Allen & Heath ZED 12FX Vs. Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX: Compared And Rated

Choosing the right mixer when there are so many on the market these days isn't easy.
Especially when many of them are built for one specific need but being marketed as an all-rounder 🙄
But not to worry, I've got ya!
I have taken a deep dive into two beasts in the audio-mixing game and gone head to head with them: Allen & Heath ZED 12FX vs. Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX.

We're looking at things like:

  • Sound Quality: This is the heart of the matter, right? How each mixer holds up in delivering crisp, clear audio. Are we talking about a mixer that makes your tracks sound like they're live from the garage, or are we hitting studio-quality sound?
  • Ease of Use: Nobody wants to spend hours figuring out which button does what. I’ll break down the user interface of both Allen & Heath ZED 12FX and Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX. Are they plug-and-play easy, or will you need a PhD in mixology to use them?
  • Features and Functions: Ie. What's under the hood? Let's find out what sets them apart.
  • Durability: No matter your reason for buying, you want something that's gonna last, not fall apart after a few light sessions.
  • Price Point: Yep, money talks. When it comes to prices, we need to see which mixer gives us more bang for our buck. Is the higher price of one justified by its features, or is the other a hidden gem at a bargain price?
  • Customer Reviews and Feedback: What's the word on the street? Sometimes real-world use tells a different story than what the sales page says.

Allen & Heath ZED-12FX

After using the Allen & Heath ZED12FX for about six months, I think it's a solid piece of gear, especially for those transitioning from basic to more advanced mixing needs. The sound quality is notably clean and clear, making it a reliable choice for both studio and live environments. Working with it, I've found that the preamps deliver a crystal-clear sound, and there’s an impressive amount of gain available, which is a step up from some lower-priced mixers I've used in the past.

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Learning Curve and Usability

Although the mixer is fairly user-friendly, I believe beginners might find it a bit challenging at first, mainly due to the underwhelming instruction manual. It's more about trial and error unless you're already familiar with mixers. However, once you get the hang of it, the layout and controls become intuitive. The faders and knobs are smooth and responsive, adding to the overall ease of use.

Effects and Features

The ZED12FX stands out for its effects. The range and quality are commendable for a mixer in this class. It adds significant value, especially if you're into experimenting with different sound textures. However, the dedicated send and returns being 1/8 jacks is a bit puzzling. It's an odd choice considering the rest of the board adheres to industry standards. This might limit some traditional uses, but it's not a deal-breaker.

Reliability Concerns

One of the downsides I've noticed is the question of long-term reliability. I've heard about issues like pre-amps failing just after the warranty period, which can be a major concern if you're planning to use this mixer heavily. While I haven't faced this issue personally, it's something to keep in mind.

Overall Experience

In terms of overall experience, the Allen & Heath ZED12FX has mostly been a positive journey. The sound quality, ease of use (once you get past the learning curve), and the additional effects make it a worthy investment for someone looking to upgrade from a basic setup. Just be wary of the potential long-term reliability issues and ensure you have a backup plan in place.

Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX

Exceptional Sound Quality

I've been using the ZEDi-10FX with my computer for speech recording, and I'm amazed by the sound quality. It's far superior to the Behringer Xenyx 302USB I used previously.

With support for 24-bit audio, I can separate audio for echo-free conference calls. The setup was straightforward, though the driver URL in the instructions was incorrect.

The noise floor is incredibly low, giving me a much broader dynamic range. This mixer is not just slightly better than the Xenyx; it's a significant upgrade, even in a non-ideal home office environment.

Versatility and User-Friendly

A Great Choice for Various Applications

This mixer is versatile and user-friendly, ideal for podcasting, voice-over, and video production work. It offers more than a standard stereo track over USB, with additional I/O and tactile control.

The preamps are warm and clean, and the converters sound accurate and natural. It's an excellent hybrid USB mixer, combining the best of both worlds for my needs.

Tremendous Value with Great Features

Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX
Check It Out

Perfect for Home Studio Use

Considering its features, this mixer is an incredible value for money. The sound is fantastic, and the 4×4 USB connectivity is a standout feature.

The mixer lacks some high-end features like individual channel mutes and channel faders, but these aren't missed in a home studio context. It's a fantastic unit for small live setups, home studios, podcasting, or streaming.

Good Sound Quality but Quirky USB Routing

Solid, Low Noise, Great Preamps

I'm quite happy with the mixer's connectivity and the quality of the preamps and controls. However, the USB interface to iOS devices can be quirky, sometimes not working as expected.

The routing of USB audio output into the FX channel is confusing and could be improved for better workflow in DAWs.

Great Mixer for Podcasts and Music

Flexible Routing Options

This mixer has been a workhorse for podcasts and music. The routing options are truly flexible, allowing me to capture audio in various settings. It's not the most visually appealing mixer, but its versatility makes up for it. It's a reliable tool in any home studio or small venue.

Some Issues with Sound Quality

Not Everyone's Cup of Tea

While I found the sound quality of the ZEDi-10FX to be excellent, it's worth noting that not everyone has had the same experience. Some users have reported poor sound quality, leading them to switch to different brands. It's a reminder that audio equipment can be subjective and varies based on individual needs and setups.

High-Quality Compact Mixer with USB Interface

Great for Teleconferencing and Personal Use

The ZED i8 is a high-quality, compact analog audio mixer with an integrated USB audio interface. It's perfect for teleconferencing applications, podcasting, webcast streaming, and more. The mixer offers great sound quality with low noise and good preamps, making it a cut above similar units at this price point.

Head 2 Head: Allen & Heath ZED 12FX or Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX

Let's dive right into the thick of things and start off this comparison with the Allen & Heath ZED12FX. This mixer stands tall with its clean, clear sound quality. The preamps are a thing of beauty, delivering crystal-clear sound and an impressive amount of gain, putting it a step above other entry-level mixers.

One thing to note is that this isn't exactly the most beginner-friendly mixer out there. The learning curve is steep, especially if you're fresh off the boat in the audio world. The instruction manual isn't doing it any favors either – it's all about trial and error unless you're already familiar with the ropes of audio mixers. However, once you've got a grip on things, the layout becomes intuitive and user-friendly. The faders and knobs are smooth and responsive, making your mixing experience significantly more enjoyable.

The ZED12FX shines when it comes to effects with a commendable range and quality for its class. But as they say, no good deed goes unpunished – the dedicated send and returns being 1/8 jacks is an odd choice that might limit some traditional uses. As for long-term reliability concerns, there have been whispers around town about pre-amps failing just beyond the warranty period which could be a major concern if you plan on working this mixer hard.

Moving on to its counterpart in this comparison – the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX.

The first thing that hits you about this mixer is its exceptional sound quality which is far superior to some other brands out there (no shade intended). It supports 24-bit audio giving you an incredibly low noise floor and much broader dynamic range – perfect for echo-free conference calls!

This little gem proves itself quite versatile too! Whether you're into podcasting or video production work or even just need a solid audio interface for your home studio – this mixer has got your back! It comes with the perfect blend of tactile control and USB connectivity, providing you with more than just a standard stereo track. And while it may lack some high-end features like individual channel mutes and channel faders, these aren't exactly a deal-breaker in a home studio context.

The ZEDi-10FX isn't without its quirks though. The USB interface to iOS devices can be a little unpredictable at times, and the routing of USB audio output into the FX channel is confusing. It's not exactly love at first sight with this one – but its versatile routing options and compact size do make up for it.

Now, I've heard some murmurs out there about subpar sound quality on this mixer which led some users to switch brands. But hey, it's all about personal preference at the end of the day!

So here we are at the crux of it all – who comes out on top in this comparison?

Drum roll please…

And the winner is… The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX!

I know, I know – it's not without its quirks. But if you're looking for an audio interface that offers fantastic sound quality, versatility, and a great balance between tactile control and USB connectivity – then this is your guy! Not to mention its compact size makes it perfect for any home studio or small venue setup.

The ZED12FX put up a good fight with its clean sound quality and impressive effects range – but falls short when compared to the versatility and user-friendliness of the ZEDi-10FX. Plus, those long-term reliability concerns can't be ignored when considering your investment.

So there you have it folks! In this battle of mixers, compact size, versatility, and user-friendliness reign supreme! Long live the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX!