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The Rane Four is Rane’s flagship Serato controller. This user-friendly, four-channel console boasts particularly large ultra-precise 8.5" jog wheels complete with LCD display and multiple sliders and buttons for optimum control of Serato DJ. In addition to the Serato effects, the Rane Four is equipped with an internal FX suite comprising 22 onboard effects, which can be operated in stand-alone mode. Each channel also comes with an additional channel FX section, enabling users to choose between Filter, Filter Roll, Noise, and Flanger mode, not to mention a three-band EQ with kill function. The controller additionally features two microphone inputs complete with two-band EQ and dedicated echo effect as well as USB connections for two computers. However, the standout feature of this controller is the intuitive mixing provided by Stems, an exciting new technology which separates normal stereo music files into four individual tracks for drums, bass, melody, and vocals, enabling users to take mixing to a whole new creative level.
The Rane Four unleashes the full power of the Serato DJ software. The four virtual Serato decks are served to optimum effect by two switchable decks and a lavishly equipped four-channel mixer. In addition to the usual functions such as Hot Cues, Roll, Slicer, and Sampler, each of the eight backlit rectangular RGB performance pads with additional displays can also be operated in Pitch Play, Saved Loop, Scratch Bank and, last but not least, Stems mode. Put simply, the Rane Four makes mixing with Serato Stems a pleasure. The controller also comes with the added feature of Stem Split capability, a mode which separates a stereo file into its instrumental and vocal tracks and renders them mixable via the channel faders – which is more than sufficient for creating a cappella/instrumental versions or mashups. The separation process is performed automatically by the software, leaving the DJ to simply start mixing and marvel at the controller’s exceptional features.
The Rane Four is suitable for beginners and professionals in equal measure. Whether they are simply mixing two tracks together or creating an artistic mashup, users at all levels will benefit from an array of options at their fingertips. DJ duos can connect two computers to the two USB ports and use them in parallel, whilst the variety of onboard effects, which are available without a connected computer, also allow the Rane Four to be used as a standalone mixer. The console is additionally equipped with dedicated controls for functions such as Beat Jump, Slip, and Reverse. The responsive mixing haptics provided courtesy of the large, precise jog wheels, 10cm-long pitch faders, and wear-free MAG FOUR XF cross faders are on an entirely professional level – a feature also shared by the output quality of the sound card, which boasts a sampling frequency of 48kHz and a 32-bit floating-point DSP – and, needless to say, the renowned superior Rane workmanship is ever prevalent.
The Rane company was founded in 1981 in Mukilteo, Washington State. The MP 24 mixer, introduced in 1986, was considered the club standard for 20 years. The Bozak-style designed MP 2016 mixer and the accompanying XP 2016 equaliser were launched in 1999, long before rotary mixers became trendy - they are still in high demand today. Their genes live on in the excellent MP 2015 mixer. In 2003, Rane released the Serato Scratch Live, one of the first DVS systems, and even though Serato now operates independently, Rane still makes Serato-optimised hardware, such as the Twelve, a motorised DJ software controller with a twelve-inch control vinyl, which was introduced in 2017. Its technology is also present in the Rane One. Since 2018, Rane has been part of the vast InMusic Brands family, which encompasses Denon DJ, Akai, M-Audio, Numark, Alesis and Stanton, among others.
The Rane Four provides the perfect nucleus for an extensive setup comprising Serato DJ software and external devices such as turntables, CD players, or media players, with super-simple Serato Stem controls enabling creative mixing on a previously unsurpassed level. The vocals can be easily removed from any piece, allowing singers or MCs to step in immediately and sing or rap along to an instrumental track via the two microphone inputs. The large interface, which remains uncluttered despite the numerous functions, and the generous weight of just under 8.5kg serve to enhance the controller’s professional appearance. Although the Rane Four is obviously not a controller that can simply be thrown in a backpack, its safe transportation to gigs is ensured courtesy of the separately available case.
Serato Stems
The standout feature of the Rane Four is the unique Stems section. With Serato Stems at their fingertips, users will have the sensational opportunity to break down every track into four different instrument groups, or “stems”, in real time: Drums, bass, melody, and vocals. As cutting-edge technology, this is just as exciting as real-time time-stretching with preserved pitch was upon its initial introduction. Thanks to this innovative feature, DJs are now able to mix the vocals or rap element from one track into the instrumental section of another track with ease and, as this is probably the most popular application of Serato Stems, Rane has created the “Stem Split” mode, which allows tracks to be separated into the instrumental element and vocals only, and mixed using the four channel faders.