Allen & Heath ZED-16FX 16-Channel Recording and Live Sound Mixer with FX & USB

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath ZED-16FX is a 16-channel analog mixing console with built-in digital effects, USB audio interface capability, and 100mm faders — making it a practical choice for live sound reinforcement, house of worship applications, home recording studios, and small-format commercial audio installations where a reliable analog signal path with integrated FX is required. The mixer provides 10 mono channels with XLR mic inputs and balanced 1/4" line inputs alongside three stereo input channels, all running through Allen & Heath’s MusiQ EQ section for natural-sounding tonal adjustments on individual sources. Its USB connection integrates directly with Mac and Windows computers, making it equally useful as a standalone mixer or as a front-end for DAW-based recording workflows.

Product Description

The ZED-16FX features a 3-band EQ with swept mid on all mono channels and a 2-band EQ on stereo channels, using Allen & Heath’s MusiQ technology to optimize the Q factor for equalizing individual instruments naturally rather than applying clinical cuts and boosts. Four auxiliary sends (one internally routed to the built-in FX engine, three available externally via TRS) provide monitor and effect routing flexibility for small live productions and rehearsal environments.

Insert points are available on all 10 mono channels and on the main stereo output, providing access to outboard compressors, gates, or effects units without breaking the signal path. The 16 built-in time-delay effects cover common reverb and delay applications, removing the need for a dedicated outboard FX unit in simple live sound setups. A 12-segment peak LED meter on the master section gives clear gain structure feedback, and the internal +48V phantom power supply can be engaged globally to power condenser microphones across all channels.

Key Features

• 16 Input Channels — 10 mono (XLR mic + balanced 1/4" line) and 3 stereo channels for comprehensive source coverage
• MusiQ 3-Band EQ with Swept Mid — Optimized Q factor for musical-sounding equalization on individual instruments and vocals
• 16 Built-In Time-Delay Effects — Reverbs and delays integrated into the mixer, no external FX unit required
• USB Audio Interface — Direct 2-in/2-out USB connection to Mac and Windows for DAW recording and playback
• Insert Points on All Mono Channels — TRS inserts on 10 mono channels and stereo main output for outboard processing
• 4 Auxiliary Sends — 3 external TRS sends plus 1 dedicated internal FX send for monitors and effects routing
• +48V Global Phantom Power — Powers condenser microphones across all channels simultaneously
• 100mm Faders — Full-length faders for precise channel level control in live and recording environments
• Balanced XLR Main Outputs — Professional balanced main output suitable for driving PA amplifiers and active speakers

Typical Applications

• Small venue live sound reinforcement
• House of worship main sound console
• Home studio and project recording front-end
• Commercial AV system audio mixing
• Band rehearsal and practice room mixing
• Corporate A/V presentation audio

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is MusiQ EQ and how does it differ from standard EQ?

MusiQ is Allen & Heath’s approach to optimizing the Q (bandwidth) of the EQ bands for musical sources. Rather than applying a fixed Q, MusiQ adjusts the bandwidth so that cuts and boosts affect the intended frequency range without causing unnatural artifacts on instruments and vocals.

Can the ZED-16FX be used as a USB recording interface?

Yes. The USB connection provides stereo (2-in/2-out) audio interface functionality at 16-bit resolution and supports sample rates of 32, 44.1, and 48 kHz on both Mac and Windows without additional drivers on most operating systems.

How many monitor mixes can I create with the ZED-16FX?

Three external auxiliary sends (AUX 1–3) are available for monitor mixes or effects sends. A fourth auxiliary send is internally routed to the built-in FX engine.

Does the mixer require a separate effects unit?

No. The ZED-16FX includes 16 built-in time-delay effects (reverbs and delays) which are sufficient for most small live sound and recording applications without an external effects unit.

Is the phantom power switchable per channel?

The +48V phantom power is switched globally, applying to all XLR mic inputs simultaneously. If you need channel-by-channel control, you would need to use inline phantom power blockers on channels that do not require it.

What outputs are available for monitoring and recording?

In addition to the balanced XLR main outputs, the ZED-16FX provides RCA stereo ALT and REC outputs, a mono 1/4" output, and a USB output for computer recording.

Can the ZED-16FX handle house of worship applications?

Yes. The 10 mono mic channels, 3 stereo channels, built-in effects, and USB recording interface cover typical house of worship requirements including multiple microphones, music playback sources, and IEM or monitor sends.