Allen & Heath ZED-420
4-bus Mixing Console with USB Interface
Item: AHZED420
The ZED 4-Bus series takes inspiration from different product lines within the A&H range, combining them with fresh new ideas to give stunning results in a neat and easy to use package.
In addition to the sixteen mono channels there are two dual stereo channels, each with a main stereo input on 1/4" jacks and with additional RCA phono inputs. The USB return can be selected to one of the additional inputs so that it feeds either the main LR bus or the stereo channel.
The padless DuoPre mic/line pre-amplifier is a new design which delivers a high-headroom, low-noise signal. 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.
The 4-band, 2-sweep EQ, along with the low noise summing amps, is borrowed from the acclaimed GL2400, while the bus architecture is a simplified, but equally comprehensive, version of that employed in the successful GL series.
6 aux sends are provided, of which 1&2 are prefader for monitoring, 3 & 4 are switched pre or post-fade for monitoring or effects sends. and 5&6 are post-fader for effects. Auxes 1&2 can be sent to the USB bus for recording pre-fader signals independently to the main mix. Auxes 5&6 can also be sent to the USB bus for use as effects sends.
The USB audio interface, with its uniquely flexible capability, allows different signals to be sent to USB, from LR or from selected aux buses. The USB return signal can be routed straight to the LR mix or to a stereo channel. The connectors are placed on the top surface for easy plugging & patching, and the construction, with individual circuit boards firmly nutted to the top panel, is as rock solid as Allen & Heath’s top of the range ML Series mixers.
Also included with ZED 4-Bus is the excellent Sonar LE digital audio workstation software for Windows, with audio and MIDI multi-track recording and mixing capability, effects plug-ins and editing features, enabling the ZED 4-Bus mixer to become a live recording or home recording mixer.
The ZED-420 has been designed using individual vertically mounted 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.
Allen & Heath ZED-420
4-bus Mixing Console with USB Interface
Features:
- 4-band EQ with 2 swept mids and in/out switch
- 6 auxiliary sends (2 pre, 2 post, 2 pre/post)
- 4 sub groups fed from each channel
- L, R and M main mix outputs
- Individual per channel 48V phantom power
- Direct output on every mono channel
- 2 dual stereo inputs with 4-band EQ
- Peak and signal indication on every channel
- 2 matrix sections available; can send output to USB
- Configurable USB stereo audio in/out
- Master level controls on all outputs
- Easy to use layout – all connections and controls on top surface
- Cakewalk Sonar LE bundled with mixer