The Allen & Heath XB-14² Compact Broadcast Mixerby Allen & Heath is a broadcast mixer designed for self-operated broadcast applications in small radio and internet studios, as well as larger facilities with multiple rooms. It comes in a compact package and is packed with radio-friendly options usually found on large-format broadcast consoles.

This Mixer allows for an efficient and flexible workflow with features such as telephone-communication (Telco) channels, fader-start sensing, automatic muting of speaker outputs, stereo channel-start/cue outputs for CD deck-transport control, separate headphone mixes for guests, an audition bus, and more.

Separate monitor mixes can be created enabling the operator to check levels and cues without interfering with the listening sources of the presenter or guests. Using remote-interface connectors, mono channels can be remotely muted from studio-located mute or cough switches (available separately). In addition, the Talk to Guest switch allows for the operator to communicate off-air with guests, presenters, and telephone callers.

The audio circuitry of the XB-14² features four mic/line channels equipped with high-gain DuoPre preamps and 3-band EQs to help cut sibilance & mic popping, and 2-band EQs on stereo channels for use with music. The full-duplex USB sound card offers playback and record to & from a computer as well as voice over IP (VoIP), and is compliant with Mac & Windows core audio drivers.

Open Box Products Have a Limited 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty    4 x Mic/Line Channels    4 x Dual-Source Stereo Channels    2 x Telco Channels    USB Sound Card for Mac & Windows    Audition Bus, Aux Bus, Mix B    DuoPre Mic Preamps    MusiQ HPF & 3-Band EQ    Remote-Controlled Channel Mutes    Fader-Start Sensing & Start/Cue Function    Output Matrix with Guest Headphones

• Four mic/line mono channels
• Four dual-source stereo channels and a total of up to seven stereo sources
• Aux bus for external processing, effects, recording or auditioning
• Mix B for recording an independent mix to the main program mix, or creating a clean feed source from selected channels
• Audition bus for auditioning or recording telephone conversations
• 27 logic I/O for remote control
• 15 configuration switches
• Output matrix with three headphone outs allows separate mixes for engineer/producer and two guests
• Talk button for off-air conversation with guests

The four mono channels feature DuoPre technology which employs a two-stage design to control the input gain structure of the channel. The first stage provides 69 dB of gain for the signal at the XLR input. The second stage is activated by plugging the signal into the TRS line-input jack. This gain-staging eliminates the need for pad circuit & pad switch, and ensures that the signal remains in the optimum region of its dynamic range for lower noise and distortion.

The XB-14² is equipped with a stereo bi-directional sound card for playback, recording, or voice over IP (VoIP) to and from a computer. Its USB 1.1 audio codec is compliant with USB 2.0 ports and Windows & Mac core audio drivers.

Two Telco channels provide a selectable clean-feed output (L/R PGM, Aux or audition bus), variable high-pass and low-pass filters which are useful when a caller is connected via a low-quality

telephone line, and a talk button that allows for communication with a telephone caller without the presenter's voice going to the program mix.

The mono mic/line channels feature fader-start sensing to control external devices or to automatically mute speaker outputs to prevent feedback. The stereo channels are equipped with start & cue logic outputs used for CD deck transport control. Mic/line input channels can be remotely muted using an external "cough" switch (available separately).

The XB-14² features individual vertically-mounted channel circuit

boards with rotary controls fixed to the front panel using metal nuts. This robust construction allows for removing channels from the mixer one at a time and for easily changing faders, making servicing minimally disruptive.

• HPF and 3-band, swept-mid EQ on mono channels
• 2-band EQ on stereo channels
• Smooth-ride 100mm faders
• Auto-mute on control-room outputs
• XLR main outputs with inserts
• External-meter socket
• Input-signal and peak metering

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Can this mixer be controlled from a hardware fader box?

A: The Allen & Heath Qu-SB is not controllable with a traditional mixer. It can be controlled with an iPad via WiFi

Q: 2. does it come with rack mount ears?

A: Yes, 19" rack ears are included with the Allen & Heath Qu-Pac - 16-In/12-Out Compact Mountable Mixer.

Q: 3. Can we operate it with battery in the field?

A: The Allen & Heath CQ-12T Compact 12-Channel Digital Mixer with Touchscreen is not battery-powered.

Q: 4. Do you have a local distributor in the Philippines? Please give me contact details ASAP. I am interestef in buying an allen&heath xb14-2 broadcast console. Thanx. I am asking a friend.

A: In order to find a local dealer please contact the manufacturer, Allen and Heath directly. They can provide you a list. a href= http://www.allen-heath.com/support/ target= _blank http://www.allen-heath.com/support//a

Q: 5. does it have pad ? to Attenuate the signal

A: No, there is no dedicated pad switch on this mixer. However, Allen & Heath's GSPre preamp stage has a wide dynamic range of 5 to 60 dB and this provides exceptionally low noise and enough headroom to accommodate a wide range of signals. The mixer also features guitar DI high-impedance jack inputs allowing guitars to be plugged straight to the mixer without the need for separate DI boxes. A low-cut filter is also provided to clean-up unwanted low-frequency noise.

Q: 6. I would like to mount this in a 10 U slant top mixer case (B&H # MAMAM14UW), is it 10U in size?

A: You may need the 19 Rack kit for the ZED-14 - Order part number: ZED1402-RK19:Allen & Heath ZED-14-RK19 Rack Mounting Kit for ZED-12FX and ZED-14B&H # ALZED14RK19

Q: 7. will this interface work with Adobe Audition and Premiere Pro?

A: Adobe Audition and Premiere Pro can both be used with external USB Audio Interfaces. The ZEDi-8 would be compatible as well.

Q: 8. I'm interested in buying the zed 6 to add more preamps to my soundcard. Can I send the xlr outputs of the zed-6 to line inputs of my soundcard? Will I have a loss in quality?

A: The XLR line level outputs of the mixer can be sent to your sound card wihout loss of quality.

Q: 9. dose it have pad ? to Attenuate the signal ?

A: The Zedi 8 does not have any pad switches for the input level, but the model up, the Zedi 10 (B&H # ALZEDI10), does have Line/Pad switches on channels 3 and 4 which attenuate the input level by 20 dB.

Q: 10. Can the headphone jack on this model be used to send a mono output to a powered monitor?

A: The Allen & Heath ZEDi-8 Compact Hybrid Mixer/USB Interface's headphone output could be connected to a powered speaker, but headphone outputs do not have the same impedance as true line outputs, and you may experience a degraded/weak signal when compared to a line output.