Roland DJ-808 Serato DJ Controller with TR-8 Drum Machine

The Roland DJ-808 is a high-quality DJ controller made especially for Serato DJ Pro control software and comes with plenty of professional performance functions including a 4-channel mixer; a built-in TR-808 inspired drum machine, vocal processing capabilities, and deep integration with Serato DJ Pro. The DJ-808 offers a plethora of controls that lets you get ultra-creative and mix with confidence and flair thanks to the extensive performance-based features and intuitive interface. This digital DJ controller is perfect for any DJ looking to take their performances to the next level with the vast performance-based features and functions.

This state-of-the-art DJ controller goes way beyond a standard controller by giving you a built-in Roland TR-S drum machine that provides you with some of the most influential drum sounds to mix with and can even be used to control the Serato Sampler. There is also a VT Voice Transformer integrated directly into the unit, allowing you to pitch your voice, so it perfectly matches the key of your tracks while the dual AIRA Link ports enable you to connect synths and electronic gadgets for creating on-the-fly remixes over USB. There is a high-quality audio interface that gives you a crystal clear sound while the unit is super-robust and highly-portable. 

The built-in TR drum machine includes the bass drums, snare drums, hi-hats, and claps from all of Roland’s infamous 606, 707, 808, and 909 drum machines. These drum machines spawned the sounds of entire genres, and now you can utilise them in your DJ sets allowing you to customise your tracks on-the-fly using the TR inspired drum machine with the iconic sounds and a 16-step sequencer that will stay perfectly in sync with Serato DJ Pro.

The authentic TR drum machine sounds are produced using the critically-acclaimed and award-winning Analogue Circuit Behaviour technology which works by faithfully replicating the original circuitry of the influential rhythm composers. The ACB technology provides you with all the sizzles and thumps of the classic instruments with dedicated controls for attack, decay, and tuning, allowing you to twist these legendary sounds. You can also use the step sequencer to trigger the 8-slot Serato Sampler so you can mix and match separate drum sounds or layer kick and snare samples to build drum patterns.

Roland has taken careful consideration into the design of the DJ-808, and have designed the controller, so it takes full advantage over all the features Serato DJ Pro has to offer, this includes built-in DVS support (purchasing of Serato DVS license required), as well as intuitive looping buttons, and controls for Serato Flip, Hot Cue, FX and even Key Sync. The Key Sync and Looping buttons are positioned in their own dedicated sections allowing you to quickly adjust the key of your track or loop sections of a track with ease. The design of each pad, slider, and button has been built with performance in mind; this results in a workflow that feels familiar yet totally new and exciting.

The DJ-808 is equipped with large, top-quality jog wheels that feel and look excellent and come with the lowest latency of any controller available; this gives you extremely precise control over your music as well as super-fast scratches and cuts. The super-responsive and highly-durable jog wheels are also equipped with integrated displays that allow you to view when the tracks playback status giving you instant feedback meaning you’re always in control. Thanks to the dual deck control modes you can control two decks simultaneously from a single platter.

There are plenty of connectivity options on the 808 DJ controller, allowing you to connect a range of outboard equipment such as synthesisers, microphones, and turntables. The two AIRA Link USB ports allow you to easily connect compatible Roland instruments including the Boutique series as well as effects units with a single USB cable. You can also trigger synchronised keyboard arpeggios or play live basslines, lead melodies, and sound effects enabling you to inject your sets and productions with intricate musical elements that will easily sync to your Serato tracks.

The DJ-808 is equipped with a high-quality combo XLR/¼-inch TRS Jack microphone input as well as a dedicated vocal processor, the VT Voice Transformer, which works to drastically alter your voice with control knobs for pitch, formant, and EQ. These effects give you dramatic vocal effects alongside a ducking function that automatically lower the volume of a song when you’re speaking or singing into the microphone, just like a side chain effect. The VT’s automatic-pitch feature also works to re-pitch the incoming signal so it’ll match the key of your Serato DJ Pro tracks.

Roland has an extensive history and are world renowned for making rock-solid, highly-reliable instruments that are built for high-quality performances; the DJ-808 is no exception. The knobs and faders are smooth and intuitive and is also fitted with adjustable curves, a removable crossfader, and 16 pressure-sensitive RGB backlit drum pads that open up the Hot Cue, Roll, Sampler, Slicer, Pitch Play, and TR drum machine triggering modes. There are both 3.5mm and 6.3mm headphone jacks as well as combo XLR/¼-inch TRS Jack inputs, an integrated phono pre-amplifier, and a robust build quality with a sound quality audiophile’s will love. The Roland DJ-808 is arguably the most thoughtfully developed digital DJ controller ever built.