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Roland DJ-505

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Expert consensus

The Roland DJ-505 is a versatile mid-range DJ controller with a well-laid-out effects section, a drum sequencer, and a compact form factor, making it suitable for beginner to intermediate DJs and professional DJs looking for a streamlined and efficient workflow.

The Roland DJ-505 is a mid-range DJ controller that offers a range of features suitable for beginner to intermediate DJs, as well as professional DJs looking for a streamlined and efficient workflow. It has a well-laid-out effects section, a wide range of inputs and outputs, and a drum sequencer that makes it well-suited to creative DJs and producers.

The controller has a standard Serato DJ Pro deck section layout with well-spaced knobs and buttons that are easy to reach, and a compact form factor that makes it more portable and easier to set up in different environments. However, its plastic construction may impact its overall durability and sturdiness, making it more suitable for home or small gigs.

The DJ-505 is highly compatible with Serato DJ Pro software and can be used with a wide range of devices, making it a versatile option for DJs who need to use different equipment for different gigs. Overall, the Roland DJ-505 is a well-rounded and versatile DJ controller that offers a range of customization options and features for DJs of all levels.

Features

The Roland DJ-505 is a mid-range DJ controller with two channels, a well-laid-out effects section, a wide range of inputs and outputs, and a drum sequencer, making it a versatile piece of performance gear for creative DJs and producers.

The Roland DJ-505 is a mid-range DJ controller with two channels that allows users to mix two tracks simultaneously. It has a well-laid-out effects section that allows launching three effects at the same time and toggling between single and multiple FX modes. The controller has a wide range of inputs and outputs, including XLR and RCA master outputs, 1/4" booth outputs, a 1/4" mic input, two RCA inputs that are phono/line switchable, and a MIDI output to connect and sync external gear such as synths and DAWs.

The TRS booth output can be used to connect monitor speakers in the DJ booth. The physical size of the controller is in line with other mid-range controllers on the market, and the mixer controls are standard and intuitive. The addition of a drum sequencer makes it a piece of performance gear that’s well suited to creative DJs and producers.

Overall, the Roland DJ-505 is a well-rounded DJ controller with all the features needed for a wide range of applications.

How many channels does the Roland DJ-505 have and how does this impact the user's mixing and track transitioning capabilities?

The Roland DJ-505 has two channels. This means that the user can mix two tracks simultaneously. While it has a 2 channel mixer, the decks have deck switch buttons so it can access all 4 Serato DJ Pro decks. This can be helpful if the user wants to switch back and forth between tracks on different decks. However, if the user wants to mix more than two tracks at once, they may need a controller with more channels.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

What types of effects are available on the Roland DJ-505 and how do they differ in terms of quality and versatility?

According to the product review on djtechzone.com, the Roland DJ-505 has a well-laid-out effects section that allows launching three effects at the same time and toggling between single and multiple FX modes. The BEATS knob sets the number of beats applied to an effect. Unfortunately, there is no specific information on the types of effects available, their quality, or versatility. However, the Home DJ Studio product review mentions that if you enjoy adding FX to your sets, you'll be able to get into a comfortable workflow with the Roland DJ-505.
Based on 7 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

How many inputs and outputs does Roland DJ-505 have and what types of devices can be connected to it?

Roland DJ-505 has a wide range of inputs and outputs. It has XLR and RCA master outputs, 1/4" booth outputs, a 1/4" mic input, two RCA inputs that are phono/line switchable. It also has a MIDI output to connect and sync external gear such as synths and DAWs. The TRS booth output can be used to connect monitor speakers in the DJ booth. This makes it easy for DJs to connect their preferred speakers or audio interface and use the DJ-505 for a wide range of applications.
Based on 7 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

How easy is it to navigate and access the various features and functions of the Roland DJ-505 controller?

According to product reviews, the Roland DJ-505 controller is well-designed and the placement of the controls feels natural. The physical size of the controller is in line with other mid-range controllers on the market, and anyone who has ever used a Serato DJ Pro controller should feel at home right away. The mixer controls are standard and intuitive, with physical curve and reverse controls of the crossfader, which is something rarely seen as a controller at this price. However, some controls, such as the Pitch-n-Time pitch shifting controls, may require a few button presses and shift-controls to access. Overall, the Roland DJ-505 is a well-rounded DJ controller with all the features you need, and the addition of a drum sequencer makes it a piece of performance gear that’s well suited to creative DJs and producers.
Based on 16 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

User interface

The Roland DJ-505 is a versatile and well-designed controller that offers a range of customization options and features for DJs of all levels, with a standard Serato DJ Pro deck section layout, 2-channel mixer, dedicated loop controls, solid jog wheels, and a drum sequencer.

The Roland DJ-505 has a standard Serato DJ Pro deck section layout with well-spaced knobs and buttons that are easy to reach. The mixer has a 2-channel mixer with 3-band EQs, trim and filter knobs, and physical curve and reverse controls for the crossfader. The controller also offers dedicated loop controls, solid jog wheels, and a drum sequencer that makes it well-suited to creative DJs and producers.

The DJ-505's compact form factor makes it more portable and easier to set up in different environments. The product is suitable for beginner to intermediate DJs looking for a feature-packed controller that is portable and allows room to grow, as well as professional DJs looking for a streamlined and efficient workflow.

Overall, the Roland DJ-505 is a versatile and well-designed controller that offers a range of customization options and features for DJs of all levels.

How are the buttons and knobs arranged on the Roland DJ-505?

The Roland DJ-505 has a standard Serato DJ Pro deck section layout, with FX controls at the top alongside a pitch fader, a jogwheel at the center of the deck, and transport controls and performance pads at the bottom. The mixer is well-spaced, and all knobs and buttons are easy to reach. The channel switches, along with crossfader curve options, are on the front panel. According to product reviews on Home DJ Studio, the placement of loop and performance pad controls feels natural next to each other.
Based on 11 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the layout of Roland DJ-505 more beginner-friendly compared to other controllers?

The layout of the Roland DJ-505 is similar to the "standard" Serato DJ Pro deck section layout, which is familiar to many DJs, so it may not be more beginner-friendly than other controllers. However, the DJ-505 has a smaller form factor and is more affordable than some of Roland's more advanced controllers, which could make it a good choice for beginner to intermediate DJs looking for a feature-packed controller that is portable and allows room to grow.
Based on 4 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the number of buttons and knobs available for customization on the Roland DJ-505 controller?

The Roland DJ-505 controller has a range of dedicated control knobs for Level, Tune, Attack, and Decay, as well as performance pads, transport controls, and loop controls. It also has a 2-channel mixer with 3-band EQs, trim and filter knobs, as well as physical curve and reverse controls for the crossfader. While the exact number of buttons and knobs available for customization is not specified, there are plenty of options available for DJs to customize their setup according to their preferences.
Based on 11 quotes from 5 sources [show quotes and sources]

Which features of the Roland DJ-505 make it a more streamlined and efficient workflow for professional DJs?

The Roland DJ-505 offers dedicated loop controls, solid jog wheels, and a well-rounded DJ controller with all the features DJs need, including excellent connection options. It also comes with a license for Serato DJ Pro, giving DJs access to an impressive amount of DJ software. Additionally, the drum sequencer is a unique feature that adds to the performance gear and makes it well-suited to creative DJs and producers. The DJ-505's compact form factor also makes it more portable and easier to set up in different environments. All of these features make the Roland DJ-505 an excellent choice for professional DJs looking for a streamlined and efficient workflow.
Based on 19 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Build quality

The Roland DJ-505 DJ Controller has a plastic construction with a brushed aluminum top plate, which may impact its durability and sturdiness, but it may be suitable for DJs who need a lightweight and portable controller for home or small gigs.

The Roland DJ-505 DJ Controller has a plastic construction with a brushed aluminum top plate. While plastic construction is common in most DJ gear, the 505 construction doesn't feel particularly solid compared to other controllers in the market. This may impact its overall durability and sturdiness.

However, for DJs who are looking for a lightweight and portable controller for home or small gigs, the Roland DJ-505 may be a suitable option. But for DJs who require a more rugged and durable controller for frequent use in demanding environments, they may want to consider other options.

What materials are used in the construction of Roland DJ-505?

The Roland DJ-505 DJ Controller has a plastic construction with a brushed aluminum top plate. According to product experts on ReviewFinder, while plastic construction is generally the norm in most DJ gear these days – even in high-end gear – the 505 construction doesn’t feel particularly solid compared to a lot of other controllers.
Based on 3 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the material used in Roland DJ-505 affect its overall durability?

According to the product reviews on ReviewFinder, the Roland DJ-505 is made of plastic which is the norm for most DJ controllers at this price point. However, some users have reported that the plastic construction doesn't feel particularly solid compared to other controllers in the market and they were hoping for something more durable. So, the material used in Roland DJ-505 may have an impact on its overall durability and sturdiness.
Based on 4 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Size and portability

The Roland DJ-505 is a lightweight and versatile controller with a drum sequencer, but finding a suitable carrying case may be a challenge due to its unique dimensions.

The Roland DJ-505 is a lightweight unit that weighs just 3. 5kg (7. 7lbs), making it easy to transport to and from gigs. However, it is still larger than many other similar controllers in the market due to the addition of features like the drum sequencer. The DJ-505 does not come with a carrying case or bag, which may make finding a suitable case or bag a challenge due to its unique dimensions.

Despite its compact size, the DJ-505 is still a versatile unit that can be used in a variety of performance settings. However, the shorter pitch faders may make adjustments to the tempo/pitch more challenging for some users. Overall, the DJ-505 is a suitable option for DJs who prioritize portability and versatility in their equipment.

What are the dimensions and weight of the Roland DJ-505?

According to the product information on Roland's website, the dimensions of the DJ-505 are 530 (W) x 403 (D) x 73 (H) mm or 20-7/8 (W) x 15-7/8 (D) x 2-7/8 (H) inches. The weight is listed at 2.8 kg or 6 lbs 3 oz.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

How easy is it to transport the Roland DJ-505?

According to a product review on Home DJ Studio, the Roland DJ-505 is a lightweight unit that weighs just 3.5kg (7.7lbs), making it easy to transport to and from gigs. However, it is still larger than many other similar controllers in the market, which is hard to avoid when you are adding features like the drum sequencer.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Roland DJ-505 come with a carrying case or bag for convenient transportation?

No, the Roland DJ-505 DJ Controller does not come with a carrying case or bag for convenient transportation. According to a product review on DjingPro, "the size of the 505 is a little unique in that it’s a lot deeper due to the drum machine and sequencer controls. This will make finding a case or bag a little challenging although I believe the dimensions are pretty close to the Traktor S8 controller." This means that finding a suitable case or bag may be a challenge due to its unique dimensions, but it is not impossible.
Based on 1 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the size and weight of Roland DJ-505 affect its usability during a performance or gig?

The Roland DJ-505 is a lightweight unit, weighing only 3.5kg (7.7lbs), which makes it easy to transport to and from gigs. However, the reduction in size to the DJ 808 means that it is still larger than many other similar controllers in the market. Despite its compact size, the DJ-505 is still a versatile unit that can be used in a variety of performance settings. According to a product review on Home DJ Studio, the DJ-505's compact size may affect the pitch faders, which are shorter than those on larger controllers. Making adjustments to the tempo/pitch could be more challenging with shorter pitch faders.
Based on 3 quotes from 1 sources [show quotes and sources]

Compatibility

The Roland DJ-505 DJ Controller is highly compatible with Serato DJ Pro software and a wide range of operating systems, making it a versatile and reliable option for DJs.

The Roland DJ-505 DJ Controller is highly compatible with Serato DJ Pro software, making it easy to set up and start using. It is also compatible with Windows 7 SP1 and later, as well as Mac OS X 10. 11 and later. This makes it a great choice for DJs who use these operating systems and want to use Serato DJ Pro software.

The controller's compatibility with these systems ensures that it can be used with a wide range of devices, making it a versatile option for DJs who need to use different equipment for different gigs. Overall, the Roland DJ-505 DJ Controller is a reliable and compatible option for DJs who want to use Serato DJ Pro software on their Windows or Mac devices.

Which software is compatible with Roland DJ-505?

Roland DJ-505 is compatible with Serato DJ Pro software. According to Home DJ Studio, the controller comes with a Serato DJ Pro license, making it very easy to set up and start using.
Based on 8 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

What operating systems is Roland DJ-505 compatible with?

The Roland DJ-505 DJ Controller is compatible with Windows 7 SP1 and later, as well as Mac OS X 10.11 and later.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

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