About the Allen & Heath ZED-24 24 Channel Mixer
The Allen & Heath ZED-24 is a sophisticated, mid-format analog mixer designed to deliver professional audio mixing capabilities for live sound, studio recording, and demanding multimedia applications. It stands out with its comprehensive channel count and flexible routing, providing 24 discrete input channels that accommodate a wide array of microphones, instruments, and line-level sources. The console is built around Allen & Heath's renowned preamplifier design, which offers exceptional clarity, headroom, and a musical transparency suitable for everything from delicate acoustic instruments to powerful vocal performances. This foundation of high-quality analog signal flow ensures that the mixer imparts a warm, natural character to the audio, making it a reliable centerpiece for both front-of-house mixing and studio production work.
Beyond its core mixing functions, the ZED-24 incorporates a versatile set of features that enhance its utility in complex setups. Each mono channel is equipped with a multi-stage EQ section for precise tonal shaping, along with dedicated aux sends that can be configured for monitor mixes or external effects processing. A standout feature is its integrated USB audio interface, which provides a direct 24-channel digital connection to a computer, enabling multi-track recording of all inputs simultaneously or stereo playback from a DAW. This seamless blend of analog mixing and digital interfacing makes the console an ideal hub for hybrid workflows, allowing engineers to capture pristine live recordings or to use the mixer as a tactile control surface for software-based sessions.
The mixer's layout is intuitively designed for operational efficiency, with logically grouped controls, clear metering, and robust, tactile components that withstand rigorous use. Its solid steel chassis and premium components speak to a build quality engineered for road-ready durability and long-term reliability in installed environments. With a comprehensive range of connectivity including XLR, TRS, and RCA inputs and outputs, as well as dedicated stereo channels and a flexible matrix section, the ZED-24 offers the connectivity and control necessary for managing complex audio systems. It represents a balanced fusion of traditional analog mixing virtues and modern digital integration, serving as a powerful and sonically rewarding tool for musicians, sound engineers, and content creators.