Allen & Heath ZED-12FX (2024 Review)

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.

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.

Mixer Aesthetics and Build Quality

As a gear nerd, I have to say, the Allen & Heath ZED12FX mixer is a sight for sore eyes. It sports a sleek design that's sure to turn heads in the studio or on stage. The build quality is robust and sturdy, yet it doesn’t look like something that was spat out of an industrial metal press. It's like the engineers at Allen & Heath decided to go full haute couture on us audio folks. And boy, did they nail it!

Value for Money

When you're talking about the Allen and Heath ZED12FX price, it's hard not to be impressed by what you're getting for your money. This isn't some entry-level mixer we're talking about here. It packs features and performance that squarely place it in the best mixer for live sound category, and yet its price isn't going to make you consider selling a kidney on the black market (I checked).

The Manual – A Love-Hate Relationship

The Allen Heath ZED12FX manual, ah… where do I begin? It’s akin to reading an abstract modernist poem – you think you get it, but really, you don’t. But fear not! Once you get past the cryptic hieroglyphs of its instruction manual (which could give ancient Egyptian texts a run for their money), operating this beauty becomes second nature.

Sound Versatility – Your Sonic Playground

One thing I love about this audio mixer review is how I got to play with such a versatile piece of gear. The Allen & Heath ZED12FX lets you shape your sound more than a master potter shapes clay. From a whisper-soft acoustic set to a face-melting hard rock gig, this mixer can handle it all, and then some.

The Community – Welcome to the Club

And let's not forget the community! Buying an Allen & Heath ZED12FX is like getting an exclusive membership to a club of audio aficionados. Between the active online forums and knowledgeable customer service, you're never alone in your audio journey. You might start with Google searches like “why does my mixer sound like a banshee in heat?” but you'll end up discussing nuanced EQ techniques over virtual beers with fellow Allen & Heath owners.

Final Thoughts – No Regrets

After half a year with the Allen & Heath ZED12FX, I can confidently say this: It's been an adventure. Has every moment been perfect? Of course not. But if I wanted perfection, I'd have become a classical pianist instead of an audio engineer (no offense to pianists!). But all things considered, if you're looking for a mixer with usb and effects, this is your guy!

How good is Allen and Heath mixer?

Allen and Heath mixers are known for their high-quality sound and professional features. They are widely used by audio professionals in various settings such as live sound, recording studios, and broadcast applications.

Where are Allen and Heath consoles made?

Allen and Heath consoles are made in the United Kingdom.

What are the dimensions of the Zed R16?

The dimensions of the Zed R16 are approximately 516mm x 109mm x 500mm (W x H x D).