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Allen And Heath ZED14 USB Mixer Unboxing / Reviewplay button

Allen And Heath ZED14 USB Mixer Unboxing / Review

Allen & Heath

collapse expand iconDescription

The Allen & Heath ZED-14 USB mixing console has incredibly advanced features for a mixer at this level—it has 13 independent sources to the mix, 10 independent outputs, four AUX sends, a USB send & return for PC or Mac recording, playback and effects, a unique dual stereo input capability and some very advanced monitoring facilities. In fact, ZED-14 is so packed full of great features that you'd think it would cost much, much more.

The ZED-14 is a mixer for anyone, from entry-level to professionals, who appreciates fantastic uncolored sound, lots of headroom, a truly professional feel and rugged build quality. It can be used for many different tasks, whether in live performance, utilizing plug-in effects via USB, live recording via USB and Cakewalk, studio recording or mixing down to produce your own 2-track recordings.

Inputs

One of the great things about the ZED series is the number and variety of things you can plug in. In addition to the six mono channels there are four 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, flexibility gives you control. In all, ZED-14 boasts 99 different controls on its front panel—way more than any of the competition. Six mic/line channels are provided on ZED-14—plenty for mics or D.I. boxes for a small band, duo or solo performer, as well as four stereo line inputs—dual inputs, both with gain and 2-band EQ.

DuoPre

Based on the proven preamps from the hugely successful PA series, the ZED series has new 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

ZED-14 features a responsive 3-band, swept mid-frequency design with MusiQ-optimized slope (or Q factor) for equalizing individual instruments. HF and LF also boast Xtra Boost, to make these frequencies more responsive.

Auxiliary Sends

Four 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 LR 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 we have implemented this on ZED is super-flexible and super-easy. No longer do you need to fiddle around the back of your PC to get to the sound card inputs, only to find that the levels are all wrong and noisy. Just plug in a USB lead to your ZED, select the USB routing on the mixer and the device on your computer and that's it! Quality audio to and from your PC or Mac. Three switches provide different send/return configurations for recording, playback and utilizing external FX.

Build

At this level, most mixers are built using a single, flat PCB with all the pots and switches attached at right angles. ZED-14 utilizes individual vertically mounted channel 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. ZED also has professional 100mm faders for ultimate control over your levels.

SONAR LE

Allen & Heath has teamed up with major software supplier, Cakewalk, to bundle its SONAR LE music creation and audio production software with the ZED-14, giving you a fantastic, high spec digital audio workstation.

SONAR LE is a software application from Cakewalk and is included free of charge with the ZED-14 mixing console. SONAR LE is a powerful first step into the world of sequencing and hard disk recording on the Windows platform.

You'll be able to record from your ZED mixer, create tracks and arrange songs, then play back to your ZED mixer via the USB port. You can decide whether the SONAR family of products is right for you. If you choose to upgrade your copy of SONAR LE to a more full-featured version, like SONAR Producer or Home Studio Editions, you'll now be able to do so at significant savings.
Open Box Allen & Heath ZED-14 USB Mixing Console Level 1
Open Box Allen & Heath ZED-14 USB Mixing Console Level 1
Open Box Allen & Heath ZED-14 USB Mixing Console Level 1

collapse expand iconFeatures

ZED-14 Mixer
  • 14 inputs total
  • 6 Mono Channels with XLR inputs and preamps with 3-Band EQ with sweepable mids
  • 4 Stereo Channels with line inputs with 2-band EQ
  • 4 AUX sends
  • 2 Stereo returns
  • USB send & return for PC or Mac recording, playback and effects
  • 48V phantom power
  • Insert points
  • High-pass filter
  • Stereo imaging control on every channel
  • Channel mute switches
  • Advanced monitoring facilities
  • 1/4" and 3.5 mm headphones outputs
  • Stereo record out
  • Alternative stereo out
  • Mono sum of LR output
  • Main LR outputs
  • 12-bar LR meters
  • Master controls for AUX 1 & 2
  • 12 100 mm faders for a professional feel
SONAR LE
  • 64 audio tracks
  • 256 MIDI tracks
  • 8 simultaneous inputs and outputs
  • 24-bit/192kHz audio quality
  • 24 simultaneous effects
  • 8 simultaneous virtual instruments
  • Integrated VST/VSTi support, without need for VST adapter
  • Support for ACIDTM-format loops
  • Support for ReWire clients, such as Project5, Live, or Reason
  • Elegant user interface
  • Active Controller Technology automatically maps MIDI keyboards and control surfaces to the parameters you need most on effects, instruments, volume, pan and other mix elements
  • Easier integration of virtual instruments with Synth Rack
  • Support for Windows Vista (32-bit & 64-bit), Windows XP Professional x64 Edition and Windows XP operating systems

collapse expand iconSpecs

ZED-14 USB Mixing Console
  • Operating Levels
  • Input:
  • Mono channel (XLR) Input: +6 to –63dBu for nominal (+17dBu in max)
  • Mono channel Line Input (Jack socket): +10 to –26dBu (+30dBu maximum)
  • Insert point (TRS Jack socket): 0dBu nominal +21dBu maximum
  • Stereo Input (Jack sockets): 0dBu nominal (control = Off to +10dB)
  • Stereo input (phono sockets): 0dBu nominal (control = Off to +10dB)
Output:
  • L, R & Mono Outputs (L&R XLR, Mono Jack): 0dBu nominal. +21dBu maximum
  • AUX Outputs (Jack sockets): 0dBu nominal. +21dBu maximum
  • Alt Outputs (phono sockets): 0dBu nominal. +21dBu maximum
  • Rec Outputs (phono sockets): 0dBu nominal. +21dBu maximum
Frequency Response:
  • Mic in to Mix L/R Out, 30dB gain: +0.5/-1dB 20Hz to 20kHz
  • Line in to Mix L/R out 0dB gain: +0.5/-1dB 10Hz to 30kHz
  • Stereo in to Mix L/R out: +0.5/-1dB 10Hz to 30kHz
THD+N:
  • Mic in to Mix L/R Out, 0dB gain 1kHz +10dBu out: 0.004%
  • Mic in to Mix L/R Out, 30dB gain 1kHz: 0.014%
  • Line in to Mix L/R out 0dB gain 0dBu 1kHz: 0.005%
  • Stereo in to Mix L/R out 0dB gain +10dBu 1kHz: 0.003%
Headroom:
  • Analog headroom from nominal (0Vu): 21dB
  • USB in & out headroom from nominal (0Vu): 14dB
USB Audio CODEC (Coder/Decoder):
  • USB Audio In/Out: USB 1.1 compliant 16-bit
  • Sample Rate: 32, 44.1, or 48kHz
Noise:
  • Mix L/R out, L/R faders = 0, 22-22kHz: –88dBu
  • Mic Pre EIN @ max gain 150R input Z 22-22kHz: –127dBu
  • Dimensions (WxDxH): 15.11" x 18.30" x 4.35" (384 x 465 x 110.69 mm)
  • Weight: 14.3 lb. (6.5 kg.)
SONAR LE
    System RequirementsMinimum
    • Operating System: Windows XP
    • Processor Speed: Intel Pentium 4 1.3 GHz, or AMDTM Athlon XP 1500+ or higher
    • RAM: 256 MB
    • Graphics (resolution, color depth):1024 x 768, 16-bit color
    • Hard Disk Space: 100MB for core program
    • Hard Disk Type: Any
    • MIDI Interface: Windows-compatible
    • Audio Interface Windows-compatible
    • Optical Drive: DVD-ROM, DVD+/-R, or DVD+/-RW for installation, CD-R or CD-RW capability required for CD audio disc burning
    RecommendedOperating System:
    • Windows XP/Vista/Vista x64
    • Processor Speed: Intel Pentium 4 2.8GHz [EM64T], or AMDTM Athlon 64 2800+or higher
    • RAM: 1GB or higher
    • Graphics (resolution, color depth): 1280 x 960, 32-bit color
    • Hard Disk Space: 2GB for program and content
    • Hard Disk Type: EIDE/Ultra DMA (7200 RPM) or SATA
    • MIDI Interface: Windows-compatible
    • Audio Interface: WDM- or ASIO-compatible, including WaveRT for Vista
    • Optical Drive: DVD-ROM, DVD+/-R, or DVD+/-RW for installation, CD-R or CD-RW capability required for CD audio disc burning

    Featured Articles

    collapse expand iconReviews

    4.86

    7 Reviews

    100%

    of respondents would recommend this to a friend

    Filters
    Best Uses
    1. Amateur Recording1
    2. Music Videos1
    3. Outdoor Events / Games1
    4. Performances1
    5. Playback1
    Cons
    1. Heavy / Bulky1
    Describe Yourself
    1. Professional Musician2
    2. Experienced1
    Pros
    1. Easy To Use2
    2. Excellent Sound2
    3. Simple Controls2
    4. Versatile2
    5. Compact1
    • What an upgrade

      5

      submitteda year ago

      byBen

      fromChicago IL

      I have used cheaper mixers from Behringer and Harbinger. The moment I hooked this up I had to lower my sub down more than half of the gain. The sound is different from the other units. There is no coloration. The description for the unit boasts about their preamps. I have to agree. This mixer produces all the frequencies accurately. Also built like a tank.

    • Great performance out of the ZED 14 Allen and Heath

      4

      Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

      submitted7 years ago

      byTyler

      fromundisclosed

      I use the Allen and Heath Zed 14 board for voice over production in my home studio. It's very versatile, has a clean sound, and I like the usb connection from the board to my pc. Thanks for your help Guitar Center!

    • Perfect. Delivery and zed board is awesome. My second one.

      5

      Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

      submitted8 years ago

      byEck

      fromDetroit Michigan.

      Very good boards.

    • Superb Quality and Sound!

      5

      Verified BuyerVerified Buyer

      submitted8 years ago

      byJoe Cass

      fromLyndhurst, NJ

      The Allen and Heath ZED -14 is an exceptional Portable Control Mixing Console. With An array of inputs for both XLR as well as Unbalanced 1/4" Phono Adapters this allows mor versatility in both the Studio and the field. . The preamps far surpass Comparable Mixing Consoles By other brands like Berranger or Yamaha. But being in the field for nearly 60 years That's what You Expect from Allen and Heath.

    • Perfect Project Studio Analog Mixer "10 star rating"

      5

      submitted12 years ago

      byJOHN SPANGLER

      fromSeattle, WA

      First of all I've been wanting this mixer for a long time. But I felt it was out of my price range so didn't get it. Brought a Mackie 802-VLZ3 for about half the price. Rock solid little mixer but it added color to the sound. Not enough inputs. Stereo return added a gain hum to monitor during playback. I just got ZED14 last week. It has made all the difference. Clean preamp for recording ! Playback from the DAWs through the ZED14 to EQ the mix. Record back into the PC using the main stereo outs. Only one "CON" I should had purchased it sooner! I've not used USB connection. It only records in 16 bits but it is an additional option if needed.

    • Great Value - Easy to use

      5

      submitted13 years ago

      byJared Nelson

      fromMinneapolis, MN

      I use this to mix live events for a non-profit group with has events that include 5-6 stage mics, multiple music sources (CD/MP3 players) and we send to multiple recording devices including a PC connected via USB. I have no formal audio training yet this board is so easy to setup and use. It comes with all the inputs and outputs I need. The sound quality is great to my untrained ear and this board gives me the granular controls to easily make slight adjustments that are occasionally needed. I now have both a ZED-24 and a ZED-14 and I do not plan on looking for anything different in the future.

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