AlphaTheta SLAB

Introducing the first dedicated hardware controller for Serato Studio - the AlphaTheta SLAB. This intuitive and responsive MIDI pad controller is designed for rapid production and music creation. Harness the power of Serato Studio with the simple plug-and-play hardware unlock - putting powerful, tactile production at your fingertips!

SLAB prioritises intuitive control, with carefully chosen functions and a design that supports an efficient hands-on workflow - intuitive OLED display, 4 touch-sensitive encoders, 130mm long-stroke touch strip, 16 full velocity and aftertouch performance pads, and transport and focus controls. Each detail is optimised to help musicians and producers navigate Serato Studio with confidence and speed. With SLAB, you can also transition seamlessly between production and performance at any time.

The built-in Stems Level feature expands on Serato Studio’s proprietary Stems processing, allowing users to isolate and precisely control the volume of individual track stems within a sample, including vocals, melody, drums, and bass. This brings a new level of creative control and expressive flexibility to any workflow.

Although SLAB has been purpose-built for Serato Studio, it also supports a wide range of applications through its general MIDI mode, including Serato Sample, Serato DJ Pro, and various other DAWs such as Logic Pro X, Ableton and others.

Suitable for both new producers and experienced beat-makers, SLAB delivers outstanding usability and versatility in music production, providing a dependable foundation that supports many creative styles from the very beginning.

Check out the AlphaTheta SLAB in action:

• Optimised for Serato Studio’s workflow
• Transport section and Focus Control
• OLED display & touch-sensitive encoders
• Multicolour LED pads
• LED long-stroke touch strip
• Stems Level
• Seamless integration with Serato apps
• Sleek Design
• Unlocks Serato Studio for FREE

The transport section of SLAB can be viewed as the operational hub of the music-making process. It consolidates essential functions, including play, record and seek, and features a multifunctional dial that supports faster browsing and navigation. Users can quickly locate required phrases by scrolling through sampled audio with the dial, greatly improving the speed and flexibility of sampling. A key capability of the dial is Focus Control, which allows direct manipulation of third-party plugins, such as virtual instruments and effects, from SLAB itself. By positioning the mouse pointer over a parameter on the laptop screen, the user can adjust it instantly with the dial, with no manual MIDI mapping required. This supports seamless, intuitive sound design and provides immediate access to vital creative tools.

The OLED display at the top of SLAB provides real-time information on integration status and parameter values with exceptional clarity, even in low-light studio environments. Four touch-sensitive encoders offer direct access to EQs, stems, effects and parameter controls within Serato Studio. When an encoder is touched (without being turned), the current assignments appear on the OLED display, allowing users to shape sounds more quickly and with greater confidence.

SLAB captures every nuance of expression in a performance. Its 16 Performance Pads are highly sensitive, responsive and tactile, with full velocity and aftertouch support. With a single press of one of the four dedicated buttons positioned above the pads, users can switch between various pad modes, including Pad FX mode, where four types of effects are assigned vertically and up to four effects can be layered simultaneously. This allows effects to be applied directly during production and heard in real time, broadening expressive potential.

Managing sampled material is straightforward thanks to the vertically arranged application control section, which provides quick access to features such as Auto Set and Favourite. Whether chopping samples or slicing loops, the intuitive interface increases production speed and helps maintain focus. Together, the pads and application controls form a cohesive layout that supports a smooth creative workflow.

When used with compatible Serato software, including Studio, Sample and DJ Pro, SLAB enables precise adjustment of the volume of individual parts within the same track, such as vocals, melody, drums and bass, through the Stems Level feature. Previously, anyone wanting to alter these elements would have needed to prepare separate tracks. With SLAB’s four touch-sensitive encoders, this can now be done directly from the hardware. This hands-on control is also transformative for DJ performances with Serato DJ Pro, allowing detailed combinations of EQ and stem adjustments.

SLAB is also compatible with Serato Sample and Serato DJ Pro. Its versatile MIDI mode allows users to work in their preferred DAW while taking full advantage of Serato Sample’s high-quality sampling engine for a smooth production workflow. When paired with Serato DJ Pro, SLAB functions as an Official Serato Accessory (OSA), extending the expressive potential of DJ performances. From home studios to live stages, SLAB supports creativity across a broad range of scenarios.

SLAB has a compact form factor, smaller than A4/US Letter size, making it easy to transport and creating a comfortable studio environment at home, in a café or on the move. Its two-tone grey design offers a light, contemporary appearance while clearly grouping functions for intuitive operation. Familiar features, such as AlphaTheta’s signature circular PLAY/REC buttons and the distinctive illumination bar inspired by sample clips in Serato Studio and Serato Sample, provide an engaging and intuitive experience for both production and performance.

The controller is supplied with a grey USB Type-C cable that matches its body colour. Both straight and L-shaped connectors are included, keeping cabling neat and flexible even in tight or space-limited setups.

The 130 mm long-stroke touch strip allows control over a variety of parameters, including filter, pitch, FX level and swing. Its smooth, tactile response is complemented by high-visibility RGB indicators, enabling precise, fast and expressive production and performance.

Compatible Software:

• Serato Studio
• Serato Sample (license needed)
• Serato DJ Pro (Official Serato Accessory supported)

Maximum Dimensions (W × D × H):

• 284.3 × 209.0 × 44.6 mm / 11.19" × 8.23" × 1.76"

Weight:

• 1.0 kg / 2.2 lb

Accessories

• USB Type-C cable
• Quick Start Guide
• Precautions for Use
• Warranty (for some regions)