TECH
Rane Serato SL3
PRICE
£599
CONTACT
rane.com
01494 551559
serato.net
0064 9379 4944
TECH SPEC
USB 2.0 audio interface
Core Audio and ASIO driver
support
24-bit/48kHz sample rate
Three stereo in and out on
RCA
BOXING CLEVER
Three Rane high-grade
phono preamps
International power supply
The new SL3 audio interface for the Scratch Live digital vinyl
included
system boasts great sound — but it doesn’t come cheap!
Kensington security lock
for installation
R
esponding to increasing competition, Rane Serato separate sides of the box so it is also less confusing to connect up. SL1 still supported by
have unveiled a new audio interface for their Scratch But the most noticeable upgrade is the SL3's ability to connect future software
Live digital vinyl system. Going by the name of Rane a mixture of vinyl deck or CDJ inputs. Unlike the SL1, the SL3
Serato SL3, it improves on its predecessor — the SL1 — contains three individual high-grade preamps so a combination of
with better sound quality and an extra stereo channel in and out. vinyl and CD can be used to control Scratch Live.
This time out, Rane Serato have invested heavily in the circuit
board layout, with the SL3 boasting multi-layer circuit boards for COMING THRU
VERDICT
improved grounding. On the SL3, the signal is amplified to line level on the way in, and
Comparing the SL1 and SL3 directly with A/B testing, there are while it has no thru connections, a thru button has been added
BUILD QUALITY 4.5
obvious improvements in the sound quality. Thanks to its higher to the Scratch Live 1.9 software. This thru button redirects the
EASE OF USE 4.5
definition in volume depth (24-bit), the SL3 offers a much more deck or CD audio straight back out to the mixer outputs. The soft-
FEATURES 4.0
dynamic high frequency response and the overall output is around thru system reduces the need for extra cables and makes for an
VALUE FOR MONEY 4.0
four or five dB louder than the original. easier set-up although some may prefer to use their mixer’s input
SOUND QUALITY 5.0
We also compared the two with a compensatory gain on the SL1 selector.
to bring the volumes in line with each other. Even then, the SL3’s Rane Serato have also taken fail-safe measures to ensure that
HYPE
The SL3 sounds amazing, is
sound stands out with much better punch and presence, making it incoming audio is automatically redirected to the outputs if
easy to set up and works as a
an essential upgrade for club and professional DJs. anything goes wrong with the computer. If computer problems regular soundcard for other
occur, the SL3 can switch to audio from CD players or vinyl decks
applications thanks to its extra
Given that Rane and Serato are raising their game in the face of without the need to rewire the system.
in and out channels.
strong competition from Native Instruments, we also tested the
GRIPE
SL3 against NI’s DJ audio interface — the Audio8 DJ. Considering Serato’s recent software addition, the SP6 sampler, also takes The preamp switches are a bit
the SL3 costs nearly £100 more than the Audio8 DJ (at £599), it’s advantage of the SL3’s new aux output and it too has its own thru
too sensitive, there is no mic
disappointing that there is no major difference in audio quality button so that users can easily add external gear to the system.
input and it comes at a hefty
price.
between the products. The only minor difference is that the NI The new aux input is perfect for recording a whole set with the live
Audio8 DJ is around 3dB louder than the SL3. But this is splitting feed function. This is a big improvement on the old mic input that
hairs, as such a marginal gain can easily be found on every mixer. the aux replaces from the SL1, although it is a shame to lose it all
The SL3 comes with
innovative features and
together.
great sound quality but
E
rin
SIMPLICITY IS KEY
doesn’t quite warrant
Es Simplicity is the key to the SL3’s build and features. The new SL3 The new box also comes with Scratch Live DJ software, the
the expensive price-tag.
interface is a lot slimmer than its predecessor, which makes a big timecode control vinyl and CDs, as well as all cables and a little
a
v
i
D
D
difference when getting set-ups packed down to one compact UDG carry bag. It’s just a shame about the price, which is pretty
ds:
bag. It’s still as solid as ever and Rane Serato have stiffened up hefty.
or
w
the previously wobbly USB port. All inputs and outputs are on
4.5/5
152
www.djmag.com
DJ474.tech_ranesl3.indd 152 30/4/09 14:50:30
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