Built with club installation in mind, the Reloop RMX-80 Digital elevates the mixer to a new level with several innovative features while still being familiar.
A fully digital design characterizes the Reloop RMX-80, offering everything a DJ needs. When it comes to usage, the DJ gets a clear layout with intuitive controls over 4+1 channels. The rest of the basics include a clear terminal panel supporting up to nine signal sources, two mic and two headphone inputs, a digital effects unit with a clear display, crossfader assignment, and fader and crossfader start. Channels 1 and 4 include two line levels, and phono jacks are on channels 2 and 3.
The overall physical design is built for long-term usage, with metal posts covered in rubber as the foundation for all buttons and knobs and good resistance for the faders. XLR, RCA, and USB inputs provide connectivity to other devices; however, as a drawback, it doesn’t connect to a computer for software manipulation and doesn’t come with an internal soundcard. But, as a bonus, you can connect it to a turntable.
The Reloop RMX-80 Digital is built to do everything from hard cuts to smooth mixes. Assisting with the possibilities are a bipolar filter section with a switchable kill/classic EQ; classic features like solo cue effects; mix cue mode to monitor two channels at once; a USB hub; two intelligent, independent beat counters; and 13 new performance effects, developed in conjunction with professional DJs. A time bar gives the DJ direct access to effects modulation and can trigger loops, LFO, timing, and pitch effects.
For effects, the DJ has a choice of a flanger, delay, echo, reverb, transformer, loop roll, pitch shift, reverse roll, noise bit crusher, tape delay, and send/return for external effects modules.
While most of these seem standard for a mixer, what sets the Reloop RMX-80 Digital apart is the design; essentially, what you want always seems to be in the right spot, without having to fish around or go into a secondary mode. Knobs are spaced ergonomically apart, while LCD display is always clear. Added convenience comes through mic and headphone inputs on the front and an auxiliary port and a spot for the mic on the top, rather than the sides – ideal for club usage. The user can also update firmware through the setup utility in the future.
Added to this, lights indicate when you’re in filter mode, so you don’t have to keep guessing. When the effects are clearly displayed, the DJ has the option for adjusting the time length with a knob or bar. The former gives even more convenience, letting the user move quickly from effects rather than scrolling through. An internal memory buffer further stores your last settings for the bar or knob, preventing any resetting or reconfiguration when you want to access a preferred effect.
While the design is certainly convenient and intuitive, the Reloop RMX-80 Digital stands out in another significant regards: It’s very similar to the Pioneer DJM series, down to the layout, design, and capabilities. The big difference is, the Reloop RMX-80 Digital is priced lower, so if you’re looking for a reliable club mixer but can’t see spending what the DJM costs, consider this model instead.
But while the Reloop RMX-80 Digital offers a great price and decent features for mobile and bedroom DJs, it’s not perfect. The MIDI capabilities are a bit lacking, while the absence of a soundcard and a controller is another drawback. If you’re the type of DJ looking for a single device that can do it all, the Reloop RMX-80 Digital won’t be it, but it makes a great addition and upgrade to any existing turntable or controller you own.
