Roland Launches DJ-202 + DJ-505 Serato DJ Controllers

It’s been about one year since Roland came out swinging into the DJ controller space with their DJ-808 controller. Today they’re launching two new controllers to round out the lineup. The DJ-202 is a two channel Serato Intro controller, while the DJ-505 aims to be a two-channel version of the DJ-808. More details inside!

Roland DJ-505 Controller

• Gear: DJ-505
• Manufacturer: Roland
• Availability: TBD
• Price: TBD

Roland has smartly decided to shrink down their flagship Serato DJ controller to make a more portable, budget conscious version. Aside from shrinking down to a two-channel mixer section, it still has a lot of the original features of the 808 – including:

• Two channels (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 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
• Includes three free months of membership to the BPM Supreme digital record pool (at the standard level – $19.99/month usually). Read our review of BPM Supreme here.

We don’t yet have details on the price or availability – but stay tuned.

Roland DJ-202 Controller

• Gear: DJ-202
• Manufacturer: Roland
• Availability: TBD
• Price: TBD

Also built for Serato, but instead focused on Intro users, Roland’s DJ-202 will be the low-end of the range. It’s smaller than the other two units, and we’d assume substantially cheaper. The smart pricing for this (none has been announced yet) would be in line with the DDJ-SB2 (~$240) – which continues to be the top-selling DJ controller in the US.

Here’s the feature set for the DJ-202 that Roland has sent over:

• 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 (using the performance pads – there’s no TR-style sequencer at the top of this unit) 

• 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
• Also includes three free months of membership to the BPM Supreme (at the standard level – $19.99/month usually). Read our review of BPM Supreme here.

What About The Pioneer DDJ-S Series?

Many DJs might be wondering if Pioneer DJ is going to release a new Serato DJ controller. It looks like Serato and Roland are dramatically increasing their relationship – the DJ-202 is a clear DDJ-RB competitor, and the DJ-505 looks set to be this line’s DDJ-SR.

With Pioneer DJ investing so heavily in Rekordbox, and InMusic focused on their own Denon Engine, we wouldn’t be too surprised to see Roland become the primary hardware partner for Serato.