Allen & Heath has added three new models to the new range of small-format, USB-equipped mixers: the ZED-420 (16 mono + two dual-stereo channels), ZED-428 (24 mono + two stereo) and ZED-436 (32 channel + two stereo) mixers.
The 4-bus series features the same high-performance DuoPre padless preamp, a quality microphone circuit and an optimized line input circuit rather than one preamp handling both mic and line signals. It uses a two-stage design with carefully controlled amounts of gain in each stage.
The ZED series has a 4-band, 2-swept mids EQ with I/O switch, six aux sends (two pre, two post, two pre/post), four subgroups, direct outputs on each mono channel, separate L/R/M main buses, 100mm long-throw faders, two matrix outputs and a talkback facility to auxes or L/R/M.
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.
ZED mixers feature a USB send and return for PC or Mac recording, playback and effects; a dual-stereo input capability; and advanced monitoring facilities. ZED’s USB output can be configured to allow different signals to be sent to USB, from the L/R master, the matrix or the aux buses, with the USB return signal available as a stereo return.
Cakewalk’s SONAR LE music production software is bundled with ZED mixers, allowing the user to conduct a straightforward recording of a stereo mix, record tracks individually to build up a song or insert an effects plug-in from SONAR LE.
Available immediately, SRPs are as follows: ZED-420, £899; ZED-428, £1,099; and ZED-436, £1,299. For additional information, visit www.allen-heath.com/zed. For additional SR news, visit The Briefing Room or mixonline.com/live/products/.
