A&H to launch two new ZED models at NAMM

[The Press Desk at Gearslutz.com]

ALLEN & HEATH LAUNCHES TWO NEW ZED MODELS

Allen & Heath has added two new models to its ZED range of multi-purpose live sound and recording mixers. The new ZED-16FX and ZED-18 each have 10 fully-featured mono channels and 3 or 4 dual stereo channels, respectively, fulfilling the demand for increased channel counts in a compact format.

In keeping with the rest of the range, both mixers have a connection for USB send and return for recording, playback and effects. The 10 mono Mic/Line inputs feature Allen & Heath’s acclaimed DuoPre two stage preamp, 3-band MusiQ EQ with swept mid frequency, and 100mm faders, all in a compact, rack mountable format. The stereo inputs have 2-band EQ and inputs for extra sources, and there are 4 auxes accessible from each mono and stereo channel.

Additionally, the ZED-16FX has a built-in FX processor with TAP tempo delay settings and a 24 bit/48kHz conversion rate, with access to a comprehensive set of 16 in-house designed effects derived from Allen & Heath’s iLive pro touring digital mixing system.

“The ZED-18 and 16FX are the perfect size and format for so many applications. In a rack-sized chassis we’ve packed in 10 mono channels while retaining all the stereo inputs (on ZED-18 there are 7 stereo inputs including the USB). The monitoring and output configuration is the same as the ZED-14 and 12FX, which is really useful in both live sound mixing and studio situations, and they are designed and built to last for ages. Having just used one for a fantastic gig with The Deadly Gentlemen (perk of the job!), I can say that they are an absolute joy to mix on!” comments Allen & Heath R&D designer, Mike Griffin.

Cakewalk’s SONAR X1 LE music production software is bundled with the ZED-18 and 16FX mixers, enabling the user to perform many different tasks, for live performance, live recording, studio recording, or studio mixing. The combination of ZED and SONAR allows the user to capture a straightforward recording of a stereo mix, record tracks individually to build up a song, or insert an FX plug-in from SONAR.

ZED mixers are built to a professional standard, with rotary controls secured to the front panel with steel nuts and high quality components have been used throughout, including Neutrik mic XLR and 1/4" jack connectors.

The new ZED models will be launched at NAMM 2012. SRP is:

ZED-16FX £490 ex VAT
ZED-18 £417 ex VAT

[depulse]

I don't understand why A&H contiinous to make mixers without dedicated aux returns. Is it so hard to put 4 stereo returns with 4 rotary controls?

The main reason I have a mixer in my studio is for routing my hardware synths and samplers to effects. If I have to use the normal channels for FX returns I can as well record everything into the DAW and use plugins.

[Big_Bang]

Personally, I'm sitting in my studio refusing to record until they come out with a
Zed GS R16 !! (well, almost...)

Now THAT would rock my world. It would completely dominate the mid-market.

[gollumsluvslave]

Originally Posted by Big_Bang

Personally, I'm sitting in my studio refusing to record until they come out with a
Zed GS R16 !! (well, almost...)

Now THAT would rock my world. It would completely dominate the mid-market.

I read the thread title hoping it was something that took the new GS R24 and updated it back to the ZED-R16

Got my hopes up!

I want the GSR24M so bad, but I can't justify the outlay at this point, and 16 channels would work for me, but I can wait for the improvements on the ZED-R16

[rosemeister]

Agreed. Too bad no Zed r24 with optional meter bridge.

[mdf25]

I was hoping for a Zed R8 cos the R16 is way too much for me and I don't need all that IO

[adogg4629]

What, no iPad connectivity? Don't A&H know that this year's NAMM theme is crappy iOS integration? How else am I going to get this to work with my iOS Garage Band?

[vinvanda]

Originally Posted by adogg4629

What, no iPad connectivity? Don't A&H know that this year's NAMM theme is crappy iOS integration? How else am I going to get this to work with my iOS Garage Band?

£200 netbook would get you that i guess

[Gharper23]

It would have been nice if it had a 4 band EQ and 2 more aux channels with pre/post switch and direct outputs for each channel, I think I'll stick with the mixwizard

It looks very nice though if you don't need these things.

[Red Baron]

Zed GS R16(M), GS R10(M) and GS R8(M) would have big potential market , but I suspect we will have to wait much more, of course, in case A&H would decide to produce them.

I think it is the right time for them to show up.

M=Motorfader

[joshelevator]

what does allen and heath have against sub groups?

[Big_Bang]

Originally Posted by joshelevator

what does allen and heath have against sub groups?

Because they accidentally phased-inverted them in R&D, so they were cancelled out of production... ?

[deft_bonz]

I was thinking about to upgrade my live mixer Yamaha to something else. But I miss the effect returns and I don't like the master fader to be on 2 faders.

So I'll skip that one.

I checked the Mixwizard, could be the right thing for me...

[dykzei]

Hi, I'm considering purchase of ZED18, and not sure what is addressed as missing of "dedicated aux returns" problem.

Could you please hint me on setup limitation I would experience with this mixer, because I have a few stereo sound sources like synth/sampler/drum machine which will go into stereo aux. I have 2 external FX units, and wondering whether It would be possible to make use of both independently with ZED18.

Honestly I don't have much xp with stage mixers yet, so any advice on this concern would be really helpful.

Now I use dj mixer with one external FX unit for mixing those synth/drums/sampler, and it's too limited.

Thanks