Allen & Heath ZED-12FX 12-Channel Analog Mixer (USB+FX)

Description

ZED-12FX is ideal for groups who need to travel light. Even with its small footprint, the 12FX squeezes in 4 auxiliary channels and swept semi-parametric EQ on top of the already impressive feature set including configurable USB audio in/out makes it easy to capture stereo recordings.

Allen & Heath ZED-12FX USB Mixer with Effects Features

• 16 internal effects including Delay and Reverb, Ping-Pong, more
• 6 mono channels
• 3 dual stereo channels, each with main stereo input on the jack socket
• USB audio input
• 6 mic/line channels
• Insert points
• DuoPre preamps
• 100mm faders
• 9 LED meter
• High-pass filter
• Stereo imaging control on every channel
• 3-band EQ with swept mid
• 4 auxiliary sends (2 pre, 2 post)
• Global 48V phantom power
• 3 dual stereo inputs with 2-band EQ
• Peak and signal indication on every channel
• Configurable USB stereo audio in/out
• Master level controls on all outputs
• Easy-to-use layout, all connections and controls on top surface
• Cakewalk SONAR LE bundled with mixer
• Channel mute switches
• Stereo return
• 2-track return
• Advanced monitoring facilities
• 1/4″ and 3.5mm headphones outputs
• Stereo record out
• alternative stereo out
• Mono sum of L/R output
• Main L/R
• 12-bar L/R meters
• Master controls for Aux 1&2

 
Internal FX
16 separate effects have been crafted into the ZED-FX range. These include Delay and Reverb, Ping-Pong delay, a selection of reverbs with different room/hall/arena properties, a flanger, and a chorus. All have been designed to complement the material the engineer is working with. Each of the effects has a parameter which can be altered: pre-delay can be adjusted, room sizes tweaked, and flanger speed dialed-in. Five of the effects can have their tempo tapped in, and the output auditioned by the FX PFL.

Inputs
One of the great things about Allen & Heath’s ZED series is the number and variety of things you can plug in. In addition to the mixer’s 6 mono channels, there are 3 dual stereo channels, each with a main stereo input on the jack sockets, and with the ability to take additional stereo inputs from phono sockets, or from the USB audio input. 6 mic/line channels are provided on the ZED-12FX plenty for mics or DI boxes for a small band, duo, or solo performer, as well as 4 stereo line inputs, dual inputs, both with gain and 2-band EQ.

DuoPre
Based on the proven preamps from their PA series, Allen & Heath’s ZED series has DuoPre preamps which use a two-stage design, with carefully controlled amounts of gain in each stage. When amplifying the signal from the XLR input, the gain range is huge 69dB of range to be exact and is very evenly distributed around the gain control, meaning better control of signal level. Most of the gain comes from the first stage, so unwanted noise is kept to a minimum. Line level signals are simply plugged into the second stage of the preamp by using the line input jack socket, which has the great advantage of less noise when using the line input.

EQ section
The ZED-12FX USB mixer features a musical 3-band EQ derived from the acclaimed GL2400 mixer. The design utilises MusiQ optimised slope (or Q factor) for equalising individual instruments.

Auxiliary sends
4 aux sends are provided, of which 1 & 2 are prefade for foldback monitoring, and 3 & 4 post-fade for effects sends. A stereo signal can be sent from auxes via USB-to-computer to create 2 separate record feeds independent of the main L/R mix (1&2) and or used as FX sends (3&4).

USB audio flexibility
Getting audio to and from a computer easily is now a common requirement for live sound and music production. The way this has been implemented on the ZED FX mixers is flexible and easy. No longer do you need to fiddle around the back of your PC to get to the soundcard inputs only to find that the levels are all wrong and noisy. Just plug in a USB lead to your mixer, select the USB routing on the mixer and the device on your computer, and that’s it. Three switches provide different send/return configurations for recording, playback, and utilising external FX.

Build
The ZED-12FX has been designed using individual, vertically mounted circuit boards with each rotary control fixed with a metal nut to the front panel, making a much more robust product that will resist damage and give years of reliable use. It also has professional 100mm faders for ultimate control over your levels.

SONAR LE included
Allen & Heath teamed up with Cakewalk to bundle SONAR LE with the ZED 12-FX mixer. The two work together in many ways, from straightforward recording of a stereo mix to recording tracks individually to build up a song, or even for inserting a SONAR LE effects plug-in.

ZED FX Series
ZED FX mixers are easily controlled using 3 buttons and 9 LEDs. Quickly tap the ideal delay time or dial in the perfect amount of reverb on the lead vocal. Talk about one-stop navigation and editing, it’s just as easy your average effects pedals. Hold down the TAP button and press the up or down button to alter the effects parameter. For example, on patch (9) Plate, this would adjust the decay length. The ZED FX mixers are designed to fulfill all the functions a small band would need without needing their own sound engineer. The layout and features have all been arranged to be logical and instantly recognisable even at a dark gig to make it a mixer you can trust to perform.

The USB audio interface, with its uniquely flexible capability, allows different signals to be sent to USB, from L/R or from selected aux buses. The USB return signal can be routed straight to the L/R mix or to a stereo channel. The connectors are placed on the top surface for easy plugging & patching, and the construction, with individual circuit boards firmly nutted to the top panel, is as rock solid as Allen & Heath’s top-of-the range ML Series mixers.