Allen & Heath ZED-14

Multi-purpose mixer with 6 mono channels for live sound and recording from ZED series that is fantastic entry-level unit for small bands, solo performers or AV applications. Its comprehensive feature set, compact size and fine lines combine to make it one of the best small mixers around. Provided with configurable USB audio in/out makes it easy to capture stereo recordings, 6 mic or line inputs (Neutrik XLR or 6.3mm jacks), 4 stereo inputs with EQ, there are an incredible 157 controls on the front panel. It also comes bundled with Cakewalk SONAR X1 LE music creation and audio production software with ZED, creating a fantastic, high spec digital audio workstation. Based on Cakewalk’s award-winning SONAR X3 digital audio workstation, SONAR LE has been enhanced with cutting-edge instruments, effects, and creative tools to make creating the music as simple and intuitive as possible. The mixer also features a responsive 3-band, swept mid frequency EQ design which utilises MusiQ – with optimised slope (or Q factor) for equalising individual instruments. It has DuoPre pre-amps, 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 pre-amp by using the line input jack socket, which has the great advantage of less noise when using the line input and also matching to higher input impedance. Other features include an illuminated mute control, sound image pan, illuminated PFL and peak warning indicator, ALPS 100mm faders, level control for each channel, mono/stereo function on auxes 1&2, monitor output section and alt stereo output source.