Roland Announces New DJ Controllers, DJ-505 and DJ-202

Roland has announced two new DJ controllers for Serato DJ, the DJ-505 and DJ-202, that expand upon their DJ-series lineup of products following the DJ-808 DJ Controller that was released last year.

Both the DJ-505 and DJ-202 controllers include onboard drum sounds from Roland’s TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines, and these sounds can be triggered and sequenced via the controllers’ performance pads. In addition, both controllers are integrated with Serato DJ, allowing current users of Serato as well as beginning DJ’s to take advantage of Serato alongside the DJ-505 or DJ-202.

DJ-202

DJ-202 Features

• Two-channel, four-deck controller for Serato Intro
• Large platters with the lowest available latency, optimized for scratching
• Built-in drum kits from Roland’s legendary TR-808, TR-909, TR-606*, and TR-707*, realized with advanced ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) technology
• Eight sounds in each TR kit: Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Closed Hat, Open Hat, Tom, Rim, Clap, and Ride
• Onboard sequencer that controls Serato DJ Intro’s sampler for on-the-fly beat creation
• Independent sampler volume control
• Eight dedicated pads with Hot Cue, Loop, Sequencer, and Sampler modes for controlling Serato DJ Intro or Serato DJ software
• MIDI output for synchronizing external devices with tracks in Serato DJ Intro
• Mic input with gate, hi-pass, reverb, and echo FX
• 24-bit/48 kHz audio fidelity with high-resolution digital-to-analog converters
• Compact, rugged, and lightweight design with easy-grab handles for optimal portability
• Connect straight to your speakers or amplifier via RCA stereo outputs
• USB powered for simple connectivity
• Serato DJ Intro included; Serato DJ Upgrade Ready
• Use Serato DJ Intro to organize and build music libraries or integrate songs from iTunes—just drag a track to the deck, set and trigger cues, loops, and samples, and apply basic FX

DJ-505

DJ-505 Features

• Two channels and Deck Select for up to four decks
• Large, low-latency platters optimized for scratching
• Eight dedicated pad controls for Serato DJ with Hot Cue, Roll, Slicer, TR, Pattern, and Sampler modes
• Built-in, fully editable drum kits from Roland’s legendary TR-808, TR-909, TR-606*, and TR-707*, realized with advanced ACB (Analog Circuit Behavior) technology
• TR kits contain eight sounds–Bass Drum, Snare Drum, Closed Hat, Open Hat, Tom, Rim, Clap, and Ride–that can be played on the performance pads and triggered from the sequencer
• Shape TR drum sounds and Serato samples in real time with Level, Attack, Decay, and Tune knobs
• Classic 16-step sequencer that can trigger either TR drum sounds or the Serato Sampler; new features include nudge (TR-S), step-roll, and instrument/sample mute
• Unlocks Serato DJ and comes with a Serato Tool Kit license (includes Serato Pitch ‘n Time DJ, Serato Flip, and all Serato DJ FX packs)
• Mixer can be used standalone via connection of multi-players or turntables to the line and phono inputs; Serato DVS Upgrade Ready
• Balanced XLR outputs let you connect to a professional PA system; Booth Out plus separate 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch Phones outputs allow you to monitor your mixes
• Mic input with gate, hi-pass, reverb, and echo FX
• MIDI output to sync external devices with Serato DJ and the TR-S sequencer

Something special about the DJ-505 is that it is DVS Serato Upgrade Ready, allowing for the controller to be used with external turntables or CDJ’s to control Serato. Although you must purchase the DVS expansion pack to utilize this feature, the ability to connect multiple turntables or CDJ’s could be very useful for expanding your sound palette during a live set, as well as for performing with multiple DJ’s simultaneously.

You can learn more about the DJ-505 and DJ-202 controllers by visiting Roland’s website.

Next: 808 Day: Roland Unveils TR-08 Rhythm Composer, Recreation Of Vintage TR-808