Roland DJ-808 - DJ Controller Manual

About This Document

The Startup Guide (which we'll subsequently refer to as "this document") explains how to obtain the software that you'll need in order to use the DJ-808, how to make settings, and the names and functions of the parts.

Before you use the DJ-808, please read this document together with the owner's manual.

For details on how to obtain the owner's manual, refer to "Downloading the Owner's Manual".

Check the Included Items

The DJ-808 includes the following items. Please take a moment to confirm that all of these items have been included with the DJ-808. If you find that any item is missing, contact the nearest authorized Roland distributor in your country.

• Startup Guide (this document)
• AC adaptor 5 Power cord
• USB cable
• Serato DJ EXPANSION PACK VOUCHER

NOTE
The Serato DJ EXPANSION PACK 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-808 USB driver and Serato DJ are not included in the package. Download them from the Roland or Serato website.

Downloading the DJ-808 USB Driver

The DJ-808 USB driver is software that outputs audio from your computer to the DJ-808.

Mac OS users

1. Start a browser and access the following Roland support webpage.
   http://www.roland.com/support/
2. Search for "DJ-808."
3. In downloads, find "DJ-808 Driver for 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-808's USB port.
2. Power-on the DJ-808.
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-808."
3. In downloads, find "DJ-808 Driver for Windows **" and click it.
4. Download the driver as directed by the screen.

Downloading the Serato DJ Software

Mac OS users

1. Start a browser and access the following Serato DJ webpage. https://serato.com/dj/downloads
2. Click "Serato DJ Mac OS X installer."
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 click "I use turntables, CDJs or a Pro controller."

Windows users

1. Start a browser and access the following Serato DJ webpage. https://serato.com/dj/downloads
2. Click "Serato DJ" or "Serato DJ Windows installer."
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 click "I use turntables, CDJs or a Pro controller."

Installing the Software

Install the software as follows.

Mac OS Users

1. Decompress the DJ-808 USB driver file that you downloaded.
2. Open the decompressed file, and double-click "DJ-808_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-808 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-808 is divided into six sections by function: browser, deck mixer, effects, TR-S, and VT.

Cross fader assign and input assign are located on the front side, and input/output jacks are located on the rear side. For details about each part, refer to the DJ-808 owner's manual and the Serato DJ manual.

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

Browser Section

Use these controls to operate Serato DJ and load songs.

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

Rotary selector
Turn this knob to move the cursor up/down. Press this knob to move the cursor to a lower level.

[BACK] button
Moves the cursor to a higher level.

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

[PANEL] button
Each time you press this button, the Serato DJ panel display is switched.
The panel display switches in the following order.

Deck Section

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

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

Tempo slider
Adjusts the playback speed of the song.

KEY area
[KEY SYNC] button
Turns the key sync function on/off.

[UP], [DOWN] button
Specify the key to sync.

Takeover indicators
When the [SYNC] button is off, the indicator is lit when the slider position does not match the tempo in Serato DJ.

LOOP area
[AUTO LOOP] button
Turns auto loop on/off.

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

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

PARAMETER area
Here you can set parameters for pad modes such as Roll, Slicer, Sampler, etc.

Pad Mode select
Here you can select the control mode of the performance pads.

[HOT CUE] button
Selects hot cue mode.

[ROLL] button
Selects roll mode.

[TR] button
Selects TR mode.

[SAMPLER] button
Selects sampler mode.

Performance pads
Use these for pad modes such as Hot Cue, Roll, Slicer, TR, Sampler etc.

[SYNC] button
Automatically matches the tempo (pitch) or beat grid of multiple songs.

[CUE] button
Specifies, plays, or recalls a temporary cue point.

[] button
Plays or pauses the song.

[SHIFT] + []

Returns to the temporary cue point, and plays.

[SHIFT] button
You can recall other functions by holding down this button and pressing another button.

[DECK] buttons
Switch the deck to be operated.

[ADJ] button
By holding down this button and turning the jog dial you can adjust the beat grid interval.

[SLIDE] button
By holding down the [SLIDE] button and turning the jog dial you can move the entire beat grid.

[CENSOR] button
While this button is held down, the song plays backward. Release the button to return to normal playback.

[SLIP] button
Turns slip mode on/off.

Mixer Section

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

[1], [2] assign buttons
Turn on/off the effect specified by the effect section.

[TRIM] knobs
Adjust the volume.

[HI], [MID], [LOW] knobs
Boost/cut the volume of the high-frequency, mid-frequency, and low-frequency regions.

Channel level indicators
Indicate the level of each channel before the sound passes through the channel fader.

[FX] knobs
Adjust the effect that is selected by [CHANNEL FX] buttons.

Channel [CUE] buttons
Turn cue on/off for each channel. The sound of channels whose [CUE] button is lit is output from the headphones.

Channel faders
Adjust the output level of each channel.

Cross fader
Outputs the sounds that are assigned by the front panel [CROSS FADER] assign switches.

[MASTER LEVEL] knob
Adjusts the master output level.

Master level indicator
Indicates the master output level.

[CHANNEL FX] buttons
Select the type of channel effect.

TR/SAMPLER [CUE] button
Turns TR/SAMPLER output cue on/off.

TR/SAMPLER level fader
Adjusts the output level of the TR section and sampler.

[BOOTH MONITOR] knob
Adjusts the output level of the BOOTH OUT jacks.

[BEATS] knob
Adjusts the time for which the effect is applied.

TR-S Section

This is a 16-step sequencer. It lets you create a rhythm track using the sounds of the Roland TR-909/TR-808/TR-707/TR-606 rhythm machines, or perform rhythms by striking the performance pads.

[VALUE] knob
Changes the value of settings such as tempo, pattern scale, or shuffle.

[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.

[SHUFFLE] button
Adjusts shuffle (rhythmic swing).

[SYNC] button
Synchronizes the tempo of the rhythm to the tempo of Serato DJ.

[TRIM] knob
Adjusts the volume of the instrument selected by the [BD] / [SD] / [CH] / [OH] buttons.

[ATTACK] knob
Adjusts the strength of the attack if the [BD] button is selected, or adjusts the sound of the snare rattle if the [SD] button is selected.
* If the [CH] or [OH] button is selected, this knob does nothing.

[TUNE] knob
Adjusts the tuning (pitch) of the instrument selected by the [BD]/[SD]/[CH]/[OH] buttons.

[DECAY] knob
Adjusts the decay of the instrument selected by the [BD]/[SD]/[CH]/[OH] buttons.

[TR-REC] button
Lets you step-record a pattern.

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

[SHIFT] button
You can recall other functions by holding down this button and pressing another button.

FX [1], [2] assign buttons
Turn on/off the effect that is specified in the effect section.

[BD], [SD], [CH], [OH] buttons
Select the instruments when using TR-REC.

[1]–[8] buttons
Assigns samples of Serato DJ as instruments.

[ACC] button
Adds an accent to the step when using TR-REC.

[CLEAR] button
Deletes the content recorded by TR-REC for a specific instrument, or deletes the pattern.

[START/STOP] button
Plays/stops the pattern.

TR-S pads [1]–[16]
Use these buttons to turn steps on/off or to select patterns/instruments.

Fader
Adjust the output level of the instruments (bass drum, snare drum, closed hi-hat, open hi-hat).

Here you can apply a voice effect to the mic input.

Mic switch
Turns the mic input on/off, or selects ducking (a feature that lowers the output volume of nonmic sound when the mic input is active).

PEAK indicator
Lights when the mic input level is excessive.

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

[HI], [LOW] knobs
Adjust the volume of the high-frequency and low-frequency regions.

[AUTO PITCH] button
If this is on, the voice is pitch-corrected.
The pitch is corrected according to the key data of the channel selected by the [SHIFT] + [CUE] buttons.

[PITCH] knob
Adjusts the pitch of the voice.

[FORMANT] knob
Adjusts the formant of the voice. Turning the knob in the "-" (minus) direction gives the sound more masculine character; turning it in the "+" (plus) direction gives the sound a more feminine character.

[REVERB] knob
Adjusts the amount of reverb.

Front Panel

[VOLUME] knob
Adjusts the volume of the headphones.

[MIXING] knob
Adjusts the monitor volume balance of the channel whose Channel [CUE] button is lit and the master output.

[MONO SPLIT/STEREO] switch
Switches the headphone output between mono (MONO SPLIT) and stereo (STEREO).
If you're using MONO SPLIT, the sound of the channel whose Channel [CUE] button is lit is heard from the L-side, and the master output monitor is heard from the R-side.

[CROSS FADER ASSIGN] switches
Specify the output destination of the channels.

[INPUT SELECT] switches
Select the input source for each channel.

CH1, CH2

CH3, CH4

[CROSS FADER] switch
Switches the response curve of the cross fader.

[CH FADER] switch
Switches the response curve of the channel faders.

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.

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.

[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.

For details on how to disable this function, refer to the owner's manual (PDF).

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.

[MIC SENS] knob
Adjusts the mic input sensitivity.

MIC IN jack
Connect your microphone here.
You can use any one of three types of plugs (XLR, TRS, phone).
* Pin assignment of MIC IN jack

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

BOOTH OUT (L / R) jacks
These are the output jacks for booth monitoring.
* Pin assignment of BOOTH OUT jacks

INPUT (CH 1–CH 4) jacks
These jacks input sound to channels 1–4. The CH1 and CH2 INPUT jacks support phono input from MM-type cartridges.
Set the [INPUT SELECT] switch appropriately for the device you're connecting.

PHONO GROUND terminal
If a turntable (analog) is connected to the CH1 or CH2 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, as listed on the "Information" page. 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)

MIDI OUT connector
This outputs MIDI messages such as MIDI clock.

USB HOST ports
These are USB audio input ports.
Both ports 3 and 4 can supply USB bus power.
* For more about devices that can be connected, refer to the Roland website.

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"

* Use the cord hook to secure the USB cable as shown in the illustration. This prevents the plug from being pulled out, or strain from being applied to the port.

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

* Once everything is properly connected, be sure to follow the procedure below to turn on their power. If you turn on equipment in the wrong order, you risk causing malfunction or equipment failure.

* 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-808.
2. Turn on the power of the equipment that's connected to the DJ-808.
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.

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-808, press the [BACK] button to move the cursor to the create panel.
2. Turn the DJ-808'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-808, press the [LOAD] button of the deck into which you want to load the song.

1. Set the DJ-808's knobs and switches as follows.

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 indicator is lit as far as the orange portion.
4. Turn the [MASTER LEVEL] knob toward the right to adjust the level of the speakers.

Monitoring Through Headphones

1. Set the DJ-808's knobs as follows.

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. lose 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-808.
4. Press the [POWER] switch to power-off the DJ-808.

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. For details on how to disable this function, refer to the owner's manual (PDF).

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-808: 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.