Archive for January, 2026

Rane Debuts System One, World’s First Motorized Stand-alone DJ System


‘A new benchmark for professional DJ performances’

Rane has announced the release of the Rane System One, a new flagship all-in-one DJ system that boasts motorised turntable-style platters and the ability to mix between tracks from physical storage devices and streaming services,  blending advanced standalone DJ technology with the trusted feel and control of motorized platters.

As the first Rane product with onboard Engine DJ, the System One lets open-format DJs simultaneously mix among USB drives, SD cards, music streaming services, and DJ software sources like Serato DJ and Algoriddim djay all without interruption.

Paired with an array of FX features and multiple ways to DJ with Stems, the SYSTEM ONE was designed to unlock new levels of creativity while fueling DJs’ passion for the artform.

While standalone DJ systems are nothing new, most products on the market, particularly at the top end, tend to be aimed at club DJs, opting for CDJ-style jogwheels and multi-deck control. Offering something of an alternative, the System One takes its cues from Rane’s popular One MkII controller, which is an established favourite with scratch and open-format DJ – like those that tend not to stick to a specific genre or tempo.


Standalone freedom, motorized control. The System One’s embedded Engine DJ operating system gives DJs the freedom to deliver dynamic performances without a laptop. This ever-expanding embedded software platform delivers the latest in DJ performance technology including standalone Stems, built-in Wi-Fi for music streaming, an onboard sampler, multiple FX options, advanced settings and customization possibilities, onboard lighting control, and more.

“The fact that I don’t need to bring my laptop anymore is amazing,” said Craze, world-renowned champion DJ. “The Engine [DJ] waveforms are super clean and clear; I couldn’t believe how easy it was to migrate my music library.”

The high-definition touchscreen of the System One vividly brings the new RGB waveforms to life and features customizable view options while placing navigation and performance controls at the DJ’s fingertips. All this technology, combined with the 7.2” aluminum motorized platters, empowers open-format DJs with a creative experience unlike anything else on the market.

The mixer section has two channels, each with a three-band EQ, blended using the Mag Four crossfader and Precision Feel channel faders.

Performance flexibility. Part of the System One’s overt pitch for open-format DJs lies in its OmniSource system architecture, which is designed to make it easy to mix with tracks from a variety of sources, whether they be physical drives or cloud streaming. The System One is WiFi-equipped and capable of streaming music from Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, TIDAL, Beatport, Beatsource, SoundCloud Go+, and Dropbox.

The System One will also offer Serato DJ and Algoriddim djay compatibility, both of which have Spotify integration (both coming in early 2026) . System One users also get an unlock of Serato DJ Pro included.

With Playlist Banks, three dedicated buttons give DJs instant access to their favorite saved media, streaming, or Serato playlists.

Stems-fueled creativity. DJs can instantly execute blends and remixes on the fly with standalone Stems and Stem FX. Stems control is thoughtfully integrated into the hardware with Instant Acapella and Instrumental buttons, a dedicated 4-part Stems pad mode, and Stem Level EQ control. Tracks can be rendered for Stems ahead of time with Engine DJ desktop software for instant playback on the System One. When inspiration strikes mid-set, tracks can also be directly rendered for Stems on the System One to bring creative live blend and mix ideas to life (onboard Stems rendering coming early 2026).

Integrated FX Workflow. The System One features over 25 onboard Main FX across six assignable slots with aluminum toggle activation, 5 knob-controlled Sweep FX, 10 on-screen Touch FX, and 4 fader-activated Fader FX, giving DJs a suite of creative tools to generate unmatched routines and sets. In addition to the internal effects, DJs also have the option to tap into Serato’s software FX collection for even more options and flexibility.

Designed for open-format DJs. System One’s intuitive layout is made for fast, skill-driven mixing across musical genres and eras. Eight OLED displays above the pads give DJs instant visual feedback, showing Hot Cues, Samples, Stems, and Roll divisions.

The System One has a comprehensive selection of connectivity, including XLR and RCA main outputs, as well as ¼-inch booth and Bluetooth outputs. On the input side, the System One has a switchable Bluetooth/RCA aux with front-panel control along with two XLR combo mic inputs with EQ, echo, reverb, talkover, and anti-feedback functions. There is also a built-in 10-band EQ for both main and booth outputs.

“With Rane System One, DJs no longer have to choose between the trusted feel of motorized platters and the freedom that a standalone DJ unit provides,” said Morgan Donoghue, VP Marketing, DJ Brands at inMusic. “System One embodies Rane’s legacy of innovation, delivering the first device of its kind and setting a new benchmark for professional DJ performances.”

Rane System One Key Features:

  • All-in-one standalone DJ system

– 7.2” platters?high-torque motorized platters

– OmniSource system architecture for seamless mixing between local media, streaming, cloud services, and computer-based software sources (Serato DJ and Algoriddim djay integration coming early 2026)

– Industry-leading Stems control: Instant Acapella and Instrumental buttons, Stems pad mode, Stem Level?EQ mode, Stem FX for tracks rendered for Stems with Engine DJ Desktop (on-device Stems rendering coming in early 2026)

– 7” HD vertical touchscreen with RGB waveforms

– 3 Playlist Banks for quick access to favorite playlists/crates across all media sources

– 25+ Internal Main FX with paddle activation, 10 Touch FX, 4 Fader FX, and 5 Sweep FX

– Onboard Sampler with dedicated pad mode and front panel volume control knob

– MAG FOUR crossfader and PRECISION FEEL channel faders with tension adjust, reversal switches, and contour knob, on-screen calibration and cut in settings.

– Unlocks Serato DJ Pro for use without an additional subscription

  • Connectivity:

– Built-in Wi-Fi for access to music streaming platforms: Apple Music, Amazon Music Unlimited, TIDAL, Beatport, Beatsource, SoundCloud Go+, and  Dropbox

– Beat-synchronized lighting control for smart home and DMX lighting powered by SoundSwitch (SoundSwitch hardware is required for DMX lighting control)

– Bluetooth connectivity for external keyboards

– Locking IEC power cable

  • Inputs:

– 2 XLR combo jack microphone inputs w/ EQ, Echo and Reverb FX, Duck and Anti-Feedback

– Media inputs: (3) USB A, USB-C, SD, and internal hard drive slot (hard drive not included)

– Bluetooth/RCA AUX input with dedicated volume knob on front panel

  • Outputs:

– XLR and RCA Main outputs and ¼” Booth Outputs with 10-band software EQ

– Bluetooth audio output with on-screen volume control

RANE SYSTEM ONE is out now, priced at $2,499/€2,499/£2,199. Head to the Rane website for more details.

 

 

UVI Intros Orbit Rise, Impact + Texture Designer


UVI has introduced Orbit Advanced Rise, Impact, and Texture Designer for Mac + Windows.

Orbit is designed to make it easy to “create rises, impacts, and textures that feel alive, nuanced, layered, and intentional.”

UVI Orbit Overview:

Features:

  • Epic rises, impacts, and textures in one advanced instrument
  • Shape motion with deep timing control and expressive modulation
  • A vast cinematic sound library of 1,800+ layers, and 700+ creative presets


Orbit is available now, with an intro price of $89 (normally $149).

 

Akai Pro Unveils MPC XL For Beat Making, Music Production


Today (Tuesday), Akai Professional announced the launch of the MPC XL, adding the flagship standalone music production tool to their lineup of music production equipment.

This powerful studio “centerpiece” delivers unprecedented processing capabilities, expressive control, and professional I/O connectivity, all without requiring a computer. Designed to give beat-makers, producers, and musicians complete creative freedom, MPC XL puts the power of a full studio right at the user’s fingertips.

The MPC XL can now run up to 32 plugin instruments and 16 audio tracks simultaneously, with support for up to 256 simultaneous voices. The MPC XL onboard storage is 256GB, with a SATA expansion bay for additional storage.

Revolutionary MPCe pads and hands-on control. At the heart of the MPC XL are the ultra-responsive MPCe pads with 3D-sensing technology, bringing an unprecedented level of expression to beatmaking and production. With four quadrants per pad, producers can morph, loop, layer, and control sounds and effects freely, opening up new dimensions of creative possibility. The pads can also be configured to modulate parameters by moving a finger across their X/Y axis. The MPC XL also features 16 touch-responsive Q-Link knobs with OLED displays for instant visual feedback, a dedicated step sequencer with 16 RGB function buttons, an assignable performance touch-strip for tactile control, and the innovative XL Channel Command for quick access to mixing and recording parameters with dedicated OLED display and encoder.

Connectivity for any workflow. The MPC XL is designed to serve as the hub of any studio setup. Professional-grade mic preamps with phantom power capture vocals and acoustic instruments with studio clarity. Dedicated instrument inputs handle guitars and basses, while phono inputs connect turntables for direct sampling. Eight separate outputs enable complex routing to external gear or multitrack recording into a DAW. For modular synth enthusiasts and DAWless jammers, 16 CV outputs transform the MPC XL into a command center for entire hardware ecosystems.

Loaded with inspiration. The MPC XL comes production-ready with an extensive collection of plugins, samples, and effects including Native Instruments MPC Edition Play Series Analog Dreams and the Lone Forest Expansion giving producers immediate access to professional-grade sounds and processing tools. Combined with its full-featured sampler capabilities including pro stem separation, time-stretching, slicing, keygroup instruments, resampling, and plugin layering, plus DAW-like workflow features such as multi-track sequencing, clip launching, and full arrangement view, the MPC XL provides a complete musical solution that grows with every creator.

“The MPC XL represents the evolution of everything we’ve learned from decades of innovation in music production,” said Andy Mac, Creative Global Marketing and Artist Relations Manager at Akai Professional. “We’ve created a true studio-grade workhorse that delivers DAW-like power in a standalone format. MPC XL removes every barrier between inspiration and creation, giving producers the speed, control, and connectivity to bring their most ambitious musical visions to life.”

New Spitfire Audio partnership. AKAI Professional and Spitfire Audio have formed a new strategic partnership which will provide MPC users access to Spitfire’s inspiring tools within their MPC devices, beginning with the MPC XL. Greater information surrounding this partnership will be announced at a later date.


Key Features:

  • Performance & Processing Power

–  Gen 2 8-core processor with 4x the processing power of previous MPCs

–  16GB RAM for running multiple plugins simultaneously

–  256GB internal NVMe SSD storage with SATA expansion bay for additional storage

–  Support for up to 32 plugin instruments, 16 audio tracks, and 256 simultaneous voices

–  Production-ready plugins, samples, and effects included

  • Expressive Control & Interface

–  Ultra-responsive MPCe pads with 3D-sensing technology and four quadrants per pad for advanced expression

–  16 Q-Link knobs with performance-control OLEDs for immediate visual feedback

–  Assignable performance touch-strip for tactile control of Performance FX, note repeats, and channel faders

–  Step sequencer with 16 RGB function buttons

–  XL Channel Command with dedicated OLED display and encoder for quick mixing and recording parameter access

–  One-to-one function buttons for immediate access to every feature

–  10.1″ HD multi-gesture touchscreen with tilt

  • Professional I/O & Connectivity

–  2 XLR/TRS combo inputs with mic preamps and phantom power for crystal-clear recordings

–  2 dedicated instrument inputs for recording guitars and keyboards

–  2 phono inputs for connecting turntables

–  8 separate line outputs for external routing and mixing

–  USB-C connectivity for 24 channels of audio I/O and 32 channels of MIDI I/O

–  8 stereo 1/8″ CV/Gate outputs for a total of 16 CV outs, perfect for modular rigs and synth setups

–  4 five-pin MIDI outputs and 2 five-pin MIDI inputs

  • Standalone Workflow

–  No computer required: standalone hardware with MPC3 OS for a streamlined workflow

–  Full-featured sampler with time-stretching, slicing, keygroup instruments, resampling, and plugin layering

–  DAW-like workflow with multi-track sequencing, clip launching, and full arrangement view

–  Pro stem separation and high-quality time-stretching

The MPC XL is available now via Amazon site priced at €2,899, £2,499.99 and $2,899. Head to the Akai Professional site for more.