ReviewFinder DJ Controllers

Roland DJ-202

TLDR: The Roland DJ-202 is a beginner-friendly, two-channel DJ controller with a built-in drum machine, USB connectivity, and compatibility with Serato DJ software, making it a versatile and portable option for DJs of all levels.
Ranking:  
Consumer sentiment:
In comparison:
Roland DJ-202 rank #37 out of 85. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
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8.3
Great

The product receives great reviews on average (consumer score 8.3). This is slightly above the median dj controller score of 8.3.

About consumer score

Price:
The lowest price we found for Roland DJ-202 is $299.99, available here. This is below the median dj controller price of $449.99.
  • Lowest price: $83.51
  • Median price: $449.99
  • Highest price: $2798
  • Roland DJ-202 price: $299.99
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ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The Roland DJ-202 is a beginner-friendly, two-channel DJ controller with a built-in drum machine, USB connectivity, and compatibility with Serato DJ software, making it a versatile and portable option for DJs of all levels.

The Roland DJ-202 is a two-channel DJ controller that is ideal for beginner DJs or those who only need to mix two tracks at a time. It has a user-friendly design with a spacious and solid layout, making it easier for beginners to learn on. The controller has a basic RCA stereo output, a microphone input with a volume knob on the back, and a USB port to connect the DJ-202 to a computer.

The built-in drum machine contains samples from Roland's legendary TR-606, TR-808, and TR-909 drum kits, which can easily be sequenced and triggered via performance pads. The plastic construction of the DJ-202 makes it easy to carry around, and it won't weigh you down when you're on the move, making it a great option for mobile DJs.

The Roland DJ-202 is highly compatible with Serato DJ Lite software and is also compatible with Serato DJ Pro software, making it a versatile option for DJs who use either platform. Overall, the Roland DJ-202 is a top-of-the-line DJ controller that offers exceptional performance and compatibility with the most popular DJ software, making it a great choice for beginner and professional DJs who prioritize portability and durability.

Features

The Roland DJ-202 is a beginner-friendly two-channel controller with a simple but effective effects section, basic RCA stereo output, microphone input, USB port, MIDI-OUT port, and a built-in drum machine with samples from Roland's legendary TR-606, TR-808, and TR-909 drum kits.

The Roland DJ-202 is a two-channel controller that is ideal for beginner DJs or those who only need to mix two tracks at a time. The effects section is simple but effective, with three buttons to select Serato effects, one button for TAP or to toggle between effect modes, and a level knob that sets the intensity of the active effect(s).

The controller has a basic RCA stereo output, a microphone input with a volume knob on the back, and a USB port to connect the DJ-202 to a computer. The MIDI-OUT port can be used for connecting to any other MIDI-enabled gear, like different drum and synth machines by Roland’s Aira line. The layout of the controller is spacious and intuitive, making it easy for beginners to learn on.

The built-in drum machine contains samples from Roland's legendary TR-606, TR-808, and TR-909 drum kits, which can easily be sequenced and triggered via performance pads. Overall, the Roland DJ-202 is presented as an excellent option for beginner DJs who want to focus on loop layering and sample layering while performing to crowds.

How many channels does the Roland DJ-202 have and how does this impact the user's mixing and track transitioning capabilities?

The Roland DJ-202 has two channels. This means that users can mix and transition between two tracks at a time. While it may not offer the same level of flexibility as a controller with more channels, the DJ-202 is still a great option for beginner DJs or those who only need to mix two tracks at a time. The two-channel setup can also simplify the mixing process, making it easier for users to focus on their transitions and overall performance.
Based on 9 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

What types of effects are available on the Roland DJ-202 and how do they differ in terms of quality and versatility?

The Roland DJ-202 has a simple but effective effects section that includes three buttons to select Serato effects, one button for TAP or to toggle between effect modes, and a level knob that sets the intensity of the active effect(s) and that doubles as a beats selector. According to DJ Tech Reviews, the effects section on the DJ-202 is simple but effective. However, it is not as versatile as that of the DJ-808, which includes auto-tune and other advanced vocal FX.
Based on 9 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

How many inputs and outputs does Roland DJ-202 have and what types of devices can be connected to it?

The Roland DJ-202 has a simple, basic RCA stereo output, a microphone input with a volume knob on the back, and a USB port to connect the DJ-202 to your computer. Additionally, there is a MIDI out port, which allows syncing the sequencer of the DJ-202 to an external MIDI device. According to DJ Tech Reviews, the MIDI-OUT port can be used for connecting to any other MIDI-enabled gear, like different drum and synth machines by Roland’s Aira line.
Based on 9 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

How easy is it to navigate and access the various features and functions of the Roland DJ-202 controller?

According to product reviews on DJ Tech Reviews and djingcultivation.com, the Roland DJ-202 controller is user-friendly and easy to navigate. The layout of the controller is spacious and intuitive, making it easy for beginners to learn on. The controller has dedicated FX controls at the top of each deck to control the three inbuilt banks in the Serato DJ Lite. Additionally, the controller has a built-in drum machine that contains samples from Roland's legendary TR-606, TR-808, and TR-909 drum kits, which can easily be sequenced and triggered via performance pads. Overall, the Roland DJ-202 is presented as an excellent option for beginner DJs who want to focus on loop layering and sample layering while performing to crowds.
Based on 16 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

User interface

The Roland DJ-202 is a user-friendly and versatile controller with extensive FX capabilities, a built-in drum machine, and a spacious layout that makes it a great entry-level deck for DJ/producers.

The Roland DJ-202 has a user-friendly design with a spacious and solid layout, making it easier for beginners to learn on. It has a total of eight performance pads per channel, a three-band EQ section with filter and gain knobs, transport controls, and dedicated FX controls at the top of each deck to control the three inbuilt banks in Serato DJ Lite.

The jog wheels, knobs, and buttons feel amazing, and you can customize the performance pad functions according to your preference. The Roland DJ-202 offers an intuitive layout and extensive FX capabilities, including a built-in drum machine with samples from Roland's legendary TR-606, TR-808, and TR-909 drum kits, which can easily be sequenced and triggered via performance pads.

It also has a two-channel mixer with trim pots, filter knobs, and three-band EQs per channel, plus transport controls, eight performance pads per channel, and a mic input with Roland's Vocal FX. These features make it a great entry-level deck for DJ/producers who are looking to specialize in house or techno with an emphasis in layering loops and samples during performances.

Overall, the Roland DJ-202 is a versatile and efficient controller that can cater to the needs of both beginners and professionals.

How are the buttons and knobs arranged on the Roland DJ-202?

The Roland DJ-202 has a two-channel mixer with trim pots, filter knobs, and three-band EQs per channel. At the top of each deck, dedicated FX controls are essentially found to control the three inbuilt banks in the Serato DJ Lite. In the middle section of the mixer, you will find several knobs: Master level, headphone cue/master, phones level, and sampler level. The effects section on the DJ-202 is simple but effective: 3 buttons to select Serato effects, 1 button for TAP, or to toggle between effect modes and a level knob sets the intensity of the active effect(s) and that doubles as a beats selector. The parameter controls can be used for controlling the current loop length and the inbuilt Roland drum machine.
Based on 6 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the layout of Roland DJ-202 more beginner-friendly compared to other controllers?

According to the review on djingcultivation.com, the layout of the Roland DJ-202 is spacious and solid, making it easier for beginners to learn on. The review also mentions that having a device that looks more like a cockpit than a DJ controller can be overwhelming for a beginner, but the Roland DJ-202 has a user-friendly design. Therefore, the layout of the Roland DJ-202 can be considered beginner-friendly compared to other controllers.
Based on 8 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the number of buttons and knobs available for customization on the Roland DJ-202 controller?

The Roland DJ-202 has a total of eight performance pads per channel, a three-band EQ section with filter and gain knobs, transport controls, and dedicated FX controls at the top of each deck to control the three inbuilt banks in Serato DJ Lite. The jog wheels, knobs, and buttons feel amazing, and you can customize the performance pad functions according to your preference.
Based on 8 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Which features of the Roland DJ-202 make it a more streamlined and efficient workflow for professional DJs?

The Roland DJ-202 offers an intuitive layout and extensive FX capabilities, including a built-in drum machine with samples from Roland's legendary TR-606, TR-808, and TR-909 drum kits, which can easily be sequenced and triggered via performance pads. It also has a two-channel mixer with trim pots, filter knobs, and three-band EQs per channel, plus transport controls, eight performance pads per channel, and a mic input with Roland's Vocal FX. These features make it a great entry-level deck for DJ/producers who are looking to specialize in house or techno with an emphasis in layering loops and samples during performances. According to Gemtracks.com, the jogwheels have an amazing feel to them, the knobs and buttons feel amazing, and the assortment of performance pad functions will get you through just about any gig that you are likely to encounter.
Based on 8 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Build quality

The Roland DJ-202 is a lightweight and portable DJ controller made of plastic, which is solid and durable enough for mobile DJs who prioritize portability and durability.

The Roland DJ-202 is made of plastic, which makes it lightweight and portable. Despite being made of plastic, the device is solid and durable, making it an excellent option for mobile DJs who need to transport their equipment frequently. However, plastic may not be as durable as metal in some cases, so the DJ-202 may not be as rugged as some other DJ controllers on the market.

Overall, the build quality of the Roland DJ-202 is suitable for mobile DJs who prioritize portability and durability.

What materials are used in the construction of Roland DJ-202?

According to a product review on gemtracks.com, the Roland DJ-202 is made of plastic. The same review also mentions that the controller feels a bit hollow and light, but not necessarily cheap.
Based on 5 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the material used in Roland DJ-202 affect its overall durability?

According to a product review on djingcultivation.com, the Roland DJ-202 is built entirely out of plastic, which makes it lightweight and portable. Despite being made of plastic, the device is solid and durable, so the material doesn't seem to negatively affect its overall durability. However, it's worth noting that plastic may not be as durable as metal in some cases, so the DJ-202 may not be as rugged as some other DJ controllers on the market. Nevertheless, the plastic build makes the DJ-202 an excellent option for mobile DJs who need to transport their equipment frequently.
Based on 1 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

Size and portability

The Roland DJ-202 is a lightweight and portable DJ controller with weighted jogwheels, making it great for scratching, but its plastic build may require extra care during transport.

The Roland DJ-202 is a lightweight and portable DJ controller that is perfect for mobile DJs. Its plastic build makes it easy to transport, and it has handles on both sides for convenient carrying. The jogwheels are weighted and have a nice fight to them, making it great for scratching.

However, the lightweight build can make it feel a bit flimsy, so extra care may be needed during transport to ensure it is not damaged. Overall, the Roland DJ-202 is a great option for DJs who need a portable and easy-to-use controller for gigs and performances.

What are the dimensions and weight of the Roland DJ-202?

The Roland DJ-202 is roughly the same size as the Pioneer DJ’s DDJ-SB2, and its dimensions are 478mm x 297mm x 62mm (WxDxH). As for weight, it is very light, almost feeling hollow, weighing only 2.1 kg.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

How easy is it to transport the Roland DJ-202?

According to reviews on djingcultivation.com, the Roland DJ-202 is lightweight and transportable due to its all-plastic build. So, it should be easy to transport for mobile DJs.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Roland DJ-202 come with a carrying case or bag for convenient transportation?

No, the Roland DJ-202 does not come with a carrying case or bag. However, it does have handles on both sides of the unit to make it easier to carry.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the size and weight of Roland DJ-202 affect its usability during a performance or gig?

According to reviews on ReviewFinder, the Roland DJ-202 is lightweight and portable due to its plastic build, which makes it perfect for mobile DJs. However, the lightweight build can make it feel a bit flimsy. That being said, the jogwheels are weighted and have a nice fight to them, which pleases DJs who prefer stiffer jogs and is great for scratching. The DJ controller also has handles for transport, making it easy to carry to gigs. Overall, the size and weight of the Roland DJ-202 should not affect its usability during a performance or gig, but it may require some extra care to ensure it is not damaged during transport.
Based on 6 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Compatibility

The Roland DJ-202 is a versatile and highly compatible DJ controller that is suitable for both beginners and professionals.

The Roland DJ-202 is a highly compatible DJ controller that comes bundled with Serato DJ Lite software and is also compatible with Serato DJ Pro software. It is an exceptional two-channel, four-deck controller for Serato DJ Pro, according to Gemtracks.

The controller is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, making it a versatile option for DJs who use either platform. Whether you are a beginner or a professional DJ, the Roland DJ-202 is a great choice for those who want a reliable and easy-to-use controller that is compatible with the most popular DJ software.

Which software is compatible with Roland DJ-202?

The Roland DJ-202 comes bundled with Serato DJ Lite software, and it is also compatible with Serato DJ Pro software. According to Gemtracks, the Roland DJ-202 is an exceptional two-channel, four-deck controller for Serato DJ Pro.
Based on 15 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

What operating systems is Roland DJ-202 compatible with?

The Roland DJ-202 is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems.
Based on 10 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Expert Reviews

There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

ReviewFinder database has 10 expert reviews of Roland DJ-202. Out of the 10 reviews, 3 are video reviews. We value video reviews of products a bit more and rank them a bit higher.

Expert reviews [7]

92
Total expert reviews: 7
  • with a score: 1
  • without a score: 6

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20

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Position in ranking

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ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.