In 1980, the TR-808 drum machine was introduced by Roland. Although the intention of the 808 was to help musicians to practice at home via programming artificial accompaniment, it helped start two now well-known movements in Chicago and Detroit.
Last year, Roland showed that they’ve fully embraced their role in jumpstarting dance music, and released the DJ-808, a fully functional Serato DJ controller with a drum sequencer characteristic of the original TR-808 attached to the top.
According to DJ TechTools, The DJ-505 aims to be a two-channel version of the landmark DJ-808, while the new DJ-202 is aimed at being a two channel Serato Intro controller akin to Pioneer’s DDJ-SB2 but with added sequencing capability. The built-in drum kits on these two controllers use advanced Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology to realize a smooth sequencing experience for the user.
Replacing a relationship
Serato has experienced a gradual shift away from in what was once a steady relationship with Pioneer and the DDJ-R line of controllers. However, with Pioneer focusing on Rekordbox DJ, it is clear that Roland is picking up where Pioneer left off, but in a manner more true to their own brand.
While Pioneer DJ is mostly known for their industry standard NXS line of CDJ/XDJ and DJM devices, Roland is mostly known for their aforementioned pioneering work in sequencing. While it took the Japanese manufacturer some time to get involved in digital DJing, the follow up release to the DJ-808 shows that they are fully committed to providing a successful addition to the DJ controller lineup.
Roland has not released pricing information for the DJ-505 or DJ-202 at this time. Find technical specs for both pieces of equipment below.
DJ-505 Features
sequencer specific
- Classic 16-step sequencer that can trigger either TR drum sounds or Serato’s Sampler, with new features including nudge (TR-S), step-roll, and instrument/sample mute.
- Built in, editable drum kits straight from the TR-808, TR-909, TTR-606, and TR-707.
- The TR kits contain eight drum sounds – bass drum, snare drum, closed hat, open hat, tom-tom, rim, clap, and ride. All of these can be played on the performance pads or triggered from the sequencer.
- Real time shaping of samples with Level, Attack, Decay, and Tune knobs.
other notes
- Two channels with deck select up to four decks
- Eight pads with 6 modes: Hot Cue, Roll, Slicer, TR, Pattern, and Sampler
- Large plates optimized for scratching with low-latency.
- Mixer can be used standalone
- Serato DVS Upgrade Ready
- Balanced XLR output, Booth Out, 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch headphone outputs.
- Mic input with reverb, gate, hi-pass filter, and echo FX.
- MIDI output for external device and sequencer support
DJ-202 Features
- Two-channel controller
- Low latency, large platters optimized for scratching
- Built in drum kits like the 505
- Sequencer, but can only be used with the eight performance pads (aka no TR style sequencer up top)
- Independent sampler volume control
- MIDI output same as 505
- Same features on the mic input
- 24-bit/48 kHz audio fidelity
- high-resolution digitial-to-analog converters (DAC).
- Compact with easy-grab handles for portability.
- RCA stereo outputs (No XLR or 1/4-inch).
- USB powered
Source: DJ TechTools
