Rane One Mk2 Review
By maikk. Published . Filed under The Breakdown.
A Turntablist's Dream Controller?
Rane One Mk2 Review: A Turntablist's Dream Controller? When the original Rane One launched, it made a significant impact by offering DJs the authentic feel of motorized platters in a professional, all-in-one controller. Now, Rane is back with the Mk2, which at first glance looks like a sleek cosmetic refresh with its new white faceplate. However, a deeper dive reveals that this is a substantial upgrade, packed with modern features that address the evolving needs of performance DJs. Is the Rane One Mk2 the ultimate battle-ready controller?
Let's break down the pros and cons to help you decide if it's the right investment for your setup. --- The Advantages: What Makes the Rane One Mk2 Shine? Rane has built its reputation on quality, and the One Mk2 is a testament to that legacy. It takes everything that made the original great and adds powerful new tools. 1. The Unbeatable Turntable Feel This remains the controller's main draw. The two 7.2-inch, high-torque motorized platters with real slipmats and acrylic vinyl discs feel incredibly close to actual turntables.
The classic plunger-style Start/Stop buttons complete the authentic experience, making it a natural transition for any DJ coming from a traditional vinyl or DVS setup. 2. Next-Level Creative Control: Stems & Onboard FX This is where the Mk2 truly leaps ahead of its predecessor. Deep Stems Integration: With dedicated buttons to instantly create acapellas or instrumentals, plus EQ knob control over individual stems (vocals, melody, bass, drums), the Mk2 makes on-the-fly remixing intuitive and powerful.
Internal Hardware FX: The addition of 29 internal hardware effects, complete with a crisp OLED screen, is a game-changer. You're no longer reliant on Serato's software effects, which also transforms the One Mk2 into a much more capable standalone mixer for external sources like turntables or media players. 3. Built Like a Tank True to the Rane name, the build quality is exceptional. The controller features a solid steel chassis, ensuring it can handle the rigors of travel and intense live performances.
The professional-grade I/O, including XLR main and booth outputs, two combo mic inputs, and dual USB ports for seamless DJ handoffs, underlines its status as a pro-level device. 4. The Heart of the Mix: Legendary Faders At the center of the mixer is the renowned MAG FOUR crossfader, known for its smooth, light feel and adjustable tension—perfect for scratching.
In the Mk2, Rane has also upgraded the channel faders to their "Precision Feel" design, which also feature adjustable tension, giving DJs a consistent and reliable feel across the entire mixer. --- The Considerations: Is It the Perfect Fit for Everyone? While the Rane One Mk2 is a performance powerhouse, it's not without its drawbacks. These points may be deal-breakers depending on your specific needs. 1. The Investment This is a premium controller with a professional price tag.
While you get what you pay for in terms of build quality and features, the cost will place it out of reach for beginners or DJs on a tight budget. 2. The Weight of Quality All that steel and those high-torque motors come at a cost: weight. At nearly 10.7 kg (23.5 lbs), the Rane One Mk2 is heavy. While it's more portable than two turntables and a mixer, it's still a substantial piece of gear to carry to every gig, which might be a concern for some mobile DJs. 3. Two's Company, Four's a Crowd The Rane One Mk2 is strictly a two-channel controller.
For open-format and scratch DJs, this is often all that's needed. However, if your style involves mixing three or four decks simultaneously, you will need to look elsewhere. 4. Not for the Faint of Heart With deep Stems control, multiple pad modes (including a new secondary pad bank), and a comprehensive FX section, the learning curve can be steep for newcomers. It's a controller built for experienced DJs who can take full advantage of its extensive feature set. --- Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Rane One Mk2?
The Rane One Mk2 is a phenomenal piece of engineering that successfully enhances an already excellent controller. It's designed for a specific type of DJ, and for them, it's arguably the best in its class. This controller is perfect for: Professional Open-Format and Scratch DJs: The motorized platters, incredible faders, and deep Stems integration provide an unmatched creative canvas. Mobile DJs Wanting a Premium Setup: If you want to offer a high-end experience and the weight isn't a major issue, the One Mk2 provides a full professional setup in one unit.
DJs Transitioning from DVS/Vinyl: It offers the most authentic turntable experience in an all-in-one controller, making the switch seamless. You might want to reconsider if you are: A beginner on a budget. A DJ who needs four-deck mixing capabilities. A mobile DJ who prioritizes a lightweight, ultra-portable setup above all else. Ultimately, the Rane One Mk2 is a confident and powerful statement. It doubles down on the tactile experience that turntablists love while arming them with the most cutting-edge tools for modern digital DJing.