In the ever-evolving world of audio production, Allen & Heath stands as a maestro, orchestrating the magic of sound through their well-loved mixing consoles. But with so many options in the A&H mixing console lineup, how do you know which one is right for you? This blog is going to break down the mixing console options available from Allen & Heath, aiming to help you narrow down the best fit for your audio engineering needs.

Movement One - Triple Threats

Set sail on this symphonic adventure with craftsmanship that performs in an array of applications. The diverse ZED, MixWizard4, and QU series from Allen & Heath are adaptable for live, studio, and installed audio applications. From the compact and versatile ZED Compact to the warmth of the MixWizard4's analog embrace and the ease of digital mastery with the QU series, each mixer in this collection is a testament to the artistry of sound engineering. 

ZED- Craftmanship For All

The ZED series is a fusion of analog and digital technology and caters to various applications. With models like ZED Compact, ZED Mini, ZED Mid, and ZED Max, Allen & Heath provides an option for every need. From compact live mixers to USB-equipped studio solutions, the ZED series exemplifies craftsmanship that adapts to different environments and preferences. Starting with the smallest mixer of the series, the ZED Compact for live performers is equipped with 6 input channels, 2-band EQ, low cut filter, XLR main outputs, and 48V phantom power. Some models also have an internal FX engine, USB audio interface, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. Followed up by the ZED Mini, with a stereo interface, this small format mixer features integrated effects and Hi-Z inputs, allowing guitars to be plugged right into the console. All ZED Mini mixers utilize a two-channel USB interface with flexible routing options to simply capture your live show or two-track recording at home. The ZED Mid has a channel range from 12 to 24, plus FX options and integrated stereo recording. ZED Mid provides accessible analog mixing for bands and venues. Every ZED Mid mixer features a responsive 3-band, swept mid-frequency EQ design with an optimized slope for equalizing individual instruments. Rounding out the ZED series is Allen & Heath’s largest analog live sound mixer, the ZED Max. It was professionally designed for bands and venues that need up to 36 input channels plus 4 groups and stereo recording. ZED Max sounds clean, with 69dB of gain, enough for low-output dynamic microphones and quiet acoustic sources.

MixWizard4 Series: Versatile Analog Mixers

The MixWizard4 series brings the warmth of analog to the digital age. With models like WZ4 12:2, WZ4 14:4:2, and WZ4 16:2, these multi-purpose analog mixers find their place in live sound, studio, and installations. The MixWizard4 series features a 4-band EQ, 6 aux sends, 4 mute groups, a 12x4 matrix, and a dual stereo input with RCA and USB connectors.  The MixWizard4 series also features a built-in FX processor with 20 presets, and an optional USB multitrack recording interface. The MixWizard4 series is designed to be easy to use, with a clear and intuitive layout, high-grip knobs, and illuminating switches. All of which make MixWizard4 the go-to choice for those seeking a professional, compact mixing console.

QU: Digital Mixing Made Easy

The versatile and simple QU series, for live sound, studio, and installations, offers a range of features and channel offerings of 16, 24, or 32. This top-selling mixer series inherits the technology from the GLD and iLive systems and is equipped with features like a USB audio interface, motorized faders, a touchscreen, and iPad compatibility.  QU mixers simplify digital mixing while offering unrivaled sound quality with world-class processing and FX derived from those used in Allen & Heath’s pro touring series. The QU series also features two portable digital mixer options, the Qu-SB and Qu-Pac. With 18in/14out and 22in/12out respectively. The Qu-SB is designed to integrate with the fully featured Qu-Pad iPad app, while the Qu-Pac has adopted the same power and legendary quality of the QU family while being shrunk into a compact desk or rack mount format.

Movement Two - Rhythmic Heartbeat

XONE: The Beat of Club Music

The Xone series, serving as the vibrant heartbeat of club music, caters to the needs of DJs, producers, and live performers with models like Xone:96, Xone:92, Xone:PX5, and Xone:23. This series seamlessly blends analog and digital excellence, providing a versatile palette for diverse preferences and styles within the electronic music domain. Boasting features such as 4-band EQ, multi-mode filters, effects, and MIDI control, the Xone series has solidified its position as the go-to companion for those embarking on sonic journeys. The Allen & Heath Xone:96, a 4-channel analog DJ mixer, commands attention with its colossal, detailed, and space-shaking sound. Equipped with dual 15.6-inch touchscreens, dual 32-bit USB soundcards, Traktor Scratch certification, and a dPack add-on for expanded processing and effects options, it stands as a pinnacle of innovation. On the other hand, Xone:92, a 6-channel analog DJ mixer celebrated for its versatility across musical genres, features a 4-band EQ, MIDI control, 2 VCFs, and 1 LFO.  This mixer has earned acclaim from renowned DJs such as Richie Hawtin, Sven Väth, and John Digweed. Meanwhile, Xone:PX5, a 4+1 channel analog DJ performance mixer, integrates a built-in FX processor with 20 presets, a 24-in/22-out USB audio interface, and an Xcite FX suite offering delays, reverbs, modulators, and more. Lastly, Xone:23, a compact and affordable 2+2 channel analog DJ mixer, boasts a 3-band total kill EQ, a VCF system with low-pass and high-pass filters, and an adjustable resonance control, making it an ideal choice for small venues and home studios.

Movement Three - Harmony In A Box 

CQ Series: Mix Smarter. Work Faster. Sound Better.

The Allen & Heath CQ series is a range of ultra-compact digital mixers that are designed for musicians, bands, home producers, small venues, and AV installers. The CQ series features a new 96kHz processing engine that delivers high-resolution audio with an ultra-low latency of less than 0.7ms. The CQ series also supports dPack, which is an add-on that provides you with more processing and effects options from the flagship dLive mixing system. The CQ series consists of three models: the CQ-12T and CQ-18T, which are desktop mixers that combine tactile controls with a 7-inch multi-touch screen, and the CQ-20B, which is a portable stage box mixer that can be controlled remotely via the companion CQ apps. All models have 16 mic preamps, 24-in/22-out SD recording/playback, 24-in/22-out USB audio interface, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. The CQ series is compatible with the ME personal mixing system, which allows the performers to take control of their own monitor mixes. The CQ series is the perfect choice for those who want a compact, powerful, and versatile digital mixer that can handle a variety of applications. 

Movement Four - Digital Precision 

As this symphonic voyage ends, we must crescendo to the three distinct series that emerge as virtuosos in the realm of digital mixing: the SQ Series, the Avantis Series, and the dLive Series. Each a masterpiece in its own right, these series redefine the landscape of digital mixers with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled features. Let's embark on this finale, exploring the intricate melodies of the SQ Series as it harmonizes power and fidelity, the Avantis Series casting a spell with its supreme form and intuitive touch, and the dLive Series emerging as the undisputed master of sound, catering to the diverse needs of professionals across live sound, recording, and installation realms. 

SQ Series: Redefining Compact Digital Mixers

The SQ series is a range of 48-channel, 96kHz digital mixers that are powered by Allen & Heath’s revolutionary XCVI FPGA engine. This engine delivers class-leading high-resolution audio with an ultra-low latency of less than 0.7ms, giving you unrivaled power and audio fidelity. The SQ series consists of three console sizes: SQ-5, SQ-6, and SQ-7, each with a different number of onboard preamps, line outputs, faders, and soft keys. The SQ series also features 12 stereo mixes, 3 stereo matrices, 8 stereo FX engines, a 64x64 I/O port for audio networking, a 32x32 USB audio interface, and a range of remote expanders.  The SQ series is ideal for demanding live sound, recording, and streaming applications, as well as for in-ear monitoring setups. The SQ series is compatible with the ME personal mixing system, which allows the performers to take control of their monitor mixes. The SQ series also supports DEEP processing and RackExtra FX, which are add-ons that provide you with more processing and effects options from the award-winning dLive digital mixing system. The SQ series is a great production console to use as a stepping stone from analog to digital.

Avantis Series: Unleashing Power In Supreme Form

The Allen and Heath Avantis Series is a range of 64-channel, 42-bus digital mixers that are powered by the 96kHz XCVI FPGA engine. This engine delivers high-resolution audio with an ultra-low latency of less than 0.7ms, giving you exceptional performance and sound quality. The Avantis Series consists of two models: Avantis and Avantis Solo, each with a different number of physical controls and I/O available on the mixer. The Avantis Series features dual 15.6-inch full HD capacitive touchscreens that allow you to use gesture control and customize your workflow with the Continuity UI.  The Avantis Series also supports dPack, which is an add-on that provides you with additional processing and effects options from the flagship dLive mixing system. The Avantis Series is ideal for demanding live sound, recording, and streaming applications, as well as for in-ear monitoring setups. The Avantis Series is also compatible with the ME personal mixing system and allows for ultimate user customization, making every console unique to its user.

dLive Series: The Master of Sound

The Allen & Heath dLive series is a range of digital mixing consoles that are designed for demanding live sound, broadcast, and installation applications. The dLive series features 128 input channels, 64 mix outputs, a configurable 64-bus architecture, and a 96kHz XCVI FPGA engine that delivers high-resolution audio with an ultra-low latency of less than 0.7ms. The dLive series also supports DEEP processing and RackExtra FX, which are add-ons that provide you with more processing and effects options from the flagship dLive mixing system. The dLive series consists of two classes of hardware: S Class and C Class. The S Class hardware is designed for professional touring, broadcast, and permanent installations, with dual power supply slots for redundancy, and dual redundant audio connections. The S Class hardware also features higher-grade metal on the sides and folded steel at key points for added rigidity. The C Class hardware is more compact and lightweight and is suitable for theatres, houses of worship, educational establishments, and corporate AV. The dLive series is compatible with the ME personal mixing system, which allows the performers to take control of their monitor mixes. The dLive series also supports various audio networking option cards, such as Dante, AES3, DX Link, FibreACE, gigaACE, superMADI, and Waves V3. The dLive series is the perfect choice for professionals who want a powerful, versatile, and reliable digital mixer.

Encore

Allen & Heath's Mixing Consoles, from the dLive S7000 to the ZEDi Compact, are more than tools; they are channels for harmonious music, speech, and artistry of all types. Covering the landscapes of live sound, studio recording, and installed applications, these consoles stand as pillars of innovation, creativity, and unwavering commitment to the art of sound. There is sure to be a perfect fit for your needs. For more information about Allen & Heath Mixers and other product offerings, please visit the Mainline website.