Roland Cloud Academy has announced a new free learning opportunity for all registered owners of the Roland DJ-808 DJ Controller.

The DJ-808 combines deep Serato DJ software integration with a sample sequencer and built-in Roland TR drum machine that includes sounds from the 808, 909, 707, and 606. Its features includes a 4-channel mixer, AIRA Link USB ports, a VT Vocal Transformer, and high-performance platters.

Matthew Chicoine of Roland Corporation U.S. leading an interactive DJ-808 training course

Through an ongoing series of live training sessions, users can build their technical skills and learn all about the features and operation of the DJ-808 and its tight integration with Serato DJ software. Hosted by expert instructors, the in-depth courses feature real-time interaction with the instructor, and cover everything from the basics of the DJ-808 and Serato DJ to advanced performance and production techniques. The sessions will be offered several times each month and can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.

Roland Cloud Academy’s DJ-808 training offers up-close instruction from in-house product specialists that expands the user’s understanding of the DJ-808 and its creative potential for DJ performance and production. During each hour-long session, the instructor works with the DJ-808 and Serato DJ, and attendees can interact with the instructor through chat, voice, or webcam. The sessions are limited in size for a personalized experience, ensuring that participants get the most out of their training.

The DJ-808 video training sessions are offered in two course levels. Attendees can choose which level they’d like to enroll in and may take part in up to two sessions per month for deeper understanding or to jump from one level to another in a single month.

The two levels are:

  • The Getting Started course – perfect for users who are new to the Roland DJ-808 and Serato DJ. It covers fundamentals such as cue points, looping, basic step sequencing, and more.
  • The Advanced course – covers deeper topics and is a power boost for more experienced users that explores beatgridding, deeper sequencing functions, Pitch ‘n Time, AIRA Link, and more.

Roland Corporation President and CEO North America Jay Wanamaker added, “Roland Cloud Academy is a new and unique source of interactive online training offered exclusively by Roland. Launching the academy with a product like the DJ-808 DJ Controller has been exciting because we’re able to share how DJs and producers are taking the DJ-808 beyond controller applications into full-scale song production. Cross-functional insights like these are integrated into our beginner and intermediate DJ-808 training courses. Plus, we’ll soon be offering courses for additional products in the Roland family of brands.”

This free training is available exclusively to registered DJ-808 owners who sign up on the Roland website.

More information: Roland