RANE MP 2016 Rotary DJ Mixer
Apr 1, 2001 12:00 PM, By Chris Gill
Classic rotary mixer design meets the modern age.
UREI produced the 1620, one of the most coveted mixers of all time, from the ’70s until the mid-’80s. The UREI 1620 was a standard fixture in early house-music clubs, and many of New York's top house DJs honed their skills on that model. The mixers are still highly sought after; used UREI 1620 mixers currently sell for several thousands of dollars.
The main reason that DJs remain on the lookout for the 1620 isn't entirely nostalgia: despite its lack of modern features, like a crossfader or separate EQ for each channel, it is one of the best-sounding mixers ever made. Noticing the considerable demand for used UREI mixers a while ago, Rane set its sights on producing a unit that combines the UREI 1620's best features with modern versatility. With the introduction of the MP 2016 Rotary DJ Mixer and the optional XP 2016 Processor, Rane offers DJs a desirable, professional-quality alternative to the 1620.
NO CHEAP KNOCKOFF
Although obviously inspired by the UREI 1620, the MP 2016 isn't merely a knockoff “reissue.” For example, it does not include left-to-right channel panning as the UREI does, but most DJs can live without that generally underused feature. The MP 2016 offers six separate stereo input channels; individual master volume controls for the booth and house outputs; 3-band EQ for the master outputs; and a headphone cueing section with a 6-position Source switch, a Cue/Master selector switch, and a headphone level control. The device also comes with a Cue/Master switch for the booth output, allowing DJs to either monitor the signal going to the house system or cue up material by listening to the sound over the booth monitors instead of using headphones. The Master section also includes a Mono/Stereo switch, an Effects Loop engage switch, and a switch for engaging the XP 2016 Processor.
Channels 1 to 4 all feature a phono preamp and a phono and line-level switch. Channels 5 and 6 both provide a balanced mic preamp with a mic and line-level switch, as well as rear-panel trim controls for adjusting gain, treble, and bass. All six channels have a 6-position rotary switch for selecting the channel input source or any one of five auxiliary inputs. In addition to stereo input jacks for each channel (1 through 4 are RCA; 5 and 6 are XLR) and the auxiliary section (all RCA), the mixer offers balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA house outputs, unbalanced RCA booth outputs, a stereo effects loop with ¼-inch jacks, and a pair of stereo tape outputs (pre- and posteffects) with a trim control for adjusting output level. In all, you can connect up to 11 sound sources to the MP 2016 at once, control up to 6 sound sources simultaneously, and manage volume levels for the house, booth, and headphone outputs from one location. Talk about total control!
JOIN THE ROTARY CLUB
The primary attribute that the Rane model shares with the UREI is its rotary-knob design. Each of the MP 2016's six channels has individual rotary knobs for adjusting input gain and mix level. Many DJs feel that knobs create smooth-sounding mixes more easily than the sliders found on most mixers today. The mix-level knobs on the MP 2016 are nice and big, with a silky-smooth action that allows very precise adjustments. Dual-color signal and overload LEDs for each channel light up in green when the signal is optimal and turn red when the level is too hot.
One of the biggest drawbacks of the UREI 1620 was that it didn't provide each channel with its own EQ. Although the MP 2016 has only a 3-band master EQ, the optional XP 2016 Processor supplies three bands of EQ for each channel. The EQ knobs allow you to dial in up to 10 dB of boost or fully kill the frequencies in the control's range (treble is above 4 kHz, mid is between 4 kHz and 300 Hz, and bass is below 300 Hz). The XP 2016 also features a crossfader with adjustable contour, and 3-position switches for each input channel let you assign the signal to the A or B side of the crossfader or postcrossfader. For even more detailed level monitoring, the XP 2016 includes a 10-segment stereo LED meter that displays the signal level of the source selected in the MP 2016's headphone section. By providing the modern features that today's DJs demand, the XP 2016 Processor truly distinguishes the Rane model from the UREI.
MEGAMIX
DJs who need ultraprecise control of their mixes will absolutely love the MP 2016 and XP 2016 combo. (The latter is really a necessity for today's DJ applications.) Offering the ultimate in flexibility, the Rane is best suited to house, trance, and techno DJs who like to slowly and subtly mix in elements from various sound sources and perfectly blend the levels of each channel. A crossfader simply can't provide the same level of control. The Rane's channel and auxiliary inputs enable DJs to use just about any imaginable combination of turntables, CD players, samplers, groove boxes, drum machines, synths, tape loops — whatever. The creative possibilities are mind-boggling.
But the MP 2016's sound quality is what really makes it worth its rather lofty price tag. It has become the mixer of choice among major nightclubs and top DJs for good reason: no other mixer model sounds as clean or punchy. Even at extreme boost or cut settings, the Rane's EQ controls remain noise-free. If you've used only cheap DJ mixers before, the enhanced range that the MP 2016 reveals from vinyl records may surprise you.
Granted, rotary mixers aren't for everyone, and sound quality this good doesn't come cheap. The MP 2016 and XP 2016 Processor are a little too expensive for the average home-DJ setup. However, if you produce your own mix tapes or CDs or you're seeking a high-quality mixer for a club installation, the MP 2016 is one of the best DJ mixers ever made. It's worth every penny to anyone whose primary considerations are sound quality and versatility.
PRODUCT SUMMARY
RANE
MP 2016 Rotary DJ Mixer
$1,499
XP 2016 Processor
$749
PROS: Excellent sound quality. Smooth, precise rotary level controls. Outstanding EQ for each channel (with XP 2016 option). Versatile.
CONS: Expensive. The optional XP 2016 is also pricey — but essential for modern mixing applications.
Overall Rating (1 through 5): 5
Contact: tel. (425) 355-6000
e-mail info@rane.com
Web www.rane.com
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