Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX vs. Midas MR18: 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 ZEDi 10FX vs. Midas MR18.

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 ZEDi 10FX and Midas MR18. 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 ZEDi-10FX

Exceptional Sound Quality

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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
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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.

Midas MR18

After thoroughly testing the Midas MR18 for a few months, I'm ready to spill all the details – the good, the bad, and the not-so-pretty. This mixer is a powerhouse in a compact package, perfect for both live sound and recording. Here's the full breakdown for anyone eyeing this mixer.

Sound Quality and Performance

Right off the bat, the sound quality is top-notch. The MR18 delivers a pristine audio experience with impressively low latency. Whether you're mixing live or laying down tracks in a studio, the clarity and warmth of the sound are remarkable. Plus, the variety of outputs offers immense flexibility, making it a versatile choice for various audio setups.

Build and Connectivity

The mixer is built tough with Neutrik connectors, ensuring robust and reliable connections. This is a big plus for anyone who's had to deal with flimsy ports in the past. The MR18's ease of configuration is another high point. It offers numerous signal routing options, catering to both planned and spontaneous audio needs. The price-to-quality ratio is exceptional, putting it ahead of competitors like the X-Air 18, especially with its superior Midas converters.

User Interface and Software

The software is intuitive and musician-friendly, not overly complicated like some gear designed with tech whizzes in mind. There's a wealth of online resources and user communities, which is a godsend for troubleshooting and getting creative with your setup. As an audio interface, it boasts 18 inputs and outputs, offering ample connectivity for most studio and live situations.

Challenges and Considerations

However, it's not all smooth sailing. While the MR18 is user-friendly, there's still a learning curve, especially if you're not used to digital mixers. It might take a bit of time to fully grasp all the features and make the most out of this mixer.

Also, while it works great as an audio interface, those who are looking for more integrated DAW control might find its capabilities a bit limited. It's more suited for live mixing and straightforward recording setups rather than complex studio productions.

Final Verdict

All in all, the Midas MR18 is a solid investment. It's especially great for live sound applications and straightforward recording needs. The sound quality is exceptional, and the flexibility in routing and connectivity is a major win. Just be ready to spend some time getting to know this mixer inside out. For its price point, you're getting a lot of bang for your buck. Just remember, while it excels in many areas, it might not be the perfect fit for those needing advanced studio integration.

Head 2 Head: Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX or Midas MR18

Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX: A Solid USB Mixer

Let's talk sound quality first. The ZEDi-10FX dishes out exceptional audio, making it a popular choice for those in need of an audio mixer for speech recording, podcasting or video production. The smooth, low noise floor is a game-changer, and the 24-bit audio support is just the cherry on top. We all know how crucial echo-free calls are these days! So, if you're after a USB mixer that offers clear sound and easy setup (despite incorrect driver URL instructions), this might be your guy.

The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX isn't just about sound quality though; its versatility makes it a great choice for various applications. Whether you're working on voice-over projects or running your own home studio, this mixer packs enough punch to handle the job. Plus, its user-friendly interface means you won't need an engineering degree to get started.

Midas MR18: A Compact Powerhouse

Now let's switch gears and chat about the Midas MR18. This compact beast is perfect for both live sound and recording applications. Right off the bat, its superior sound quality impresses with low latency and incredible clarity – whether you're mixing live or laying down tracks in the studio.

The MR18 has sturdy Neutrik connectors which ensure robust and reliable connections – a major plus for anyone who's had to deal with flimsy ports in the past (I'm looking at you, X-Air 18). And while we're talking connectivity, let's not forget the range of signal routing options that cater to both planned and spontaneous audio needs.

The MR18 doesn't stop there. Its software is intuitive and musician-friendly, making it an absolute breeze to use. However, be prepared for a bit of a learning curve if you're new to the world of digital mixers. This audio interface boasts 18 inputs and outputs, offering ample connectivity for most studio and live situations.

So, Who's The Winner?

While both the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX and Midas MR18 are impressive contenders in their own right, there can only be one winner here. After careful consideration, I'm crowning the Midas MR18 as the champion.

Why? Because it offers a perfect blend of audio quality, user-friendliness, and flexibility. From its top-notch sound output to its robust connectivity options, the MR18 ticks all the boxes. Its compact design makes it perfect for live sound scenarios while also serving as a reliable option for studio recording.

Yes, there's a slight learning curve involved with this digital mixer – but let's face it: any piece of gear worth its salt will require some getting used to. And yes, it may not offer advanced DAW control that some might crave – but remember: It's primarily designed for live mixing and straightforward recording setups.

Ultimately though, when pitted against the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX – an excellent analog mixer in its own right – the Midas MR18 just offers that little bit more versatility and performance power to clinch victory. So here's to you, Midas MR18 – enjoy your spot at the top!