A 16-channel mixer with 18 FireWire I/O, 16 ADAT I/O, MIDI control, 4-band EQ, and more.
The ZED-R16 is Allen & Heath's first true recording FireWire mixer in over 10 years. This exceptional
recording mixer with 18 FireWire I/O can also be used as a versatile live front-of-house mixer. The best performing preamp
in Allen & Heath's entire range is packaged with a high-quality analog-to-FireWire interface, extensive EQ, and a well-featured
analog channel strip.
Combining an analog recording mixer with a FireWire soundcard, MIDI controls, and ingenious home-studio
routing, the ZED-R16 FireWire mixer allows you to build tracks in the studio, record live gigs, mix-down, remix—all
through warm analog circuitry, 4-band fully parametric, classic British EQ, and out in crisp, precise, digital format.
In
the studio
The ZED-R16 16-channel mixing console combines an imaginative feature set with professional build qualities to create the
ideal centerpiece for any project studio with big ideas, or larger studios with dedicated live rooms. Control room speaker,
alternate speaker outputs, and two separate artist monitor feeds are provided. In addition to the digital interface, two analog
recording outputs, and a dedicated internal condenser talkback mic are also available. Features such as the dual function
audio/MIDI faders and built-in sequencer transport were dreamed up by engineers at Allen & Heath who have home studios themselves,
so they've made sure they've built in features they really need.
Soundcard
The internal soundcard features 18 FireWire inputs, 18 outputs, and 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 minimize
clock jitter and provide synchronicity between the ZED-R16 mixer and other devices, it's equipped with the professional JetPLL
digital audio chipset.
Mix-down and live
In addition to multitrack recording, the ZED-R16 allows mixing down in analog, then recording back into the computer in digital.
The bundled SONAR LE software makes this a breeze. The story doesn't stop here however—ZED-R16 can be a versatile live
front-of-house 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 4 buttons
next to the faders.
Preamp
The Allen & Heath ZED-R16's preamp, which has been specially designed for this application, has a symmetrical ultra linear
circuit. Top-notch 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 preamp.
EQ section
Complete with two swept, fully parametric mids, and high- and low-shelving EQ, the ZED-R16 has a sophisticated equalization
section. It has much in common with Allen & Heath's pro touring mixers. The company's 40 years of experience in analog mixer
design is evident in this the ZED-R16's exceptional filtering abilities of this mixer.
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 it's ideal for any environment.
FireWire flexibility
The ZED-R16's digital audio connections are all present on the rear of the desk. Two FireWire connectors allow it 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 mixer from ADAT lightpipe equipment, or record directly out from 16
channels to 2 ADAT machines or another soundcard.
MIDI software control
The MIDI section on the ZED-R16 mixer 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-R16's dedicated MIDI controls, all of the channel faders can be switched to become MIDI controllers.
Monitor
section
The ZED-R16 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 analog outputs or the digital main
mix, allowing access to all main audio outputs.
Build
The ZED-R16 mixer 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 LE included
Allen & Heath teamed up with Cakewalk to bundle SONAR LE software with this mixer. The two work together in many ways, from
straightforward recording of a stereo mix to recording tracks individually to build up a song, or even for inserting a SONAR
LE effects plug-in.
Studio Feeds
Similar to the matrix function on Allen & Heath ML, GL and Wizard mixers, two separate live room mix feeds can be individually
fed from aux buses or the L/R main mix. Foldback to the musicians can be tailored to give the bassist a drum heavy mix and
the vocalist (in a separate booth) more keys.
Allen & Heath ZED-R16 16-Channel FireWire Mixer Features:
- Soundcard features 18 FireWire I/O and 16 ADAT I/O
- Analog-to-FireWire interface
- Dedicated MIDI controls with extra mappable controllers for user-assignment
- All channel faders can be switched to become MIDI controllers
- 4-band fully parametric, classic British EQ
- Control room speaker and alternate speaker outputs
- 2 separate artist monitor feeds
- 2 analog recording outputs
- Dedicated internal condenser talkback mic
- Dual function audio/MIDI faders
- Built-in sequencer transport
- Equipped with JetPLL digital audio chipset
- 4 aux buses become foldback feeds and FX sends, and the main XLR outputs feed the PA system in front-of-house mode
- Pre-amp with symmetrical ultra linear circuit
- Epitaxial low-noise transistors in the front end and active feedback is employed in both phases for super-low distortion,
low noise (-128.5dBu EIN), and High CMRR
- Two pre and two post aux buses
- Two separate live room mix feeds can be individually fed from aux buses or the L/R main mix
- Includes SONAR LE software
See what 10 years of research and development can do for your sound. Order the ZED-R16 today.
Allen & Heath ZED-R16 16-Channel FireWire Mixer Specifications:
- Dimensions: 27.7"W x 4"H x 18.3"D
- Weight: 31lb.