What is the primary purpose of the ZED-22FX?

It is designed as a versatile stereo mixer for live sound, venue installations, and home studio recording. It bridges the gap between traditional analogue mixing and modern digital recording via its USB output.

How many mono input channels does the ZED-22FX have?

The mixer features 16 individual mono channels, each equipped with an XLR microphone input and a TRS line-level input.

What makes the DuoPre preamps special?

DuoPre preamps use a two-stage design to provide significant headroom and very low noise. This ensures high-quality signal amplification for both microphones and line-level instruments.

Does the ZED-22FX require a separate audio interface for recording?

No, it features a built-in USB audio interface that allows for direct recording to a Mac or PC. This eliminates the need for extra hardware when tracking demos or live sets.

What kind of EQ section does it provide?

It includes a three-band EQ on mono channels with a sweepable mid-frequency. This allows for more precise tonal manipulation compared to fixed-frequency EQs.

How many auxiliary sends are available?

The ZED-22FX includes four auxiliary channels. These are typically used for stage monitoring, foldback, or sending signals to external effects processors.

Does this mixer include built-in effects?

Yes, it features an integrated FX section designed for enhancing live performances and recordings. These effects include various reverbs and delays to help vocals and instruments resonate.

Is the ZED-22FX compatible with both Mac and PC?

Yes, the USB connectivity is designed to be plug-and-play with both macOS and Windows operating systems. It is intended for seamless integration with most Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs).

How many stereo channels are included?

In addition to the mono strips, the mixer features 3 stereo channels. These are ideal for connecting keyboards, playback devices, or other stereo line-level sources.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The ZED-22FX is typically priced around GBP 658. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.

How does the ZED-22FX compare to the Yamaha MG12?

The ZED-22FX offers significantly more input channels, with 16 mono inputs compared to the 6 or 8 typically found on the MG12. It is a larger-format console suited for more complex setups.

Can I use the ZED-22FX for professional commercial releases?

Yes, the manufacturer describes it as suitable for contributing to commercial releases. The high-quality DuoPre preamps and flexible EQ provide the fidelity required for professional-grade audio capture.

Gear article

Allen & Heath ZED-22FX USB Stereo Mixer

The Allen & Heath ZED-22FX is a versatile 22-channel analogue mixing console designed for live performance, home recording, and venue installations. It features a built-in USB audio interface and an integrated effects processor, catering to musicians and engineers who require high-channel counts in a compact format.

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Overview

The Allen & Heath ZED-22FX is a sleek, multi-purpose mixer engineered to facilitate both live sound reinforcement and studio tracking. It is positioned as a comprehensive solution for self-recording artists and small-to-medium venues. Despite its relatively small footprint, the console provides 16 mono channels and 3 stereo channels, alongside an internal effects engine that offers a range of time-based processing options.

DuoPre Preamplifier Design

A defining technical feature of the ZED-22FX is the inclusion of DuoPre preamplifiers. These preamps utilize a two-stage design, carefully controlling the amount of gain through each stage. This architecture is designed to provide exceptional low noise and expansive headroom, ensuring that signals remain clean even when high levels of gain are required for dynamic sources.

Mackie ProFX12v3 12-Channel Analog Mixer with USB

Routing and EQ

The mixer features four auxiliary channels, providing flexibility for monitoring or external signal processing. The tonal shaping is handled by a responsive three-band EQ on the mono channels, which includes a sweepable mid-frequency control. This allow users to precisely manipulate recordings or live mixes for professional results. The layout is designed to be intuitive for both experienced engineers and those new to large-format analogue consoles.

Digital Integration

Equipped with a USB audio interface, the ZED-22FX allows for direct connection to a Mac or PC. This feature enables users to capture performances and record demos without the need for additional external audio interfaces. The USB integration supports both sending audio to a computer for recording and receiving audio back for playback through the console.

Market Position and Alternatives

The ZED-22FX sits in a competitive segment alongside other high-quality analogue and digital consoles. While it offers a traditional analogue workflow, it faces competition from digital alternatives like the Behringer X AIR XR18 or the PreSonus StudioLive series, which offer wireless control. For users seeking smaller footprints, the Yamaha MG12 or Mackie ProFX12v3 are common alternatives, though they offer fewer input channels compared to the ZED-22FX's sixteen mono strips.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the ZED-22FX?: It is designed as a versatile stereo mixer for live sound, venue installations, and home studio recording. It bridges the gap between traditional analogue mixing and modern digital recording via its USB output.
How many mono input channels does the ZED-22FX have?: The mixer features 16 individual mono channels, each equipped with an XLR microphone input and a TRS line-level input.
What makes the DuoPre preamps special?: DuoPre preamps use a two-stage design to provide significant headroom and very low noise. This ensures high-quality signal amplification for both microphones and line-level instruments.
Does the ZED-22FX require a separate audio interface for recording?: No, it features a built-in USB audio interface that allows for direct recording to a Mac or PC. This eliminates the need for extra hardware when tracking demos or live sets.
What kind of EQ section does it provide?: It includes a three-band EQ on mono channels with a sweepable mid-frequency. This allows for more precise tonal manipulation compared to fixed-frequency EQs.
How many auxiliary sends are available?: The ZED-22FX includes four auxiliary channels. These are typically used for stage monitoring, foldback, or sending signals to external effects processors.
Does this mixer include built-in effects?: Yes, it features an integrated FX section designed for enhancing live performances and recordings. These effects include various reverbs and delays to help vocals and instruments resonate.
Is the ZED-22FX compatible with both Mac and PC?: Yes, the USB connectivity is designed to be plug-and-play with both macOS and Windows operating systems. It is intended for seamless integration with most Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs).
How many stereo channels are included?: In addition to the mono strips, the mixer features 3 stereo channels. These are ideal for connecting keyboards, playback devices, or other stereo line-level sources.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The ZED-22FX is typically priced around GBP 658. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.
How does the ZED-22FX compare to the Yamaha MG12?: The ZED-22FX offers significantly more input channels, with 16 mono inputs compared to the 6 or 8 typically found on the MG12. It is a larger-format console suited for more complex setups.
Can I use the ZED-22FX for professional commercial releases?: Yes, the manufacturer describes it as suitable for contributing to commercial releases. The high-quality DuoPre preamps and flexible EQ provide the fidelity required for professional-grade audio capture.