Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX Vs. Soundcraft Signature 22MTK: 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. Soundcraft Signature 22MTK.

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 Soundcraft Signature 22MTK. 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

Soundcraft Signature 22MTK

Everything The Product Sales Page Doesn't Tell You About The Soundcraft Signature 22MKT

I tested the Soundcraft Signature 22MKT for a couple of weeks. I know, not that long, but it's been a revelation every day.

I work with a local piece band and they've been able to lay down live recordings in one take, capturing everything onto separate tracks in the DAW.

The ability to record up to 22 tracks simultaneously has been a game-changer in this respect.

Sound Quality and Support

Warm, Analog Sound

The sound quality is exactly what we were looking for. The mixer provides a broad, balanced frequency range, delivering that warm, analog sound.

Plus, the onboard effects buses allow for creative mixing. Not to mention, the support from Soundcraft has been exceptional, both before and after purchase.


Who Is The 22MKT For? Not Beginners

Difficult Setup and Poor Documentation

I always have to give the good, bad and the ugly… so here it is:

It's not all smooth sailing. Setting up the mixer with Windows was a nightmare, with no useful online resources.

The manual was no help either. It's a great board for those who know what they're doing and know their way around boards, but I can definitely see how for a beginner, it would be a steep and frustrating learning curve.


Early Impressions ✅

Impressive Functionality

In the early days of testing out the 22MTK, I was impressed with its routing capabilities, especially to outboard gear.

The onboard Lexicon effects are a bonus, and the ability to use DAW plugins during live play is a huge plus. However, the lack of an on/off switch and inserts is a bit puzzling.


Channel Issues and Sturdiness

Some Quality Concerns

Unfortunately, I soon ran into issues with channel one having low gain and a hum. This was unexpected, especially considering the mixer hadn't seen much use.

While the mixer is generally sturdy, these issues do raise some concerns about its long-term reliability.


Perfect for Specific Needs

Ideal for Unique Applications

This mixer was perfect for running a mic through guitar pedals. Its small footprint and built-in effects make it versatile for creating unique sounds. It's a solid choice for those needing a compact mixer with good functionality.


Soundcraft 12MTK: A Better Choice For Beginners

I know I have kind of shifted between the 12 and the 22 and thats because they are pretty much the same thing, you either need the extra channels (22MTK) or oyu don't (12MTK).

But the like its big bro, the Soundcraft 12MTK offers good sound quality and is fairly lightweight. The preamps are notable, as is the mid-range EQ. However, there are significant design flaws, like the problematic gain ratio and the lack of an on/off switch, which can be frustrating. It's a good mixer overall but be prepared for some quirks.

Head 2 Head: Allen & Heath ZEDi 10FX or Soundcraft Signature 22MTK

Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX: A Compact Mixer with Hefty Features

Audio Interface Meets Analog Mixer

The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX is a potent hybrid of a USB mixer and an audio interface. It's like a Swiss army knife in the world of compact mixers, packing an exceptional sound quality punch. It's clear this studio mixer has been made with precision, perfect for echo-free conference calls or podcasting endeavors.

Soundcraft Signature 22MTK: A Multitrack Recording Powerhouse

Taking Live Sound Mixer to Another Level

The Soundcraft Signature 22MTK is your band's best friend. This digital mixer allows you to record up to 22 tracks simultaneously. Talk about a multitrack recording dream! Plus, it delivers that warm, analog sound that would make any audiophile swoon.

ZEDi-10FX Versus 22MTK: The Battle of the Mixers

Picking Apart the Details

Let's dive into the nitty-gritty. Both the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX and Soundcraft Signature 22MTK are impressive in their own rights. One shines as a compact mixer with USB connectivity ideal for home studio use while the other excels as a recording console offering outstanding creative capabilities.

Yet, every rose has its thorns. The ZEDi-10FX has some quirks with its USB routing and mixed reviews on sound quality. On the other hand, beginners might find the steep learning curve and setup difficulties of the 22MTK frustrating.

And the Winner Is…

Drumroll, Please…

After an intensive comparison, the Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX comes out on top. It's versatile, user-friendly, and offers excellent sound quality. It's a true hybrid USB mixer, combining the best of both worlds for a variety of needs.

Don't get me wrong; the Soundcraft Signature 22MTK is a fantastic live sound mixer with its multitracking abilities. But it's not as beginner-friendly and has some concerning issues with channels. When it comes to a studio mixer that can handle everything from podcasts to teleconferencing with ease, the ZEDi-10FX takes the cake.

The Final Verdict

Best for Whom?

The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX is perfect for home studios, podcasters, and streamers who want a compact mixer with big features. The Soundcraft Signature 22MTK is better suited for bands or those looking to do multitrack recording in one fell swoop. However, when it comes down to versatility, ease of use and value for money – there's one clear winner: Allen & Heath ZEDi-10FX.