I wasn't exactly sure where to post this, so I picked the most active board. Though there are many SP samplers out there, from what I can gather they are divided somewhat loosely into different generations. The most pronounced effect of this, at least I would imagine, is the sound engine used in a given SP sampler.

For example, the SP 303 and SP 505, while different in features, reportedly sound exactly the same. With the introduction of the 404, Roland changed and updated the sound engine. Users describe a slightly cleaner and more neutral sound in comparison with the earlier SP's, which are generally taken to be warmer and more lo-fi in character.

I wanted to find out from the more knowledgable SP heads on here where other samples in the SP line fit into these generations, and how you would characterise the difference in sound. Does the 606 sound like a 505? How about the 555, is the sound different from the 404, or the 404 SX etc?

I've wondered this for a long time, it would help a lot to have some more clarity. I hope this is interesting to others here too.

Thank you.

The 555 and 404 are the same, and the 404SX is unique AFAIK is the newest/last and uses uncompressed 16/44.1 .wav files. The SX is my box of choice. I know nothing of the 606/808.
C