Rane

I chose the MP2014 as I was after a high quality mixer able to become my setup’s primary mixer, the one I use to mix most often and on which I can plug my computer music system as well as other, more classic mixers. I wanted a main mixer which would illustrate my favourite styles, that is house and electronic music. This mixer is indeed not a standard mixer; it takes you back to the 80s with its 100% knob-based layout. The knobs btw are exceptionally precise and allow for a smooth mixing process. The filters with a resonance setting are a real pleasure. I had never imagined how important the filter’s resonance is before trying this mixer. It incites you to have a sound come in through the filter starting with a low resonance setting, then setting it slowly upper and upper while lowering the filtering. A real professional, cooled-down way to mix which is most often used in electronic music/house/disco, but can also be applied to other styles such as hip-hop. The Isolator is also important, and its quality is excellent. Using its two secondary knobs, you can set the frequency range which will be impacted by the three main knobs. I personally use the Isolator to change the warmth of my sound during the same evening, but others use it like an effect, doing gating with the on/off switch – I personally don’t like it too much, or maybe I’m doing it wrong? It’s a 2-track mixer but it features a third session/aux track which EQ is limited to a single bass/treble knob, though it also features a filter. Quite practical as an input for another mixer of backup deck. It also features two USB ports for switchovers from one DJ to another, and its sound interface also works with iOS on an iPhone/iPod/iPad with no hub necessary - it is indeed a class compliant device, allowing it to work on a Mac without installing a driver. A loop allows to insert effects on the voice is also there, and the mixer features master, booth and record outputs as well as a mic in with ducking. The finish is awesome, even better than any high-end mixer by Pioneer or A&H and the wood sides highlight the paradox of “modernity VS back to the 80s” (you can also take them off if you prefer). I long hesitated with the 2015, but in the end the 2014 perfectly suits me. I usually use the two main tracks to mix and the section track for a drum machine or sampler. Plus, this model is way easier to transport and is only 11 inches wide – wooden sides included. The US production of the MP2014 and 2015 stopped in mid-2016 and only took back in Asia in mid-2017 – whether the quality is the same remains to be seen. Hence, US models are now somehow collector items. As for the digital part, the “session” track offers an SPDIF in/out, though unlike the MP2015 the main tracks’ in/outs remain analog, even when you switch to USB mode – in that case a (high-quality, by the way) AD/DA conversion is operated. The resulting sound is just unique, this mixer is the most neutral-sounding that I’ve ever heard, so much that when I used my other mixer afterward I first thought it had a sound problem – actually no, it was all about the difference between a real, professional mixer and a semi-pro model. The default sound is flat, somehow like studio monitors/headphones, and you can customize it using the integrated Isolator. It also works in DVS mode, with Traktor and Rekordbox for instance, but not (or not yet?) with Serato, though considering my music style (house and so on), Traktor is way more useful – unless of course Serato would change and broaden its functionalities as Serato leans toward scratch and traditional mixing. On a side note, the MP2015 is Serato-certified through the Club Kit, so it’s likely the MP2014 will end up being too. In the end, if you’re into house, electronic music, disco, nu-disco and you can afford it, go for the MP2014, it’s well enough to have fun. If you’re not into these styles, then it’s likely you’ll miss the crossfader but maybe it would help redefine your mixing style? Whatever scenario you adopt, it’s a purchase you won’t regret and the resale value is very good – especially for the US-made units, you might sell it for more than its purchase value.

The Rane MS 1 is a single channel microphone preamplifier for use in the recording studio. It's a simple preamp, coming in a unique casing that doesn't take up much space even though it's not traditionally rack mountable. There are a few different versions of the MS 1, including the MS 1B and MS 1S, the latter of which this review is for. The MS 1 also has XLR connections for microphone input and line output. It has built in 48 volt phantom power as well. UTILIZATION You really don't need to know much to operate the Rane MS 1. It just has a knob for setting the gain, and from there you're pretty much good to go. The only other things that you need to know about are when to engage the phantom power and also the polarity switch that it's in the back. The box has LED meters to indicate when phantom power is on as well as for when a signal is being passed and when it's being overloaded. I haven't seen the manual for this... SOUND QUALITY The sound of the Rane MS 1 is about average, as it's nothing incredible to write home about but will definitely get the job done in a home studio situation and beyond. It's a pretty clear sounding mic preamp for the most part, but lacks a certain depth that the best mic preamps will have. It's definitely better than most stock audio interface preamps, but I guess that's not saying too much. I've used the MS 1 for recording electric guitar, but also have tried it for some other applications. Electric guitar was really the only application that I tried where I thought it excelled... OVERALL OPINION The Rane MS 1 isn't exactly a popular microphone preamp since it's not all that well known, but it's still a decent enough mic pre that it's worth scooping up if you can get one or two at a cheap price. I almost bought a set of them a while back but decided to spend a few more bucks on some better preamps. If you're just looking for preamps that don't sound terrible to add to the back end of your studio, the Rane MS 1's will do the job, otherwise I'd probably recommend springing for something a bit better.

The Rane HC6 is a six channel headphone amplifier for use in the studio or anywhere you'd need a headphone splitter like this. It's got a pretty basic make up, but it's one that can take you a long way in vein of headphone amps. One of the studios that I used to work at had one of these as an extra headphone distributor, and although it didn't see much use since we had another full headphone system, it did the job extremely well whenever we needed it to. The general make up of the HC6 consists of six separate channels, each with their own 1/4" headphones inputs and separate 1/4" inputs and outputs in the back - one set for each channel. Each channel has it's own volume knob in addition to the master volume output knob. In the back it also has stereo 1/4" connections for your master inputs and the whole thing sits in a single space, rack mountable piece of gear. As you can probably tell, this is a really simple device that can do a lot between the six channels. I've only used it in the studio, but I can certainly see it being useful on the stage for splitting monitoring signals or headphones as well. The box is made at an extremely high quality, as it feels like it is built like a tank and should last a very long time as long as you don't drop it or anything like that. The price of the Rane HC6 isn't as cheap as I'd like it to be, but it is built very well so I can't complain too much. If you're on a strict budget the HC6 probably isn't for you, but if you're looking for sturdiness and reliability, as well as flexibility between the six channels, the Rane HC6 is a great overall choice for a headphone amp.

The Rane TTM 56 is a performance mixer for Djs. And boy is it awesome. This is hands down the best mixer I have owned, and my absolute favorite. It features No Contact faders and level controls. The faders use magnets, making them impervious to any kind of smoke or moisture damage the way optical faders are. There used to be a video floating around of one of these faders in a cup of soda, and still functional. Seriously great equipment. Solidly built in every single way. The eq cuts PERFECTLY. If you want the bass cut, there is NO bass. UTILIZATION Using this mixer is like heaven. The faders feel so good, perfect resistance, yet buttery smooth. Beautifully done knobs, really tactile and strong. This thing is built like a tank. Things are spaced well so your fingers have plenty of room to work. Whether you are a turntablist, or a DJ, this thing is the freaking BOMB. So much fun to use. I was creating new sounds in just minutes. All the functions are easily accessed, and it's simple as any mixer to set up. Power, cables, mix. If you can set up a desktop computer you can set up this. SOUNDS The mixer is stealthy quiet, and the no touch faders ensure it will stay that way. No bleed or swipe sounds. Silent as space until you drop the mix. The EQ is out of this world, perfectly tuned and so responsive. I haven't heard a better eq on a mixer yet. OVERALL OPINION Overall, this is hands down my favorite mixer. Worth every single penny. I would buy this a million times. Every single aspect of this is perfect, though my favorite thing hands down is the magnetic faders. I have actually had issues with optical faders getting ruined by smoke during a performance, and these are a godsend. Everything about this unit feels, and sounds amazing.

The Rane Serato Scratch Live SL4 is a DJ audio interface that cost 899 USD. It is compatible with both Mac and PC computers. 2GB RAM and 10.5.8 on Mac with Windows XP Service Pack 3, Windows Vista Service Pack 2 or Windows 7. Make sure you check your specs before you purchase the Scratch Live SL4 especially if you are on a PC. Having the Service Packs is a huge issue, if you don’t have the right one Rane Serato Scratch Live SL4 will not work. It is required that you have a fast computer if you want to use a lot of effects too. Using an older system with Scratch Live SL4 just won’t work. UTILIZATION The Scratch Live SL4 is well built and it is a pretty solid structure. I don’t think it can really get damaged, it weighs less than 7 pounds and it has 1-4 inputs that can be switched from Phone or Line in. When you purchase Scratch Live SL4 it will come with four scratch Cds, six RCA cables and four records to scratch with. This unit really comes with everything you need to start using it right out of the box, there are no additional purchases needed. Drivers are very stable. GETTING STARTED The manual was also easy to use, it was a rather thick book but still easy to navigate through. The actual interface comes with a carry case to protect it. OVERALL OPINION Using the SL4 will allow you to connect up to four turntables and even CD turntables to your system and even your computer. It is designed to bring vinyl turntables to the digital realm. It does a great job of giving you that classic vinyl scratching feel. There are no negatives to this system except for the price being as high has it is. But you will be paying for a quality unit. Easy to use, with a great sound and features. Nothing to complain about.

The switch from straight Vinyl to Serato took me some time, not because of the software but rather because I had to build my digital library. So for a few months while I did that I was rocking both Serato with my Laptop and regular Vinyl records. Good thing too since one day I forgot to plug in the laptop and it ran out of power in the middle of a set, luckily I had an acapella on regular vinyl playing on one turntable and the instrumental was on my laptop playing through serato, as soon as I noticed the instrumental dropped and noticed my laptop had gone blank I quickly grabbed a regular record threw on the instrumental on there and kept the party rocking with no one the wiser. The ability top use either digital vinyl or regular vinyl with your serato set up obviously can save the day if something goes wrong as it did that particular day. It is a very versatile system and once you have your music set up in your laptop or on a portable drive to use on someone elses laptop if need be it really opens you up to be a more versatile DJ as you can now transport huge music libraries without having to lug 8+ crates of records. This also means traveling as a DJ is much easier now as well. The relative mode also allows you to create loops, samples and cue points to jump to allowing you to get really creative with your mixing and you can even remix beats on the fly using cue points to map out drums then use the cues with Novation Dicers, Rane or other mixers that have cue pads, midi supported devices or even with your computers keystrokes to use as mini drum pads. Serato allows traditional Vinyl DJs to make the switch to the digital music file world while still giving them the precision control offered by traditional vinyl turntables the perfect melding of the old with the new to free the DJ to do what they do best, create great mixes and keep the party rocking. This is one of the best investments I have made. There are plenty of products now that have serato built in including the Rane 62 and Rane 57 mixers and now even some new Pioneer mixers out there have serato built in as well. The SL Box is still a good thing to have in your bag in case you need to connect to an older mixer otherwise for yourself you can get one of the mixers with serato already built in.

The Rane MP 2016a is a 6 channel mixer that has effects loops that can be switched and booth plus house outputs right on it. The mic preamp on this mixer is very good, nice an warm and it projects the sound cleanly. Each input on this mixer has a 6 position selector for a source. UTILIZATION You can rack this mixer but it will take up 3 rack spaces, but it is only 5 inches deep. This mixer is great for all DJ’s no matter what style they have. Every DJ can use a mixer like this with a solid construction and nice feel. It has all of the bells and whistles that we all love to work with night in and night out. SOUNDS The headphone output is very loud and has a low noise, I was able to hear everything clearly before mixing in my next song. This mixer is simple to work with and use, and it only takes a few minutes before you feel comfortable enough with it to take right to club and start moving the crowd! OVERALL OPINION I have no complaints with this mixer except for the price, the price was very expensive when it first came out. I am not sure if they price has come down but when purchased it back in 2008 it cost almost 2 grand. That is the reason that I took good care of it and still have it in one of my racks now. This paired with a good sound system and great quality mic is all any DJ could ever want or need. If you cannot afford to spend this much on a mixer then check some of the Numarks rackable mixers. They have some really good ones that do not cost this much. But you will not get all of the features of this unit unless you are willing to pay big money for it.

The Rane TTM 57 SL is a high quality DJ Mixer with an interface all in one unit. This mixer works with the software called Serato which I am very familiar with. There are a lot of effects that come right on the mixer! This unit is perfect for the mobile DJ who also wants to have is computer be a part of his set up. I have been using this mixer from the early part of this year up till now. The outputs are very clean and all of the faders are well built and don’t feel cheap. This mixer can do a lot for it to be just a simple 2 channel mixer. UTILIZATION You can use this mixer in depth if you use it with Serato Live. Using it with Serato will had another huge hand full of effects that you can use outside of the owns that are already on the mixer. This mixer is a great mixer and set up to have if you are a performing DJ or even into the DJ Battle scene. SOUNDS If you use this as a interface it will give you 4 digital ins and 4 digital outs right into your computer so you can record your sets or record anything you wish to record. The mixer is very quiet and does not make a sound, it can get a little warm though if left running for a long time which is normal for any gear. OVERALL OPINION You can rack the Rane TTM 57 SL up if you choose, the manual is easy to understand you just need to make sure you computer can handle the TTM 57 SL and more importantly make sure that Serato is compatible with your system. Which is should be as long as you computer is not more than 5 years old. For the price and everything that you get with this mixer. I put it on the top of the list for mixers to purchase, especially for a live DJ. It is a must buy!

The Rane Empath has great parameters that you can chance very easy, no need for the bulky manuals when you get this machine. Its all self explanatory and you will have the hang of it in no time, well in about 30 mins to be exact. Atleast that’s how long it took for me, then I was out of the beginner stage and really starting to understand how it works. UTILIZATION Manual was very clear and concise. SOUNDS I have the black Rane Empath and it feel s very well built, not cheap like a lot of mixers and dj gear that’s out on the market today. Rane didn’t make a product that was cheap and affordable but lacked quality. They built these mixers to last no matter how many gigs you got or how much traveling you are doing. You can even purchase a case that Rane makes that will fit perfectly with your Rane Empath so you wont scuff up or scratch you unit up in anyway. Sounds Great no hiss and great eq. OVERALL OPINION Overall the Rane Embath was a great purchase for me it comes in Black on Black , Rotary, Orignial Blue or the Grandmaster Flash Gold Signature Edition. All of the version have the same features there is nothing spectacular about the Gold Grandmaster Flash Signature Edition one, besides the look of it, and the look is very nice on that one I must say, the price of it is probably pretty high too since it’s a signature edition. Another great thing about the Rane Empath is that the adapters are universal, it accepts all Hz for use anywhere in the world because we all know what its like going to a different country and your equipment doesn’t work the same as it does in your home land. Rane Kept all the traveling working DJ’s in mind when they created this product.

The Rane SM82 S is an eight channel stereo mixer that will fit in a single space of a rack casing. There is a lot that you can do with the SM82 S, as it has a lot of versatility in terms of connection and routing options. Something like this is really designed for those who don't have a mixer and want something to run everything through for easy routing and convenience. It doesn't have any microphone preamps or anything like that. As far as connections go, each of the eight channels has stereo 1/4" inputs, in addition to a set of stereo 1/4" balanced outputs, and stereo 1/4" unbalanced loop returns and sends. It also has a TRS main expand unbalanced output and input in addition to a loop expansion input. In terms of the front panel, each channel has a pretty simple configuration, containing sliders for your send levels, pan, and a knob for your overall level. So really once you've got everything connected to the Rane SM82 S, there isn't too much that you need to worry about in terms of setting controls. You really don't need too many parameters with something like this, so it's definitely a good thing that it isn't too convoluted. Where the SM82 S makes it's money is in it's versatility in terms of connections and routing. It will make it a whole lot easier for those without a console or another mixer, as it conveniently puts everything in one place. The price of the Rane SM82 S will absolutely attract a lot of people to this, as you're getting a high quality eight channel mixer at a price you won't often see something like this at. Something like this isn't necessary for most home studio owners, but if you're looking for a compact eight channel mixer that will give you flexibility, don't overlook the SM82 S.

While there are some very nice feature included on this mixer, there's also a lack in some other features. The 4 band EQ is nice. I myself have no need for the 4 band EQ as a DJ, but I'm sure other DJ's do. One thing I really like about this mixer are the output levels. So while recording the DJ can adjust the master level going to the monitors without affecting the output level going to the recording device. The contour adjustment is a very nice feature for scratching, and the fader feels like butter. However, this mixer is missing gains. Meaning that you have to use the channel faders as your gains which is annoying to DJ’s who like to mix using the channel faders. Price paid $750 UTILIZATION After you get used to it it's easy to use. I personally would give it a 6. But other DJ's that mix using the crossfader might give it a higher rating on usability. This is a very well built product. It won't fall a part on you. Ranes last forever. SOUNDS The sound quality is excellent. Very clean sounding. OVERALL OPINION Not too crazy about the mixer. But that's only because it doesn't meet my personal needs. I'm sure many other DJ's would fall madly in love with this mixer. Originally posted on FutureProducers.com Posted by: Unknown ( 3-, 2003)

Excellent. The one thing I'd change/modify would be, having the EFX Post-Channel/Crossfade, like the TTM 56 & Empath models, instead of Pre-Channel/Crossfade. $600 USD in 1999 UTILIZATION Simple & clean, very easy to use! I've had my TTM 54 since 1999. This was my first battle style mixer. I chose this one over Vestax purely on the Rane name. From my experience, RANE made great gear, so when They started making Battle mixers, I didn't hestiate to get one as soon as it came out. I've only had it repaired once. The RCA outputs shorted out, and I sent it back to RANE. Got it back "quick-fast" too, 2-3 Bus. Days. No problems since. SOUNDS Execellent OVERALL OPINION I prefer this model to the newer "TTM 54i" version. IMO, it feels Mo' Betta'. Also, I like the Metal phono/line switches instead of the plastic ones. This mixer has gone through the good/bad Gigs. I've had several TTM54s but sold most off, except for THIS one. Btw, they're built like tanks. Originally posted on FutureProducers.com Posted by: djtonypsalms ( 8-, 2005)