Rane TTM 57SL

Rane TTM 57SL

sound

RANE TTM 57SL

PRODUCTS, SOUND, FEBRUARY 2007, COMMENTS

Rane take another major step in turntablist technology with the new hybrid digital DJ scratch mixer.

The TTM 57SL is the most complete solution for digital DJs yearning the tactile control of vinyl. The lack of hands-on control of the software and complicated mixer setups has finally been resolved. With Rane behind the hardware, it was inevitable that they would eventually create a hybrid of software, soundcard and mixer. Serato Scratch combines the convenience and flexibility of digital music with the hands-on feel of vinyl control and hardware mixing.

Simplicity is one of its main attractions of this setup. The software and soundcard drivers are installed together in a flash. As for the hardware, a single USB lead connects the mixer to the computer, and the decks go into the back of the mixer’s RCA inputs. In contrast, existing virtual vinyl setups take an extra four RCA cables to plum in the external box and in worst cases an additional power supply too.
Plugging in the kit is easy. Both mixer channels have a clearly labelled four-position dial at the top to select either of the two analogue inputs from the connections on the rear or the two virtual decks from the software. This is much easier than the old solution as you don’t need to remember where you plugged the various inputs to your mixer.

Another bonus is the built-in worldwide power supply and kettle lead plug.

Once rigged up, we tried the system out on both Mac and PC. A frantic combination of fast moving scratches, spin backs, cueing up all across a track and extensive meddling with all the programmes features failed to cause any glitches. We were also able to get the latency (response time) down to 5ms, which is as close to real life as you need it; even for turntablists.

ALL ABOUT CONTROL

Hands on control is not just about the vinyl anymore as there are a wealth of further controls on the mixer. Integrated software controls include buttons, dials and joysticks. With a well maintained Serato system it's no longer required to touch the computer. A few exceptions, such as typing in track names and further keyboard commands, but the majority of tasks have been allocated a place on the mixer. Just above the fader area is where the main software controls are located, and while they may not seem abundant these controls have multiple functions. These are divided into recording, effects, track searching and playback groups. These can also be mixed and matched into custom groups of the most used functions.

Track selection is massively sped up using a pair of rotaries to scroll through the crates for tracks. When the appropriate floor filler is found, simply push the dial to load it to that deck.

Next up is the transformer joystick which has eight positions. This modest control can be customised to cut the sound at each point and rotated to create a seriously fast manual transform effect. Each of the eight points can be switched on or off and settings are always stored in the software.

DIGITAL SOUL

The heart of the TTM 57SL is completely digital. Every signal passes through the processor, be it the microphone, vinyl and line level signals, or music streamed from the computer. The mixer's DSP also takes care of EQ, internal effects and the volume mixing.

On the plus side, the mixer sounds very clean and suffers from no hiss or noise. Rane includes limiters to reduce the chances of distortion from overloaded the input gains and it works a treat. The EQ section has some unusual tricks thanks to the DSP. Each of the three bands has a kill switch which can be set to momentary or latch control and the death of each frequency band is indicated with three illuminated red skulls.

The sound is typically digital when boosting. They don’t enrich the sound in the way some other pure analogue mixers do - the high end doesn’t really open up the sound - but it’s still pretty good.

IN EFFECT

The mixer has echo and filter effects which are powered by hardware. Both have a definite crisp, clean digital sound.

The result is expanded when working the effects, not just using them as additional glitter. Use the buttons and joysticks to control the frequencies and really open up the sonic possibilities.
Both effects are tempo based, so one dial can be tapped to set the speed and the joystick can be used to change the intervals, for example the rate in which the filter sweeps up and down or the speed of the echo repeats. With four different directions on the stick, the results can get pretty slick.

RECORD REMIX RELOOP

Serato can record audio streams into the computer with the comprehensive routing options. FX can be recorded as part of the channel or not, layers can be built up, re-sampled, stored, scratched in, re-effected and totally warped beyond recognition.

The signal can be piped in from several points in the mixer, PRE is good for recording stuff with the faders down so it can be captured without going through the main PA. POST is the one you want for recording with FX and MIX is the place to be when you need to record everything that is being heard. For mix tape recording, there is even the option to record both channel streams separately.

And when the hands are too busy scratching a three button footswitch can be plugged into the front of the mixer. This is primarily set-up for assigning decks and triggering the recording. As soon as you record a loop it gets loaded onto a deck. Scratch DJs can put stickers on their records to instantly line up the needles to the precise point where the tracks begin.

It’s difficult to get a perfect loop every time using Serato, but it doesn’t matter so much because it’s more designed for juggling the beats to keep them going.

FADE NOT DEGRADE

The quality of the faders is crucial and the TTM 57SL does not disappoint. It has features to create every scratch opportunity. There’s recessed fader curve controls plus reverse switches for each magnetic conduction fader.

Totally smooth and swift operation is thanks to no VCA or other friction-based tract preventing any dropouts or bleed. The faders install confidence in action, they feel really good and built to last under heavy pressure.

IN THE MIX

This mixer is squarely aimed at the turntablist and for this it is the most comprehensive and accomplished digital vinyl solution available. The possibilities are almost unfathomable, but we’re sure you’ve got the brain ticking away!

As for the rest of us, only two channels will be limiting for anything other than small club and bedroom setups, but again will make life a lot easier. If you already like Serato then you are going to love the TTM 57SL.

From: February 2007 Issue

Subscribe to NIGHT magazine