Vinyl records are making a strong comeback, captivating DJs, audiophiles, and music enthusiasts alike. The tactile nature of vinyl combined with its authentic analog sound creates a unique experience that digital formats often fail to replicate. With turntables becoming increasingly accessible, investing in a top-tier model can elevate your DJing game or home listening setup significantly.

Enter the Rane DJ Twelve Digital Turntable, a groundbreaking device designed to bridge the gap between the nostalgic feel of traditional vinyl and the precision of modern digital DJ tools. Offering a seamless blend of old-school aesthetics and cutting-edge performance, the Twelve has become a favorite among DJs around the globe. Let’s dive deep into what makes this digital turntable a game-changer.

Rane DJ Twelve differs from the conventional DJ digital players, such as the Pioneer CDJ2000NX2 or Denon SC6000 Prime.  People all across the globe seem to love it, so we’ve decided to check out if the rumours are true – if it is really one of the best digital record players on the market.

Rane DJ Twelve Digital DJ Turntable Review

Even though RANE’s Twelve DJ digital turntable is relatively simple in terms of features and design, there’s a lot of ground to cover with respect to its performance, aesthetics, what it does great, and what could be improved. Let’s start off with its outward aesthetic component:

First Look: Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Rane DJ Twelve strikes a perfect balance between vintage charm and contemporary design.

• Hybrid Aesthetics: Its sleek, minimalistic design fuses the retro appeal of classic turntables with modern functionality. The mix of die-cast aluminum, stainless steel, and robust plastic adds both style and durability.
• Compact Yet Sturdy: Measuring 3.5 x 14.6 x 16.2 inches, the Twelve is compact but hefty, weighing 20.5 pounds. This weight contributes to its stability during intense scratching and mixing sessions.

The plinth, or the base of the turntable, is a standout feature. Crafted from die-cast aluminum and stainless steel, it’s both durable and functional. At 13.1 inches in diameter and weighing 5 pounds, the plinth provides excellent stability, reducing vibrations for optimal performance.

All the controls are laid out intuitively, making it easy for both beginners and seasoned DJs to use. The pitch-bending buttons, start/stop controls, and a responsive pitch slider are all ergonomically positioned for seamless operation.

It’s surrounded by solid-steel all around for additional durability, and all of the usable features and settings are neatly placed in convenient, easily accessible locations. This only contributes to the fact that RANE Twelve’s method of operation is pretty intuitive; it’s remarkably easy to use, despite being a professional record player.

Design Rating: 9/10
While the weight may deter portability for some, it underscores the Twelve’s durability and robustness, making it a professional-grade device.

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Features

The Rane DJ Twelve isn’t just about looks—it’s a powerhouse of features tailored to meet the demands of DJs and turntable enthusiasts.

1. Quartz Direct-Drive Motor

• Power and Torque: At the heart of the Twelve is a high-torque quartz direct-drive motor, delivering 5 kgf/cm of torque. This ensures quick start-up times of just 0.4 seconds, perfect for responsive scratching and mixing.
• Longevity: The motor is built to last, handling rigorous use with ease.

2. RPM Versatility

• The Twelve supports 33 1/3 RPM and 45 RPM records, making it compatible with a wide range of vinyl formats.

3. Four-Deck Control

• The ability to control up to four decks simultaneously is a standout feature. This functionality enables DJs to switch between channels effortlessly, eliminating the need for multiple turntables during smaller gigs.

4. Pitch Control

• Equipped with a pitch-shift slider and three pitch-bending buttons (+8%, +16%, and +50%), the Twelve offers unparalleled precision in tempo adjustments.

5. Connectivity

• The Twelve includes a USB Type-B port for connecting to DJ software like Serato DJ Pro.
• While versatile, the single USB port limits connectivity options, which could be a drawback for DJs with complex setups.

6. Strip Search Functionality and Hot Cues

• The strip search feature allows DJs to navigate tracks quickly by touch.
• Eight hot-cue triggers enhance creativity, enabling precise control over track sections.

Features Rating: 10/10
The Rane DJ Twelve packs an impressive array of features, blending traditional vinyl experience with modern digital innovation.

There’s simply no room for improvements in this particular field of performance; it’s just great as-is. There are more versatile models, and perhaps, better-sounding record players, but Rane Twelve serves its purpose and is well worth the buck in terms of features it’s outfitted with.

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Performance and Usability

As mentioned before, this is a highly versatile record player that can be used for any number of things. You can listen to music with it at home; you can perform with it live, but you can also practice mixing and experiment with the ton of features it comes supplied with if you’re looking for unique, exquisite sounds.

The Twelve’s performance lives up to its stellar feature set. Whether for live performances, practice sessions, or casual listening, this turntable excels in every setting.

1. DJ Performance

• The responsive high-torque motor ensures consistent performance, even during intensive scratching or backspinning.
• The combination of the strip search function and hot-cue buttons gives DJs unparalleled control over their tracks, enabling precision mixing and remixing.

2. Build Quality in Use

• The sturdy design eliminates vibrations, ensuring flawless audio output even in high-pressure environments like clubs or outdoor gigs.

3. User Experience

• For beginners, the intuitive layout and straightforward controls make it easy to learn. Professionals will appreciate the advanced features, such as the four-deck control and pitch-bending capabilities, which open up creative possibilities.

Connectivity-wise, Rane Twelve is pretty great, although we think there is some room for improvement in this aspect of performance. You can connect this turntable to a PC (or laptop for DJs) with a USB port, but the fact that it has only one connection port isn’t doing it any favors.

Performance Rating: 9/10
The Twelve performs exceptionally well but could benefit from expanded connectivity options for more versatility.

A video introduction of the Twelve by DJ Booth Pro Audio:

Pros and Cons of the Rane Twelve

Pros

• Durable Build: High-quality materials ensure long-lasting performance.
• Seamless Control: Features like the pitch slider, hot cues, and strip search offer unparalleled precision.
• Four-Deck Support: Simplifies complex mixing setups for DJs on the go.
• Versatile RPM Options: Compatible with various vinyl formats.
• Aesthetic Appeal: A perfect blend of vintage charm and modern functionality.

Cons

• Heavy Weight: While the heft adds stability, it limits portability.
• Limited Connectivity: A single USB port may feel restrictive for DJs with advanced setups.
• Price: Premium features come at a premium cost, which may deter budget-conscious buyers.

Who Should Buy the Rane DJ Twelve?

The Rane DJ Twelve Digital Turntable is perfect for:

• Professional DJs: Seeking precision, durability, and advanced features.
• Beginner DJs: Thanks to its user-friendly layout and intuitive controls.
• Audiophiles: Who want a turntable that offers Hi-Fi sound and a classic vinyl experience.

FAQs

1. Does the Rane Twelve work with real vinyl records?

No, the Rane Twelve is a motorized digital controller, not a traditional vinyl turntable. It mimics the feel of vinyl for scratching and mixing but works as a controller for digital audio via DJ software.

2. Is the Rane DJ Twelve compatible with all DJ software?

The Rane DJ Twelve is optimized for Serato DJ Pro but can also work with other software platforms like Virtual DJ and Rekordbox with additional setup and mapping.

3. Can I use the Rane DJ Twelve without a computer?

No, the Rane Twelve requires connection to a computer running compatible DJ software. It doesn’t play standalone music like traditional turntables or CDJs.

4. How many decks can the Rane Twelve control?

The Rane DJ Twelve can control up to four decks simultaneously through compatible software, allowing DJs to switch between channels without additional hardware.

5. Is the Rane Twelve beginner-friendly?

Absolutely! The intuitive layout and straightforward controls make it accessible for beginners, while its advanced features satisfy professional DJs.

6. What is the difference between the Rane DJ Twelve and traditional turntables?

Unlike traditional turntables, the Rane Twelve is a digital controller with no needle, tonearm, or real vinyl playback. It emulates the vinyl experience for DJs in a digital environment while offering modern features like software integration and motorized platters.

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Final Thoughts:

The Rane DJ Twelve Digital Turntable is an exceptional piece of equipment that seamlessly blends vintage vinyl aesthetics with cutting-edge DJ technology. Its robust design, powerful motor, and advanced features make it a worthy investment for professionals and beginners alike.

While its weight and limited connectivity may deter some, these are minor trade-offs for a turntable of this caliber. Whether you’re mixing tracks at a packed club or spinning vinyl at home, the Twelve delivers exceptional performance and reliability.

Overall Rating: 9.5/10

For DJs looking to elevate their craft or audiophiles seeking the ultimate vinyl experience, the Rane DJ Twelve is a game-changing addition to your setup. Pair it with the Rane Seventy-Two mixer for the ultimate DJ rig!