A multi-purpose USB mixer for live sound, recording, and production with 16 unique effects.
Complementing Allen & Heath’s ZED series, the ZED-12FX and its FX-series mixer were developed around an effects chipset. Allen & Heath’s DSP engineers worked diligently to create and refine excellent reverb algorithms. The 16 effects they created are unavailable anywhere else; this quality and integration are exclusive to the ZED FX series. Sixteen essential delay effects further enhance the already extensive range of features. The ZED mixer is ideal for smaller bands who don’t want to carry a separate effects unit but still want high-quality effects for their gigs and recordings. Additionally, the ZED-12FX USB mixer includes DuoPre microphone preamps, 100mm faders, and the MusiQ EQ section, common to the entire ZED range.

Internal Effects:
Sixteen independent effects have been created within the ZED-FX range. These include Delay and Reverb, Ping-Pong Delay, a selection of reverbs with different properties for rooms/halls/arenas, a flanger, and a chorus. All have been designed to complement the engineer’s existing sound. Each effect has one adjustable parameter: the pre-delay, room size, and flanger speed can all be set. The tempo of five of the effects can be configured, and the output can be previewed via the FX PFL.

Inputs:
One of the great advantages of the Allen & Heath ZED series is the number and variety of connection options. In addition to the mixer’s six mono channels, there are three dual stereo channels, each with a main stereo input on the jack jacks and the ability to connect additional stereo inputs from the phono jacks or the USB audio input. The ZED-12FX features six mic/line channels, enough for microphones or DI boxes for a small band, duo, or solo artist, plus four stereo line inputs (dual inputs, both with gain and two-band EQ).

Based
on the proven preamps of its PA series, the Allen & Heath ZED series features DuoPre preamps with a two-stage design, with carefully controlled gain levels in each stage. When amplifying the signal from the XLR input, the gain range is wide (69 dB to be exact) and very evenly distributed around the gain control, resulting in better signal level control. Most of the gain comes from the first stage, so unwanted noise is minimized. Line-level signals are simply connected to the second preamp stage via the line-in jack, offering the significant advantage of reduced noise when using the line input.

Equalization Section:
The ZED-12FX USB mixer features a 3-band music equalizer derived from the acclaimed GL2400 mixer. Its design utilizes a slope (or Q factor) optimized by MusiQ to equalize individual instruments.

Auxiliary Sends:
It has 4 auxiliary sends, of which 1 and 2 are pre-fade for return monitoring, and 3 and 4 are post-fade for effects sends. A stereo signal can be sent from the auxiliary outputs via USB to a computer to create two independent recording signals from the main L/R mix (1 and 2) or used as effects sends (3 and 4).

USB Audio Flexibility:
Easily transferring audio to and from a computer is now a common requirement for music production and live sound. The way this has been implemented in ZED FX mixers is flexible and straightforward. No more searching the back of your computer for sound card inputs only to discover incorrect levels and noise. Simply connect a USB cable to your mixer, select the USB path on the mixer and the device on your computer, and you’re good to go! Three switches offer different send/return configurations for recording, playback, and using external effects.

Construction:
The ZED-12FX is designed with vertically mounted, individual printed circuit boards, each rotary control secured to the front panel with a metal nut, making it a much more robust product, resistant to damage and built to last for years of reliable use. It also features professional 100mm faders for complete level control.

ZED FX Series:
ZED FX mixers are easily controlled with three buttons and nine LEDs. Quickly select the ideal delay time or adjust the perfect amount of reverb for the lead vocal. One-step navigation and editing: it’s as easy as using regular effects pedals. Hold down the TAP button and press the up or down button to modify the effects parameter. For example, on patch (9) Plate, this would adjust the decay time. ZED FX mixers are designed to fulfill all the functions a small band would need without requiring a dedicated sound engineer. The layout and features have been arranged to be logical and instantly recognizable, even at a dark gig, making them a mixer you can rely on.

The USB audio interface, with its exceptional flexibility, allows you to send different signals to USB from the L/R or selected auxiliary buses. The USB return signal can be routed directly to the L/R mix or to a stereo channel. The connectors are located on the top surface for easy connection and patching, and its construction, with individual circuit boards firmly attached to the top panel, is as robust as that of Allen & Heath’s high-end ML Series mixers.

Features
16 built-in effects, including Delay, Reverb, Ping-Pong, and more
6 mono channels
3 dual stereo channels, each with a main stereo input on the jack connector
USB audio input
6 mic/line channels
Insert points
DuoPre preamps
100mm faders
9-LED
meter High-pass filter
Stereo imaging control on each channel
3-band EQ with sweepable mids
4 aux sends (2 pre, 2 post)
Global 48V phantom power
3 dual stereo inputs with 2-band EQ
Peak and signal indication on each channel
Configurable USB stereo audio input/output
Master level controls on all outputs
User-friendly design: all connections and controls on the surface
Channel mute switches
Stereo
return 2-track return
Advanced monitoring
1/4″ and 3.5mm headphone outputs
Stereo recording output
Alternate stereo
output Mono output sum L/R
Main output L/R
12-bar L/R meters