Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX 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 ZEDi 10FX 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 ZEDi 10FX 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 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
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.

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 ZEDi 10FX or QSC TouchMix 8

Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX: A Solid Performer in the Compact Mixer Category

Sound Quality That Impresses
The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX is a serious contender in the compact mixer category. It's an analog mixer with digital capabilities, providing exceptional sound quality that's perfect for recording studio work or live sound applications. The extremely low noise floor gives you a wider dynamic range, making it a significant upgrade for any home studio.

Versatility and User Experience at Its Best

Great for Various Audio Needs
This mixing console is remarkably versatile and user-friendly. It's ideal for podcasting, voice-over work, and video production. The preamps provide warm and clean tones while the converters offer accurate and natural sound reproduction. But there's a minor hiccup – the USB interface can sometimes behave oddly with iOS devices.

A Pocket-Friendly Powerhouse of Features

Perfect for Home Studio Use
The ZEDi-10FX offers tremendous value with its feature-packed design. It's an excellent audio interface that suits small live setups, home studios, podcasting, or streaming perfectly. Although it lacks some high-end features like individual channel mutes and channel faders, its superb sound quality more than makes up for it.

The QSC TouchMix-8: A Mighty Punch in a Small Package

Now let's talk about the QSC TouchMix-8 – another powerful player in the portable mixer landscape.

Powerful Yet Portable Mixer
This compact digital mixer packs a punch. It replaces racks of EQs, compressors, and gates and provides easy access to all features. But here's the catch – its AC adaptor is proprietary, which might pose a challenge if you're planning to go mobile.

The Touch Screen Saga Continues

Could Use Some Improvement
The touch screen is a mixed bag – it's sometimes frustratingly sensitive, and the graphics could use a higher resolution. Also, watch out for some lag when moving the virtual faders on the built-in touch screen.

Sound Quality and Effects

Top-Notch Sound
The QSC TouchMix-8 doesn't compromise on sound quality. The effects are top-notch and easily rival other portable digital consoles in its range. The mic pres are good, and the compressor lets you dial in precisely.

The Verdict: The Winner Revealed

After closely comparing these two contenders, I'd say the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX edges out the QSC TouchMix-8 as the clear winner here. While both mixers offer great value for money in their respective categories of compact mixer and portable mixer, it's the ZEDi-10FX's incredibly low noise floor, versatile application, ease of use, and superior sound quality that set it apart. That said, those in need of a more portable option who aren't too concerned with quirks like touch screen sensitivity might still find value in the QSC TouchMix-8. It really all boils down to individual needs and setups. So there you have it! Whether you're setting up your home studio or looking for a reliable companion for your live sound gigs, you now know which mixer to consider. Happy mixing!