Allen & Heath ZED 12FX Vs. QSC TouchMix 8: 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. QSC TouchMix 8.

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 QSC TouchMix 8. 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.

QSC TouchMix-8

I Got My Hands on the QSC TouchMix-8: Still Impressed

I got my hands on the QSC TouchMix-8 when it first came out, and man, it's still a game-changer. This little beast replaces racks of EQs, compressors, and gates. The best part? Everything's super easy to access. You don't need a cheat sheet for menus because there's no annoying digging through sub-menus. Plus, the noise level? Ridiculously low, perfect for on-location gigs or filming.

Power and Portability

If you're thinking of going mobile with this mixer, keep in mind the AC adaptor is proprietary, supplying several different voltages. While you won't need a gas generator, rigging an outboard battery means getting a 12-volt, 17-amp AGM battery and a mini sine wave inverter. Trust me, this board's powerful enough to lay down all your tracks on an optional SSD drive for processing through your favorite DAW.

Touch Screen: A Mixed Bag

Now, let's talk touch screen. The sensitivity can be a bit frustrating at times, and the graphics could use a higher resolution, especially for the RTA. An LED screen update would be nice, particularly for outdoor gigs.

Reliability Issues

One thing to note – there have been a few issues with the aux sends and the board freezing up. I've also noticed some lag when moving the virtual faders on the built-in touch screen, which can be pretty annoying. But remember, no mixer is perfect.

Sound Quality and Effects

The sound quality? Spot on. The effects are top-notch, easily rivaling other portable digital consoles in this range. The mic pres are good, and the compressor lets you dial in precisely. It’s a bit bright, but the dynamics are stellar.

Overall Verdict

Despite its few quirks, the QSC TouchMix-8 is a fantastic, powerful mixer in a compact package. It's got big power and a small footprint, making it a solid choice for those needing a robust feature set in a portable design. Just be prepared to deal with that touch screen and keep an eye on those aux sends.

Head 2 Head: Allen & Heath ZED 12FX or QSC TouchMix 8

Diving straight into the thick of it, let's talk about the Allen & Heath ZED12FX, a beautiful beast of an analog mixing desk. One thing's for sure, this audio mixer doesn't mess around when it comes to sound quality. The preamps on this bad boy churn out a sound so clean and clear, you'd think you were hearing your tracks for the first time. That's some studio recording magic right there.

The Learning Curve and Usability

Now, don't get me wrong, this mixing console isn't exactly a walk in the park if you're new to the game. The manual might as well be written in Latin for all the help it offers. But like your mama used to say, practice makes perfect. Give it some time and you'll find that those smooth faders and responsive knobs start making sense.

Effects and Features

The ZED12FX really ups its game when it comes to effects. The range on offer is like stumbling upon an ice cream truck in the middle of a heatwave – pure joy! But then they go and put 1/8 jacks on the send and returns. It's like finding out that your favorite TV show has been canceled – still good, but could have been great.

Reliability Concerns

And then there's that nagging fear of “will it last?” With rumors of pre-amps failing after warranty periods, this audio interface could turn into a ticking time bomb if used heavily.

Overall Experience

But hey, overall? The ZED12FX is pretty solid choice if you're stepping up from basic live sound rigs or smaller studio setups. Just make sure you've got a backup plan in case of any reliability issues.

Now, let's switch gears and talk about the QSC TouchMix-8, a compact mixer that packs a punch. This digital mixer is like having your own personal roadie – it takes care of EQs, compressors, gates and more without breaking a sweat. And the noise level? Whisper quiet. Perfect for live sound gigs or on-location recording.

Power and Portability

Planning to go mobile with this soundboard? Keep in mind that the AC adapter is proprietary, but you won't need to lug around a generator. Just get yourself a 12-volt AGM battery and a mini sine wave inverter and you're good to go.

Touch Screen: A Mixed Bag

The touch screen can be a bit touchy, pun intended. And the graphics could use a little TLC for better resolution. Come on QSC, give us an LED update!

Reliability Issues

There have also been some complaints about aux sends issues and freezing up. Plus, there's that irritating lag when moving virtual faders on the touch screen.

Sound Quality and Effects

But let's not forget about sound quality – it's spot on! The effects are top-notch and rival other portable digital consoles in this range. The mic pres are good, but they might be just a tad bright for some tastes.

Overall Verdict

All things considered, the TouchMix-8 is one hell of an audio mixer for its size. It may have its quirks, but it definitely delivers when it comes to power-packed performance in a portable package.

So, who's the winner here? It's a tough call, but I'm going to have to go with the QSC TouchMix-8. Yes, it has its issues, but the power and portability this compact mixer offers is simply unbeatable. The Allen & Heath ZED12FX is a great analog mixing desk in its own right, but when it comes to a digital mixer that you can take on the go and rely on for top-notch sound quality and effects, the TouchMix-8 takes the cake. So there you have it folks – our champion today is the QSC TouchMix-8!