Allen & Heath AH-WZ416:2 – MixWizard4 16-Channel Professional Mixing Console

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-WZ416:2 MixWizard4 16:2 is a 16-channel professional analog mixing console designed for fixed installation environments, boardroom AV systems, government facilities, and commercial audio production. It provides 16 balanced mic/line inputs with full 4-band EQ including sweepable mids, six auxiliary outputs, dual built-in FX engines with 20 factory presets, and 100mm faders throughout. For AV integrators and system designers seeking a 16-channel professional analog mixing console for commercial installation, the WZ416:2 delivers a complete analog signal path with direct outputs on every channel — making multitrack recording and DA connectivity straightforward without additional breakout hardware.

Product Description

The WZ416:2 is built on Allen & Heath's MixWizard4 platform, which has a long track record in boardroom, government, educational, and light production environments. All 16 input channels carry balanced XLR and TRS jacks, 48V phantom power, -20dB pad, a 4-band EQ with two swept midrange bands, six aux send knobs, pan, channel mute, and a high-pass filter at 80Hz with 12dB/octave slope. These are full-featured channel strips — not abbreviated for cost reduction.

Each of the 16 channels includes an individual direct output, which passes signal pre-fader by default. This allows a separate feed to be taken from each channel simultaneously — useful in conference room and government hearing environments where audio must be recorded or distributed to a digital audio workstation or codec without affecting the main mix. The six auxiliary outputs support monitor mixes, hearing loop feeds, recording submixes, or outboard effects sends, depending on the installation's requirements.

The two built-in FX engines with 20 factory presets cover the most commonly needed reverb and delay effects for presentation and speech reinforcement without requiring an external effects processor. The stereo master output, mono master output, stereo control room monitor output, and stereo headphone output give operators all the monitoring and distribution paths needed for a typical Allen & Heath MixWizard4 commercial AV boardroom installation. Tri-color LED metering and individual signal and peak indicators per channel support fast setup and troubleshooting.

Key Features

• 16 Balanced Mic/Line Inputs — XLR and TRS jacks on all 16 channels with 48V phantom power and -20dB pad per channel.
• 4-Band EQ with 2 Swept Mids — Full EQ section on every channel for precise frequency control in challenging acoustic environments.
• 16 Direct Outputs — Individual pre-fader direct outputs on all channels support multitrack recording and DA feeds without additional hardware.
• 6 Auxiliary Outputs — Six mono aux sends per channel support monitor mixes, hearing loop distribution, or outboard effects.
• Dual Built-In FX Engines — Two effects processors with 20 factory presets cover speech reinforcement reverb and delay applications.
• 100mm Faders — Full-length faders across all channels and the master section for precise gain control.
• 80Hz High-Pass Filter — 12dB/octave HPF on every channel reduces low-frequency rumble and handling noise from microphone inputs.
• 2 Stereo Returns — Additional stereo inputs for playback sources or effects returns.
• Tri-Color LED Metering — Per-channel signal and peak indication plus master bus metering for rapid level monitoring.

Typical Applications

• Boardroom and conference room audio systems
• Government facility and hearing room audio
• Commercial AV installation in educational and corporate environments

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the WZ416:2 rack mountable?

The WZ416:2 is a desktop console and is not rack mountable in its standard configuration. It is designed for tabletop or built-in furniture installation.

What do the direct outputs carry?

Each of the 16 direct outputs carries an individual channel signal, pre-fader, making them suitable for multitrack recording, conferencing codecs, or distribution amplifiers.

Can the aux sends be used for monitor mixes and effects simultaneously?

Yes. The six aux sends can be independently assigned to different destinations — for example, two sends for stage monitors, two for effects processors, and two for hearing loop or recording feeds.

Does the console require external effects hardware?

No. The two built-in FX engines cover standard reverb and delay needs. External effects processors can also be connected via the aux send/return paths.

Is 48V phantom power switchable per channel?

Phantom power configuration depends on the specific unit version. Consult the product manual or contact Creation Networks for exact phantom power switching details.

What is the difference between the WZ416:2 and the WZ412:2?

The WZ416:2 has 16 mic/line input channels versus 8 on the WZ412:2. Both share the same architecture, FX engines, and aux send count.

Is this product covered by an Allen & Heath warranty?

Yes. Standard Allen & Heath manufacturer warranty applies. Contact Creation Networks for warranty details and support options.