Roland has announced two new DJ controllers for Serato DJ, equipped with features derived from the popular DJ-808 DJ Controller.

The DJ-505 and DJ-202 offer onboard Roland TR drum sounds, dual low-latency platters, Serato DJ integration, vocal FX, and more.

With the newly expanded DJ-series lineup, DJs and music producers can now choose from three Roland DJ controller models to suit the needs of different setups.

Released to wide acclaim in 2016, the DJ-808 DJ Controller is a state-of-the-art creative tool with a four-channel mixer, built-in drum sequencing, vocal processing, and the deepest Serato DJ integration available. Like the flagship model, the streamlined DJ-505 and compact DJ-202 are inspiring instruments with impressive flexibility to DJ, remix, and produce, empowering exciting new approaches to music performance.

The DJ-505 is a two-channel, four-deck Serato DJ controller that comes with the complete Serato Tool Kit. With its portable design, pro-grade build, and advanced feature set, the DJ-505 is ideal for mobile applications, club DJing, live performance, and music production.

Roland DJ 505 DR

Two large, low-latency platters on the DJ-505 provide responsive, lag-free performance for turntable-style scratches, while eight pads with 13 modes offer dedicated controls for Serato DJ. Also included are built-in drum kits from Roland’s classic TR-808 and TR-909 drum machines; each kit contains eight sounds that can be played on the performance pads and triggered from the onboard TR-S sequencer. The sequencer has a dedicated TR-style interface, and TR drum sounds and Serato samples can be adjusted in real time using panel knobs. The DJ-505’s mixer is Serato DVS Upgrade Ready, and can be used standalone with multi-players or turntables connected to the line and phono inputs.

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.

The DJ-202 is a forward-thinking Serato DJ Intro controller that gives DJs the features and layout of a full-size pro controller in a rugged mobile unit. Its lightweight design and easy-grab handles provide convenient portability for all types of events, including house parties, club rocking, beat battles, and more.

Roland DJ 202 DR

Like the DJ-505, the DJ-202 includes two low-latency platters, a built-in drum machine with TR-808 and TR-909 sounds, and eight dedicated pads. A 16-step sequencer accessible via the performance pads controls Serato DJ Intro’s sampler for on-the-fly beat creation.

Both the DJ-505 and DJ-202 function as USB audio/MIDI interfaces with 24-bit/48 kHz fidelity and high-resolution digital-to-analog converters. Each model also includes a MIDI output for controlling and syncing external devices, and a 1/4-inch mic input with gate, hi-pass, reverb, and echo FX.

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.

More information: Roland