Open UTILITY → SYSTEM → MIDI, set MIDI Sync to MIDI for a DIN source, then turn BPM Sync on. Confirm the master’s MIDI OUT is connected to the SP-404MKII MIDI IN.
Do this first
- Hold SHIFT and press pad 13 to open UTILITY, then choose SYSTEM and the MIDI tab.
- Set MIDI Sync to MIDI for clock arriving at MIDI IN.
- Connect the master’s MIDI OUT to the SP-404MKII MIDI IN.
- Turn BPM Sync on and start the external clock source.
Diagnose it
Is MIDI Sync set to MIDI?
Yes: Check BPM Sync, cable direction and the source’s clock output.
No: Set MIDI Sync to MIDI and repeat the test.
Is a USB clock also connected?
Yes: Use the selected source deliberately; Roland documents USB as a separate MIDI Sync source.
No: Recheck that the master sends MIDI clock at its MIDI OUT.
Expected result
The SP-404MKII synchronizes its tempo to MIDI clock received at MIDI IN.
Why this works
Roland documents the MIDI Sync source choices and specifies MIDI for MIDI-IN clock; its support guide calls for BPM Sync when following an external device.
Still stuck?
Recheck the physical MIDI direction and the exact source device setting. If this behavior differs on your hardware, keep the model/revision and setup details for a correction report.
All SP-404MKII fixesSources & review
Last desk review: . Documentation does not replace a physical hardware test.
- SP-404MKII Reference Manual, Version 4 · Roland
- SP-404MK2 MIDI triggering and synchronization support · Roland
Sections reviewed: Roland support: synchronize SP-404MK2 with external MIDI device.