Rane Four: The Serato Controller with Deep Stems Integration
· re:union Radio editorial · 3 min read
Rane Four is a 4-channel controller for Serato DJ Pro with fixed 8.5-inch platters and dedicated Stems control.
The Rane Four is a high-quality 4-channel DJ controller designed for full control over Serato DJ Pro. Unlike the Rane One, it doesn't have motorized platters, but rather fixed 8.5-inch jog wheels – yet, according to Digital DJ Tips, you can still scratch well on it. The focus is on high-quality hardware FX, deep Stems integration, and features for live use such as two USB ports for laptops and two microphone inputs.
At a glance
- 4-channel mixer in a hybrid layout between club and scratch mixer
- Fixed 8.5-inch jog wheels with internal displays instead of motor drive
- Dedicated Stems control including Acapella/Instrumental buttons and STEM-SPLIT
- Market launch December 2022, weight approx. 8 kg
Mixer Section for Club and Scratch
The mixer layout is a hybrid of a club and scratch mixer: it features the typical paddle and FX area of Rane mixers, plus four channels and selectable filter FX. Despite its compact design, the section doesn't feel cluttered, according to Digital DJ Tips – including a split-cue button in the headphone section. At the front are crossfader assignment and contour controls, as well as controls for the second microphone, while the first microphone is controlled at the top of the mixer. At the rear are balanced and unbalanced master outs, a balanced booth out, two switchable line/phono inputs, two USB ports for computers, and an IEC power supply.
Decks with Dedicated Stems Control
The two identical decks feature large, rubberized RGB pads and OLED mini-displays that provide feedback on the respective pad assignments. The 8.5-inch jog wheels have internal displays showing waveform, key, elapsed time, BPM, and song position. For Serato Stems, there are dedicated controls: a dedicated pad row for full Stems control, as well as “always active” Acapella and Instrumental buttons that instantly isolate vocals or instrumentals regardless of the current pad mode.
Stems Workflow in Detail
The Rane Four is designed for Serato DJ Pro 3.0 and higher, which unlocks Stems control. The Acapella and Instrumental buttons, according to the review, deliver immediately usable results, though the sound quality depends on the source material and can range from merely usable to surprisingly good. The bottom four pads trigger pre-programmed Stems effects – such as a “vinyl brake” of the music with the acapella continuing, or removing the acapella with an echo cut. The review highlights the STEM-SPLIT function as a unique selling point, further expanding Stems operation.
| Type | 4-channel controller for Serato DJ Pro |
|---|---|
| Market Launch | December 2022 |
| Dimensions | 782 × 404 × 107 mm |
| Weight | approx. 8 kg |
| Jog Wheels | 2× 8.5 inch, fixed (not motorized), with internal display |
| Connections | Balanced/unbalanced Master Out, balanced Booth Out, 2× Line/Phono Input, 2× USB, IEC Power Connector |
| Software | Serato DJ Pro 3.0 or higher (for Stems control) |
“It's not perfect, but it's still probably the best performance controller for Serato there is.”
“The mixer layout is like a hybrid between a club mixer and a scratch mixer.”
If you're looking for a comparison to another Stems-capable device, you'll find it with the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10. For fine-tuning your mix, it's also worth taking a look at clean EQ mixing for DJs.
FAQ
Does the Rane Four have motorized platters?
No, unlike the Rane One, the Four has fixed, non-motorized 8.5-inch jog wheels, which, according to the review, are still good for scratching.
What software is needed for the Stems functions?
Stems control requires Serato DJ Pro 3.0 or a newer version.
