The ATS-404 is a portable world band receiver with digital tuning and an alarm clock. It offers several useful features and covers most of the shortwave band.

According to an advertisement in the 2000 "Passport to World Band Radio", the Sangean ATS404 features a lighted LCD, forty-five presets, and a tone adjustment. It covers 2,300 kHz through 26,100 kHz, plus AM/FM. The ad shows a price of $99.95 USD (including shipping).

A review elsewhere in the same book states that this Sangean radio has also been marketed at the Roberts R881 in Great Britain. Both versions (apparently the same except for the brand) do not provide any means of analog tuning and cannot receive SSB stations or longwave.

Such a radio can typically tune in a wide range of international broadcasts (news, music, information, etc) from around the world. Although the lack of SSB reception makes it impossible to pick up most communications, it should be able to receive AM-mode Ham (amateur).

Similar portable digital radio models include the Optimus 12-808 (covers less SW but receives the weather band), the Realistic DX-375 (mostly equivalent), the Sony ICF-7600DS (plus longwave), the Panasonic RF-B40DL, and the Grundig Yacht Boy 300PE.

Overall, the Sangean ATS-404 looks to be a good portable for receiving international shortwave broadcasts, though it is not desirable as a communications receiver.