Allen & Heath unveils FX models in its ZED range of mixers

After the launch of the fifth model in its ZED range of small, format, USB-equipped mixers for live performance, recording, and production, at winter NAMM show, Allen & Heath announce two more models to be unveiled at prolight+sound show 2008 in Frankfurt: The ZED-12FX (6 mono + 3 dual stereo channels) and ZED-22FX (16 mono + 3 dual stereo channels) retain the same feature set as other models in the range with the addition of a comprehensive section of in-house designed effects. ZED’s effects are divided into 4 types: tap tempo delays, short reverbs, long reverbs and modulation. They are controlled by three buttons for easy navigation and editing, allowing the parameters of each effect to be quickly ‘dialled-in’ to, for instance, pinpoint the ideal delay time or amount of reverb. “Much like the ZED range’s build and construction, Allen & Heath’s approach to the effects was with professional standards and quality in mind. ZED effects are designed by the same R&D team that writes algorithms for our large digital pro-touring mixers. They are the only mixers on the market to have integrated custom effects of this quality,” explains R&D manager, Mike Griffin. “We’ve designed them for the amateur or semi-pro artist, who want great quality effects for live performance or recording without the need for yet another piece of equipment in their set up.” The new ZED FX mixers have a responsive 3-band swept-mid EQ on the mono channels, with a 2-band EQ on the stereo channels, 100mm long throw faders, 4 aux sends (2 pre, 2 post fade), a USB send and return (for PC or Mac recording or playback), a unique dual stereo input capability, and advanced monitoring facilities. The connectors are placed on the top surface for easy plug-in and patching, and the construction, with individual circuit boards nutted to the top panel, is identical to Allen & Heath’s professional touring mixers. The ZED FX also feature the new high performance DuoPre padless pre-amps, which use a two stage design with carefully controlled amounts of gain in each stage, offering high headroom and a low noise, clean signal path. Allen & Heath unveiled ZED-24 stereo at winter NAMM show 2008 in Anaheim. This model provides 23 independent sources to the mix, 10 independent outputs, 4 aux sends (2 pre and 2 post fade), a USB send and return, dual stereo input capability, and advanced monitoring facilities. In addition to 16 mono channels there are 4 stereo channels, each with a main stereo input on jack sockets, and with the ability to take additional stereo inputs from phono sockets or from the USB audio input, enabling the engineer to control and route any source. ZED-24 features a responsive 3-band swept-mid EQ, with an optimised slope for equalising individual instruments. The ZED-24 also features the new DuoPre pre-amps. ZED’s USB output can be configured to allow different signals to be sent to USB, from the LR master, the matrix or the aux busses, with the USB return signal available as a stereo return. Cakewalk’s SONAR LE music production software is bundled with the mixer, to enable the user to perform many different tasks, for live performance, live recording, studio recording, or studio mixing. The NAMM show wasl also the official debut for the ZED 4 bus series - ZED-420, ZED-428 and ZED-436 mixers – which were previewed at the PLASA 07 show in London, and the first time that the Xone:42 DJ USB mixer has been shown outside of the UK.