The Rane Sixty-Four is now shipping. Before you witness one IRL, you might want to familiarise yourself with a few of the basics so you don't get caught with your tail between your legs. It's not scary, there's just a few things to remember for your first time.
Software
You will need to be running the latest version of Serato DJ 1.5 to connect and use DVS with the Rane Sixty-Four. Make sure before you head out, to download the latest version of Serato DJ and install.
If you're used to Scratch Live, don't be afraid. It reads the exact same library and works in the same way. There may be some minor changes to what you're used to but all keyboard shortcuts and the main functionality is the same. Before you dive in, read up on what's new in Serato DJ for Scratch Live users.
Drivers
When you connect for the first time, you will be asked to install drivers for the Rane Sixty-Four. If you can, try to get to the venue early so you can connect and do this ahead of time as it will take a few minutes. Just follow the on-screen steps. Once this is complete, you need to restart your computer. When you restart Serato DJ you should be connected and ready to go.
You don't need the internet either - the up-to-date driver is packaged with the Serato DJ installer.
Select CDs / Vinyl
Make sure the dipswitch on the back of the mixer is set to either vinyl or CD, depending on your input source.
Choose REL / ABS / INT
In the upper left hand corner of the Virtual Deck area is the playback control mode selection. If you are using DVS, choose either ABS (Absolute) or REL (Relative) mode. If you are wanting to mix internally or use CDJs in HID mode, select INT (Internal Mode).
DJ Changeover
DJ changeover is really easy on the Rane Sixty-Four. All you need to do is connect your computer to the second USB port and switch the knob at the top of the channel you are taking over to the USB channel you are connected to. You now have control of this channel.
USB and External Flex FX Sends
One thing to watch with the Rane Sixty-Four is the FX level. Make sure you have the FX level knob turned to full otherwise when you switch on the FX, you will get silence. Also make sure that you have the USB insert and EXT inserts off unless you are using an external FX unit or routing the Serato DJ software FX through the USB insert channel for post-fader use.
Control Strip Assign
You should also watch that the control strips are assigned to the deck you are controlling. Hit the Deck 3 / 1 button to assign the left-hand controls to Deck 3 or Deck 1. Hit the Deck 2 / 4 button to assign the right-hand controls to Deck 2 or Deck 4.
Calibration and Buffer Size
It's also important to calibrate Serato DJ for use with turntables or CDs in your particular environment. Find out how to calibrate and why it's important (this is a Scratch Live guide but is the exact same for Serato DJ).
Adjusting your USB buffer is important too. If you want the tightest control possible, set the buffer size as low as you can without it causing you drop-outs. A higher buffer size is good for lower spec computers and users who don't scratch or manipulate the platter much.
That's a quick guide to prepare yourself for your first time. If you run into any problems please get in touch with the support team or start a help request :)