Roland DJ 808 Review
The Roland DJ 808 is Roland’s most premium and comprehensive offering in the DJ Controller space. In this Roland DJ 808 review, we will examine all the features, the pros and the cons, and deliver our final verdict.
Roland, a company that is highly regarded for its synths and drum machines, has teamed up with Serato to enter the DJ Controller market. Other controllers in the new lineup of Roland controllers to check out include the Roland DJ 202, the Roland DJ 505, and the Roland DJ 707M.
The DJ 808 is the most versatile and well-equipped controller across the three different controllers that Roland has released. If you are a DJ who is looking to break away from the standard two-deck mixer performances, the DJ 808 is the perfect controller for you as it allows you to elevate your show.
Roland DJ 808 Review Summary
Quality
The DJ-808 has an impressive build quality that feels much sturdier than it looks. The ‘Ultra Low Latency’ jog-wheels provide a great feel and provide a high degree of tightness and accuracy. Everything from the knobs to the sliders, pads, and buttons have been beautifully designed for easy control. The weight of the controller itself is sturdy and just the right amount of heavy.
Features
The DJ-808 is a four-channel controller that comes with an integrated 16-step drum sequencer. The drum machine features sounds from the Roland TR 808, TR 909, TR 707, and TR 606 giving you access to legendary sounds. The mic section of the controller includes a pitch shifter that allows you to alter the pitch, reverb, and format of your voice. With the DJ 808, you will also get access to the full array of Serato DJ software.
Cost
The DJ 808 is the most expensive controller that Roland is currently offering. It is usually priced well over $1000USD. However, considering all the features and capabilities of the DJ 808, the price is rightly justified and is comparable to other controllers with similar configurations.
Overall rating of the Roland DJ 500: 4 / 5
The Roland DJ 808 is an incredibly well-made machine and a great first attempt at DJ controllers by Roland. The built-in TRS drum machines enable you to access all the legendary sounds that Roland is known for, all without having to invest in another drum kit.
Moreover, with the DJ 808, you also get access to Serato DJ which is the industry standard for DJ software.
All the other features and capabilities make the Roland DJ 808 an impressive controller and deserves a high rating.
Roland DJ 808 Review - Pros & Cons
Now that we have covered the basics of the Roland DJ 808, let's look at the pros and cons.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
One of the biggest features of the DJ-808 controllers is the TR-S Drum Machine and Step Sequencer and its seamless integration into the system. Featuring the Roland’s Analog Circuit Behavior technology, the TR-S brings the sounds of iconic Roland drum machines like the TR-808, TR-909, TR-707, and the TR-606 to the DJ-808. Moreover, the sequencer allows you to line up and arrange the sequence of the drums allowing you to create incredible beats.
The DJ 808 also allows for pitch-perfect vocals with the VT Voice controller feature. Aside from the high-quality mic input, it also has a dedicated vocal processor that allows you to drastically transform and manipulate voice. You can easily control and make amazing vocal effects through the knobs for the EQ, Pitch and, Formant. The VT also has an Auto Pitch function that will re-pitch voice in real-time.
With the Roland DJ 808, you get access to deep Serato DJ Pro control. There is a built-in DVS support, dedicated loop control buttons, and controls for things like HOT CUE, FC, and even Key Sync.
The DJ 808 is a perfect combination of world-class software of Serato and the world-class hardware of Roland.
Roland DJ 808 Review - Feature Highlights
Roland TRS Drum Machine
The inclusion of the TR-606/707/808/909 drum machine enables the DJ-808 to blur the line between DJing and producing. It features 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 808 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 an easy setup 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.
VT Voice Transformer
The DJ 808’s mic section has plenty of features that go beyond just level and EQ control. It features the VT Voice Transformer that lets you change the Pitch, Reverb, and Formant of your voice.
Moreover, there is also an Auto Pitch feature that can change the pitch of incoming voice in real-time. This enables you to play around with voice controls and create auto-tuned sounds.
Easily Expand Your DJ Setup
The DJ 808 allows you to take seamlessly move from a DJ to a producer through built-in connectivity for synths, turntables, microphones, and more.
There are two AIRA link USB ports that enable easy connection to compatible Roland instruments. You can unlock an array of musical elements all through one single connection.
Roland DJ 808 Controller Review Verdict
Roland’s first foray into the DJ controller market looks like a success. Its collaboration with Serato DJ makes the DJ Roland 808 into a formidable controller.
Moreover, the inclusion of the TRS drum sounds add an entirely new dimension and gives the DJ 808 an edge over other controllers.
This is a controller that is intended for DJs who are looking to elevate their live performances. The DJ 808 allows DJs to embrace their creativity and push their boundaries.
