Serato and Roland launch new DJ technology

Serato, the New Zealand company behind world-leading DJ software, has announced a collaboration with electric musical instrument manufacturer Roland.

The Roland DJ-808 for Serato DJ "redefines what it means to DJ", Serato said in a statement.

The DJ controller was unveiled at an event in Auckland today.

"Developed in close collaboration with both companies from the very beginning, Serato's software expertise is combined with Roland's excellence in hardware to develop the most advanced piece of DJ hardware yet," Serato said.

The DJ-808 has been designed to make musicians have a seamless transition from studio recording to performing on stage, the statement said.

The Serato DJ software is integrated into the machine.

"Serato and Roland worked closely to ensure professional level quality and a vinyl like scratch experience with some of the lowest latency platters of any DJ controller in the market today."

Serato CEO Young Ly said: "Serato's collaboration with Roland opens the door to an exciting new wave of DJ hardware that brings production, live performance and DJing even closer.

"The DJ-808 combines Serato DJ with the iconic Roland TR-808, and is the first controller from the new partnership. We're the leaders in DJ software, partnering with Roland, a
company with such a rich heritage and legacy in instruments and music production is very exciting. We're bringing our collective experiences and knowledge together to create the future."

Roland CEO Jun-ichi Miki said: "Roland is proud to bring its rich history of musical instruments to the field of digital DJing. Serato, a world leader in DJ software, is the perfect partner to share this vision for the future of DJ performance.

"The fusion of Serato's core audio technology, such as Pitch 'n Time, and the classic sounds of Roland's legendary drummachines, have created the first and only instrument for the producer DJ."