I could use some advice. After spending quite a bit of time testing different DJ software (mainly looking for the best compatibility with SoundSwitch), I’ve realized that my workflow is just too tied to djay to switch away from it. I’ve been using it in a semi-professional setting for about a year now, and at this point I don’t have any second thoughts about sticking with it.
Now I feel it’s time to upgrade from my FLX4 to a more advanced controller. It’s not really because I’m missing features, but because of the type of events I play. In my experience, presentation matters too, and I’d like something that looks and feels like a step up.
The models I’m considering are the FLX10, the RANE ONE MKII, and the GRV6. They all seem to have their own pros and cons.
The GRV6 is definitely easier on the wallet, but I’m worried it won’t have the premium look and feel that really makes the upgrade from the FLX4 noticeable. Then again, most clients don’t know much about DJ gear—they usually just think “bigger means better.”
The FLX10 makes me hesitate because it doesn’t have a dedicated button for the fourth stem, while the RANE ONE is missing a temporary cue button above the Play button, which is something I use quite a bit.
Are there any other controllers (or maybe all in one too?) around the €2,000 mark that you think I should seriously consider?
One of the most under-rated controllers have always been the pioneer dj DDJ-800! If you can lay your hands on a new one or or “open box”, buy it without thinking. STEMS always can be found in the pad modes! FLX10 is good too. Those are well-built durable controllers. All newer Ranes have lost workmanship (and quality control)
Thanks for the suggestion—it’s definitely a smart move. However, since I’ve decided to stick with djay as my only DJ software, I’m looking for something that’s fully integrated with it. From what I’ve seen, the DDJ-800’s onboard displays and FX color indicators don’t work with djay.
You still get the BPM display on jog (mac)- what you don’t get is the waveform display.
Yes the color fx don’t work altogether
And yes, the ddj800 don’t support iOS except for plain midi control only (no sound).
Btw, I forgot to add Hercules T7 premium on your list of cinsiderations. It’s the one I use - not bad at all (you just need the inofaders, or you will need to baby-sit the faders really)
The Rane One MK1 is a perfect controler for Djay Pro.In regards to quality is has lasted 1000s of events over the last 5 yrs and no only requires a service on the cracking headphone volume pot.
I really want to like the idea of the Mixon 8 Pro. On paper, it’s the perfect controller for me, but I’ve had bad experiences with Reloop products, and there are also many reported issues with the Mixon 8 Pro. Because of that, I don’t see Reloop as a particularly reliable brand.
I’ve personally had great success with Reloop hardware. I had the original Mixtour, plus still own the Mixon 8 Pro, the Ready and the Mixtour Pro. I believe the early production issues with the Mixon 8 Pro have been addressed. I got mine on launch day and didn’t have any issues once I updated the firmware.
I just got the Rane One MKII and I’m loving it. It works very well with Djay Pro compared to the Rane Performer.
The only thing is that the Rane One series has motorized platters… if you have experience with motorized platters then you’ll know what you’re getting yourself into. If you don’t have experience with MPs, then it might be something you may not like long term.
I’d recommend stopping by your Local guitar center and hook your laptop/iPad up to the Rane One MKII and play around with it before you buy it, just to make sure you like MPs.
Good point @DJRemixDetroit, and I was going to say something similar. I come from a CDJ background and personally am not a fan of motorized platters. In my mind, I thought I would love them until I spent some time using them. Just doesn’t match my DJing style and engrained muscle memory.
Omg, that’s so embarrassing I honestly never noticed it from all the photos, and to be fair, ChatGPT kind of sent me in the wrong direction too. Well, looks like we have a winner after all. Sometimes I completely miss the obvious.
Haha…no worries…it’s such a tiny button, it’s really easy to miss. Most Cue buttons are larger and unambiguously labeled. I guess Rane is going for world’s smallest cue button lol.
Either way, best of luck finding the controller that works best for your needs. When you pull the trigger, let us know what you picked and how it’s working out for you.
If you bought the product series that were churned out in the peri-covid days when manufactures were mainly outsourced to Chiina factories you would know what I mean. The most affected product lines were the Rane 70’s and Twelve MK2’s
My Rane twelves came with a warped vinyl out of the box - I got replacement vinyls but I still had to pay for dhl shipping!
Us owners of those products cried foul for short life-spans and premature faults, especially on PCBs, poor solders and lack of protective circuitries against power fluctuations. The USB ports on those things don’t last 3-4yrs (frequently you have to open up the garbage and resolder the dry joints). The only thing I appreciated on the Ranes are the MAG-3/4 faders - those are battle-grade, far more supperior to the Magvels. The sheer number of complaints from users in our support group was nauseating - I just had to exit the group.
You can’t cough out nearly $3000 on a dj setup and get just 2-3yrs out of it - absolutely no value for money there.
A set of CDJ’s lasts several years (even a decade+); that’s value for money. I have small-earning dj’s around town still performing on 20 year old CDJ800’s, whereas my spanking new Rane Twelve is dead every month and in need of repairs.
ahhh ok. I wasn’t aware of this. But it makes sense seeing it was around the pandemic timeframe… lots of companies had this problem around that time. Thanks for clarifying @Armigo
I honestly never noticed it from all the photos, and to be fair, ChatGPT kind of sent me in the wrong direction too. Well, looks like we have a winner after all. Sometimes I completely miss the obvious. 
