Choosing the right portable DJ controller can be a tough decision, especially when you’re torn between two top-tier options. For DJs rooted in vinyl culture, the choice often boils down to the Rane One and the Pioneer Rev7. Like many, I initially found myself in this predicament. Having enjoyed the screen on my Rane 72 and the battle-style layout of certain mixers, the Pioneer Rev7, with its innovative features, seemed like a strong contender. However, after thorough consideration and hands-on experience, I ultimately opted for the Rane One for my portable setup.
If you’re currently grappling with the same choice – Pioneer Rev7 versus Rane One – this detailed comparison is for you. I’ll break down my decision-making process, highlighting key factors to help you determine which controller best suits your needs and DJ style.
Build Quality: Rane One’s Tank-Like Construction vs. Pioneer Rev7’s Plastic Feel
The moment you lay hands on the Rane One, its premium build quality is immediately apparent. Constructed with all-metal components, it exudes sturdiness and durability. This controller feels like it’s built to withstand the rigors of constant gigging and travel.
In stark contrast, the Pioneer Rev7, while often praised for its build, felt surprisingly plastic in comparison. While reviews suggest decent build quality, side-by-side with the Rane One, the difference is significant. For a controller in the Pioneer Rev7’s price range – considerably more expensive than the Rane One – the plastic construction was a letdown.
The knobs on the Rev7 have a rubbery texture and lack the robust feel of the Rane One’s controls. The trim knobs, in particular, feel thin, and the FX paddles, while functional, produce a plasticky click that doesn’t match the premium tactile feedback of the Rane One’s softer paddles.
Platters: Real Vinyl on Rane One vs. “Vinylized Jog Wheels” on Pioneer Rev7
As a DJ deeply rooted in Technics 1210 turntables, the feel of the platters is paramount. I’ve always struggled to connect with CDJs and jog wheel-based controllers, finding them lacking the tactile response of vinyl.
The Rane One immediately felt like home. Its real platters, complete with spindles and vinyl control discs, offer an authentic turntable experience. While initially a touch slippery, requiring a brief adjustment period to my juggling routines, the platters ultimately felt fantastic for scratching and overall performance.
The Pioneer Rev7 takes a different approach with its “vinylized jog wheels,” incorporating screens within the platters. This innovative feature generated considerable excitement, and reviewers lauded their feel. The absence of a spindle promised more vinyl surface area for hand placement.
However, my experience with the Pioneer Rev7 platters didn’t quite live up to the hype. While they felt good, the underlying plastic construction detracted from the premium feel. It felt somewhat akin to scratching on a toy – a cool concept, but not quite the authentic vinyl experience I crave. Had Pioneer opted for Rane One-style real platters, the decision between the two controllers might have been much more challenging.
Furthermore, the vinyl control discs on the Rane One felt superior. They offered a more realistic vinyl texture, and the integrated cue line enhanced the professional feel. In contrast, the Pioneer Rev7’s “vinyl” felt less refined, especially considering its higher price point. The use of a sticker on top of the Rev7’s platters seemed like an afterthought on such an expensive piece of equipment.
While some DJs have noted that the acrylic platters on the Rane One can become slippery with sweaty hands, this can be easily addressed by replacing them with actual 7-inch vinyl records – a customization option not available on the Pioneer Rev7.
Crossfader: Pioneer Rev7’s Magvel Fader Dominance vs. Rane One’s Upgradability
In the realm of crossfaders, the Pioneer Rev7 undeniably takes the lead. Its Magvel fader, borrowed from the renowned Pioneer DJM-S9 mixer, is exceptional. The on-unit customization options further enhance its appeal.
The Rane One’s Mag Four fader, while a premium component, falls slightly short in comparison. I found it to be excellent at certain angles but prone to sticking when tilted. The unit I tested might have benefited from lubrication, which could have contributed to this issue.
While the crossfader is a critical element for any scratch DJ, the Rane One’s fader isn’t a deal-breaker. Its easy access design allows for straightforward replacement with an Innofader, a popular upgrade I intend to perform. This modification will not only elevate the crossfader performance but also create consistency across my DJ setups, as I’ve already installed an Innofader on my Rane 72. Accessing the fader for maintenance on the Pioneer Rev7, on the other hand, appears to be a more complex undertaking.
It’s crucial to acknowledge that the Pioneer Rev7 boasts a truly next-level fader right out of the box.
However, the up faders on the Rane One are a known weakness and cannot be upgraded. For DJs heavily reliant on up fader cuts, this could be a significant drawback. While I incorporate some up fader techniques in my juggling and scratching, they aren’t central to my style. Therefore, while the Rane One’s up faders aren’t ideal, they are sufficient for my needs.
Vibes and Flow: The Subjective DJ Experience
Beyond technical specifications and features, the overall vibe and flow of a controller play a crucial role in the DJing experience. With the Rane One, I immediately found myself in a groove, enjoying a seamless and inspiring session.
The Pioneer Rev7, while enabling tighter cuts thanks to its superior fader, lacked that same spark for me. It felt more technically proficient but less connected to the music – akin to a highly skilled musician flawlessly executing someone else’s composition without injecting personal soul.
Screen Integration: Pioneer Rev7’s Deck Screens vs. Rane One’s Simplicity
The screen on my Rane 72 is a feature I utilize extensively for various purposes: monitoring mixes in challenging sound environments, verifying beatmatching, identifying mix-in points, and ensuring accurate track rewinds.
Initially, the absence of a screen on the Rane One was a concern. Conversely, the Pioneer Rev7’s integrated screens didn’t quite meet my expectations. I didn’t find them particularly helpful for beat alignment. The waveform display, with one waveform significantly smaller than the other, made visual beatmatching less intuitive than anticipated. The cue line, while potentially useful, proved distracting and hindered clear waveform visualization. Although the cue line can be disabled, the screen implementation felt less refined than I hoped.
Furthermore, the deck-mounted screen placement on the Pioneer Rev7 isn’t ideal for tasks like adjusting chase patterns on the fly. A single screen positioned centrally within the mixer section, mirroring traditional turntable setups, would have been a more practical design choice.
Extra Features: Silent Cue, Pitch Play, Instant Scratch – Are They Essential?
The Pioneer Rev7 boasts features like Silent Cue, battle-style pitch control placement, and Instant Scratch.
Silent Cue, while convenient, isn’t a necessity for my workflow. The Rane One lacks this feature, but achieving a similar effect is possible by holding the cue point on a performance pad and pressing the start button. While slightly more involved, it’s a manageable workaround.
The pitch control location has never been a major concern for me. Despite preferring battle-style setups, I find the side placement on the Rane One perfectly acceptable. DJs with routines heavily reliant on pitch control manipulation might have a different preference.
Instant Scratch is an intriguing feature. On one hand, it offers quick practice sessions without requiring a full setup. However, for rapid practice, Algoriddim Djay Pro AI paired with my phone and the mixer provides even greater flexibility with access to a wider range of scratch samples and beats.
On the other hand, Instant Scratch feels somewhat gimmicky, more akin to a feature found on entry-level controllers. I would have actually preferred a slightly more compact unit without this functionality.
The ability to repurpose the Instant Scratch buttons for sampler and scratch bank control is a useful feature. It allows access to these functions without switching pad modes. However, its essentiality remains debatable.
Final Verdict: Rane One – My Choice for the Ultimate Vinyl Feel
The Pioneer Rev7 is undoubtedly a feature-rich and innovative controller with an exceptional crossfader. However, its innovations didn’t significantly enhance my personal DJing experience, and its build quality and platter feel didn’t match the premium standards I expected, especially at its price point.
Ultimately, the Rane One’s superior build quality and authentic vinyl platter feel won me over. I’ve named her “Neo,” and I’m eager to put her through her paces at my upcoming gigs.
Recommended Modifications and Settings for Rane One
- Lubricate the Crossfader: Apply a small amount of fader lubricant to both rails upon receiving the unit. This can address any initial stickiness.
- Adjust Fader Tension: Fine-tune the crossfader tension using the adjustment screw to match your preference.
- Optimize Crossfader Cut-In: In Serato settings, navigate to ‘Mixer’ and minimize the crossfader cut-in setting. Adjust the dial until the cut-in is barely visible for a tight cut.
- Upgrade Slipmats: Replace the stock slipmats with 7-inch versions of your preferred slipmats. Dr. Suzuki scratch slipmats are a great option to further enhance the platter feel.
With these adjustments, the Rane One becomes an even more exceptional controller, perfectly tailored for the discerning turntablist. Enjoy!
