Roland DJ-505 - DJ Controller Manual

Check the Included Items

The DJ-505 includes the following items. Please take a moment to confirm that all of these items have been included with the DJ-505. If you find that any item is missing, contact the nearest authorized Roland distributor in your country.

• Startup Guide (this document)
• Leaflet "USING THE UNIT SAFELY"
• AC adaptor
• Power cord
• USB cable
• Serato DJ TOOL KIT VOUCHER

NOTE
The Serato DJ TOOL KIT VOUCHER cannot be reissued. You'll need the voucher code in order to activate the expansion pack. Take care not to lose it.

Installing the Software

System Requirements

Verify that your computer meets the system requirements before you proceed with installing the software.

• For the latest system requirements, refer to the Serato DJ webpage.

Downloading the Software

The DJ-505 USB driver and Serato DJ are not included in the package. Download them from the Roland or Serato website.

Downloading the DJ-505 USB Driver

The DJ-505 USB driver is software that outputs audio from your computer to the DJ-505.

Mac OS users

1. Start a browser and access the following Roland support webpage.
   http://www.roland.com/support/
2. Search for "DJ-505."
3. In downloads, find "DJ-505 Driver for macOS/OS X" and click it.
4. Download the driver as directed by the screen.

Windows 10 users

1. Connect your internet-connected computer to the DJ-505's USB port.
2. Power-on the DJ-505.
3. Download the driver as directed by the screen.

Users of other than Windows 10

1. Start a browser and access the following Roland support webpage.
   http://www.roland.com/support/
2. Search for "DJ-505."
3. In downloads, find "DJ-505 Driver for Windows **" and click it.
4. Download the driver as directed by the screen.

Downloading the Serato DJ Software

1. Start a browser and access the following Serato DJ webpage.
   https://serato.com/dj/downloads
2. Click "DOWNLOAD SERATO DJ."
3. Enter your email address, and click "CONTINUE."
4. Enter your password and country, and click "CONTINUE."
   An email is sent to the address you specified.
5. Click "Download Serato DJ" as directed by the email.
6. Follow the instructions as directed by the screen, then download the Serato DJ.

Installing the Software

Install the software as follows.

Mac OS Users

1. Decompress the DJ-505 USB driver file that you downloaded.
2. Open the decompressed file, and double-click "DJ505_USBDriver. pkg."
   The installer starts.
3. Install the software as directed by the screen.
4. Decompress the Serato DJ software file that you downloaded.
5. Double-click the decompressed file.
   The installer starts.
6. Read the license agreement, and if you accept the conditions, click [Agree].
7. When the following screen appears, drag and drop the [Serato DJ] icon into the Applications folder.
   
   This completes the installation.

Windows Users

1. Right-click the DJ-505 USB driver folder that you downloaded, and choose "Extract all."
   The folder is decompressed.
2. Open the decompressed folder, and double-click "Setup.exe."
   The installer starts.
3. Install the software as directed by the screen.
4. Right-click the Serato DJ software folder that you downloaded, and choose "Extract all."
   The folder is decompressed.
5. Double-click the decompressed file.
   The installer starts.
6. Read the license agreement, and if you accept the conditions, choose [I agree to the license terms and conditions] and click [Install].
   Installation begins.
7. When the following screen appears, click [Close].
   
   This completes the installation.

Panel Descriptions

The top panel of the DJ-505 is divided into five sections by function: browser, deck, mixer, effects, and TR-S.
Phones jacks and input source select switches are located on the front side, and input/output jacks are located on the rear side.

1. Browser section
2. Deck section
3. Mixer section
4. Effect section
5. TR-S section

Browser Section

Use these controls to operate Serato DJ and load songs.

1. [LOAD] buttons
   Load a song selected on Serato DJ into a deck.

   [SHIFT] + [LOAD]

   Sorts the song library by KEY or BPM.

2. Rotary selector
   Turn this knob to move the cursor up/down. Press this knob to move the cursor to a lower level.
3. [BACK] button
   Moves the cursor to a higher level.

   [SHIFT] + [BACK]

   Library songs are sorted in alphabetic order of their song name.

4. [ADD PREPARE] button
   Adds a song to the "PREPARE" panel.

   [SHIFT] + [ADD PREPARE]

   Library songs are sorted in order of their artist name.

Deck Section

The deck sections located at the left and right control four decks (left: decks 1 and 3, right: decks 2 and 4).

1. Jog dial
   Controls scratch and pitch bend (playback speed adjustment).

   Rotate the top surface	Performs scratch if the VINYL mode is on, or performs pitch bend if the button is off.
   Rotate the outer edge	Performs pitch bend.
   [SHIFT] + rotate the top surface	Skip the playback location.
   [SHIFT] + rotate the outer edge	Moves the playback location (search).

2. [SLIP] button
   Turns slip mode on/off.

   [SHIFT] + [SLIP]

   Turns VINYL mode on/off.

3. [SHIFT] button
   You can recall other functions by holding down this button and pressing another button.
4. [SYNC] button
   Automatically matches the tempo (pitch) or beat grid of multiple songs.

   [SHIFT] + [SYNC]

   Cancels SYNC.

5. [CUE ] button
   Specifies, plays, or recalls a temporary cue point.
6. [] button
   Plays or pauses the song.

   [SHIFT] + []

   Returns to the temporary cue point, and plays.

7. Pad Mode select
   Here you can select the control mode of the performance pads.
   [HOT CUE] button
   Selects hot cue mode.

   [SHIFT] + [HOT CUE]

   Selects cue loop mode.

   [ROLL] button
   Selects roll mode.

   [SHIFT] + [ROLL]	Selects slicer mode.
   Press [ROLL] twice	Selects saved loop mode.
   Press [SHIFT] + [ROLL] twice	Selects slicer loop mode.

   [TR] button
   Selects TR mode.

   [SHIFT] + [TR]	Selects pattern mode. Switches the TR-S pattern.
   Press [TR] twice	Selects TR velocity mode.

   [SAMPLER] button
   Selects sampler mode.

   [SHIFT] + [SAMPLER]

   Selects velocity sampler mode.

8. Performance pads
   Use these pads to perform in the pad mode that you've selected.
9. PARAMETER area
   Here you can specify the value of the parameter that's operated by the performance pads.
10. LOOP area
    [AUTO LOOP] button
    Turns auto loop on/off.

    [SHIFT] + [AUTO LOOP]

    Switches the loop between active/inactive (Loop Active).

    [1/2X], [2X] button
    Set the loop playback length to half/double.

    [SHIFT] + [1/2X]	During loop playback, moves the loop by its length toward the left (Loop Shift).
    [SHIFT] + [2X]	During loop playback, moves the loop by its length toward the right (Loop Shift).

    [IN], [OUT] button
    Specify the loop-in point and loop-out point. When the loop-out point is specified, loop playback starts.

    [SHIFT] + [IN]	Switches the loop slot.
    [SHIFT] + [OUT]	Cancels loop playback, returns to the previously-specified loop-in point and resumes loop playback.

11. [DECK 3], [DECK 4] buttons
    Switch the deck (left: decks 1 and 3, right: decks 2 and 4) to be operated.
12. [KEY LOCK] button
    Turns the key lock function on/off.

    [SHIFT] + [KEY LOCK]

    Specifies the variable range of the Tempo slider.

13. Tempo slider
    Adjusts the playback speed of the song.

Mixer Section

This is a two-channel mixer. Here you can adjust the sound, connect sounds, and turn headphone cue on/off.

1. [TRIM] knobs
   Adjust the volume.
2. [HI], [MID], [LOW] knobs
   Boost/cut the volume of the high-frequency, mid-frequency, and low-frequency regions.
3. [FILTER] knobs
   Applies a filter to each channel.
   If you turn the [FILTER] knob toward the right, only the high-frequency range is heard.
   If you turn the knob toward the left, only the low-frequency range is heard.
4. Channel [CUE] buttons
   Turn cue on/off for each channel. The sound of channels whose [CUE] button is lit is output from the headphones.
   

   [SHIFT] + [CUE]

   You can specify the tempo of the track by the interval at which you repeatedly press the [CUE] button (Tap Tempo function).

5. Channel faders
   Adjust the output level of each channel.
6. Cross fader
   Switches between the audio output of the left and right decks.
7. [MASTER LEVEL] knob
   Adjusts the master output level.
8. [BOOTH LEVEL] knob
   Adjusts the output level of the BOOTH OUT jacks.
9. [MIXING] knob
   Adjusts the volume balance of the channel whose Channel [CUE] button is lit and the master output for phones output.
10. [TR/SAMPLER LEVEL] knob
    Adjusts TR-S/SAMPLER output level.
11. TR/SAMPLER [CUE] button
    Turns TR-S/SAMPLER output cue on/off.
12. Level indicator
    Indicate the output level of each channel and master.

Effect Section

Here you can adjust the effects using two independent effect sections (FX1, FX2).

1. CHASSIGN area
   [1] button
   Turns FX 1 (FX 2) on/off for deck 1.

   [SHIFT] + [SLIP]

   Turns FX 1 (FX 2) on/off for deck 3.

   [2] button
   Turns FX 1 (FX 2) on/off for deck 2.

   [SHIFT] + [SLIP]

   Turns FX 1 (FX 2) on/off for deck 4.

   [TR/SAMPLER] button
   Turns FX 1 (FX 2) on/off for TR-S/SAMPLER.
2. Effect parameter knobs
   Adjust the character of the specified effect.

   [SHIFT] + Effect parameter knob

   Changes the effect type.

3. [BEATS] knob
   Adjusts the time for which the effect is applied.
4. Effect buttons
   Turn the effect on/off.

   [SHIFT] + Effect button

   Changes the effect type.

5. [TAP] button
   The interval at which you press this button (tap tempo) specifies the reference tempo of the effect.
   If you long-press the button, the specified tempo is reset.

   [SHIFT] + [TAP]

   Switches the effect mode.

TR-S Section

This is a 16-step sequencer. You can create rhythm tracks using sounds of the Roland TR-808 rhythm machine etc. or samples in Serato DJ.

1. [VALUE] knob
   Changes the value of settings such as tempo, pattern scale, or shuffle.
2. [SHIFT] button
   You can recall other functions by holding down this button and pressing another button.
3. Display
   This shows various information depending on the operation.
4. [SYNC] button
   Synchronizes the tempo of the rhythm to the tempo of Serato DJ.

   [SHIFT] + [SYNC]

   Disables tempo synchronization.

5. [SCALE] button
   Selects one of the following choices as the time value of one step.

   8th note triplet ()	Three steps will be one beat.
   16th note triplet ()	Six steps will be one beat.
   16th note ()	Four steps will be one beat.
   32nd note ()	Eight steps will be one beat.

6. [SHUFFLE] button
   Adjusts shuffle (rhythmic swing).

   [SHIFT] + [SHUFFLE]

   Sets the nudge setting.

7. [MUTE] button
   Mutes the selected instrument.
8. [TR-REC] button
   Lets you step-record a pattern.

   [SHIFT] + [TR-REC]

   Lets you realtime-record a pattern using the performance pads (INST REC).

9. [INST] button
   Select the instruments when using TR-REC.

   [SHIFT] + [INST]

   Sets the kit for instruments, or switches the sample bank in Serato DJ.

10. [PATTERN] button
    Lets you select rhythm patterns 1–16.

    [SHIFT] + [PATTERN]

    Adds an accent to the step when using TR-REC.

11. [START/STOP] button
    Plays/stops the pattern.
12. TR-S pads [1]–[16]
    Use these buttons to turn steps on/off, to select patterns/instruments, or to assign samples of Serato DJ as instruments.
13. [CLEAR] button
    Deletes the content recorded by TR-REC for a specific instrument, or deletes the pattern.
14. [LEVEL] knob
    Adjusts the volume of the selected instrument.
15. [TUNE] knob
    Adjusts the tuning (pitch) of the selected instrument.
    • This has no effect when a sample is selected in Serato DJ.
16. [ATTACK] knob
    Adjusts the strength of the attack for the selected instrument.
    • This has no effect for some instruments, or when a sample is selected in Serato DJ.
17. [DECAY] knob
    Adjusts the length of the decay for the selected instrument.
    • This has no effect when a sample is selected in Serato DJ.

Front Panel

1. [PHONES] jacks
   Connect headphones here.
   Stereo 1/4" (Ø 6.3 mm) and stereo 1/8" (Ø 3.5 mm) plugs are supported.
2. [VOLUME] knob
   Adjusts the volume of the headphones.
3. [CROSS FADER] switch
   Switches the response curve of the cross fader.
4. [REVERSE] switch
   Reverses the left/right operation of the cross fader.
5. [CH 1], [CH 2] switches
   Select the input source for each channel.
   

   PC	The sound loaded into the Serato DJ deck is the source. Select this if you're using DVS.
   LINE	The line level input is the source.
   PHONO	The phono level (MM type cartridge) input is the source.

6. [MIC LEVEL] knob
   Adjusts the output volume of the mic.

Rear Panel (Connecting Your Equipment)

To prevent malfunction and equipment failure, always turn down the volume, and turn off all the units before making any connections.

1. PC port
   Use the included USB cable to connect this port to your computer. To connect this to your computer, you must install the USB driver.
   → "Installing the Software"
   
2. MIDI OUT connector
   This outputs MIDI messages such as MIDI clock.
3. MIC IN jack
   Connect your microphone here.
4. [MIC SENS] knob
   Adjusts the mic input sensitivity.
5. INPUT (CH 1, CH 2) jacks
   These jacks input sound to channels 1, 2. These jacks support phono input from MM-type cartridges.
6. PHONO GROUND terminal
   If a turntable (analog) is connected to the CH 1 or CH 2 INPUT jacks, connect the turntable's ground terminal here. This suppresses noise from the turntable.
   • Depending on the circumstances of a particular setup, you may experience a discomforting sensation, or perceive that the surface feels gritty to the touch when you touch this device, or the metal portions of other objects. This is due to an infinitesimal electrical charge, which is absolutely harmless. However, if you are concerned about this, connect the PHONO GROUND terminal with an external ground. When the unit is grounded, a slight hum may occur, depending on the particulars of your installation. If you are unsure of the connection method, contact the nearest Roland Service Center, or an authorized Roland distributor.
     Unsuitable places for connection
     • Water pipes (may result in shock or electrocution)
     • Gas pipes (may result in fire or explosion)
     • Telephone-line ground or lightning rod (may be dangerous in the event of lightning)
7. MASTER OUT 1 (L / R) connectors, 2 (L / R) jacks
   Connect your powered speakers or power amp here.
   • Pin assignment of MASTER OUT 1 connectors
     
8. BOOTH OUT (L / R) jacks
   These are the output jacks for booth monitoring.
   • Pin assignment of BOOTH OUT jacks
     
9. [POWER] switch
   This turns the power on/off.
   • The power to this unit will be turned off automatically after a predetermined amount of time has passed since it was last used for playing music, or its buttons or controls were operated (Auto Off function).
     If you do not want the power to be turned off automatically, disengage the Auto Off function.
     NOTE
     • Any settings that you are in the process of editing will be lost when the power is turned off. If you have any settings that you want to keep, you should save them beforehand.
     • To restore power, turn the power on again.
10. DC IN jack
    Connect the included AC adaptor here.
    • Place the AC adaptor so the side with the indicator (see illustration) faces upwards and the side with textual information faces downwards. The indicator will light when you plug the AC adaptor into an AC outlet.
      
    • To prevent the inadvertent disruption of power to your unit (should the plug be pulled out accidentally), and to avoid applying undue stress to the jack, anchor the power cord using the cord hook, as shown in the illustration.

Using Serato DJ

This document explains basic use of Serato DJ. For details on the functions and use of the software, refer to the Serato DJ software manual.

Starting Serato DJ

• Before turning the unit on/off, always be sure to turn the volume down. Even with the volume turned down, you might hear some sound when switching the unit on/off. However, this is normal and does not indicate a malfunction.

1. Press the [POWER] switch to power-on the DJ-505.
2. Turn on the power of the equipment that's connected to the DJ-505.
3. Start Serato DJ.
   Mac OS
   In the Finder, open the [Applications] folder and click the [Serato DJ] icon.
   Windows 7
   In the [Start] menu, click [All Programs] → [Serato] → [Serato DJ] → [Serato DJ] icon.
   Windows 8.1
   In the [App View], click the [Serato DJ] icon.
   Windows 10
   In the [Start] screen or [App View], click the [Serato DJ] icon.

Basic Operations in Serato DJ

Songs shown in the browser view can be imported into a deck area, and controlled from the DJ-505.

1. Deck section
2. Waveform panel
3. crate panel
4. Library

Importing a Song

Here we'll explain typical operations for importing a song.

• Serato DJ provides a variety of ways to import songs. For details, refer to the Serato DJ software manual.
• If you're using Serato Corporation's DJ software (Scratch Live, ITCH, Serato DJ Intro) and you have already created a song library, the library you created can be used as-is.
• If you're using Serato DJ Intro and you've already created a song library, there might be cases in which songs need to be re-analyzed.

1. In Serato DJ, click the [Files] key.
   The [Files] panel opens, and the files on your computer and on the peripheral devices connected to your computer are displayed.
2. In the [Files] panel, click the folder that contains the songs you want to add to the library.
3. Drag and drop the selected folder onto the create panel.
   A crate is created, and the songs are added to the library.

Loading a Song

Here's how to load a song so that it can be output.

1. On the DJ-505, press the [BACK] button to move the cursor to the create panel.
2. Turn the DJ-505's rotary selector to move to the folder containing the song that you want to load; then press the rotary selector.
   The cursor moves to the library.
3. Turn the rotary selector to move to the song that you want to load.
4. On the DJ-505, press the [LOAD] button of the deck into which you want to load the song.

Playing a Song

1. Set the DJ-505's knobs and switches as follows.

   [MASTER LEVEL] knob	Turned all the way to the left
   [TRIM] knobs
   [HI], [MID], [LOW] knobs	Center
   [FILTER] knobs
   Channel faders	Lowest position
   Cross fader	Center
   [INPUT SELECT] switches	"PC" position

2. Press the [] button to play back the loaded song.
3. Move the channel fader upward and turn the [TRIM] knob toward the right to adjust the volume.
   Adjust the volume so that the channel level in the level indicator is lit in the orange-colored area.
4. Turn the [MASTER LEVEL] knob toward the right to adjust the level of the speakers.

Monitoring Through Headphones

1. Set the DJ-505's knobs as follows.

   [MIXING] knob	Turned all the way to the left
   [VOLUME] knob

2. Press the channel [CUE] button of the channel that you want to monitor.
3. Turn the [VOLUME] knob toward the right to adjust the headphone level.

Closing Serato DJ

1. Close the Serato DJ screen.
   Mac OS
   In the upper left of the Serato DJ screen, click the [6] (red: close) button.
   Windows
   In the upper right of the Serato DJ screen, click the [X] button.
   A confirmation screen appears.
2. Click [Yes] to close Serato DJ.
3. Turn off the power of the equipment that's connected to the DJ-505.
4. Press the [POWER] switch to power-off the DJ-505.

USING THE UNIT SAFELY

Concerning the Auto Off function
The power to this unit will be turned off automatically after a predetermined amount of time has passed since it was last used for playing music, or its buttons or controls were operated (Auto Off function). If you do not want the power to be turned off automatically, disengage the Auto Off function.

Use only the supplied AC adaptor and the correct voltage
Be sure to use only the AC adaptor supplied with the unit. Also, make sure the line voltage at the installation matches the input voltage specified on the AC adaptor's body. Other AC adaptors may use a different polarity, or be designed for a different voltage, so their use could result in damage, malfunction, or electric shock.

Use only the supplied power cord
Use only the attached power cord. Also, the supplied power cord must not be used with any other device.

Handle the PHONO GROUND terminal carefully
If you remove the screw from the ground terminal, be sure to replace it; don't leave it lying around where it could accidentally be swallowed by small children. When refastening the screw, make that it is firmly fastened, so it won't come loose.

IMPORTANT NOTES

Placement

• Depending on the material and temperature of the surface on which you place the unit, its rubber feet may discolor or mar the surface.

Repairs and Data

• Before sending the unit away for repairs, be sure to make a backup of the data stored within it; or you may prefer to write down the needed information. Although we will do our utmost to preserve the data stored in your unit when we carry out repairs, in some cases, such as when the memory section is physically damaged, restoration of the stored content may be impossible. Roland assumes no liability concerning the restoration of any stored content that has been lost.

Additional Precautions

• Any data stored within the unit can be lost as the result of equipment failure, incorrect operation, etc. To protect yourself against the irretrievable loss of data, try to make a habit of creating regular backups of the data you've stored in the unit.
• Roland assumes no liability concerning the restoration of any stored content that has been lost.
• Continuous playing may cause dis-coloration of the pad, but this will not affect the pad's function.
• Do not use connection cables that contain a built-in resistor.

Main Specifications

Roland DJ-505: DJ Controller

• This document explains the specifications of the product at the time that the document was issued. For the latest information, refer to the Roland website.