well the sp505 got panning too, but it's very very limited: you have just left/right/center parameters, just those 3 points/possibilities...

I would like to say first of all that I have never heard in person any Roland SP other than two different SP-404's, both mine at different times, and my SP-606. I currently own the SP-606 and the SP-404 and I can easily say that I like the SP-404's sound a lot more. To my ears, they both sound incredible but the SP-404 just sounds a tad bit thicker, compressed, and clean while MY SP-606 sounds just a bit more lo-fi, dirty, and not as thick (didn't say thin...haha). The only negatives that I can say about the SP-606 that actually affect me are the low polyphony and louder background noise which gives it a slightly more dirtier sound (good at times but usually not desired unless put there on purpose). Everything else about it is incredible, from the d beam synth and the velocity sensitive pads to the 1/4 inch and digital i/o and usb to the 4 track sequencer and dual fx engines. As a standalone beat machine I would easily recommend the SP-606 to anyone who wants the simplicity and immediacy of the SP line while having greater depth of functionality closer to that of the MPC line.

sorry for the long OT
i don't know if the sp808 got panning too...

I want to cop a 606 too... it is my 2nd favorite after my lovely 505, never tried one tho but something in that machine it is catching my attention...