ALLEN HEATH ZED R-16 Firewire Recording Mixer

The ZED-R16 is a superbly equipped console with all the crucial parts of the recording process in one box. The best per forming preamp in Allen & Heathʼs entire range is packaged with a high quality analogue to Firewire interface and the most extensive EQ on any mixer at this price point (or even twice the price!). An analogue channel strip so well featured, which sounds this good, is a real find at this level.

ZED-R16 combines an analogue recording mixer with a FireWire soundcard, MIDI controls and ingenious ʽhome-studioʼ routing so you can build tracks in the studio, record live gigs, mix-down, remix… all through warm analogue circuitry, 4 band fully parametric classic British EQ and out to crisp, precise digital format.

 In the studio
ZED-R16 combines an imaginative feature set with professional build quality to create the ideal centrepiece for any project studio with big ideas, or larger studios with dedicated live rooms. Control room speaker and alternate speaker outputs, plus two separate artist monitor feeds are provided. In addition to the digital inter face, two analogue recording outputs are also available. The ZED-R16 even has a dedicated internal condenser talkback mic. Features such as the dual function audio/MIDI faders and built in sequencer transport were dreamed up by engineers here at A&H who have home studios themselves, so theyʼve made sure theyʼve built in features they really need.
 
Soundcard
The internal soundcard features 18 FireWire inputs and 18 outputs plus 16 ADAT I/O. Each channel on the mixer has its own independent soundcard channel so instruments can be recorded simultaneously (pre or post EQ) and into the sequencer separately. To minimise clock jitter and provide synchronicity between the ZED-R16 and other devices, the mixer is equipped with the professional JetPLL™ digital audio chipset.
 
 
Mix-down and live
In addition to multi-track recording, the ZED-R16 allows mixing down in analogue, then recording back into the computer in digital. The bundled SONAR LE software makes this a breeze. The story doesnʼt stop here however - ZED-R16 can be a versatile live FOH mixer too. In this mode, its 4 aux buses become foldback feeds and FX sends, and the main XLR outputs feed the PA system. Recording the live gig is straightforward; the record feed signal can be easily assigned using the four buttons next to the faders.
 
 
Preamp
The ZED-R16ʼs pre-amp, which has been specially designed for this application, has a symmetrical ultra linear circuit. The best epitaxial low noise transistors are used in the front end, and active feedback is employed in both phases before the differential amplifier. This results in super-low distortion, while maintaining low noise (-128.5dBu EIN), high CMRR, and a transparent and beautiful sounding pre-amp.
 
 
EQ section
Complete with two swept, fully parametric mids, and high and low shelving EQ, the ZED-R16 has a sophisticated equalisation section without rival in this section of the market. It has much in common with our class-leading pro touring mixers. Forty years of analogue mixer design has given us an unparalleled knowledge of filtering.
 
 
Auxiliary sends
Two pre and two post aux buses can be used as feeds for headphone amplifiers in the studio, FX sends anywhere, or wedge foldback live. The talkback function is either routed to the aux or studio outputs, so is ideal for any environment.
 
 
FireWire flexibility
The digital audio connections are all present on the rear of the desk. Two FireWire connectors allow the ZED-R16 to be connected to a personal computer whilst the second socket daisy chains devices. Two switches change the sample rate and routing selection, while 4 connectors allow input and output to ADAT equipment.
 
 
ADAT
In addition to the Firewire input and output, the ZED-R16 has 4 ADAT optical sockets. The I/O routing on the ZED-R16 is identical for the Firewire channels and the ADAT optical connection. With a combination of panel switches, the mixer is capable of an incredible 26 simultaneous inputs and outputs. Feed the ZED-R16 from ADAT lightpipe equipment, or record directly out from 16 channels to 2 ADAT machines, or to another soundcard.
 
 
MIDI software control
The MIDI section on the ZED-R16 has been designed to control software transport, with extra mappable controllers ready to be user-assigned. With recording now truly in the digital age, ZED-R16 brings the home studio bang up to date. In addition to the ZED-R16ʼs dedicated MIDI controls, all of the channel faders can be switched to become MIDI controllers.
 
 
Monitor section
The ZED-R has two signal paths for monitoring: an output for main control room monitors and outputs for an alternative set of monitors for checking mixes. The control room mix can follow either of the two main analogue outputs or the digital main mix, allowing access to all main audio outputs.
 
 
Build
The ZED-R16 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-R16 also has professional 60mm faders for ultimate control over your levels.
 
 
SONAR X1 LE – Provided Free!
Weʼve included Cakewalk SONAR X1 LE with ZED-R16 so you can immediately start to use it to create your own music.
Key Features
• Powered by SONAR X1
• 32 audio tracks
• 64 MIDI tracks
• 8 simultaneous inputs and outputs
• 24-bit/96 kHz audio quality
• 24 simultaneous effects
• 8 simultaneous virtual instruments
 

Live 4-Bus Mixing Console 
 32 Input Channels (24 mono)
 XLR Mic: 24 mono channels + 4 stereo channels
 Frequency Response: 20Hz – 20kHz
 Weight: 39.70 lbs (18.1kg)
 Dimensions (H x W x D): 6.38" x 39.92" x 20.98" (162mm x 1014mm x 533mm)
 4 Stereo Line Inputs
 24 Inserts
 Large Illuminated Mute Switches
 Stereo inserts
 4 Groups with inserts
 3-Band EQ with sweepable mids
 6 Aux sends
 Dual DSP with 100 digital multi-effects
 2 Stereo aux return
 USB I/O (from aux sends or main mix)
 Input gain trim on each channel
 24 dB Low cut filter at 75Hz
 100mm faders
 PFL switches
 AFL switches
 Phantom power switch (+ 48V)
 Mono Out & LPF with sub-woofer containing variable frequency control
 2 x 12-segment LED level meter for Main L/R, PFL/AFL. Group 1–4
 Talkback mic input

Soundcraft FX16ii - rebirth of a classic

The Soundcraft FX16ii mixer uses the same AudioDNA processor featured in many of the Digitech and Lexicon outboard equipment including the highly respected Lexicon MX500 processor. With over 35 years experience, the Lexicon name is synonymous with the best reverb and processing in the business, ensuring the finest quality effects not usually found in a console at this price level.

The Soundcraft FX16ii offers a combination of powerful live and recording features; each channel has a Direct Output which is individually switch-able pre or post fader to enable use with 16-track recording systems. The Lexicon effects work just as well in the live as well as the recording environment with a tap tempo function, 3 parameter controls, user effects settings store ability, effects clip LED and 32 powerful and editable effects to choose from.

The use of the latest PCB surface mount technology means that the Soundcraft FX16ii fits all of these features into a rugged, compact frame which can be optionally rack-mounted into a 10U space via Soundcraft FX16ii's rotating connector pod which allows cables to be connected conveniently behind the rack and save rack space.

Soundcraft FX16ii main features include:

• 26 inputs
• 16 mono microphone channels
• 4 stereo returns
• 4-bus architecture, with sub-group routable to mix
• Built-in 24 bit Lexicon digital effects processor
• 32 FX settings
• Tap Tempo
• 3 FX parameter adjust rotaries
• User FX settings store function
• Direct outputs for multi-track recording individually switch-able for pre-post-fade operation
• Inserts on all mono channels
• Inserts on stereo mix output
• Classic Soundcraft 3-band EQ with swept mid-band
• Stereo 18dB/octave 100Hz high-pass filter
• Dual global +48V phantom power split channels 1-8 and 9-16
• Channel Mute control
• 10-segment tri-coloured metering
• Two sub-group outputs
• Separate mono sum output
• Integral universal power supply

• 12+2 channel frame sizes
• Built-in 24 bit Lexicon digital effects processor
• 32 FX settings
• Tap Tempo and FX setting store function
• 1 FX send on each channel
• 1 configurable auxiliary bus
• XLR-type and Ό� metal jack connector sockets
• RCA phono stereo playback inputs and record outputs
• 3-band EQ with a swept mid on mono inputs
• 3-band EQ on stereo inputs
• TRS insert sockets and inserts on all mono inputs
• Ten-segment LED output metering
• Intuitive and comprehensive solo system
• Headphone output
• Easily rack mountable

The LX7 combines the essential Soundcraft live mixer qualities
with basic recording-oriented features, in a compact frame that's
light enough for one person to carry yet easy to configure and use.
This makes it especially suitable for multi-purpose use in venues
such as small halls and community centres, while its direct channel
outputs make the LX7 an ideal choice for bands who need a live desk
that can double up in the studio.

Housed in a choice of 16, 24 or 32 channel frame, LX7 provides 24,
32 or 40 inputs - with no less than 7 separate bus outputs including
mix, 4 groups and a dedicated mono bus for centre speaker clusters,
side or rear fills. The output count rises to 29 with the inclusion of direct
outs on the first 16 mono inputs and six auxiliary busses.

LX7's balanced mic inputs all use patented Ultramic preamps,
providing 60dB of gain range and 22dBu of headroom. Each input
also includes 4 band EQ with two swept mid frequency controls.
In addition, EQ In/Out switch and steep 18dB/Octave High Pass Filter,
allow effective audio control in difficult venues whilst the six auxiliary sends
are pre-post switchable in pairs from each channel, providing a maximum of
4 pre-fader and six post-fader. This makes LX7 equally applicable
for foldback - heavy performance or in situations where more effects are required.

LX7's groups section houses two further stereo inputs - with EQ, auxiliaries
for keyboards or stereo recording devices - as well as two FX returns. All four
groups are routable to mix and include 12 segment bargraph metering for
accurate monitoring and inserts. Six auxiliary masters on rotary controls also
included AFL soloing.

In the master section there is talkback provision to all pre-fade auxiliaries and
the mix. Global phantom power and a two track return for pre-show music are
also present. A "two-track" to mix switch allows the engineer to play CD's over
the main PA whilst back-stage set-up is going on, with one press of a button.
The mix is also routable to the separate mono bus if mono PAs are required.

LX7 is built in a rugged wedge-shaped steel chassis with an internal power supply,
professional all-metal jackfield and connectors on the rear of the console. All inputs and outputs are balanced.

Applications:

    * Gigging Bands
    * Small installations
    * Small venues
    * Theatres
    * Houses of Worship
    * Live and studio recording

 
    * 100mm faders
    * +48V phantom power
    * 16, 24 or 32 channel frame sizes
    * Up to 40 inputs (including stereo inputs and returns)
    * 18dB/octave high-pass filter
    * 6 aux sends, 4 of them pre/post switchable
    * Group and mix inserts
    * 12-segment LED metering
    * Integral PSU