect any compatible video equipment to display material in sync with your music, and D Beam technology that allows you to work the SP-555 without touching it (just wave your hand over the beam). Comes with Cakewalk production software for added value.

OUR OPINION
The SP-555 is like a SP-404 on steroids - more effects, more pads, and more features. DJs can still use it to drop samples and effects in the mix, while sample-based producers can really wild out with the effects and easy to use sampling capabilities. Beat wizards Madlib and MF Doom have been known to rely on the SP-404 to create their dirty sample-based beats, and with the SP-555 - you can do this and then some. Add USB connectivity and Cakewalk software and you have a full featured sampler with all the extras for a very reasonable price.

- stand-alone sampler unit with 44.1kHz/24-bit sample rate and USB connectivity
- easy sampling of any incoming sound
- RCA ins/outs, 1 XLR/TRS mic input (with selectable 48V phantom power), 1 1/4" TRS heaphone jack, 1 1/4" pedal jack
- MIDI I/O
- 16 velocity sensitive pads
- support for 2GB CompactFlash cards provides over 12 hours of recording
- live loop capturing allows you to capture a piece of audio and instantly play it back in sync with your other tracks
- loops can also be assigned to a pad or layered with other loops
- 37 powerful DSP effects - delay, voice transformer, Super Filter, isolator, DJFX looper and more
- Effect Memory lets you recall your favorites instantly
- D-Beam technology allows you to control the SP-555 without touching it
- V-LINK lets you connect any compatible video equipment to display material in sync with your music
- load files to a CF card on the computer and play the files on the SP-555 via USB port

-includes Cakewalk software

• manufacturer's website

reviewed by the mgmnt