As if the DJ-202 isn’t enough, Roland unveiled a second new DJ controller today, the Roland DJ-505. The 505 sits a bit higher in the range and is very closely related to the DJ-808, with a few notable differences:

  • The DJ-505 is a two channel controller compared to the four channels of the DJ-808
  • The DJ-505 has a slimmed down TR-S sequencer module compared to the DJ-808 (for example, the 4 faders that allowed to take out an individual instrument are not present on the DJ-505) and the VT voice transformer module is missing.

But set aside those differences, the DJ-505 is truly a mini DJ-808 and at USD 699 it’s very competitively priced, considering the DJ-808 will set you back around USD 1.300.

Much like with the DJ-202, the DJ-505 seems to be at least inspired by the Pioneer DJ DDJ line of Rekordbox DJ controllers, more specifically the Pioneer DJ DDJ-RR:

Roland DJ-505 compared to the Pioneer DJ DDJ-RR
Roland DJ-505 compared to the Pioneer DJ DDJ-RR

If you think away the top sequencer part, the similarities are striking. And like with the DJ-202, this certainly a well thought out strategy from Roland and Serato to secure Serato DJ users that were at risk of moving to Rekordbox DJ, as Rekordbox DJ is starting more and more to look like…. Serato DJ. In the end, it means more choice for the end user and that is always a very good thing!

The DJ-505, much like the DDJ-RR, has also a fully independent hardware mixer that is Serato DVS upgrade ready, meaning it can act as a hardware mixer with connected turntables or media players running Serato DVS.

The DJ-505 is equipped with a generous amount of professional connectivity. There is a midi out to sync the DJ-505 with external devices, XLR master out, RCA master out and TRS booth out.

Let’s have a look at the key features.

Key Features

  • 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

Pricing and Availability

The Roland DJ-505 will be available in October 2017.

Pictures

Introduction video

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