Pioneer DJM-S11 vs Rane 72 DJ Mixers Comparison Review by Cool Hand Lex |

[@clarkgourguejr]

Not many people take note of the layout of these mixers. The fact that you mentioned how design and layout can either be efficient or distract you is brilliant. Very intelligent contrast between the two mixers. Absolutely amazing review!

[@Deckademics]

Thanks man! We’re working hard to give the best reviews possible. Give us a follow if you haven’t already. Appreciate the view and comment.

[@PrincePresto1]

You explain these mixers like you built them. Perfect dialogue and delivery

[@coolhandlex]

Right on, thanks Sinclair!

[@ozprod371]

Man do I appreciate this! Most of my casino gigs have an S11 in use and I have been a avid Pioneer user for over 25 years BUT I just received a 72 with a pair of Twelves and I am pretty impressed with that setup as well. This was a very fair comparison in my opinion and thank you again!

[@Ziggy_v2]

Both are awesome! The only reason I purchased the S11 over the 72 - was the ability to also use both Serato and Rekordbox.

[@coolhandlex]

That’s a huge feature for the S11!

[@vincestyles1030]

Who uses rkordbox? Seriously Serato is the standard or traktor

[@djbobrokk723]

@@vincestyles1030 I've CDJs too and it's far more smart to have same library management (by RB) on CDJs and turntables (DVS) both..

[@rakkazoid]

ive been waiting for ages for someone to compare these mixers. you did so from a really analytical viewpoint which is most helpful. Definitely seems like you prefer the S 11 but thats your opinion and you werent bias. thanks very much

[@VerySpecialEDD]

Lol ages come on bro the s11 barely came out last year

[@Paulorp1979]

rane died, quality stayed with the former owners

[@DJAngusTV]

The best review on both mixers period. I totally agree with everything. I personally have the Rane 72 and love it... It does not make me a better DJ but I got the Rane because I was looking for a tank as oppose to plastic. I also love that I could switch the paddles on the 72. How many scratch DJs gonna use loads of effects on any one mixer? The most important things on any mixer is sound quality and the faders. Everything else is just minor and can be overlooked.

[@coolhandlex]

The Rane is a total tank, for sure.

[@djndgindagruv214]

I really loved your honesty about your opinions but most importantly how thoroughly you went through these and I actually started out with REALISTIC dj equipment and after a couple of years from starting to dj back in ‘86 at age 14 I bought me 4 chromed-out TECHNICS 1210s which I used up until 2011 after everything got stolen from me including almost 3 decades of vinyl….. I started from the bottom back in 2019 after getting my first ever dj controller the DENON PRIME 4 and now I’m about to get this RANE SEVENTY-TWO MKII along with a pair of DENON LC6000s and watching this solidified my getting my RANE. Again, thanx for such a great review🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯💯

[@coolhandlex]

From a Realistic to the 72! You’ve come a long way homie, thanks for watching!

[@ventarfield7115]

This video was fantastic. Now i really cant decide. I want the s11 with Rane build quality.

[@coolhandlex]

Tough call. I can say both use great components and are well built, and the only time you’ll likely need to consider the “build quality” is in the case of accidental drops or transporting the mixer without a case. You wouldn’t do that though, would ya? 😄

[@mikedubz5576]

Perfectly said! Work Flow and echo pioneer Sound, paddles, build quality Rane!

[@christopherwright4344]

I was going to do a compare and contrast video between these mixers but you said what I was going to say in less words clearly and well thought out with awesome visuals to match. 👍

[@djciscov1]

Thanks for the great video. Real good comparison of these 2 Beasts. 👍🏻 I ended up buying the S11. So far I love it & now with the MWM Phase I can plug it right in the back of the S11 iwith no RCAs. I know that version of Serato is still in Beta testing but I’ve used it for many hours without any issues.👍🏻

[@djxsquizit]

Just bought the S11 SE. Best decision I ever made

[@freshcutsbcn]

Great comparison video! Properly written, shot, edited and voiced!

[@vazfinestdjchozin1599]

You talked it out the best. Pioneer should thank you fr. Thank you.

[@lophiile]

great review!! Honestly Rane broke my trust by discontinuing support for the 62 while pioneer still supports their mixers of the same year. So I'm out of the Rane ecosystem for good.

[@evanrandall1675]

These are both so freaking sweet and I really want the high quality faders, pads and effects. I feel like I don't nearly have the skills and application to justify the purchase though just to play around with scratch records at home. It seems like folks don't feel like the s5 is a "real" pioneer mixer. This review was extremely well done. I still have almost a month to decide.

[@Deckademics]

Thanks Evan! Should you end up making the purchase, it sounds like you should definitely go with the S11 if you want quality faders and enjoy scratching.

[@michaelcoco]

What did you end up getting

[@donsmooth514]

Great break down of the features and functions Clear and concise ... The rane always looked too busy now I understand why. Great review

[@doncrew4084]

Phenomenal comparison. I’m a fan!

[@escf]

This is a great review and really helps me with my decisioning purchase. Thank you so much! Keep up the great work!

[@jrapheal1]

Which did you decide?

[@anttiskate]

Great review! Different design philosophies, and your review highlights them perfectly.

[@GroundBeatDe]

The very BEST video off all times :D. Great job man!!!!! :D :D :D

[@zomgoose]

Split Cue is non-negotiable on a premium mixer. High-end channel faders are also a necessity on a battle mixer. Both are great mixers. It is a hard choice. Thanks for the breakdown!

[@zomgoose]

Pioneer DJ DJM-S11 Firmware Update Posted on: 20th July 2023 Added Mono Split and Cue Fader Reverse functions. (To use them, touch the headphones icon on the Menu screen.)

[@k00k]

Just wanted to give you props on your writing. Nice tight descriptions and well thought out word play.

[@coolhandlex]

Good looking out, thanks!

[@vincestyles1030]

Seems you are biased to the pioneer I personally own the 72 and I do agree with most of what you said you can’t mistake the quality difference between them pioneer is a plastic unit the rane is extremely durable much better then the pioneer. In closing it does take some time to learn the functions on the 72 but imo it’s so much better.

[@djdoesha]

Hands-down the best review on these mixers ! I’ve been looking to upgrade , so I’ve been watch n videos !! I am a rane DJ with my 62 i’m thinking 🤔 the 72 or the 70 but now this videos actually make me think about s11 thx 🙏🏽 doesha

[@djstickem]

I’m in the same boat. I think I’m going s11

[@Max-go2ze]

@@djstickem DONT DO IT!!!! The build quality is the factor. Why pay that much for the S11 and its made out of plastic. As anything pioneer it becomes a loose dusty shit heap after a few years. I come from using Technic turntables. All about build quality

[@djblendz7715]

Love this video! Guys keep up the great work!

[@ChillBrah-bx7fs]

See a few S11's in used aisle of my local guitar center but you never see 72's. It lets you know who stays for the long haul

[@niterida380]

Thanks. I was waiting on this.

[@classicdell]

Amazing review sir absolutely loved it

[@Deckademics]

Thanks! Make sure to subscribe as we have a number of other reviews coming and a bunch more to check out on the channel.

[@FM-ne5pz]

great video!

[@jjuninc77]

Great comparison. I own the rane 70 and S11. I’m keeping the S11... purely for the extra decks. I want to keep both but I can’t. I would add that I have heard here and in a number of places that the sound is down to preference. I struggle with this as the rane sounds warm and full and the S11, while an upgrade over the S9, sounds like it’s shouting at me. The rane sound quality is far superior. The rane also has more customizable echo with high pass frequency and feedback or depth(I think this is the setting) available. Same is true for the rane reverb. Though I agree in the past pioneer echo was far superior.

[@mrkdude3943]

ill take the rane 70 if you still have it

[@detroittrickster3327]

how can you use the extra 2 decks when you only have2 channels

[@detroittrickster3327]

@James B s7

[@ORIGINALDJZERO]

They're both good mixers. I just fell in love with the 70. Especially with the silent cue and split cue on the headphones. The 70 is so simple

[@coolhandlex]

I won’t disagree with you, the 70 is an outstanding mixer and a favorite of mine.

[@ORIGINALDJZERO]

@@coolhandlex and I still have my S9 LE. Looks brand new. Only had it 6 to 9 months and bought the 70 after looking at reviews. I'll use the S9 with my 1200's and I use the 70 with the Rane 12's. We can't go broke every time they come out with a new mixer with a different feature or 2. I ain't in a battle no more or touring. Just jamming. 🤣🤣

[@DJJoeySantos]

Great comparison vid :)

[@Lumaport]

Excellent review thank you

[@jonnyking4369]

Has RANE improved on the fader fx from the last SEVENTY mixer????

[@АнтонПоле-ж6м]

I would like to ask about the channel faders on the s11, how reliable are they in this model, unlike the s7, and are they easy to replace if they break on the s11? I heard that the s7 has graphite faders and they can quickly fail, who knows please tell me , thanks

[@jamesslaven2580]

bit of a pioneer fan boy vid this and no mention that the rane sound qualtiy destroys the pionner s 11

[@Conzequent86]

Great review!!!!!!

[@Deckademics]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@djDivineJustice]

The rane also has dedicated the loop encoders

[@nonan54]

Hi, why did you recommande for Real vinyle playing principaly I play 70% vinyle (techno and minimal) and 30% serato (open format + modeste scratch routine) I have a S9 now and it's Time to upgrade. I love s9 with serato , but with vinyle i préfer pré amp on my mixars duo imo ! (It's my backup mixer) Thank you

[@avenjalin8391]

Thank you!!

[@Deckademics]

Thanks for watching!

[@iconix21]

Very comprehensive review..... No Gas Face 👌

[@johngeorge5684]

Definitely lock down.

[@roshanelewis952]

will pioneer make a dj controller with S11 mixer layout?

[@coolhandlex]

I think it would be a good seller if they did!

[@Max-go2ze]

Rev 7

[@wilnewyork1]

Is it a good idea if I buy one of these mixers seeing that I'm still a "learner DJ"? What do you think? Thank you..

[@coolhandlex]

We should all still be “learner DJs” through our career! But to your actual point, these mixers are like Porsches. You absolutely do not need one, but they’re amazing if you find yourself behind the wheel. Go nuts if you have loads of expendable income, but otherwise buying one of these mixers before you know how and why to use everything these offer is sort of an investment for the future you and your DJ journey. In most cases I’d personally recommend getting really good with what you have and to consider buying one of these mixers when their extra features make sense to actually level up what you’re already doing.

[@moeberry3256]

Do they have flash drive ports

[@niterida380]

No.

[@kingsleyrussell348]

No split cue on s11, so no headphone mixing, what would you do if you were playing at a silent disco?

[@coolhandlex]

I’m constantly blending between the cue and master in my headphones when I’m normally DJing, and that’s also how I’ve mixed at the silent discos I’ve played. 🤷‍♂️

[@kingsleyrussell348]

@@coolhandlex well, I think slit cue is the most important thing to be fair, most people think the effects are the most important, maybe that’s because they can’t mix and rely on effects to hide their shit mixing skills.

[@PrincePresto1]

Oh yay. I never comment. This deserves a bit. Cheers 👆

[@Deckademics]

We appreciate it! Cheers!

[@niterida380]

Lex can you get the S11 (LSYXJ) which is the dual voltage version?

[@coolhandlex]

Your best bet would be to call the shop and ask to speak to Nick, he'll get you sorted!

[@niterida380]

@@coolhandlex Do you have the number?

[@iwheelhard469]

Let me preface my comment by saying I'm an S11 guy, with that being said... is this a comparison or an explanation on why you think the S11 is a better mixer? Didn't even take a minute into the video before you were referring to the Rane with negative overtones & connotations. It's hard if not impossible to do a unbias comparison video when you've already picked what you prefer prior to making the video because everything being stated is being said with a foregone conclusion. Eventhough I'm an S11 user that does not mean I want Rane to fail. Competition is good for the market. It seems like for Pioneer to level up their hardware, they need the competition to be a threat. Like the CDJ for example. I think they got too comfortable with being labeled the "industry standard" and just kept releasing the same ish with a few tweaks & minor upgrades. Meanwhile, Denon is breaking ground with their Prime decks and for the first time in the CDJ's existence, I think Pioneer is feeling the heat. That's why Pioneer users need Rane, Reloop, NI etc to keep leveling up in order for Pioneer to do the same.

[@Deckademics]

Did you watch the entire video before typing this? PS: we’re huge fans of the Rane 70. We have a review of that as well that you should check out.

[@elbacatranlamalditamaravil437]

Isn't the s11 32 bit?

[@coolhandlex]

Yes it is! I definitely misspoke and didn’t catch it until after we went live.

[@DjRatchet]

Pioneer sounds crystal in nightclubs very powerful almost too powerful Definitely a festival mixer s11 wins

[@djvalpacinolewis5315]

Rane One please..

[@Deckademics]

it's coming. we just got it yesterday.

[@JayWerx]

Metering in the center of the channel faders is stupid

[@ORIGINALDJZERO]

The S11 is a better mixer as far as features.

[@mixit247]

Thumb up for bias

[@ap1reviewsadventures96]

Pioneer got left, and still is in, the dust.

[@tblends]

Neither, right? You need to run Traktor or you will have latency, scratching. For all you techy-advanced scratchers out there!!!

[@djroach3237]

Wear the the hell is the laptop?

[@coolhandlex]

Under the desk!

[@chamatharavinda3741]

cant hear the last words of your sentences, hard to hear you bro

[@djDivineJustice]

“ used to control software” effects, when referring to the bank encoders is less than completely accurate

[@coolhandlex]

You're right, the 72 does have loop controls outside of the pad modes! I definitely missed mentioning that.

[@calimangrower1590]

Idk Rane is King!!!!

[@vazfinestdjchozin1599]

Too much on the RANE 72mk2. Pioneer has been the titans on dj gear.

[@calimangrower1590]

In the 90s it would take a room full of equipment to compare to most Professional DJs today.

[@markyruss]

Had a party last week - two 1210s and a 92 mixer never had such fun, 4 mates all going back to back on the decks ! Banging night !

[@thadirtyabbott33]

You ain't lying!!! My back still hurts from carrying crates of records, speakers!😂

[@SLIC3R2]

It would also take TWO rooms full of equipment to stack up to the technology available in your smart phone.

[@roadking3844]

And skill

[@jonathanbailey1597]

@@roadking3844 don’t think so. Rather, it’s the reverse. The talent pool has atrophied, along with the skill and creativity level.

[@thedodgefiles6628]

Can you explain that 5-volt difference for Phase some more? What more do you have to do to successfully use Phase, or what are the limitations of using it with the Rane 72?

[@ingodhands9745]

Dam I can't believe we use to use gemini scratchmasters lol😪

[@coolhandlex]

Hahaha! We’ve come a long way from two band EQ and transformer switches!

[@vishnuvaid7465]

is it just me or does rane screen look a tad choppy in comparison to the s11? Edit: just got to where you discussed it lol

[@califoggialove]

came here to understand if i should change my rane 72 with pioneer s 11. since i travel a lot with my mixer, the fact that pioneer is build in plastic is a very big minus. i will not change my 72. thank you

[@DjDieselLive1]

do the color effects still work as a stand alone mixer? for example if I am using cdj's with a usb stick inserted with the color effects and toggle pad still work?

[@matsu_music]

Amazing review Lex!! Beautifully presented and SPOT on commentary

[@matsu_music]

also S11 gang yeeee

[@VerySpecialEDD]

I wouldn’t say spot on, it’s an ok review and I say so because it’s biased and he’s downplaying what he’s not in favor, and this leads to misinformation , he’s wrong about a couple of things about the 72 and I think it’s because he’s biased

[@matsu_music]

@@VerySpecialEDD lol ok

[@djsep]

I do a lot of remixes and mashups. One timeI had a deejay ask me if I could share some with him. Yes, that's my fault. Cuz a few weeks later he was rockin' the club with MY remixes and mashups and claiming them as his. WTF??!!! Never again!!

[@ClectaSkiMusic]

Superb video thanks

[@mannypvd2296]

i have both the rane 70 and the 72... the 72 has glitched out and does not work anymore and the 70 has rotary pot issues. switching to pioneer s11. never going back to rane.

[@Paulorp1979]

DJM S-11 THE BEST

[@VerySpecialEDD]

I had to stop watching because I can tell your review is biased

[@Deckademics]

Oh no! What are we going to do now!?

[@VerySpecialEDD]

@@Deckademics make a review thats not biased

[@Deckademics]

This was a comparison video. Check out the Rane 70 review and report back. We all collectively really dig that particular mixer over here.

[@kazukami3107]

wow, very good review. gotta check out your vids more often. truly good critiques and deeper dives into actual functionality and specifics that would contrast between the two. well done, you got a new subscriber, looking forward to similar reviews

[@yayanem6076]

PIONEER lost the leadership in technology, beaten by denon and concerning these mixer, s11 is far less betta! The screen is not ergonomic and seems too small compared to the screen of 72, the price is always more because it is pio pio loool come on RANE 72 is much betta and well organized! S11 is a good one too but less ergonomic for my point of view

[@Deckademics]

We said what we said. Lol.

[@1park813]

I actually prefer the screen look and feel of the rane

[@Conzequent86]

Great review out there. Many thanks!

[@EJNONAN]

Very informative review! Would like to see another great review on the Rane 70 vs Pioneer S7.

[@coolhandlex]

The S7 review is live on our page now and the Seventy review is there as well!

[@marleycarroll]

Outstanding video, thanks. Subbed.

[@coolhandlex]

Thanks Marley!

[@josephmesser4059]

Great, detailed review

[@DonMedinaTV]

Great review....

[@TyraFromSaigon]

Appreciate the great video!

[@Deckademics]

Thanks Tyra! We’re fans of yours as well and have shown your vids to many students over the years. Salute!

[@fredbalentine6570]

this video is like most vids comparing these two incredable mixers . most folks gravitate to the s11 , i own both , with my style of mixing ,ie i like to snap back to a 4,or 8 bar intro to mix in and out of tracks , the rane 72 lends itself to this with as little as 1 button push wil get you where you need to be even if you havent set ou your loop prior to your set . But with the S11 you have to set your loop a well as your cue point at the beginning of your loop in order to get back to your loop . So because of this i find myself always using my 72 . But the S11 does have a few more tricks up its sleeve like the 2 virtual channels that you can use to be very creative with . Bottom line is i will force myself to spend more time with the S11 to gain an appriciation of its strengths .

[@djkevinkayd]

hey can you go to absolute possion in a track on the toutch screen on the s11 ? i have the phase dvs signal controllers on my decks but i cant go to a point in a song now. i want to buy this mixer...

[@Lampdawg]

Can I use the browser button on the S11 and see it on the computer screen like the Pioneer SZ?

[@CarlosMunoz1980]

Pioneer biased

[@Deckademics]

Watch our Rane 70 review.

[@Deckademics]

PS: you made this same comment 7 months ago, lol. And here you are again.

[@CarlosMunoz1980]

@@Deckademicsso what. This is very one sided review. We get it, you prefer pioneer

[@ericburgos]

Not going to lie, I do NOT like Pioneer's "non-scratch" mixers. I find them uninspiring. The scratch mixers are fascinating, though, and I love that they have such stiff competition from Rane.

[@Max-go2ze]

Pioneer just completely copied Rane. But made it cheaper out of plastic. No comparison if you value build quality

[@the_truth21]

I’m still using my rane 57 with serato scratch. Looking at the 70 or 72 . Not interested in pioneer since I’ve used ranes line of mixers. 62 was great too but I want a new mixer

[@Deckademics]

It sounds like you would be more interested in the 70. Its a great mixer and is simpler and more to the point than the 72. Anyone going from a 62 to a 70 would be very pleased with the transition.

[@bassape652]

Great comprehensive head 2 head comparison. Personally, I'm a Rane guy but I really wish they would tone down the whole x-mas tree aesthetics. Matter of fact, the whole InMusic umbrella would benefit from turning the LEDs down a notch.

[@apexpredator_jku]

I'd have to agree as far as the x-mas tree lighting. I know Denon got the hint & toned it down with the SC6000 vs the SC5000 and looks sooo much more professional. Hopefully the rest of InMusic will follow suit.

[@rolandoduran737]

Sir. What’s the name of that dope jam in the intro?

[@Deckademics]

The song is "Run Tell Dat" by our Ableton instructor Lonegevity. Check him out!

[@greatness3928]

Which one has the best cross fader

[@coolhandlex]

Personal preference, really. I happen to love the Magvel Fader Pro but either is excellent

[@krolkoolmarek7074]

The s11 is more easy to use ?

[@Deckademics]

Overall, Yes. I would say the S11 is easier to use. Those willing to take a deep dive into the 72 may find more options but at the expense of being a bit more complicated. Especially in the effects section.

[@thajasondub]

Solid video!!!

[@Deckademics]

Thanks for watching!

[@anonymousmc7727]

Why every mixer doesn’t have an iPad app is crazy and ya know what throw a hard drive in it too

[@nobbystyles4807]

theyre fucking identical dude. literally identical by design..... its one company trying to take a market share out of another company....! and neither of those companies are actually trying to help the djs out.... theyre releasing button controllers with flashing led's at ridiculous prices that actually price out younger djs that dont have the money..... this is doing NOTHING for the industry its actually stiffling talent! there are many other manufacturers that are making affordable kit and hey guess what.....? having 25 fx on every channel doesnt make you a better dj. if theres any doubt about whay ive said here just think back to how many complaints there were about penny & giles faders or eccler against the constant complaints in the forums now about firmware updates and faulty units......!

[@Sergioluna80s]

I need to clarify that rane is no longer the quality that all djs value. inside a rane the components are the same as a numark or a denon, that's why I never buy a Rane again Pioneer despite manufacturing in China is still a Pioneer en.wikipedia.org/wiki/InMusic_Brands the review is excelent ! greeting from Buenos Aires

[@Deckademics]

Thanks for watching and for your input!

[@ChillBrah-bx7fs]

Mu dude. Even today. Inmusic products outlast pioneers. Pioneers have a dedicated repair center

[@CarlosMunoz1980]

Pioneer fanboy

[@nastyp16]

great video great presentation

[@SuperPussyFinger]

Thanks for the thoughtful, articulate, sophisticated overview.