Allen & Heath AH-ZED428 28-Channel 4-Bus Analog Mixer with USB Connection

Allen & Heath AH-ZED428 — Professional 28-Channel 4-Bus Analog Mixer

The Allen & Heath AH-ZED428 is a 28-channel, 4-bus analog mixing console combining 24 mono DuoPre mic preamp channels and two stereo input channels in a format suited to live sound reinforcement, house of worship audio, broadcast studio applications, and project studio recording. Building on the same DuoPre preamp topology and GL2400-derived 4-band EQ architecture that defines the ZED series, the ZED428 delivers professional mixing performance in a smaller frame than the ZED-436, making it the preferred choice when the full 36-channel capacity is not required but routing flexibility remains essential. A USB 1.1 stereo interface provides 2-in/2-out digital audio to Mac or Windows computers for direct recording without additional hardware.

Product Description

The ZED428's 24 mono input channels each feature a Neutrik XLR mic input and a 1/4" balanced/unbalanced line input, individually switchable 48V phantom power, a high-pass filter at 100 Hz (12 dB/octave), and a 4-band equalizer with sweepable hi-mid (500 Hz–15 kHz) and lo-mid (35 Hz–1 kHz) parametric bands and fixed shelving at 12 kHz and 80 Hz. The 1/4" TRS insert points on all 24 mono channels facilitate hardware dynamics processing without dedicated patch bays. The 24 direct outputs (1/4" TRS balanced) on the mono channels provide pre-fader signals to external multitrack recorders simultaneously with the main mix.

Two stereo input channels with 1/4" connectors accommodate keyboards, submix feeds, and stereo playback devices. Six auxiliary sends — two pre-fader, two post-fader, and two user-switchable — support independent monitor and effects routing per channel. Four subgroup outputs with insert points allow submix grouping and dynamics processing before signals reach the main bus. A 7x2 matrix accepts the main LR, mono, and all four group buses as sources, providing additional output paths for delay stacks, broadcast feeds, and distributed zone speakers. Balanced XLR main outputs (stereo L/R and mono) with insert points, two matrix outputs, two headphone outputs (1/4" and 3.5mm), and RCA 2-track I/O complete the output complement.

The XLR talkback input with adjustable level routes to the first four auxiliary outputs or all main outputs, supporting engineer-to-stage communication during live sound production setups. Output metering includes 12-segment LED masters and 4-segment LED bus meters. The ZED428 operates from 100–240 VAC at up to 60 W and weighs 40 lb (18.1 kg).

Key Features

• 24 DuoPre Mic Preamps — Neutrik XLR inputs with individually switchable 48V phantom power and -6 dB to +63 dB gain range serve condenser, dynamic, and ribbon microphones without gain-matching compromises.
• GL2400-Derived 4-Band EQ — Sweepable hi-mid and lo-mid parametric bands on all 24 mono channels enable surgical tonal shaping without the limitations of fixed-frequency midrange EQ designs.
• Insert Points on All Mono Channels — 1/4" TRS inserts on all 24 mono channels, group outputs, and main outputs allow series insertion of hardware compressors, gates, and equalizers.
• 24 Balanced Direct Outputs — Pre-fader 1/4" TRS direct outputs on all mono channels route to multitrack recorders for simultaneous live recording alongside the main mix.
• Six Flexible Aux Sends — Two pre-fader, two post-fader, and two user-switchable sends with independent level controls support multiple monitor mixes and effects processor routing simultaneously.
• 4-Bus Subgroup Architecture — Four subgroup buses with insert points enable dynamics processing on drum submixes, backing track groups, or any other signal grouping before the main bus.
• 7x2 Matrix — Flexible matrix output routing for delay stacks, broadcast feeds, and zone distribution using main LR, mono, and group buses as selectable sources.
• USB 1.1 Stereo Interface — 2-in/2-out USB audio at 32/44.1/48 kHz connects directly to Mac or Windows computers for stereo recording and playback without a separate audio interface.
• Integrated Talkback — XLR talkback mic input with level control routes to the first four aux sends or all main outputs for engineer communication during live productions.
• 100mm Long-Throw Faders — Durable long-throw faders on all channels provide precise gain control and natural mix feel consistent with professional analog console standards.

Typical Applications

• Live Sound Production — The 24-channel input count, six aux sends, and 4-bus architecture suit small-to-mid-scale live events, club venues, and touring productions that do not require the full 36-channel ZED-436 capacity.
• House of Worship — Individually switched phantom power, talkback routing, six aux sends for monitor mixing, and USB stereo interface support contemporary worship audio setups with direct recording.
• Broadcast Studio — Matrix outputs, direct outputs, and RCA 2-track I/O provide signal routing paths for broadcast feeds, commentary boxes, and on-air monitoring in small broadcast environments.
• Recording Studio — The 24 direct outputs make the ZED428 a capable tracking console in project studios recording live bands to multitrack audio workstations.
• Conference Room Audio — The talkback, aux routing, and matrix outputs suit conference room installations requiring microphone management, monitor distribution, and multiple output zones.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the AH-ZED428 and the ZED-428 (8219706491116)?

Both products are Allen & Heath 28-channel ZED-series analog mixers sharing the same core specification. The AH-ZED428 SKU designation may reflect a specific market configuration or packaging. Contact Creation Networks to confirm the exact configuration before ordering if this distinction is relevant to your application.

Can I connect the ZED428 to a DAW for multitrack recording?

The USB interface provides 2-in/2-out stereo audio to a computer. For multitrack recording, the 24 balanced 1/4" direct outputs feed an external audio interface or multitrack recorder with sufficient input channels to capture all 24 mono channels simultaneously.

Does the 4-band EQ on the mono channels have fully sweepable mid bands?

Yes. Both the hi-mid (500 Hz to 15 kHz) and lo-mid (35 Hz to 1 kHz) bands are continuously variable semi-parametric, providing ±15 dB of boost or cut across their respective frequency ranges. The high and low shelving bands are fixed at 12 kHz and 80 Hz respectively.

Can I use external compressors on individual channels?

Yes. The 1/4" TRS insert points on all 24 mono channels, the four group outputs, and the main outputs support series insertion of hardware dynamics processors using standard insert cables or a patch bay.

Is the ZED428 suitable for a medium-sized house of worship?

Yes. Twenty-four mono channels with individually switched phantom power, six aux sends for monitor mixing, and USB recording capability make the ZED428 appropriate for worship services with vocals, instruments, and dedicated monitor mixes for up to six mix destinations simultaneously.

What is the warranty on the AH-ZED428?

Allen & Heath products sold through authorized US dealers carry a limited manufacturer warranty. Contact Creation Networks at the time of purchase for current warranty terms and registration information.