Roland DJ 505 Controller Review
Are you a DJ who is looking to upgrade your controller and take your skills to the next level? If you are, the Roland DJ 505 is a decent controller to consider. Our Roland DJ 505 Review will tell you all you need to know.
Made with Serato DJ, this is a 2-channel 4-deck controller that comes with its own drum kit and step sequencer. Unlike the Roland 707M, this controller only has 2 channels, making it more affordable at the cost of premium features.
At the same time, this controller is also a nice step up from the Roland 202 in terms of overall features. This makes it the perfect balance of price and features in the Roland lineup.
If you are considering this model, our Roland DJ-505 review contains all the information you will need to make your decision.
Roland DJ 505 Controller Review Summary
Quality
The DJ-505 comes with the pro-grade build quality that you would expect from a manufacturer like Roland. While entirely plastic, it is still extremely sturdy, and the plastic reduces the weight of the controller and makes it easier to be carried around.
Features
The Roland Drum Machine as well as the complete Serato DJ Pro software and the Serato Toolkit comes included. Moreover, it has various other features including built-in 24-bit/48 kHz audio interface, and audio conversion for Master and Booth outputs.
Cost
Falling in between the DJ-202 and the DJ-707M, the DJ 505 price is pretty average. This is a decent price considering all the features you are getting with the DJ 505 and the price of its closest competitor, the Pioneer DDJ-SR2, which is significantly higher.
Overall rating of the Roland DJ 500: 3.5 / 5
At its price point, the DJ-505 controller provides great value to DJs with a mid-tier budget. This controller will help them take their profession to the next level without having to spend beyond their budget.
The DJ 505 is more than just a controller. The DJ-505 is also has a standalone mixer that gives you the ability to bring in CDJS or turntables. When you add in the drumkits and step sequencer along with the portable and sturdy form factor, the DJ-505 is a great option.
Roland DJ 505 Controller Pros & Cons
Now that we have covered the basics of the Roland DJ 505, let's look at the pros and cons.
Pros
One of the features that really stands out with the Roland series is that it has a nice drum machine that allows DJs to create unique sounds. It also has a standalone mixer, allowing you to connect other accessories like CDJs, turntables, DJ effects controllers, and so on.
Cons
Because the Roland DJ 505 build is entirely plastic, some people think it might not be sturdy. Moreover, some people also feel that the plastic gives it a 'cheap' feel to the device. However, there are various cases for the DJ 505 for people who want to be on the safe side.
Conclusion
One of the biggest features of the DJ-505 controllers is the TR-S Drum Machine and Step Sequencer. Featuring the Roland’s Analog Circuit Behaviour technology, the TR-S brings the sounds of iconic Roland drum machines.
Moreover, the sequencer allows you to line up and arrange the sequence of the drums allowing you to create incredible beats.
Above all, the Roland DJ-505 is essentially a Serato DJ Pro Controller. Therefore, setting up is easy and you can simply plug and play with the included Serato DJ Pro software.
Roland DJ 505 Controller Feature Highlights
Roland TRS Drum Machine
The inclusion of the TR-606/707/808/909 drum machine enables the DJ-505 to blur the line between DJing and producing. It features the Roland’s ACB (Analog Circuit Behaviour) technology.
As a result, sounds are very close to what you would get from the analog circuity on the original machines. Hence, the DJ 505 provides you with two benefits. First, it saves you the convenience of not having to bring separate drum kits. Furthermore, it also saves you the price you would have to pay to add a drum kit to your arsenal.
Serato Pro DJ with Serato Took Kit
The Serato Pro DJ allows you easy set up and provides you with features like Hot Cue, Roll, Slicer, TR, Pattern and Sampler modes. The Serato Tool Kit gives you access to the Serato Flip, Serato Pitch ‘n Time DJ and Serato FX.
The Roland DJ 505 is Scratch Friendly
The DJ 505’s platters can effectively work as turntables because of their large size, responsiveness, and low latency.
You can also easily see the status of each deck because of the illuminated rings on the outer cover of the jogwheels. Moreover, the DJ-505 has aluminum plates similar to the 202 and 808 controllers for great feel and durability.
Remix, Produce, Perform with the DJ 505
The DJ 505 will allow you to be a versatile DJ. It allows you to remix, produce and perform all from the same device. The features of the DJ 505 along with the integrated Serato DJ Pro will enable you to reach new possibilities.
For instance, let’s say you program your drum patterns with the 16-step sequencer. You can then use the Serato Pro DJ to synch your beats allowing to create unique transitions and live remixes. Furthermore, an MIDI output is also included in the DJ 505. Therefore, you can sync your external MIDI devices and instruments to the TR-S sequencer with accuracy.
Roland DJ 505 Controller Review Verdict
What Roland has done with the DJ 505 is to take the DJ 808 and create a lighter version. As a result, it is still powerful and full of capabilities.
The DJ 505 is the perfect controller for DJs who are looking to take their capabilities to the next level. Because it allows you to not only mix but also produce your own beats.
Finally, considering the price, the DJ 505 is the best option you would get at a mid-budget level. However, we do not see it as the best in the Roland series.
