The Lowdown
The Rane One MkII takes everything that made the original a favourite among scratch and open-format DJs and adds new stems and hardware FX features without increasing the price. It also has improved channel faders and a striking white finish. The compact motorised controller maintains its professional build quality while addressing the original’s main limitations, specifically the lack of hardware effects for external sources and lack of control for Serato’s newer features.
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Video Review
First Impressions / Setting up
At first glance, you might think Rane simply painted the original white and called it a day. Look closer though, and the changes become apparent – a new OLED effects screen, repositioned VU meters, and additional control buttons hint at the deeper functionality they’ve added. The white colour isn’t just cosmetic either – I think it’s cleverly aimed at mobile DJs who want gear that matches typical clean, professional set-ups. Whichever way, it looks great.
The unit feels as solid as ever. This is proper professional kit that won’t let you down at a gig. What’s impressive is that Rane has managed to keep the same compact footprint while cramming in significantly more functionality (and maintaining the price of the original).
Setup remains straightforward – plug in the IEC power cable, connect via USB (still USB-B rather than USB-C), and you’re ready to go with Serato DJ Pro (supplied). The MkII now also works with Algoriddim Djay Pro and VirtualDJ out of the box, which is useful for backup systems. For example, you could have an iPad running Djay Pro plugged into the second USB port as your emergency option.
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The rear panel is unchanged from the original, offering XLR and RCA main outputs, XLR booth outputs, and two line/phono inputs for connecting turntables or other gear. The auxiliary input shares space with microphone 1, while microphone 2 gets its own dedicated combi jack.
Rane’s reputation for tank-like construction continues here. The metal chassis feels indestructible, and every component has that reassuring heft that says “professional equipment”. The 7.2-inch motorised platters spin smoothly, and the vinyl and slipmat combination provides authentic feel for scratching.
New stems controls & hardware FX
The headline addition is comprehensive stems control. You get five different ways to manipulate stems:
- Direct pad control as with all Serato controllers
- Stem rolls for looping individual elements
- Stem effects for likewise applying effects to specific parts only
- Stem EQ mode that repurposes the three-band EQ for stem control
- Dedicated acapella and instrumental buttons for quick isolation (with assignable FX)
The hardware effects section is completely new, featuring 29 effects displayed on an OLED screen. These work with any input source, finally making the Rane One viable as a standalone mixer for turntables. Effects include the usual delays and reverbs plus more creative options like Matrix and Recycler. This tech is lifted straight from other Rane kit, if it seems familiar.
Channel effects have been expanded too – the filter knobs can now access Filter Roll, Flanger, and Noise effects alongside the standard filter. Microphone 1 also gains hardware reverb and echo, addressing a common request from mobile DJs.
In Use
The stems implementation is genuinely impressive. Double-tapping the stems button gives you stem effects mode, and something I particularly like is that you can echo out just the vocals while keeping the beat running, or apply a breaker effect to only the drums. It’s intuitive and musical – exactly what you want in a live performance tool.
The secondary pad buttons above the platters are a clever solution to pad real estate. You can have hot cues on the main pads while keeping stem controls instantly accessible above, or any other combination that suits your style. No more menu diving mid-set. Combined with Serato’s existing pad split mode, you really can configure things exactly how you wish here.
Hardware effects sound good and respond well to the paddle controls. The momentary/latching operation works as expected, but of course the real big thing is that having effects available for external inputs transforms this from a Serato-only device into a genuine standalone mixer option.
The improved channel faders match the excellent Mag Four crossfader for feel and adjustability. Pop off the caps and faceplate and you can adjust the magnetic tension to your preference – a feature previously exclusive to the crossfader.
Conclusion
The Rane One MkII successfully evolves the formula without abandoning what made the original special. For scratch and open-format DJs who want motorised platters in a compact package, this remains the best option available. The stems integration is thoughtful and performance-focused, while hardware effects finally make this a complete solution for DJs using external sources.
The white finish will particularly appeal to mobile DJs, and at the same launch price as the original, the unit represents solid value in today’s market. Yes, it’s busier than the original (that extra effects depth knob in the scratch area, for instance), but the added functionality more than justifies any minor ergonomic compromises.
Beginners might find the extensive feature set overwhelming, so this maybe isn’t the best starting point for new DJs. Also, just as before, if you need more than two channels, you’ll need to look elsewhere. And those who already own the original and are happy with it should only upgrade if they’ll genuinely use the new stems features or hardware effects.
Read this next: When To Upgrade Your Gear (And When To Wait)
Alternatives? The Pioneer DJ DDJ-REV7 offers similar motorised platters but lacks the deep stems integration found here. For those needing four channels, the Rane Performer steps up with platter displays but has less comprehensive stems control. The Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10 provides four channels without motorised platters but includes strong stems features.
Ultimately, the Rane One MkII enhances an already excellent motorised controller with thoughtful stems integration and hardware effects, making it easy to recommend for professional DJs who value authentic vinyl feel but want a modern, compact, gig-ready package.
