Sorry guys, I've tried multiple times to start a list of things I wish to see on current and future Rane mixers, but it's hard to list them in a way Rane can find it useful and user-friendly to everyone else.
I've written comments like that before and all everyone does is reply with negative opinionated responses. I don't necessarily need feedback, just for some manufacturers to listen to some end-users for future product implementation.
Although we use the 56 as our mobile mixer, I returned the one I bought as my personal mixer. I am more satisfied with my Xone:02, but that is personal preference. I haven't used the 57, so I don't feel right by doing an unofficial review... but what do I see???
- The channel swap button is in a bad location.
- The reverse buttons (up & cross faders) are also in bad locations.
- The up fader curve sliders were in a GREAT position on the 56, why change it?
- The EQ and gain knobs are more ergonomically correct than the 56 on this mixer.
- An indicator light on the cue would do wonders. I have this on the 02 and I miss it when DJing in dark clubs on the 56. The meters also change on the 02 as an alternate indicator, but light near the cue would do just fine - see Mic indicator.
- Why move the crossfader contour from the front?
- I'm glad the crossfader contour has been changed to one knob/slider. Using two knobs for one fader is cumbersome. It's a nice feature to have, but not practical.
- Pioneer has implemented an upfader curve that enables the "07 bug" where the fader cuts toward the top of the fader rather than the bottom. This "bug" actually works much better than the default (fader cuts at the bottom).
- I have a problem with the knobs. Not the color; just the overall design. I was disappointed when the knobs didn't look like the initial pictures:
www.rane.com. For such a high quality mixer, I feel there are better alternatives - see the TTM 54. Those knob indicators were much easier to see in dim lights.
- Alternate knob colors and/or shapes would help to distinguish headphone, channel gains, etc. from other knobs. See TTM54.
- The Mic gain and Aux in have been swapped (from the 56 design). I can see why, but this does not match the overall design of the other channels.
- Are the joysticks true transform switches? Meaning transforming is their only purpose (when assigned I assume) instead of line/phono switches? True transform switches helps w/ SSL - see Xone:02. On a side note, the angle of the Xone:02's transform switches feels very natural.
- Universal power supply! Thank you!!! The clip broke on our 56 at the last gig and that cord doesn't like to stay in without it. Good thing we carry black duct tape.
- I'm sure the front panel can be utilized a little more. Not only for standard features, but possibly some of the new features you're displaying now. I've had to hook up a mic in the middle of a gig more than a few times... not saying it should go on the front, but just giving some in-field experience. I should note that the mixer is usually balanced between the TT coffins.
- Rane mixers are dark. Not much you can do about this except for optional faceplates. I'm not the only one who pushed the Channel 2 balance fader instead of the Cue fader while in a dark club.
- Love the faders.
I guess that's all for now... I'm sure I'll get plenty of feedback (positive and negative). Remember, we all have our opinions and feelings. No one can create the perfect anything. But, if I had magnetic faders in my 02... nevermind.
I just want the people who make some of the greatest mixers I've ever used to get some true in-the-field feedback. So, thanks in advance for listening.
