The Rane Performer is the ultimate DJ controller for Serato software, offering unparalleled control and a robust set of standalone features. Boasting motorised platters, hardware effects, and exceptional build quality, this controller is perfect for those who loved the Rane Four but crave the tactile feedback of motorised jogwheels.
First Impressions & Setup: Rane Performer DJ Controller
If you're familiar with the Rane Four, the Rane Performer will feel instantly recognisable. Physically similar, the Performer introduces key upgrades, most notably the motorised seven-inch platters with real vinyl tops and integrated screens. This design is inspired by Pioneer DJ’s DDJ-REV7, enhancing the tactile experience for DJs.
The vinyl tops are magnetically attached, with customizable slip strips beneath them, ensuring a perfect feel for every DJ. Rane’s extensive experience in crafting high-quality motorized platters shines through in this design.
The up-faders have also been redesigned, addressing previous concerns with improved tension-adjustable models. The crossfader now features external tension adjustment, making it more user-friendly.
Setting up the Rane Performer involves straightforward driver installation and firmware updates. It comes with Serato’s Pitch ‘n Time plug-in, saving you additional software costs.
In Use: A Game Changer
For those not familiar with the Rane Four, it offers comprehensive control over Serato, including unique stem features and excellent hardware effects. The Rane Performer builds on this with three significant enhancements:
1. Motorized Platters: High-torque motors with genuine vinyl and built-in screens display track waveforms, artwork, and crucial track information. This allows DJs to focus on their performance without constantly looking at their laptop. The screens even offer a day mode for outdoor gigs, enhancing visibility in bright conditions.
2. New Hardware Fader Effects: The Rane Performer introduces fader effects straight from the Rane Seventy mixer, including fader filter, pitch, ring modulation, roll, and tone. These effects add creative potential, turning channel faders into powerful effects controls.
3. Enhanced Upfaders: The new up-faders are mounted on individual circuit boards, allowing for easy tension adjustments. This upgrade appeals to DJs who use up-faders creatively, offering durability and precision.
Key Features in Rane Performer DJ Controller
Die-cast aluminum platters measuring 7 inches featuring acrylic discs that mimic the feel of vinyl for an authentic turntable experience.
In-platter displays measuring 3.5 inches enable DJs to view various waveforms and library displays. Additionally, they are equipped with Day Mode functionality that enhances visibility in well-lit settings.
With the STEMS SPLIT button, a track can be instantly separated into an instrumental and an acapella, each placed on its own channel, providing DJs with an ideal setup for on-the-fly remixing.
STEMS Level Control allows for adjusting Stem levels by using the EQ knobs to achieve even more precise fine-tuning of sound.
With the ACAPELLA and INSTRUMENTAL buttons, you can instantly alter a track without needing to split it across two channels. This allows DJs to generate an instrumental or acapella without having to use the Stems pad mode.
There are 25 hardware effects that can be customized, each with 6 dedicated buttons for quick access. Additionally, there are 4 sweep effects controlled by knobs, making a total of 29 effects available. Mixing effects is just as simple as it is on professional club equipment!
Combination Performance Pad Modes enable DJs to use two Pad Modes simultaneously on each deck, providing them with the creative freedom to experiment with two modes simultaneously.
Below the Performance Pad Mode buttons are mini OLED screens that show important information about the active mode or modes.
Enhanced DJ Mixer for Battles with Special Effects
Containing 25 hardware effects, this latest flagship model incorporates many that were carried over from the Rane Four, along with some specifically designed for the Rane Performer. The effect parameters are shown on a sharp and transparent mini OLED screen positioned right in the middle of the mixer. Every effect can be fully customized, and there are 6 effects that can be quickly selected using dedicated FX SELECT buttons located above the effect levers.
Each button comes with a default effect already applied, which can be easily and quickly modified. The effects levers, commonly found on battle mixers, are of excellent quality and offer a fast and convenient method for applying effects to a track during a performance. There are 4 extra pot-sweepable effects available for each channel to complement the main 25 effects. These effects can be activated using the CHANNEL FX pots located below the three-band EQ.
For almost twenty years, combining effects has been a common feature on club mixers, yet it is not typically seen on battle mixers. Rane Performer distinguishes itself by pioneering a hybrid approach that merges the two styles.
MAG-FOUR crossfader in : Rane Performer DJ Controller
The crossfader included in the Rane Performer is the battle-worthy Mag Four cross fader, which is also featured in the popular Rane One and Rane Four DJ controllers. Unlike the RANE controllers, the tension adjustment for the crossfader on the Rane Performer is conveniently fine-tuned using an external dial located on the front of the unit, eliminating the need to open the device with a screwdriver for adjustments. Additionally, the contour controls are easily accessible on the front panel of the unit, while the cut-in time is still adjusted through the software menu on the central main FX Oled screen of the controller.
Most open-format DJs tend to keep it at the sharpest setting, as this is necessary for most scratching techniques. The controller features line-level and phono input connections, allowing it to function as a standalone mixer for turntables and multimedia players such as CDJs. All the integrated effects can be used with connected sources, making it a valuable tool for DJs looking to enhance their setups.
Connection Ports on Rane Performer DJ Controller
Like other professional controllers, Rane Performer can be connected to most sound systems through a reliable I/O interface. However, it still utilizes USB-B for computer connectivity instead of the more common USB-C. Which in our opinion is good and durable. One can connect 2 laptops at a time.
The Rane Performer comes with two Headphone TRS jacks, one 1/4" and one 3.5 mm, and is equipped with a split cue switch that enables DJs to monitor the master feed and cue feeds separately in each ear.
Additionally, there are dual TRS/XLR microphone jacks available. MIC 1 features two-band EQ and dedicated echo control knobs located on the unit's top. MIC 2 is equipped with two-band EQ knobs on the front panel but lacks an echo control.
External sources can be connected to channels 3 and 4 using the 2x line/phono switchable RCA sockets.
Both XLR and RCA outputs are available for the Master out feed, allowing for easy connection to both professional and home sound systems. The feeds are both switchable between stereo and mono should there be issues with the stereo sound.
The TRS Booth output is ideal for a professional monitoring setup, with two USB-B sockets provided for connecting laptops during DJ transitions.
The device is equipped with an extremely convenient IEC connector for AC power. This cable is universally available and detachable.
Comparing the Rane Performer
Rane Performer vs. Rane One
The Rane One is a simpler, two-channel controller with motorized jogwheels. It’s perfect for scratch DJs who prefer a compact setup but lacks the depth of control offered by the Performer.
Rane Performer vs. Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7
The DDJ-REV7 offers a more scratch-oriented layout with horizontal pitch controls and similar jogwheels. However, it sacrifices two channels compared to the Performer, making the latter a better choice for DJs seeking deeper control over Serato.
Rane Performer vs. Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10
The DDJ-FLX10 excels in stem control but is designed for both Serato and Rekordbox, leading to some compromises. For those focused on Serato, the Rane Performer’s dedicated features and motorized platters make it the superior choice.
Rane Performer vs. Rane Four
If motorized platters are essential for your DJing style, the Rane Performer is worth the investment. Otherwise, the Rane Four remains a solid choice with similar features and a more compact design.
Conclusion
The Rane Performer establishes a new benchmark for Serato DJ controllers, blending seamless software integration with cutting-edge hardware functionalities. Whether you are a professional DJ or seeking top-notch tools for your craft, the Rane Performer stands out as an exceptional choice that elevates your DJing experience. However, the recent introduction of the Rane Four might impact the sales of the Rane Performer. DJs who recently purchased the Rane Four might feel a bit frustrated with this new release...haha...but it's essentially the same controller with similar features, except for the addition of a motorized platter. Overall, just relax, folks :0)
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Thanks for reading
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