Roland recently announced firmware updates for its DJ-808, DJ-505 and DJ-202 Serato DJ controllers. The biggest addition are new drum sounds for all the models, with the mid-tier DJ-505 and entry-level DJ-202 getting the most new samples onboard. Three new Master FX are added to the DJ-808 and DJ-505 for live effect tweaking, with the flagship DJ-808 getting a couple more effects including four new channel FX, new microphone reverb settings, and a Nudge and Tap Tempo function for the TR-S onboard step sequencer.
The effects and new drum sounds are cool, but the addition of Nudge and Tap Tempo to the DJ-808’s TR-S hardware step sequencer makes live sequencing and producing while DJing more feasible: in the past there was no way to nudge a sequence that you’ve created (say you made a four-to-the-floor groove), which was a bit problematic when you were mixing into or out of a track in Serato DJ. The workaround at the time was to use the jogwheel to speed up or slow down the track, but it feels counterintuitive to do so.
Having Nudge onboard means that you can make those tiny tempo changes to the TR-S sequencer itself, which makes it easier to beatmix with it in a live performance setting. We’ve been enjoying the DJ-808 (review out soon) and this update gives the TR-S sequencer a welcome usability boost.
• Firmware updates for the Roland DJ-808, DJ-505 and DJ-202 are now available. Check the Roland site for more details.
Have you tried any of these Roland controllers yet? What are your thoughts on them? Would you like to switch to any of these? Let us know your thoughts below.
Joey Santos
