Allen & Heath XB-14² – Compact Broadcast Mixer for Radio and Studio

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath XB-14² is a compact broadcast mixing console purpose-built for self-operated radio and internet studio environments, from small single-room operations to multi-room broadcast facilities. It packs professional broadcast features into a compact desktop form factor — including telephone (Telco) channels, fader-start sensing, automatic speaker muting, and a full-duplex USB sound card — making it one of the most capable options in its size class for compact broadcast mixer for radio studio and internet broadcasting. DuoPre preamp technology across the four mono mic/line channels optimizes gain structure without requiring a pad circuit, delivering low-noise performance suited for on-air speech and vocal recording. The XB-14² is an established choice for Allen & Heath broadcast console for small radio station installations.

Product Description

The XB-14² supports up to 14 input sources across six mono and four stereo channels, providing access to up to seven stereo sources simultaneously. The four mono channels each feature Allen & Heath's DuoPre two-stage preamp design, which delivers 69 dB of gain at the XLR input and activates a second gain stage via the TRS line input — keeping the signal in the optimal dynamic range region without switching pads, resulting in lower noise and distortion across the gain range. Each mono channel also includes a 3-band EQ with swept midrange for correcting microphone response and reducing sibilance or proximity effect. Stereo channels include a 2-band EQ suited to music playback sources.

Two Telco channels provide the tools needed for on-air telephone integration: selectable clean-feed output (L/R program, Aux, or Audition bus), variable high-pass and low-pass filters for cleaning up low-quality telephone lines, and a dedicated talk button for off-air communication with the caller. A separate talk button enables the operator to speak with studio guests, presenters, or callers without feeding audio to the program mix — a standard broadcast workflow requirement. Fader-start sensing on mono channels controls external devices or automatically mutes control room speakers when a microphone fader is opened, preventing feedback during live broadcasts.

The XB-14² provides three separate headphone outputs — one for the engineer/producer and two for guests — with an output matrix that allows different mixes to each listener. The Audition bus supports telephone conversation monitoring without disturbing the main mix, and the Mix B bus enables an independent program mix or clean feed from selected channels. The full-duplex USB sound card supports 32/44.1/48 kHz sample rates and is compatible with both Mac and Windows core audio drivers, making it suitable for broadcast mixer with USB audio interface for internet radio production. The vertically-mounted individual circuit boards and metal-nutted rotary controls support field servicing with minimal downtime.

Key Features

• DuoPre Preamps — Two-stage preamp design on four mono channels provides 69 dB of gain with optimized gain structure and no pad switch required.
• 14 Input Sources — 6 mono and 4 stereo channels support up to 7 simultaneous stereo sources including mic, line, and telephone inputs.
• Two Telco Channels — Full telephone integration with selectable clean-feed output, variable HPF/LPF filters, and dedicated talk button for off-air caller communication.
• Fader-Start Sensing — Mono channels trigger external device control or automatic speaker muting when fader is opened, supporting standard broadcast workflows.
• 3 Headphone Outputs — Separate headphone mixes for engineer/producer and two studio guests via output matrix.
• Audition and Mix B Buses — Audition bus for telephone monitoring; Mix B for independent program or clean feed from selected channels.
• Full-Duplex USB Sound Card — Stereo bidirectional USB 1.1 audio interface for computer playback, recording, and VoIP; compatible with Mac and Windows.
• 27 Logic I/O — Remote control of mono channels via external mute switches; stereo channel start/cue logic for CD deck transport control.
• 100mm Smooth-Ride Faders — Full-length faders with consistent travel for precise on-air level control.
• Serviceable Construction — Vertical channel boards with metal-nut rotary controls allow individual channel removal without taking the console offline.

Typical Applications

• Broadcast studio mixing for AM/FM and internet radio stations
• Small to mid-size radio facility with self-operated on-air production
• Live production environments requiring broadcast-style telephone integration and clean feed

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the XB-14² suitable for internet radio as well as traditional broadcast?

Yes. The built-in USB sound card supports playback, recording, and VoIP (Voice over IP) to and from a computer, making it practical for internet radio, podcast production, and hybrid broadcast workflows.

How many microphone inputs does the XB-14² have?

The XB-14² has four XLR mic inputs, each with a DuoPre preamp. Additional mono channels accept line-level signals via TRS jack inputs.

Can guests have a separate headphone mix from the operator?

Yes. The output matrix provides three independent headphone outputs: one for the engineer/producer and two for guests, each capable of carrying a different mix.

What is the purpose of the Audition bus?

The Audition bus allows monitoring of telephone conversations or other sources without sending them to the main program mix, supporting standard broadcast pre-screening workflows.

Does the XB-14² have built-in effects?

No. The XB-14² does not include built-in effects processors. External effects can be connected via the aux send/return paths.

Can mono channels be remotely muted from the studio?

Yes. The mono mic/line channels support remote muting via external cough switches (sold separately) connected through the logic I/O.

Is the console Mac and Windows compatible for USB audio?

Yes. The USB 1.1 audio codec is compliant with USB 2.0 ports and works with both Mac and Windows core audio drivers without additional driver installation.

What warranty applies to the XB-14²?

Standard Allen & Heath manufacturer warranty applies. Contact Creation Networks for warranty registration and technical support.