ALLEN HEATH ZED 12FX 12 channel mixing desk with Effects

ZED-12FX is ideal for groups who need to travel light. Even with its small footprint, the 12FX squeezes in 4 auxiliary channels and swept semi-parametric EQ on top of the already impressive feature set including configurable USB audio in/out makes it easy to capture stereo recordings.

6 mono channels
3 stereo channels with 2-band EQ and inputs for extra sources
16 internal time-delay effects
Neutrik mic XLR
Neutrik 1/4 inch jacks
Channel insert
Super wide gain ʽDuoPreʼ mic line input
3 band EQ with MusiQ
4 auxes
Illuminated mute
Sound image pan
Illuminated PFL & peak warning indicator
ALPS 100mm faders
Stereo returns & playback
All inputs with level control
12 bar meters
Mono/stereo function on auxes 1&2
Monitor output section
Alt stereo output source
Configurable USB stereo audio in/out
Cakewalk SONAR X1 LE bundled with mixer
Rack ears available
 
USB audio flexibility
Getting audio to and from a computer easily is now a common requirement for live sound and music production. The way this has been implemented on ZED is super-flexible and super-easy! No longer do you need to fiddle around the back of your PC to get to the soundcard inputs, only to find that the levels are all wrong and noisy. Just plug in a USB lead to your ZED, select the USB routing on the mixer and the device on your computer and that's it! CD quality audio to and from your PC or Mac. Switches and connection through jack socket terminals provide different send/return configurations:-
 
Send options:

1) Main Mix Left + Right (Post-fade)
2) Main Mix Left + Right (Pre-Fade)
3) Auxes 1-2
4) Auxes 3-FX
Return options:

1) To Stereo 3 channel
 
MusiQ
ZED-12FX features a responsive 3-band, swept mid frequency EQ design which utilises MusiQ – with optimised slope (or Q factor) for equalising individual instruments.
 
 
DuoPre™
Based on the proven pre-amps from the hugely successful PA series, ZED-12FX has DuoPre pre-amps, which use a two stage design, with carefully controlled amounts of gain in each stage. When amplifying the signal from the XLR input, the gain range is huge - 69dB of range to be exact - and is very evenly distributed around the gain control, meaning better control of signal level. Most of the gain comes from the first stage, so unwanted noise is kept to a minimum. Line level signals are simply plugged into the second stage of the pre-amp by using the line input jack socket, which has the great advantage of less noise when using the line input and also matching to a
higher input impedance.
 
 
ZED-FX
ZED-12FX has an essential selection of 16 time-delay effects, designed for small groups who donʼt want to carry around an effects unit with their gear but who
still want great quality FX at their gigs and on their recordings. Our DSP engineers worked hard, crafting and refining beautiful reverb algorithms to enhance every performance. These effects are available nowhere else at this price point – this quality and integration is only available from the ZED-FX. ZED effects are easily controlled using 3 buttons with 9 display LEDs. For example, the ideal delay time can be quickly tapped-in, or the perfect amount of reverb on the lead vocal can be dialled-in. There is one-stop navigation and editing – in fact, itʼs just as easy as using effects pedals. To alter effects parameters, the TAP button is held down and the up/down buttons pressed to adjust the specific parameter for that effect, for example, the decay length on PLATE, or the depth on CHORUS.
 
 
SONAR X1 LE – Provided Free!
Weʼve included Cakewalk SONAR X1 LE with ZED-12FX so you can immediately start to use it to create your own music – just add a PC and it couldnʼt be easier to get going. Youʼll be able to record from your ZED mixer, create tracks and arrange songs, then play back to ZED via the USB port. You can use SONAR X1 LE and your ZED mixer together in many ways – e.g. straightforward recording of a stereo mix, recording tracks individually to build up a song, or using the USB port and software as an effects loop.
Key Features
• Powered by SONAR X1
• 32 audio tracks
• 64 MIDI tracks
• 8 simultaneous inputs and outputs
• 24-bit/96 kHz audio quality
• 24 simultaneous effects
• 8 simultaneous virtual instruments
 

• 6 Mono & 2 Stereo Input Channels
• 6x GB30 Microphone Preamplifiers
• Recording and Live Sound Audio Console
• Compact Mobile Enclosure

• 8+2 channel frame sizes
• Built-in 24 bit Lexicon digital effects processor
• 32 FX settings
• Tap Tempo and FX setting store function
• 1 FX send on each channel
• 1 configurable auxiliary bus
• XLR-type and ¼” metal jack connector sockets
• RCA phono stereo playback inputs and record outputs
• 3-band EQ with a swept mid on mono inputs
• 3-band EQ on stereo inputs
• TRS insert sockets and inserts on all mono inputs
• Ten-segment LED output metering
• Intuitive and comprehensive solo system
• Headphone output
• Easily rack mountable

16 mono inputs to a stereo mix output. Rackmount version of the GB2.

The highly-acclaimed and successful Soundcraft GB Series has gained another new member, the Soundcraft GB2R. This 19 inch rack-mountable mixer is designed specifically for smaller installations in churches and performance venues, or for small portable PA systems. It will also find friends in Broadcast where its high quality and feature set will be very appealing.

Features
19 inch Rackmountable console

16 channel version, with 16 mono inputs, Stereo Mix and Mono Sum Outputs and 6 Aux Outputs. - Total Inputs to Mix: 22

12.2 channel version, with 12 mono inputs and 2 stereo inputs, 1 Stereo Sub Group Output, Mix and Mono Sum Outputs, and 6 Aux Outputs - Total Inputs to Mix: 26 (when Mics used on stereo input)

Rotatable connector pod for top or rear cable entry

8 (GB2R-16) or 10 (GB2R-12.2) busses

2 full feature stereo inputs (GB2R-12.2 version)

GB30 Mic preamp and precision EQ on inputs

Switchable +48V phantom power on every mic input

100Hz Hi-pass filter

Direct outputs on every channel

100mm faders

Stereo Mix Output and separate Mono Sum output

Record output

Internal Universal switched mode PSU

Available in two variants, the GB2R offers either 16 mono inputs to a stereo mix output, or a 12.2 version with 12 mono inputs, two full-feature stereo inputs and 2 group busses, each model having 6 auxiliary sends.

As always with Soundcraft consoles, emphasis has been placed on operational simplicity, clear and intuitive layout and the highest possible audio performance. The Soundcraft GB2R inherits both the GB30 Mic preamplifier and GB30 Equaliser designs from the GB4 and GB8.

For ease of installation, the connector section is contained in a rotatable pod, allowing cable access from the top of the mixer if sat on a table-top, or from the rear when mounted in a 19 inch rack.

On the stereo inputs on the 12.2 model, connectors are provided for both Mic and Line inputs. With Mic signals routed to the local channel, the Line inputs are available as stereo returns to the main mix bus. Two stereo returns and a 2-track (for example CD replay) input are provided, which means that the GB2R-12.2 model can offer up to 26 inputs to mix in a mixer just 19" (485mm) wide.

Every input has a pre/post switchable direct output for recording or effects sends, while an internal universal voltage PSU avoids external power supply connections.

The whole GB Series carries the high quality hallmark with which Soundcraft is synonymous, with engineering and design as you'd expect from this high-end manufacturer. Careful attention has been given to the mechanical construction, to ensure reliability and ruggedness under strenuous conditions, with all input modules being constructed with individual vertically-mounted pcb's, fitted to the steel chassis front panel with individually-nutted potentiometers.

MIC/LINE Input Channels
The XLR microphone input is equipped with an extremely high quality, ultra-low noise, discrete preamp.
The +48V phantom power for condenser microphones can be switched in groups of six.
The Line Input and Channel Insert are implemented as jack sockets.
The Gain can be controlled in the range 0-60 dB.
The switchable Lo Cut filter (80Hz, 18dB/oct.) serves to eliminate low-frequency noise. A very typical DYNACORD feature is the asymmetrical Voicing Filter by means of which, if desired, the voice can be powerfully emphasized in the mix.
Optimized for ease-of-use, the 3-band semi-parametric equalizer makes it possible even for unpracticed users to perform the requisite corrections swiftly and intuitively.
With their extended buss structures, the CMS3 mixers offer very flexible configuration options. In all, 6 AUX busses are available in each case:
2 (FX) are assiged to the two effects devices;
2 (AUX) can be configured either as monitor or effects sends by means of a switch in the Main section;
2 (MON) are designed as monitor sends, each being equipped with a sweepable anti-feedback filter in the Master section.
MUTE and PFL switches, each with its own LED, make it possible to mute each input channel individually and/or listen to its pre-fader signal.
Each channel offers a Signal Present and Peak LED for level control.
The channel faders are dust-protected and offer not only excellent crosstalk attenuation but also a practice-optimized control characteristic.
All potentiometers and faders are high-quality components from ALPS.
Stereo MIC/LINE Input Channels
The stereo input channels are equipped in much the same way, but optimized, naturally, to carry stereo signals.
Two of the four stereo inputs of each model are additionally equipped with cinch (RCA) sockets switched in parallel for CD or MP3 players.
The two other stereo inputs receive in addition the four channels of the digital audio interface USB 1-2 and USB 3-4
Separate Gain controls are provided for the Stereo Line and Mic inputs to permit them to be used in parallel if desired.
Three-band tone controls are provided, and a Balance control replaces the PAN control found in the mono channel strips.
MASTER
In the Master Section, too, the CMS3 mixers are lavishly equipped.
The 11-band stereo equalizer can be routed to the Master channels or else to either or both of the Monitor Sends according to choice.
The FX1+2 Returns as well as the AUX1+2 and MON1+2 Sends are on faders just like the Master L/R signal, which makes for comfortable and intuitive operation.
The Master B signal is available pre or post MASTER L/R fader and can be mono-summed if desired. The Master signal is also available on the REC Send cinch (RCA) output with level control.
The level meters of the CMS3 comprise two LED chains of 12 LEDs each. The display range covers 40 dB; what is shown is the level in dBu at the master outputs. When the PFL switch is activated, the left-hand LED chain shows the internal level of the master buss in dBu.
The Standby switch mutes all channels e.g. during pauses, with only the 2TRACK-to-Master input remaining active for the playback of interval music.
A 4-pin XLR socket is provided for the connection of a standard 12V/5W gooseneck lamp.
DIGITAL USB 2.0 AUDIO INTERFACE  
The USB 2.0 port serves as a digital audio interface between the CMS3 and a PC or Mac. Four channels can be transmitted in either direction simultaneously. This interface can therefore be used either for the input of audio signals (e.g. for playback or interval music) or else for live- or studio-recording applications. It is configured by selecting the relevant setting in the menu.
For the use of the CMS3 with a PC or Mac, a free Cubase LE license as well as the requisite USB drivers are included free-of-charge on the supplied DVD.
PC MIDI Interface
The CMS3 also offers a fully-featured PC MIDI interface.
The MIDI input also supports the remote switching of both internal effects units using a master keyboard or MIDI footswitch.
Professional Effects, OLED Display and Processing Menus
The CMS3 has two integrated stereo multi-effects processors that work independently of one another, each offering 100 effects algorithms optimized for live performance, the most important parameters of which are editable.
Linear 24-bit AD/DA converters and 48-bit double-precision processing guarantee the finest studio quality based on state-of-the-art technology.
The 100 program locations of each device are packed with high-quality reverbs, halls and plates that deliver professional results in live performance on stage as well as in both studio and home recording environments.
Other presets include Echo/Reverb and Chorus/Echo combinations, a variety of delay, flanger, chorus and doubling algorithms, as well as special reverb and delay programs. When a delay effect is active, the delay time can be synchronized to the beat of the music using the TAP key.
Edited effects programs can be stored in the 20 User memories offered by each device, assigned names, and later selected and used in the same way as the presets.
The large, high-contrast OLED display is easily read from a wide range of viewing angles—even in very bright surroundings. The operation of the effects units and processing menus is intuitive and made easier still through the use of soft keys and a rotary encoder.
Processing Menus
For the basic settings, configuration, use of the effects and special functions, a wide variety of editing options can be selected from the clearly arranged menus.
Innovative Solution for Protection and Transportation
Optionally available for the CMS 1000 and 1600 is a very robust plastic lid with an integrated handle—a highly innovative solution that offers optimal protection for the device as well as greater carrying comfort.
For the CMS 2200, due to its greater size, a flight-case solution is recommended (available as a further option is a dust cover: the DC-PM2200-COVER).
Accessories
For rack installation of the CMS 1000 (or table installation of the models 1600 and 2200), the mounting kit RMK 1000-3 is available.
Other accessories include the gooseneck light DC-LITLITE-4P and the DC-FS11 ON/OFF footswitch for the effects units.