Roland and Serato Launch the DJ-808 Combination Drum Machine / DJ Controller
Electronic music instrument maker Roland has branded today, September 9, as #909day. To celebrate, the company behind pioneering synths and drum machines such as the TR-808 and, most appropriately, the TR-909, is holding a 24-hour streaming online “music instruments festival.” As part of the streaming event, Roland has said it will debut 30 new products. So far, among other items, it has unveiled the DJ-808, a collaboration with DJ software manufacturer Serato and the first DJ controller from Roland.
According to an announcement by Serato, the DJ-808 is “a professional 4-channel DJ controller with built-in drum sequencing, vocal processing, external instrument connectivity and deep Serato DJ integration.” Features include an “integrated TR-S drum machine offering the iconic 606, 707, 808 and 909 drum sounds in a 16-step sequencer, which can also trigger the newly improved 8-slot Serato DJ Sampler.” For more about the DJ-808, visit Serato’s site.
Roland’s #909day event goes until midnight tonight Eastern time. Speculation has centered around the possible revival of long-discontinued, iconic Roland devices such as the TB-303 bass synth and the 909 drum machine. The schedule promises new gear in a range of categories including drums and percussion, amplifiers, effects, synthesizers, on drums, percussion, amplifiers, effects and DJing equipment. There’s also an uncategorized “special session for new products.”
Watch below.
Read our interview with TR-909 devotee and techno legend Jeff Mills, and read about earlier Roland instruments in our feature on the music technology of the 1970s.
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