How many USB ports does the XONE:96 have?

The mixer features two independent USB ports, each connected to its own 32-bit soundcard. This allows two different laptops to be connected simultaneously for seamless DJ transitions.

What is the difference between the 3-band and 4-band EQ on this mixer?

The XONE:96 uses a 4-band EQ on its main channels, providing separate controls for High, High-Mid, Low-Mid, and Low frequencies. This offers more precise control over the mid-range than standard 3-band mixers.

Is the XONE:96 compatible with DVS software?

Yes, it is Traktor Scratch Certified out of the box. The dual internal soundcards allow for DVS control of digital tracks using timecoded vinyl or CDs without an external box.

What is the 'CRUNCH' feature?

The CRUNCH circuit is an analogue harmonic distortion effect located within the VCF filter section. It allows the user to add warmth or aggressive saturation to any channel routed through the filter.

Can I connect external effects pedals to the XONE:96?

Yes, it features two dedicated stereo send/return loops. These allow for the integration of external hardware like guitar pedals, delay units, or reverbs into the signal chain.

How many total channels does the mixer support?

The mixer has 6 main channels (4 phono/line and 2 mic/RTN) plus additional return channels. It is designed to handle complex setups including turntables, laptops, and synths.

Does the XONE:96 have a booth output control?

Yes, it includes a dedicated booth section with its own volume control. It also features a unique 2-band booth EQ to help the DJ fine-tune their monitor speakers.

What is the bit depth of the internal soundcards?

The mixer is equipped with two high-performance 32-bit USB soundcards. This ensures premium audio quality for digital playback and recording.

Is the internal circuitry analogue or digital?

The XONE:96 features a purely analogue internal signal path. While it includes digital soundcards for connectivity, the actual mixing and EQ processing are done in the analogue domain.

What kind of filters does the XONE:96 use?

It uses the signature Xone VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter) system. It offers High Pass, Band Pass, and Low Pass filters with adjustable resonance and sweepable frequency.

Who is the XONE:96 designed for?

It is designed for professional club DJs and hybrid performers. It is particularly popular with artists who use a mix of digital software, vinyl, and external hardware like drum machines.

How does the price of the XONE:96 compare to other pro mixers?

With a typical price of around £1,577, it is positioned as a professional-tier flagship. It is competitive with high-end models from Pioneer DJ and AlphaTheta while focusing on analogue performance.

Gear article

Allen & Heath XONE:96 DJ Mixer

The Allen & Heath XONE:96 is a professional six-channel analogue DJ mixer designed for club installations and hybrid live performances. It serves as the successor to the industry-standard Xone:92, integrating modern dual 32-bit USB soundcards while maintaining a purely analogue signal path and the brand's signature four-band EQ.

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Background and Design

The XONE:96 represents the evolution of Allen & Heath’s flagship analogue mixer line. Built to handle the rigorous demands of modern club environments, the mixer retains the classic layout of its predecessor, the Xone:92, while introducing hardware improvements for digital-analogue hybrid workflows. It is constructed with a robust chassis designed to withstand touring and permanent installation. The design philosophy emphasises high-fidelity audio reproduction and tactile control, catering to DJs who utilise both traditional vinyl and software-based performance tools.

Key Features and Signal Processing

The mixer features four main stereo channels, each equipped with the latest iteration of the Xone 4-band EQ. This allows for precise frequency isolation compared to standard 3-band designs. A significant addition to the hardware is the dual Xone:VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter) system, which includes High Pass, Band Pass, and Low Pass modes, along with frequency and resonance controls.

New to the 96 model is the 'CRUNCH' circuit, an analogue harmonic distortion effect applied to the filter stage. For connectivity, the unit includes two independent 32-bit USB soundcards, which are Traktor Scratch Certified. This allows two DJs to perform back-to-back using separate laptops without the need for external interfaces.

Sonic Character

The XONE:96 is renowned for its warm, detailed analogue sound signature. Unlike digital mixers that process audio through DSP, the 96 maintains an analogue signal path that provides significant headroom and a smooth transition into saturation. The inclusion of the 32-bit soundcards ensures that digital audio sources benefit from high-resolution conversion, preserving the nuance of the original recordings. The 4-band EQ is specifically tuned to allow for 'surgical' mixing, enabling DJs to blend tracks by overlapping specific frequency bands without cluttering the output.

Target Audience and Notable Users

The mixer is primarily aimed at professional club DJs, hybrid performers, and electronic music artists who integrate external hardware such as synths, drum machines, and effects pedals. Its extensive I/O makes it a hub for complex setups. Notable artists associated with the Xone series sound include Miss Monique, who utilizes the mixer's precise tonal controls for melodic techno and progressive house sets.

Market Comparisons

The XONE:96 occupies a high-end niche alongside several competitors:

Pioneer DJ DJM-A9: While the A9 offers extensive digital effects and industry-standard layout, it uses a digital architecture compared to the XONE:96's analogue path.
AlphaTheta DJM-V10: A direct competitor in the multi-channel space, though it features a more digital-centric workflow.
Ecler NUO 2.0: A simpler 2-channel alternative for scratch DJs, lacking the internal soundcards and complex routing of the 96.
G4M & SubZero DM-400: Budget-friendly 4-channel options that provide basic mixing functions but lack the high-end filters and dual soundcard stability of the Allen & Heath flagship.

Artists who play it

Miss Monique
DJ

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Frequently asked questions

How many USB ports does the XONE:96 have?: The mixer features two independent USB ports, each connected to its own 32-bit soundcard. This allows two different laptops to be connected simultaneously for seamless DJ transitions.
What is the difference between the 3-band and 4-band EQ on this mixer?: The XONE:96 uses a 4-band EQ on its main channels, providing separate controls for High, High-Mid, Low-Mid, and Low frequencies. This offers more precise control over the mid-range than standard 3-band mixers.
Is the XONE:96 compatible with DVS software?: Yes, it is Traktor Scratch Certified out of the box. The dual internal soundcards allow for DVS control of digital tracks using timecoded vinyl or CDs without an external box.
What is the 'CRUNCH' feature?: The CRUNCH circuit is an analogue harmonic distortion effect located within the VCF filter section. It allows the user to add warmth or aggressive saturation to any channel routed through the filter.
Can I connect external effects pedals to the XONE:96?: Yes, it features two dedicated stereo send/return loops. These allow for the integration of external hardware like guitar pedals, delay units, or reverbs into the signal chain.
How many total channels does the mixer support?: The mixer has 6 main channels (4 phono/line and 2 mic/RTN) plus additional return channels. It is designed to handle complex setups including turntables, laptops, and synths.
Does the XONE:96 have a booth output control?: Yes, it includes a dedicated booth section with its own volume control. It also features a unique 2-band booth EQ to help the DJ fine-tune their monitor speakers.
What is the bit depth of the internal soundcards?: The mixer is equipped with two high-performance 32-bit USB soundcards. This ensures premium audio quality for digital playback and recording.
Is the internal circuitry analogue or digital?: The XONE:96 features a purely analogue internal signal path. While it includes digital soundcards for connectivity, the actual mixing and EQ processing are done in the analogue domain.
What kind of filters does the XONE:96 use?: It uses the signature Xone VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter) system. It offers High Pass, Band Pass, and Low Pass filters with adjustable resonance and sweepable frequency.
Who is the XONE:96 designed for?: It is designed for professional club DJs and hybrid performers. It is particularly popular with artists who use a mix of digital software, vinyl, and external hardware like drum machines.
How does the price of the XONE:96 compare to other pro mixers?: With a typical price of around £1,577, it is positioned as a professional-tier flagship. It is competitive with high-end models from Pioneer DJ and AlphaTheta while focusing on analogue performance.