Roland Four-channel, Two-Deck Serato DJ Controller (DJ-808)

First, I’m an Old School DJ. I was Hot 105’s (Miami) first Hot Mixer in 1985. I used 2 Turntables, a GLI Mixer, Tascam 2 Track and tons of splicing tape.I’ve owned a few DJ Controllers and set ups. Numark NS7 1 and 3 were my last. Yes, the turntables rotate but the power can effect your synch. I didn’t use the synch button but Music did not maintain consistent speed like the Technics 1200s.I did not want to lug around record crates and a Road Case with turntables and mixer. I did that from 1985 to 1991. In 1986 I founded my “band”, Will to Power and the intro to the show was a live mega mix.When I first saw the Roland DJ 808, I was leery. I thought “more FX and gimmicks”. Also, the Roland TR 808 is now a legendary collectors item. There are DJs and producers out there that believe that the TR 808 produces hits. I was always comparing the new DJ controllers.I decided to buy the Roland DJ 808 from Amazon. I paid $1,300 but I’ve seen them for less at music stores. First thing was the size and weight. I could carry it around and create beats, mash-ups, and full music production almost anywhere even while in a supine position in bed.I never really got into Beat Gridding or other Serato Serato features in the past. The main synch engine on the DJ 808 is the built in TR-S Drum Machine. I know that Roland will be doing an update which will include classic sounds such as the 808 Cowbell. I was determined to use the DJ 808 to its fullest potential which included edit functions with the the Flip Expansion.I approach the DJ 808 with “Shoshin”. Japanese for “Beginners Mind”. There are tons of tutorials on YouTube for the DJ 808 and Serato Pro. I am relearning things I’ve known for years using the newer terminology and technology.The built in TR-S Drum Machine alone makes this my favorite DJ controller. So cool at a live show when you bring up the 808 Long Bass to different genres of music like 70s rock. The Drum machine function is separate from the turntables and can be used free standing without a computer.In order to fully utilize the TR-S functions you must beat grid much of your older music. It takes practice just like learning analog editing. There are lots of FX and expansion packs to keep things new and interesting.I still have the original Roland Juno 106 keyboard, Roland TR 808 and TR 909 as well as my favorite Drum Machine, The Oberheim DMX. The TR 808 and DMX were released before the advent of Midi. I will be checking out the new Roland machines. They are a fraction of the price of the originals and are perfect accessories for the DJ 808.Pros:1. Size and Weight: 15 pounds2. Low Latency Turn Table / Jog Wheels3. Professional quality and sturdiness like the old school Roland products.4. Over output sound is great.5. Built in Drum Machine / Rhythm Controller which includes TR 909, TR 808, 707 and 606. You can use different machines within a drum pattern.6. Turn Tables/Jog Wheels which I now view as the best even though the vinyl does not physically rotate. The surfaces are vinyl.7. 16 touch sensitive Multi Function Pads that feel as good as Numark NS7/Akai.8. Inputs for more The DJ 808 has inputs for more instruments and can be used as the main controller for music production.9. For standard mixing and beat matching, other Controllers can get the job done for club and Mobile DJs. For music production the Roland DJ 808 is in a league by itself. This is the ideal Controller for professional Producer/DJs.Cons:1. I really wish that there were more than bass drum, snare, closed hat and open hat. Some classic sounds like the 808 Cowbell are missing but promised as an update. I still stink there should have been at least 8 sounds per drum machine.2. I miss the separate LCD screens on the Numark NS 7 III. You will need to look at your Serato screen on computer a lot. Having the built in Drum Machine requires more offline set ups of the tracks.3. If you don’t plan on using the TR-S Drum Machine function you may want to choose a different mixer. The Drum Machine is fun and can grow on you so never say never.

I love this controller had a pioneer dflx and the right jog wheel went out on me. It no longer responded to the touch of my hand. Sold it. Went with this controller and I will never go back to pioneer again. Came just as promised, in great condition. Definitely recommend. The drum tr-s section is a huge plus ti thus controller.

after running the Pioneer SX2 for a few years now, this controller blows the Pioneer out of the water. Best and most accurate platters, and with all the features of serato at your finger tips this controller would be a pioneer contender without the 808 on top..with its just an incredible creative beast that is half DAW and half DJ controller.

If you are a dj trying to get into production or a producer trying to add some dj tools to your production process this is for you I love it

Words can't describe how much I hate this controller. I bought it because I thought worst come to worst I can use it to DJ with it using Traktor. If I had known it was locked into Serato I would never have bought it. Serato has got the ugliest and un-intuitive interface ever. Plus it won't connect to the controller - error cannot connect to hardware!I even tried using it in standalone mode with my Roland musical instruments but that is a complete waste of time; you have only four channels, four effects and a lame four part drum machine. You'd be better off DJ'ing with the MC-707 of something like that. Why have only four drum parts, why not allow the user to use snare AND clap on the same track?I actually had to get the motherboard replaced because it arrived dysfunctional. It kept crashing when using it and then kept crashing Roland's support's computer. That allowed me to use it in standalone mode but I have finally realised that is worthless and since it can't connect to Serato nor Traktor and it is way past the return date I'm not sure what I'll do with it at all.

First, the pros:* Outstanding quality (both in build and performance)* One-of-a-kind integration of authentic Roland DMs with a modern DJ controller* FX, beatgrid editing, and other must-have tools make this a performance monster if you know how to use itThe Con's:* Platters are smallish compared to other controllers (doesn't really affect usability)* Pad colors are dull compared to other controllers (LED quality could be better)The reason this bad boy isn't five stars is, for me, mostly just personal preference. I've been using Pioneer CDJs and controllers since forever, and the layout and feel of this controller is juuuuust different enough (like the play/cue buttons being on the "wrong" side) that I have trouble fluidly executing routines I've done for years on other hardware. The nail in the coffin for the DJ-808 for me is that there are now standalone/serato combo controllers with onboard touchscreens for around the same price that track more closely to the Pioneer feel.Don't get me wrong, this controller is awesome for a select demographic (and if you are that demo, you will love it). If you're looking for a controller and think the 808 integration is neat, well you're right but make sure that's the best way to spend that premium dollar.For me, I ended up moving on to the Prime 4, but I want to love the Roland DJ-808 (I just can't).

This is one of those products you end loving, best value for money with plus features than the others