Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX vs Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer: Comprehensive Comparison Guide for Buyers (2024)

You're ready to make a big purchase, but you're having trouble deciding between these two powerhouses, the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX and the Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer.

Trust me, I know how difficult that decision is… especially if you have no plans on whipping out that dreaded return postage label!

You know how the saying goes, buy right, buy once! Or something like that…

Either way, I've got you covered!

I've broken down the good, the bad and the ugly of these babies, so providing you have a clear idea of exactly what you plan on doing with it, you will have a clear idea on which one is best for you, by the end of this article.

Let get into it…

At A Glance:

Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX

Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Well built
• Good sound
• Solid preamps and EQ
• 4 track USB out for multitracking
• Clean preamps
• Low noise floor
• Simple USB routing option
• Easy setup with Windows 10 Professional
• Can be used in games and to record to various platforms without issues

Cons:

• No per-track mute button
• No per-track faders
• Complicated and lacking advanced routing
• Main outs are XLR but there are no TRS main outs
• Odd form factor with wasted space around the edges
• Poor quality onboard FX
• Monitor outs are RCA
• Not the lowest cost multitrack mixer on the market

 

Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer

Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer Pros & Cons

• Pros:
  • Flexible routing.
  • Clean sound.
  • FX seems fine.
  • Three band EQ with sweepable mids on the main channels.
  • Quiet operation.
  • Good value for money.
  • Individual mute buttons and Pre-Fade-Listen buttons on each channel.
  • USB charger on the console.
  • Take-a-break mute switch allows to play own music from an i-pod.
• Cons:
  • No individual channel inserts.
  • Complicated use of the sweepable midrange controls.
  • No 1/8th-inch stereo input jack.
  • Two channels with Hi-Z inputs have lower impedance for piezo pickups.
  • Not well shielded from wireless interference.
  • Preamps are not as clean as some competitors.

Key Differences Between The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX And The Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer

The main differences between Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX and Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer are primarily centered around their audio output characteristics, construction, integrated features, and suitability for different user needs.

The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX is highly praised for its sturdy construction and versatility. This mixer is often referred to as a “Swiss army knife” kind of mixer due to its multifunctionality.

It offers a built-in 4×4 USB interface for easy digital connectivity and recording. Moreover, it includes effects like reverb and delay which aids in creating richer soundscapes.

Conversely, the Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer stands out for its superb sound quality.

It comes with Soundcraft's Sapphire Asymmetric EQ that allows users to fine-tune every vocal or instrumental element in their mix with precision.

In addition to its integrated USB interface, this mixer also offers free downloads of the Lexicon MPXL native plug-in and Ableton Live 10 Lite which further enhances its functionality.

In terms of input availability:

• Both mixers offer multiple channels equipped with mic/line options making them ideal for various setups whether you're working solo or as part of a band.

Deciding between these two mixers boils down to what aspects matter most to you:

• If you require greater flexibility in mixing capabilities along with robust construction then the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX could be more suitable.
• If superior sound quality coupled with a specifically designed EQ system is crucial then the Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer may be your better choice.

Remember, both mixers have loyal users who prefer one over the other based on their specific needs and tastes.

	Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX	Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer
Audio and Build Quality	High-level audio and build quality as A&H’s large format touring consoles, with separate internal channel boards, Neutrik connectors and every pot fixed to the chassis.	High audio quality with high headroom, wide dynamic range and exceptional resolution and clarity with a superb signal to noise ratio
Microphone Preamps	GS-Pre XLR microphone preamps, developed from those featured in the highly acclaimed GS-R24 studio console	Soundcraft’s iconic Ghost mic preamps, directly drawn from the company’s top-of-the-line professional consoles
HiZ Connections	Two HiZ connections for direct connection of high impedance sources	Switchable Hi-Z inputs that enable guitars, basses and other instruments to be directly connected
EQ	3-band MusiQ EQ with carefully selected frequencies	Not specified
FX	Built-in, studio quality multi-FX unit provides 61 different, tweakable FX types	Built-in Lexicon studio-grade reverb, chorus, modulation and other effects and dbx limiters on the input channels
USB Interface	Built-in, high quality, 96kHz 4×4 USB interface	2-in/2-out USB interface
Inputs	4 x Mic/Line Inputs, 2 x Stereo ( 2 Left, 2 Right), 2 USB Audio	10-input Mixer
Construction	Not specified	Tour-grade robust metal construction and top-quality components with an internal universal power supply

What You Need To Know About Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX

The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX is an impressive piece of audio technology that is compact and packed with features.

This little dynamo brings the high-level audio and build quality seen in larger A&H touring consoles right into your hands.

It comes equipped with separate internal channel boards, Neutrik connectors, and every pot mounted directly on its sturdy chassis.

What gives it its distinct, powerful sound are the GS-Pre XLR microphone preamps.

They provide exceptionally low noise and massive headroom for a warm sound that brings out the best in any microphone.

If you play electric guitar or bass, or use stick-on pickups for acoustic instruments, you'll appreciate two HiZ connections which allow direct hookup without needing a separate DI box.

One great feature of this mixer is the 100Hz High Pass Filter present on every mono input allowing for removal of unwanted low frequencies.

Further shaping your sound are 3-band MusiQ EQ with carefully selected frequency ranges ensuring your sound sculpting is always pleasing to the ear.

But there's more! This mixer packs in a studio-quality multi-FX unit offering 61 different FX types including reverbs, delays and modulation complete with tap tempo for perfect timing.

These aren't just any FX either; they're developed by DSP experts using algorithms derived from flagship digital consoles.

Another stand-out feature? The built-in high-quality 96kHz 4×4 USB interface which makes capturing or streaming your mix incredibly easy.

With options to route Aux and FX sends, you even have the flexibility to add FX and processing from a computer!

And since it doesn't require drivers, connecting to Mac or Windows computers or even many mobile devices isn't going to be a problem at all.

In terms of inputs it's quite versatile too; boasting 4 x Mic/Line Inputs along with two stereo inputs making it an ideal choice for various setups.

For more information about this amazing product visit the official Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX product page.

My 1 Month Review Of The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX

Hands-On Experience

After a month of using the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX, I've formed quite an opinion. The first thing I have to say is, man, this thing feels built to last.

• It has a robust build quality, which gives me confidence in its durability and longevity.

• The faders and knobs are heavy-duty; you can feel the quality just by touching them. They're not flimsy or wobbly like some of the other mixers I've tried in the past.

• The LED indicator lights are nice and bright; they make it easy for me to check levels at a glance.

The Sound Quality

And let's talk about the sound – because that's why we're here, right? First off, I was really impressed with the preamps.

They were clean and transparent; they didn't color the sound at all. Exactly how you'd want them to be.

• And then there's the 4×4 USB interface, which was crystal clear without any latency issues during playback or recording.

• But what really blew my mind was the onboard effects. This little mixer has some serious effects game! Great sounding reverbs, delays, choruses – you name it.

The Usability Factor

The usability factor is another plus point for me. It's super user-friendly – even for someone who isn't very tech-savvy (like me).

• All controls are well-labelled and easy to get around on.

• The routing options are plentiful too – there's more than enough flexibility here for setups of all sorts.

Let’s not forget about portability! This mixer is compact but doesn’t compromise on functionality – perfect for mobile recording sessions or small live setups.

All in all, after using ZEDi-10FX for a month now – I’m thoroughly impressed with its performance and reliability. Sure had my money’s worth with this one!

What You Need To Know About Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer

The Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer is a bundle designed for sound clarity and quality.

The Signature 10 Mixer itself has 10 inputs and comes equipped with Soundcraft's top-rated Ghost mic preamps.

These preamps are known for their high headroom, wide dynamic range, and exceptional resolution.

This mixer also includes built-in Lexicon studio-grade effects such as reverb, chorus, and modulation. It even has dbx limiters on the input channels for added audio control.

The Signature 10 accommodates guitars, basses, and other instruments through its XLR and switchable Hi-Z inputs.

Along with the mixer, this bundle includes an HDM-100 Uni-Directional Dynamic Cardioid Microphone with a clip included for easy attachment.

There are also two cables of varying lengths: a 1/4-Inch TRS Patch Cable (6-feet) and a 25-feet XLR Male to XLR Female Microphone Cable.

The Signature Series is built to last with its tour-grade metal construction and top-quality components. An internal universal power supply makes it adaptable to different power sources.

Additionally, it has a convenient 2-in/2-out USB interface for easy digital connectivity.

With your purchase of this mixer, you can download the Lexicon MPXL native plug-in and Ableton Live 10 Lite free of charge.

My 1 Month Review Of The Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer

User Experience

After a month of testing the Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer, here are my thoughts:

This piece of audio magic has become an integral part of my workflow.

Initially, I was skeptical due to its compact form factor. Would it be powerful and versatile enough for my varied needs? As it turns out, the answer is a resounding yes.

Sound Quality

The sound quality is top-notch! I've tested it on multiple sessions with different genres of music and types of audio content.

The results were uniformly impressive. It delivers a clear and punchy sound with a warm low-end that is true to the input source. It doesn't over-color or distort the sound in any noticeable way.

Ease of Use

I found the Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer very easy to use. Its layout is clear and intuitive, which made for a straightforward setup process.

I love how flexible this mixer is – each channel has its own set of controls and yet they're all easy to understand.

The onboard effects are simple but effective. I particularly like the built-in ‘Ghost' preamps, which provide great gain without adding any noise.

The built-in USB interface is also a great feature – allowing me to quickly connect it to my computer for recording or live streaming sessions.

Durable Design

Despite being compact, this little workhorse feels solidly built – like it can handle daily use without any problems.

The sliders work smoothly with just enough resistance to make precise adjustments effortless.

The metal chassis gives me confidence in its durability, while its small footprint means it fits comfortably into my home studio setup without taking over all available space.

In Summary…

Overall, using the Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer has been an absolute pleasure; one that's enhanced my audio mixing experience significantly.

I would definitely recommend this mixer – especially if you need something portable but don't want to compromise on sound quality.

The only minor drawback could be that professionals might feel constrained by only having ten channels at their disposal – but as far as I'm concerned, for small- or mid-sized gigs or studio recording sessions, this mixer delivers big-time!

To sum up:

• The sound quality is impeccable.
• The ‘Ghost' preamps are excellent.
• A solid build ensures durability.
• Ease-of-use makes set-up and operation straightforward.
• The compact size makes it ideal for smaller studios or live gigs.

Who The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX Is For & Why You Might Choose It Over The Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer

Who is the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX for?
If you are in search of a robust and quality sounding mixer, the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX might be your go-to choice.

This product is particularly suited for those looking for solid preamps and EQ, along with an added advantage of 4 track USB out for multitracking.

Why choose the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX?

• Quality Build: The product offers a well-crafted build that ensures durability.

• Solid Preamps and EQ: If clean preamp sounds matter to you, this mixer's preamps outperform many competing products on the market. The quality of its preamps is highly impressive.

• Good Sound Quality: As a music enthusiast or professional, sound quality is crucial. This mixer delivers a good sound output that satisfies users' needs.

• Multitracking Capability: With its 4 track USB out feature, it stands out amongst others providing you with more recording options.

Pain Points Addressed

• From user reviews data, there are some cons raised about this mixer. For instance, the lack of per-track mute buttons and faders was cited as a drawback by some users. However, if these features aren't crucial to your work, this shouldn't deter you.

• Some users found its routing somewhat complicated and lacking as electronic musicians who route to several FXs.

• Another downside brought up was about its form factor being odd with congested knobs due to wasted space around the edges.

Despite these drawbacks, many believe that the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX remains one of the best studio mixers on the market today due to its clean and superior preamp performance outweighing any so-called deficiencies.

For those seeking an affordable multitrack mixer option with superior sound quality without needing certain specific features like per-track mute buttons or faders, I believe Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX would be a great investment, not forgetting it's also featured in our top 10 selection of best studio mixers.

A worth checking option!

Who The Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer Is For & Why You Might Choose It Over The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX

The Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer is an excellent choice for those who require flexibility and high-quality sound output in their performances.

Whether you're a musician performing live or a podcaster looking to upgrade your sound quality, this mixer offers features tailored to meet your needs.

Some of its key features include:

• Three auxiliary buses plus headphone output: This provides flexibility in routing signals to various remote speakers.

• Fine-tuning with three-band EQ: With sweepable mids on the main channels, you have more control over your sound.

• Mute switch: This allows for easy interruption and resume of music during performances.

• Individual mute buttons: Each channel can be individually muted or routed to the main.

The Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer is particularly attractive if you require multiple outputs and a flexible system.

Its variety of outputs outperforms competitors such as the Allan & Heath ZED mini-mixer line. Additionally, it's been ranked highly in reviews above Mackie and Yamaha.

Moreover, it provides a clean, quiet sound, making it an upgrade from noisier mixers.

While it lacks individual channel inserts, you can achieve an external effects loop by routing one or more individual channels out through one of the Aux outputs and returning by another channel.

One thing to bear in mind is that this mixer isn't shielded as well from wireless interference compared to some others on the market.

However, this shortcoming can be navigated easily by removing phones from the room while recording or turning them off entirely.

Lastly, while there's no 1/8th-inch stereo input jack included with this mixer (requiring an adapter), all other handy features – like USB charging spots for your devices – are well-presented within Soundcraft's model.

If you're seeking a flexible system that allows for multiple outputs and produces high-quality sound without creating noise interference itself – then look into purchasing your own Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer.

If the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX and Soundcraft Signature 10 Mixer don't quite cut it for you, I've got a few other comparisons to check out.

Don't miss my detailed analysis on the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX vs Behringer Xenyx 802, where I pick apart the pros and cons of each model.

If you're leaning towards Mackie gear, check out how it stands against Allen & Heath in my Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX vs Mackie ProFXv3 series post.

Not missing out on Tascam fans, I also have a comparison between Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX and Tascam Model 12.

Lastly, take a look at my comparison between Allen & Heath ZEDi 10 FX and Zoom LiveTrak L -8.

There's plenty to explore so let's dive in!

FAQs

Buyer's Guide: Important Things To Consider & Look Out For When Buying A Mixer

1. Know Your Needs Before You Buy

Before you even start looking at recording studio equipment, identify your specific needs.

Having a clear understanding of what you intend to do with your mixer will guide your purchasing decision.

Are you creating a podcast with multiple speakers? Or, are you starting a band and need something capable of handling live sound?

Alternatively, are you building up a professional recording studio equipped to handle all sorts of audio projects?

Once you've determined why exactly you're buying an audio mixer, the rest of the buying process will be easier.

2. Analog or Digital Mixer?

Another factor to think about when purchasing a studio mixer is whether an analog mixer or a digital mixer suits your needs best.

An analog mixing console is simpler to use and cheaper but offers less flexibility in terms of features and routing options compared to its digital counterpart.

A digital mixing console may have higher upfront costs, but it provides flexibility and ease in storing settings for different scenarios — handy if your setup frequently changes!

3. Consider USB Audio Interface Compatibility

A neat feature that many modern mixers possess is a built-in USB audio interface.

This allows for easy connection between the mixer and computer for seamless recordings or live streaming.

So check your potential purchase for this feature if that's part of your intended use.

Always remember though, compatibility matters; ensure whatever audio interface is on-board matches up with the software and hardware in the rest of your setup.

4. Don’t Forget About Mic Preamps Quality

One component often overlooked during purchases are mic preamps.

These amplify mic signals so they're strong enough for further processing or recording within the mixer – essentially they give volume control before other methods kick in!

Take time to research the quality, features and power capabilities of each device's preamps – it really does make all difference.

5. Pool For Effects Processor Built-ins

The inclusion or exclusion of built-in effects processors can also sway decisions on which studio mixers warrant closer evaluation too – especially if versatile sound manipulation is high on priority list!

Such units provide capabilities like reverb or echo straight from get-go while freeing up external gear – simply put these built-in babes save space AND hassle!

Yet note: quality varies widely so don't judge solely on this aspect until after evaluating effects provided together with every other component under consideration.

6. Size It Up

If working out what size mixing desk needed doesn't happen near start… well it should've done!

No point getting sucked into vortex lusting after large-format consoles only then realize there's zero room back at basecamp – always measure first folks!!!

Plus bear mind extra space needed accommodate any outboard gear too – sure as sun shines there’ll be some!

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