A breakdown of the pros and cons of the DJ 808. A combo of a Serato 4 channel controller and a Roland TR-808 drum machine. www.djalchemix.com @alchemix_206 on instagram
Thanks for sharing brother! I treated myself to the 808 2 weeks ago. Your right about the pads. Also the sound quality is amazing. also the jog wheels are buttery smooth. I am still getting to know the capabilities and and layout but I like it. I will share a video as soon as I get better with it. Your video has helped. thanks again!
I can't wait to watch it! It's such an incredibly complex yet well designed piece of equipment people are just now starting to post mixes showing off it's potential. Check out the Trayze 2 part mix on the 808 its the best I've seen yet.
I'm renting one of these things before deciding if I want to buy it. I appreciate you mentioning the factory reset because now that I've done it, it's nice to know that the rental unit doesn't have a bunch of stuff messed with. For other people doing the reset, you should probably just look up the manual, but you need to press the "START/STOP" button once it turns on. Then once it says "ok" reboot it again.
I personally bought this and a mac pro and everything is soo completely easy smooth especially with other various types of equipment wow I am always learning something new also I keep updating plus changing frequencies it's limitless possibilities 11-23-16 purchase with insurance.etc M.prove that's what.I doo!
It is one well designed piece of hardware! Once you get in there and set your drums to 32nds you can make trap beats and house music for days. The insurance is always a good idea on any equipment this complex. Then you start programming samples into the sequencer and realize the limitless possibilities. it's mind blowing.
The unit only comes with a QUICK START guide. It has a lot of adjustments that can be made on the controller itself so it's pretty much essential to download the actual OWNERS MANUAL from Roland in order to know how to change factory settings on the controller. The more I learn about it and dial it in the better it preforms!
Still like it or nah? The sequencer needs some work imo. I want to record pitch play into the sequence. But overall, I agree it sounds good. Hard to find another controller that plays vinyl and does all this.
I still LOVE the 808. Its on the bigger side for a controller but but actually really small when compared to an SZ. Recording in pitch play and being able to save edits in some sort of "Serato Flip" style feature would be DOPE!
Was looking into purchasing the 808 or the new smaller 505 to go with my turntables. I really want the full set of features and 4 channels with the 808 but it seem a little too big to run with turntables. What are your thoughts? Do you feel comfortable using turntables with the 808 or do you think the smaller footprint of the 505 would be better?
That's a tough one it really depends on your style and preference. The 808 is an AMAZING all in one system and I personally have no reservations about bringing out a big setup if it's right for the show. I had no trouble juggling and scratching with this setup, but I returned to DJing a few years ago on DVS with an SX2 so a wide setup was not weird for me. I guess I should also say I now own a Z2 and Traktor is my go to for parties. I have an F1 I can use for samples/drums and it can be used as a sequencer too if I want to get creative. The other consideration is the 808 is mirrored, the 505 and 202 are not. Personally I cant live without 4 channels in this digital age.
I preformed the firmware update and it definitely improved the performance pads feel. I think I still have to go in and dial in the internal setting to get the perfect feel. But I can honestly say my SX2 has not been touched since the DJ 808 arrived. I'm sure I would feel a bit frustrated having to preform without some of the bells and whistles the Roland sports.
glad you got a new controller. 808 is nice. i can do the voice changing on my SZ which i use a lot when i let the teenagers sing to songs. they get a kick out of it too. But i am still waiting on the mc7000 to get in to more hands and a lot of videos posting their use of it before i buy it. i will continue to use my mc6000 for small events until then.
Thanks Djernie T I really respect your advice and opinions. I've never owned an SZ but the awesome ability to plug in two laptops to one controller finally sunk in at my last show when I suddenly found myself wishing I could leave to handle some important personal business but my backup DJ could not navigate my music to save his life. Once all the programming is done proper I know the MC7000 will be an amazing controller.
Nice vid! Just one question, how does it match the dj808 together with traktor instead of serato? I really dont like the 4deck view in serato and id like to give it a try. Any ideas on how would it work?
I'm pretty sure by now Traktor has to have a plug and play working map already in the software. Worst case Native instruments has "Controller Editer" which would let you map it yourself if you had to.
what are your thoughts on this controller vs the Pioneer ddj sx2. How worst of is the Pioneer? I dowant have the drum machine, but that's the only reason I'm looking at the roland.
The SX2 is not in any way worse than the Roland, in fact the pitch faders and upfaders are nicer on the SX2 but The Roland has some really nice features with the drum machine and the digital voice transformer means you can record with the mic right in Serato. Both controllers are amazing just depends on what type of performer you are.
update. I went with the sx2. I didn't think the sx2 was bad in any way. Being that the roland is new i wanted to see if the sx2 became inferior in any capacity. I went to Guitar Center to try the roland and it actually feels cheaper in make than the sx2. Is there a way to just hook an external drum machine with a pioneer and achieve a simililar if not the same effect?
I'm sure you could however I don't think it would link through an internal clock like the 808 does. Any kind of sync features would require the roland.
What I just did to be able to loop as many drum and synth samples as I want in my sets was buy a Z2. I still prefer my SX2 for weddings and certain events but Traktors remix decks allow you to load up 4 loops/samples like a stem and live remix easily. I have always liked making simple loops in FL and layering them in and this software makes it easier than ever to do it.
I'm still trying to figure if I should get the 808, the SX, or the s9. I'm nice with internal mode but want to show and prove on the zigga zigga but the 12's can be cumbersome. Any recommendations would be amazing. I'm a 30 year vet if that accounts for anything
Either the 808 or the SX2 is an amazing place to start for a modern DJ controller. Great for weddings and highly scheduled events and the platters are plenty tight enough for scratching. I love my turntables but unless your booking mad house parties an S9 is too expensive. I'd say look at the Traktor Z2 If you got 30 years in the game it wont be hard to use Traktor Scratch Pro 2 and for the price it is a hell of a deal!
I've got 12s, the djsm9 and ordered this based on this review. Also ordered the KRK 10s monitors and KRK 12 sub. Awesome review alchemix I appreciate it man
Spencer MacDonald I gathered from another video that the Sx2 touch pads are set differently than s9 and seldom getting your board work when you're on the fader.
I ordered an odessy soft case for it (not much is available for it yet). I'm not too impressed its huge and the controller does not fit too well. Still no sign of a deck saver yet either. I'll post a mix with the 808 soon I've just been crazy busy with my custom cars lately.
How's the board holding up 6 months later without proper savers / cases? If you've preformed with it live yet have you found its deteriorated at all or does it still hold its own perfectly?
There is finally a deck saver available and it's great. I beat on the Roland for about 2 months then sold it to another DJ friend of mine Who has been playing it for the last 4 months non stop. I can say with personal experience that when I meet up with him to team mix the DJ 808 feels just as solid as the day I pulled it out of the box!
Honestly now a days it really makes little difference. 8 gigs might be a bit taxed if you have a controller with screens but something standard should be just fine.
This is good to know. Wish this info was upfront. Good news is you actually get a 2 week trial on all the expansions (VDJ, DVS). Pitch n Time and Serato DJ are included and enabled, but after the trial if you want to be master mixing with control vinyl, you have to pay. It's all good because if I leave that out , I can still rock joints from my vinyl collection which is still a good look. You can be like "we gonna take it old school!" and close the laptop and start kill dem with selection. Pardon me, I'm amp to get busier this season. SALUTE
I can already tell you got the right attitude. It's fun looking back at where you were a few years ago to see how far you've come. Watch my serato DVS: setup and features video for help setting up your DVS on point.
The original vinyl was called "Ultimate Ultimate Battle Weapon Volume 5" Put out by DJ Rectangle. Good luck man there was a lot of good stuff on there.
Mucho equipo para poco Dj espero q para haora q ya estamos 2022 ya hallas a prendido y si aprendiste as otro video y borra ese palcarajo pa qué no luscas mal un abrazo hermano 👍⚡️🎧
@@alchemix206 I actually prefer a mirrored setup but you have to go with the flow I guess. Oh yeah... I just ordered a used DJ-808 from a local music shop. Looks to be in excellent condition. Can't wait
@@TonyStone3000 I saw potential in the mirrored layout too. All my turntables have dual stop/starts. Your gonna love it! its one of few controllers you can never really grow out of.
Thanks for sharing brother!
I treated myself to the 808 2 weeks ago. Your right about the pads. Also the sound quality is amazing. also the jog wheels are buttery smooth. I am still getting to know the capabilities and and layout but I like it. I will share a video as soon as I get better with it.
Your video has helped. thanks again!
I can't wait to watch it! It's such an incredibly complex yet well designed piece of equipment people are just now starting to post mixes showing off it's potential. Check out the Trayze 2 part mix on the 808 its the best I've seen yet.
Alchemix I have watched both parts of his mixes on the 808. Awesome!
I'm renting one of these things before deciding if I want to buy it. I appreciate you mentioning the factory reset because now that I've done it, it's nice to know that the rental unit doesn't have a bunch of stuff messed with.
For other people doing the reset, you should probably just look up the manual, but you need to press the "START/STOP" button once it turns on. Then once it says "ok" reboot it again.
Glad it helped! One of my students has one of these, still such a versatile and heavy duty rig in my opinion.
I personally bought this and a mac pro and everything is soo completely easy
smooth especially with
other various types of equipment wow
I am always learning something new also
I keep updating plus changing frequencies
it's limitless possibilities
11-23-16 purchase with
insurance.etc M.prove
that's what.I doo!
It is one well designed piece of hardware! Once you get in there and set your drums to 32nds you can make trap beats and house music for days. The insurance is always a good idea on any equipment this complex. Then you start programming samples into the sequencer and realize the limitless possibilities. it's mind blowing.
The unit only comes with a QUICK START guide. It has a lot of adjustments that can be made on the controller itself so it's pretty much essential to download the actual OWNERS MANUAL from Roland in order to know how to change factory settings on the controller. The more I learn about it and dial it in the better it preforms!
Thanks for the hard reset tip. This controller is a beast.
Any time brother! I feel you can't really outgrow a controller as complex as the 808.
Still like it or nah? The sequencer needs some work imo. I want to record pitch play into the sequence. But overall, I agree it sounds good. Hard to find another controller that plays vinyl and does all this.
I still LOVE the 808. Its on the bigger side for a controller but but actually really small when compared to an SZ. Recording in pitch play and being able to save edits in some sort of "Serato Flip" style feature would be DOPE!
Was looking into purchasing the 808 or the new smaller 505 to go with my turntables. I really want the full set of features and 4 channels with the 808 but it seem a little too big to run with turntables. What are your thoughts? Do you feel comfortable using turntables with the 808 or do you think the smaller footprint of the 505 would be better?
That's a tough one it really depends on your style and preference. The 808 is an AMAZING all in one system and I personally have no reservations about bringing out a big setup if it's right for the show. I had no trouble juggling and scratching with this setup, but I returned to DJing a few years ago on DVS with an SX2 so a wide setup was not weird for me. I guess I should also say I now own a Z2 and Traktor is my go to for parties. I have an F1 I can use for samples/drums and it can be used as a sequencer too if I want to get creative. The other consideration is the 808 is mirrored, the 505 and 202 are not. Personally I cant live without 4 channels in this digital age.
Alchemix thanks. I agree the 4 channels and full set of features are a must. Guess I'll have to get used to a wide setup.
I preformed the firmware update and it definitely improved the performance pads feel. I think I still have to go in and dial in the internal setting to get the perfect feel. But I can honestly say my SX2 has not been touched since the DJ 808 arrived. I'm sure I would feel a bit frustrated having to preform without some of the bells and whistles the Roland sports.
Awesome video. On the pitch slider, what are the different selectable ranges of the tempo/pitch control options? " -6 +6, -16 +16 , -50 +50 ?
8, 16, and 50.
There is a firmware update on Roland site. It addresses the drum speed issue.
Hell yes RQD2! That pretty much makes this the best controller in it's price range in my opinion.
glad you got a new controller. 808 is nice. i can do the voice changing on my SZ which i use a lot when i let the teenagers sing to songs. they get a kick out of it too. But i am still waiting on the mc7000 to get in to more hands and a lot of videos posting their use of it before i buy it. i will continue to use my mc6000 for small events until then.
Thanks Djernie T I really respect your advice and opinions. I've never owned an SZ but the awesome ability to plug in two laptops to one controller finally sunk in at my last show when I suddenly found myself wishing I could leave to handle some important personal business but my backup DJ could not navigate my music to save his life. Once all the programming is done proper I know the MC7000 will be an amazing controller.
Nice vid! Just one question, how does it match the dj808 together with traktor instead of serato? I really dont like the 4deck view in serato and id like to give it a try. Any ideas on how would it work?
I'm pretty sure by now Traktor has to have a plug and play working map already in the software. Worst case Native instruments has "Controller Editer" which would let you map it yourself if you had to.
For being a DJ I would expect better sound quality. But I think you are dope. Keep making videos boss!
Yeah it took me way too long to learn to use a mic! Thank you brother!!
What controller do you recommend for a new DJ with 4 channels, good reliability and performance?
Hey sorry I missed this, reloop beatmix, numark nv, DDJ SR (not the MKII), there are quite a few good and affordable options out there.
Great video man! Im still deciding on Roland or SZ2! Subscribed
Tough choice but you really cant fail either way with those two.
what are your thoughts on this controller vs the Pioneer ddj sx2. How worst of is the Pioneer? I dowant have the drum machine, but that's the only reason I'm looking at the roland.
The SX2 is not in any way worse than the Roland, in fact the pitch faders and upfaders are nicer on the SX2 but The Roland has some really nice features with the drum machine and the digital voice transformer means you can record with the mic right in Serato. Both controllers are amazing just depends on what type of performer you are.
update. I went with the sx2. I didn't think the sx2 was bad in any way. Being that the roland is new i wanted to see if the sx2 became inferior in any capacity. I went to Guitar Center to try the roland and it actually feels cheaper in make than the sx2. Is there a way to just hook an external drum machine with a pioneer and achieve a simililar if not the same effect?
I'm sure you could however I don't think it would link through an internal clock like the 808 does. Any kind of sync features would require the roland.
Alchemix yea I was thinking the same thing. maybe a Roland in 5 years after its refined itself some more. lol
What I just did to be able to loop as many drum and synth samples as I want in my sets was buy a Z2. I still prefer my SX2 for weddings and certain events but Traktors remix decks allow you to load up 4 loops/samples like a stem and live remix easily. I have always liked making simple loops in FL and layering them in and this software makes it easier than ever to do it.
your set up is gorgeous beloved!
Thank you! I cant imagine a more capable setup for DJs right now.
I'm still trying to figure if I should get the 808, the SX, or the s9. I'm nice with internal mode but want to show and prove on the zigga zigga but the 12's can be cumbersome. Any recommendations would be amazing. I'm a 30 year vet if that accounts for anything
Either the 808 or the SX2 is an amazing place to start for a modern DJ controller. Great for weddings and highly scheduled events and the platters are plenty tight enough for scratching. I love my turntables but unless your booking mad house parties an S9 is too expensive. I'd say look at the Traktor Z2 If you got 30 years in the game it wont be hard to use Traktor Scratch Pro 2 and for the price it is a hell of a deal!
I've got 12s, the djsm9 and ordered this based on this review. Also ordered the KRK 10s monitors and KRK 12 sub. Awesome review alchemix I appreciate it man
Spencer MacDonald I gathered from another video that the Sx2 touch pads are set differently than s9 and seldom getting your board work when you're on the fader.
Does this come with serato pro?
Yeah it will hardware unlock Serato.
I ordered an odessy soft case for it (not much is available for it yet). I'm not too impressed its huge and the controller does not fit too well. Still no sign of a deck saver yet either. I'll post a mix with the 808 soon I've just been crazy busy with my custom cars lately.
How's the board holding up 6 months later without proper savers / cases? If you've preformed with it live yet have you found its deteriorated at all or does it still hold its own perfectly?
There is finally a deck saver available and it's great. I beat on the Roland for about 2 months then sold it to another DJ friend of mine Who has been playing it for the last 4 months non stop. I can say with personal experience that when I meet up with him to team mix the DJ 808 feels just as solid as the day I pulled it out of the box!
Nice! Damn, this makes the choice between the 808 and the SX2 even harder then.
Why U sell it? What are you using now? What do you prefer or recommend? THANKS! Great mix.
I got a HP with core i7. 8g Ram, 256 SSD windows 10.. My friends said I should have gotten a MacBook instead.. Can I DJ with my PC 💻??
Honestly now a days it really makes little difference. 8 gigs might be a bit taxed if you have a controller with screens but something standard should be just fine.
PCs work just fine good sir, I have had zero issues with this mixer or any other equipment I have plugged into my PC.
what's the dimensions of the table you have to fit both decks with the controller? Getting mine Saturday and I'm prepping a space at the cribbo
That particular table is 60 inches wide and 23 inches long.
I can't get my turntables to work like yours. I changed inputs but can't find a abs rel int situation like I expected
You may have to pay to unlock DVS in Serato. Some controllers come with it bundled but its not common.
This is good to know. Wish this info was upfront. Good news is you actually get a 2 week trial on all the expansions (VDJ, DVS). Pitch n Time and Serato DJ are included and enabled, but after the trial if you want to be master mixing with control vinyl, you have to pay. It's all good because if I leave that out , I can still rock joints from my vinyl collection which is still a good look. You can be like "we gonna take it old school!" and close the laptop and start kill dem with selection. Pardon me, I'm amp to get busier this season. SALUTE
I can already tell you got the right attitude. It's fun looking back at where you were a few years ago to see how far you've come. Watch my serato DVS: setup and features video for help setting up your DVS on point.
You must be taking the piss with that mixing and scratching?! lol. Fair play
What is the name of your intro record that you're playing?
It's something I pulled off an old battle vinyl. Not really sure where you would find those samples these days.
thanks for the reply bro
The original vinyl was called "Ultimate Ultimate Battle Weapon Volume 5" Put out by DJ Rectangle. Good luck man there was a lot of good stuff on there.
"Don't Sweat the Technique" Eric B. and Rakim, and yeah the Ultimate Battle Weapon series was awesome.
Mucho equipo para poco Dj espero q para haora q ya estamos 2022 ya hallas a prendido y si aprendiste as otro video y borra ese palcarajo pa qué no luscas mal un abrazo hermano 👍⚡️🎧
Aye Pisano! Aloha to tu Madre Hermana!
can I plug the rp 8000 into it???
Yes. It is DVS capable and also a standalone mixer if you just want to line your turntables through it.
Long time!! How you been??
Really good! How about you Mac? I'm still down to collaborate on a workshop for the kids next Summer if you got time.
Alchemix yess bro! Let’s do it! Are you on IG?
Naw I been draggin my feet even tho I know I gotta get on that.
You have to set the latency to 0 it comes set at 5
cool imfo
Mirrored decks. Don't see that anymore.
It was a short lived phase. Even the Roland 707, 505, and 202 are all non mirrored layouts.
@@alchemix206 I actually prefer a mirrored setup but you have to go with the flow I guess. Oh yeah... I just ordered a used DJ-808 from a local music shop. Looks to be in excellent condition. Can't wait
@@TonyStone3000 I saw potential in the mirrored layout too. All my turntables have dual stop/starts. Your gonna love it! its one of few controllers you can never really grow out of.
All the gear...and NO idea..!!
I'm a lucky guy! I know way too many "DJs who know" who sold all their gear for crack and just troll youtube to forget it!!!
I sold my mcx8000 aswell.
I still wish there was a really solid standalone option out there.
im sure u work for pioneer
I wish, then I wouldn't have to pay the insane prices they list their gear at!
what the f....
train wreck
Good strain.