RANE One MKII review written by David Michael of Passionate DJ.

Introducing the RANE One MKII

The RANE One MKII is a wonderfully robust DJ controller, for hands-on mixing with motorized platters. 

Inside this new version of the controller are the guts of a proper RANE hardware mixer – including 29 internal hardware FX and premium faders. 

Stems controls have been added too, giving you the ability to add or remove song elements (like vocals or drums).

Like its predecessor, the RANE One MKII presents with exceptional build quality. This is apparent from the moment you unbox and install the 7.2” platters, which seem to be carved from solid chunks of metal.

The exterior is finished in matte white – something we often see on special editions, but rarely on hardware revisions like this MKII. I must admit, it looks sharp – and probably helps with visibility in the dark.

This controller allows you to enjoy the tactile feel of mixing records, while enjoying the flexibility of a digital setup. That said, your analog turntables are also supported (or any other external audio sources, such as CDJs).

For open-format DJs who need lots of tactile control, the RANE One MKII is a top choice. It gives the feel of mixing 7” records (with selectable torque), in a portable chassis.

What’s New?

Onboard Hardware FX

The MKII no longer relies on Serato to handle FX – it’s now done on the hardware itself. This comes with a few advantages:

• Higher quality FX. RANE’s onboard FX can be preferred to many of Serato’s stock. (However, you can switch back with a simple button).
• Works with other sources. Even when playing records on a turntable through the RANE, you can apply FX to your songs (no laptop required).
• Less work for your laptop. Since FX processing is being done on the RANE, your laptop focuses on crunching other things instead (like low-latency scratching, or Stems).

There’s now a dedicated OLED display, letting you change FX parameters in a convenient way, which is very sharp and readable.

The Beat and Depth knobs that were on the original RANE One have been replaced with an encoder knob and tiny joystick, allowing you to change the details of your Main FX on the screen.

You also now get access to four different Channel FX. In addition to your original Filter, you can select Filter Roll, Flanger, and Noise FX.

Stems Controls

Since the original RANE One was released, Stems have hit the mainstream in a big way, and thus have made their way to the MKII.

You can use the new Acapella and Instrumental buttons to easily toggle vocals and music (similar to other controllers like the RANE Four).

Using Stems Level Mode, your EQ knobs can be used to easily mix Vocals, Melody/Bass, and Drums levels.

Or, you can use your beat pads to access Stems. Simply enable and disable the various Stems using the 8 beat pads under each deck, as is common on many controllers.

These various modes make it easy for you to access Stems in the way that makes the most sense to you, while not being too invasive to the overall design.

There are also two new modes: 

• Stem Roll – a repeating roll effect applied to individual stems (e.g. vocals)
• Stem FX – transition or wash effects applied to individual stems (e.g. Echo Out)

Listen to Stem separation demos, including the two new Stems modes, in the review video above.

Secondary Performance Pads

On the top of the RANE One MKII you’ll find a new set of four buttons above each deck, replacing the touch strip that existed there previously.

This allows you to easily access another pad mode, in addition to whatever mode the “normal” pads are in. For me, the best use of this is for accessing stems while keeping your hot cues available to you.

All things considered, I find this to be a better use of the space than the touch strips.

Upgraded Faders

In addition to the Mag Four crossfader that was on the original unit, RANE has added upgraded PRECISION FEEL upfaders (the same ones found on the Performer).

All faders on the unit have customizable cut-ins, curves, and tension – which was also true of the original unit. But now the upfaders match the premium level of quality found in the MAG FOUR crossfader.

Other RANE ONE MKII Upgrades

On the front of the unit, you’ll find a new Sampler Volume knob for easy control of the Sampler.

There has also been Reverb and Echo FX added to the Mic 1 slot.

FX

The RANE One MKII now has FX built in, which means that they will work no matter the source (including turntables or CDJs).

These high-quality FX also save CPU cycles on your laptop, since all the FX “work” is being done on the controller itself.

There are 29 meticulously-crafted FX (as can be found on RANE mixers) and it includes a new OLED display for adjusting parameters. The screen is crisp, readable, and a welcome addition.

Should you still want to use Serato’s software FX, this can be done with the press of a new button.

Ports & Connections

Inputs

• Microphone 1/2 (Combo XLR/1/4” [6.35 mm] TRS)
  • Analog Gain: 25 dB
  • Maximum Input: 110 mV
  • Gain Trim: Off to +26 dB (unity at center)
  • Tone Control: 2-band
• Aux Input (RCA stereo pair)
  • CD
  • Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 114 dB
  • Gain Trim: Off to +12 dB
  • Tone Control: 2-band
• CD/Phono Inputs 1/2 (RCA stereo pairs, switchable)
• CD
  • Maximum Input: 4 Vrms
  • Gain Trim: Off to +12 dB
  • Tone Control: 3-band, full-cut to +10 dB
  • THD+N (20 kHz BW @ 1 kHz): 0.004%
• Phono
  • RIAA Curve: +/- 0.25 dB
  • Gain (@ 1 kHz): 31.5 dB
  • Maximum Input (@ 1 kHz): 106 mV
  • Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 102 dB

Outputs

• Main Outputs (XLR)
  • Gain Trim: Off to 0 dB
  • Maximum Output: 8 Vrms
  • THD+N (20 kHz BW @ 1 kHz): 0.004%
  • Frequency Response: Flat
• Booth Outputs (XLR)
  • Gain Trim: Off to 0 dB
  • Maximum Output: 8 Vrms
  • THD+N (20 kHz BW @ 1 kHz): 0.004%
  • Frequency Response: Flat
• Master Outputs (RCA stereo pair)
  • Maximum Output: 4 Vrms
  • THD+N (20 kHz BW @ 1 kHz): 0.004%
  • Frequency Response: Flat
• Headphone Outputs (1/4”/6.35 mm and 1/8”/3.5 mm TRS)
  • Maximum Output Voltage: 4 Vrms (no load)
  • Output Power: 50 mW (50 ohms)
  • Dynamic Range (A-weighted): 108 dB

Wrap Up

As a two-channel DJ controller with high-torque motorized platters, the RANE One MKII is aimed squarely at the turntablist-style scratch DJ.

When I reviewed the original RANE One, I spent a few moments talking about value. In today’s world of rising costs, this holds even more true for the MKII.

The only real caveat is that you must be a Serato user. If you’re already in the fold, and you’re a digital DJ who likes to scratch… the RANE One MKII is a no-brainer.

If you already own the original, you may not be compelled to upgrade unless access to Stems is really important to you.

With the MKII, RANE has taken an already great controller, and updated it to cater to modern expectations. That’s exactly what a MKII is for.

Thankfully, the terrific guts of the original controller seem to be present here, and should make many Serato DJs happy for years to come.