Serato and AlphaTheta have announced the SLAB, a pad controller built from the ground up for producers who want direct control without slowing down their flow.
The focus sits on sampling, sequencing and hands-on performance. You can move between chopping audio, building patterns and shaping ideas without reaching for the mouse every few seconds. It taps into the pace and instinct of early beatmaking while still keeping all the tools that modern producers rely on. You can also use it across Serato Sample and Serato DJ Pro, which means you can sketch ideas, refine them and take them straight into a set.
You get MIDI flexibility baked in. Switch to a custom mapping and use it with any DAW you already work with. It gives you room to build your own workflow while still having tight Serato integration ready to go.
Some highlights worth knowing:
– Sixteen velocity pads for finger drumming, sequencing and FX.
– A large dial that handles browsing, scrubbing and slice edits.
– A clear LED display that shows project, pad and parameter details in real time.
– Four touch-sensitive encoders that let you move between modes without losing focus.
– Transport controls and simple navigation between Scenes, Decks and Pads.
– A touch strip for filters, pitch, swing and repeats that responds even while you record.
– A step sequencer with grid, velocity, swing and nudge control.
– A compact, USB-powered build that fits easily into any small studio setup.
You can use it as a quick idea machine or as a main controller for building full tracks inside Serato Studio. Check your local retailer for price and availability. More details here.