Allen & Heath AH-GR4 – 4-Zone Rack Mount Background Music Mixer

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-GR4 is a 1U rack-mount or desktop zone mixer designed for background music distribution and paging in commercial environments including restaurants, retail stores, bars, hotels, and leisure venues. It accepts four microphone inputs and four stereo source inputs, and distributes audio to four independently controlled output zones. The GR4 zone mixer for commercial multi-zone audio installations is compatible with the optional PL-14 remote control, which provides remote volume and source selection via standard Cat5e cabling. For AV integrators specifying background music systems in hospitality and retail environments, the GR4 offers a well-supported, cost-effective solution within the Allen & Heath ecosystem.

Product Description

The GR4 addresses the typical requirements of a commercial background audio system: multiple music sources, microphone inputs for paging, independent zone control, and priority override for announcements. These functions are handled through a straightforward front-panel interface and rear-panel Phoenix connector wiring that suits both desktop placement and 19-inch rack installation.

Microphone inputs are located on the rear panel via Phoenix connectors, with one mic input also accessible from the front panel via XLR for presenter or announcer use. Each mic input includes gain control, 2-band EQ (80 Hz low shelf, 8 kHz high shelf), and a 150 Hz high-pass filter to reduce low-frequency handling noise. Four pairs of stereo RCA connectors accommodate CD players, streaming devices, or other line-level sources.

Zones 1 and 2 deliver stereo output on Phoenix connectors with individual mix control, allowing different source combinations in each zone. Zones 3 and 4 provide mono outputs, configurable via internal jumpers for mix selection. All four zones can be driven simultaneously with independent level control. The two main zone outputs also include 2-band EQ for tonal adjustment per zone without external equalization.

The Primary and Secondary Mic modes allow priority paging configurations: when a mic is keyed, the Primary mode can duck background music across zones. The Emergency Mic mode overrides all other audio for critical announcements, while Juke Box mode allows source selection from a remote location. The optional PL-14 remote panel connects via Cat5e and provides a rotary volume knob plus four source selection buttons, enabling zone-level control at the point of use — at a bar, reception desk, or retail floor.

The GR4 ships with rack ears, blanking bung covers, four countersunk Pozi screws, and 14 Phoenix connectors, providing everything needed for installation in a standard 19-inch rack. Power consumption is 15 W with no remote attached, rising slightly with PL-14 units connected.

Key Features

• 4 Microphone Inputs — Rear Phoenix connectors plus front XLR option for Mic 1; each with gain and 2-band EQ.
• 4 Stereo RCA Inputs — Accept CD players, streaming devices, or other line-level stereo sources.
• 1/8" Stereo Aux Input — Front-accessible 3.5 mm input for portable media devices.
• 4 Independent Zone Outputs — Zones 1 and 2 are stereo on Phoenix; Zones 3 and 4 are mono, configurable via internal jumpers.
• Individual Zone Mix Control — Zones 1 and 2 have per-source mix level control; Zones 3 and 4 are mix-selectable.
• 2-Band EQ on Mic Inputs and Zone Outputs 1/2 — 80 Hz LF and 8 kHz HF shelving EQ for tonal adjustment without outboard gear.
• Primary, Secondary, Emergency Mic Modes — Support priority paging and announcement override without additional switching hardware.
• Juke Box Mode — Allows remote source selection from the PL-14 remote panel.
• PL-14 Remote Compatible — Optional remote panel connects via Cat5e for volume and source control at the point of use.
• 1U Rack Mount or Desktop — Ships with rack ears; can also be used as a desktop unit.
• 14 Phoenix Connectors Included — All terminal block connectors for wiring are provided in the box.

Typical Applications

• Commercial Multi-Zone Audio — Background music and paging distribution in restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues with multiple audio zones.
• Retail Audio Systems — Background music playback with paging capability in retail stores, supermarkets, and shopping centers.
• Hospitality AV — Hotel lobbies, restaurants, and common areas requiring independent zone control and source switching.
• Boardroom and Corporate Facilities — Background music and announcement distribution in office environments with remote volume control at reception or individual meeting rooms.

Technical Specifications

FAQ

How many independent audio zones does the GR4 support?

The GR4 provides four zone outputs. Zones 1 and 2 are stereo; Zones 3 and 4 are mono by default but can be changed via internal jumpers.

Is the PL-14 remote control included with the GR4?

No. The PL-14 remote is an optional accessory sold separately. The GR4 supports connection of multiple PL-14 units via Cat5e cabling.

What type of connectors does the GR4 use for inputs and outputs?

Microphone and zone outputs use Phoenix (screw terminal) connectors. Stereo line inputs use RCA connectors. The front-panel mic option uses an XLR connector. Phoenix connectors are included in the box.

Can the GR4 handle emergency paging that overrides all zones simultaneously?

Yes. The Emergency Mic mode activates an override that cuts background music and routes the paging mic to all zones, supporting life safety announcements or urgent communications.

Does the GR4 provide phantom power for condenser microphones?

The GR4's mic inputs are designed for dynamic microphone or line-level paging sources. It does not provide +48V phantom power. Condenser microphones requiring phantom power need an inline phantom power supply.

Can I use the GR4 in a desktop configuration rather than rack-mounted?

Yes. The unit ships with both rack ears and hardware for desktop placement. The front-panel XLR mic input is convenient for desktop use at a reception or DJ position.

Is the GR4 suitable for a small house of worship or chapel?

The GR4 is optimized for background music and simple paging applications. For a house of worship requiring full channel-strip control, EQ, aux sends, and effects, an Allen & Heath ZED or SQ console would be more appropriate.