Kontrol‑DJ is a one‑person company founded in 2003. My name is Luis Serrano, and this is the story behind the brand.

Around the year 2000, I worked as a DJ in my hometown on weekends. My setup was unconventional at the time—I used a computer and MP3 files through some rudimentary audio programs. I was genuinely excited about the possibilities of integrating computers into DJing, but I quickly encountered limitations when relying solely on a mouse and keyboard for control.

I realized I needed greater control over my audio software, yet no suitable solution existed on the market. This led me to begin designing and building my own computer-based DJ hardware controllers.

In 2003, after developing several prototypes, I saw an opportunity to support other digital DJs with the tools I had created. That same year, I officially founded Kontrol‑DJ. The first controller model, the KDJ‑500, was launched shortly thereafter and started gaining attention in 2004. It holds the distinction of being the first commercial MIDI DJ controller in the world.

Approximately 1,000 units of the KDJ‑500 were assembled by hand, with the help of family and friends, in a small room in my home. It was a challenging yet rewarding period—an intense crash course in product development. Over time, other DJ hardware manufacturers began to embrace the digital DJ movement. By the end of 2006, all major industry players had entered the market with their own controller offerings.

In 2007, I transitioned to a role as lead software developer at Image‑Line, working on the Deckadance DJ software project. After several years focused on hardware, I had the opportunity to contribute from the software side of the industry. In 2008, I continued exploring hardware design, introducing a modular concept for DJ MIDI controllers—offering greater flexibility than traditional all‑in‑one units. In 2013, Deckadance 2 was released with a new design and numerous innovative features. That same year, I also developed capacitive multi‑touch screens for DJ controllers.

More than two decades later, I remain committed to improving the tools used by digital DJs around the world. There is still much to enhance, and many new directions to explore. I look forward to continuing to contribute my experience in both hardware and software development to this evolving field for years to come.