A short time ago, we posted about a sighting of an updated Rane TWELVE. DJ Jazzy Jeff was entertaining us with a lockdown set on what looked like a pair of revised units. But it seems that it wasn’t just a new TWELVE as a revised Rane Seventy-Two has been announced to go with it.
Plenty of official words follow, and then we can get into if this has changed my mind about the originals:
RANE® REVITALISES FLAGSHIP SEVENTY-TWO MIXER & TWELVE MOTORISED CONTROLLER FOR 2020
The SEVENTY-TWO MKII adds external crossfader tension adjust and MAG FOUR faders, the TWELVE MKII now connects to more DJ software platforms.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, USA (August 6, 2020)—RANE (dj.rane.com), an established innovator in the DJ industry, noted for their standard-setting solutions coupled with unequalled reliability, today announced the next evolution of DJ battle tools. The SEVENTY- TWO MKII adds a highly requested external crossfader tension adjust to personalise to each DJ’s feel, while the TWELVE MKII expands DJ software platform controls to include Traktor and Virtual DJ as well as Serato DJ Pro, adding independent controls and a redesigned plunger-style Start/Stop button.
SEVENTY-TWO MKII || Premium 2-Channel Serato Scratch Mixer
Having won a variety of World and regional titles across the globe at the class leading main stage competitions like DMC, Red Bull 3Style & the Goldies, the SEVENTY-TWO has proven itself time after time in extreme high-pressure performances to give DJs the winning edge. With its robust solid build and reliability, paired with its unrivalled integration into Serato DJ Pro, it’s no surprise the SEVENTY-TWO is the champions’ choice of mixer.
The SEVENTY-TWO MKII carries all the world-class performance capabilities and components as the first version, but adds more winning features to take it one step further. First, an external crossfader tension adjust has been added, giving DJs full control over the feel of their crossfader. Additionally, the SEVENTY-TWO MKII is fitted with three new ultra-light MAG FOUR faders. This new high-quality design is RANE’s lightest and smoothest fader yet. The SEVENTY-TWO MKII also allows DJs to customise the parameter controls to act as either Silent Cue, Instant Doubles or Sync control, while the DVS input option has been expanded to include the Aux input as well as the Phono/CD input for more flexible set ups.
SEVENTY-TWO MKII || Highlights
- NEW – (3) MAG FOUR faders with reverse, contour and cut-in adjustment *
- NEW – External and internal crossfader tension adjust controls
- NEW – Toggle Instant Double / Silent Cue / Sync Controls *
- NEW – Dual DVS inputs – Aux or Phono/CD *
- Solid steel construction—built like a tank for non-stop, heavy-duty use
- 4.3-inch Touchscreen for moving wave display, FX control, song selection and user customisations
- Dual Flex FX engines, one for each channel
- Advanced Serato control: Chain-integrated Software Effect plus one internal Flex Effect per channel
- Dual USB connections for DJ handoffs
- 16 Akai MPC-style performance pads, independent mode controls per deck.
- Two microphone inputs – combo Neutrik, on/off, tone, mic/line level switches
- RCA session Inputs/outputs, balanced XLR, Main Out, balanced ¼-inch, Booth Out
- USB controller inputs for RANE TWELVE Battle Controller
- Serato DJ Pro DVS license, Pitch n Time plus Serato DVS Vinyl included
* These features will be available on the original SEVENTY-TWO in the next firmware update including the ability to purchase and install MAG FOUR faders.
All information subject to change rane.com
TWELVE MKII || Multi-Platform, Legacy Control
RANE’s TWELVE MKII is next evolution in turntable controllers. A simple, yet hugely powerful motorised DJ control system. The TWELVE MKII has all the characteristics and simplicity of a traditional turntable, but without the hassle of fragile needles and skipping tone arms. The TWELVE MKII delivers a true vinyl-like experience to keep DJs grounded in the art of DJing while allowing them to take full advantage of the creative performance options available in today’s digital world.
The TWELVE MKII makes its mark by expanding its control possibilities to Traktor and Virtual DJ users via USB Midi or DVS Audio, or a hybrid of both, in addition to the previously supported Serato DJ Pro. Add in more navigation, instant doubles control and a new plunger-style Start/Stop button, the TWELVE MKII broadens its legacy control. The vinyl experience is also fully customisable by adding your favourite slipmat. With the TWELVE MKII, the DJ can scratch and play with all the direct spontaneity and creativity of a turntablist, but with the precision, repeatability and durability of the best digitally-based solutions. The TWELVE MKII is the very best of both. And with its all-metal body, the TWELVE MKII is built like a tank, but has all the agility needed to compete on world stages. There is simply nothing else like it, anywhere.
TWELVE MKII || Highlights
- * NEW * DVS/USB MIDI Control for Serato DJ Pro, Traktor and Virtual DJ
- * NEW * OLED Screen, Control Selection & BPM display
- * NEW * Navigation control: Scroll/Load, Back & Instant Doubles
- * NEW * New plunger-style Start/Stop button
- Full 12-inch motorised platter to control playback
- Traditional, familiar turntable layout
- OLED screen display (BPM Display / Control Status)
- Dual Mode Strip: Track Search and 8 Hot Cue triggers
- 5.0 kfcm high-torque motor with Hi/Low torque adjust for more traditional setups
- 4 decks of control so you can use one, two or more
- Extreme precision—3600 ticks of platter resolution for seamless performance
- MIDI interface via USB that can be connected to the SEVENTY-TWO MKII or your computer
- RCA output for DVS audio signals
- 33 1/3 and 45 rpm platter speeds
- 8/16/50% pitch with precise dual resolution slider
- Top panel rotary and traditional Motor Off switch, allows traditional wind down effects
SEVENTY-TWO MKII || MSRP – £1749.99
TWELVE MKII || MSRP – £729.99
Both available globally in Q3-2020.
FULL PRICING FOR COMPLETENESS
SEVENTY-TWO MKII || Price – $1899 [US] // €1999.99 [EU] // £1,749.99 [UK]
TWELVE MKII || Price – $899 [US] // €849.99 [EU] // £729.99 [UK]
ABOUT THE RANE SEVENTY-TWO MKII
I’m not often lost for words. Indeed I’m doing my level best to optimise my usual profuse levels of verbiage. So I will keep this brief, which is probably a good thing.
I’ve spoken before about my time with Rane’s last versions of these units before returning them unreviewed. But the nutshell version was that I wasn’t happy with either, but the TWELVE especially underwhelmed and upset me, to the point of giving me an existential crisis, which is probably in part why DJWORX is winding up, but for all the right reasons.
Oh the irony — the Numark TTX inspired me in part to start skratchworx, and the Rane TWELVE has inspired me in part to go do something else. But I digress.
Looking at the Seventy-Two first —
- NEW – (3) MAG FOUR faders with reverse, contour and cut-in adjustment *
- NEW – External and internal crossfader tension adjust controls
- NEW – Toggle Instant Double / Silent Cue / Sync Controls *
- NEW – Dual DVS inputs – Aux or Phono/CD *
The asterisk is important —
* These features will be available on the original SEVENTY-TWO in the next firmware update including the ability to purchase and install MAG FOUR faders.
So the existing Seventy-Two will get firmware updates and should you wish you can update all your faders too. Honestly, despite the third party replacement sellers telling you that all Rane faders will break the first time you scratch, I’m not seeing many users complaining.
So this feels like a simple price reset exercise rather than bringing anything new. The existing Seventy-Two has been as low as £1450 in the UK if you shopped around. This new one will be £1750 in the UK.
It’s clear to me that if you already own a Seventy-Two then there no need to update unless you absolutely need tension control on the MAG FOUR faders. But I know some of you will be already be throwing your credit cards at the screen.
ABOUT THE RANE TWELVE
This has seen more of an update, but I’m still not a fan. All the things that disappointed me are still there, with little improvement of note. Sorry people – I just don’t understand the fuss and hype.
But there is one absolutely huge difference here, one that goes beyond what it brings to buyers. The Serato ecosystem has always been pretty closed, and for the TWELVE this has meant using it only with Serato DJ Pro and locking out other software users.
But the TWELVE MKII has opened right up with a DVS audio output option. Hidden away from view is a pair of RCA outputs that delivers timecode audio to Serato DJ Pro, VirtualDJ, and Traktor Pro. We media types have got links to the updated versions, but I haven’t got nor am I likely to get hardware to check it out. You’re still going to need to hook up via USB as well.
So Rane has now opened up their hardware to more than just Serato now. That’s quite an industry move, but I don’t see Serato being concerned. They’re still going to make as much money as before because their logo will still need to appear to have official support. The real winner is Rane as they now have additional income from the users of two other competitive software platforms. I’m not for a second saying sales will treble, but it’ll be more than with just Serato DJ Pro support.
The one thing I’m not clear on is if the software updates mean that the Seventy-Two MKII become Traktor and VirtualDJ DVS ready i.e. without having to plug the TWELVE MKIIs in and just use regular turntables. It would be something if the Seventy-Two suddenly became a multi-platform DVS mixer.
The obvious omission here is Pioneer DJ’s rekordbox. Possibly a brand-political move, but given that the DVS mode is pushing out a control signal, there’s an outside chance that it will work, albeit unofficially. Then again, rekordbox is unofficially quite open anyway, so it may work but you’ll be on your own.
Like the Seventy-Two MKII, I see this as a non-essential purchase for existing users. People who already have them are almost certainly in the Serato DJ Pro ecosystem, so the draw of DVS audio isn’t likely to be enough, nor is a tiny screen and a few extra controls. But for new buyers, the market has just opened right up. Rane now has the potential to attract so many new users to the platform. We’ll have to wait and see how well it works with the others.
SUMMING UP
Being more update than anything, there’s not a huge amount to get excited about. The Seventy-Two is more or less the same apart from new faders that nobody asked for. The TWELVE MKII (should have called it TWELVE.2) is still more or less the essence as the original.
The real news for me is opening up to other software. That’s a strong move for Rane and a great move for buyers too. But more for Rane because the TWELVE MKII’s earning potential is now exponentially more than before.
Despite still not ticking my boxes, floating my boat, or some other euphemism, this is a great setup for new buyers or existing users of other software. It’s definitely a move in the right direction for the whole industry.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Available Q3 (aka soon), the Seventy-Two MKII will be $1899, €1999.99/£1,749.99. And the TWELVE MKII will be $899/€849.99/£729.99. I would however keep an eye out for retailers discounting the originals heavily if they have any left. Just haggle, because there was a two for one deal for a long time.