Allen & Heath ZED-22FX 22-Channel Analog Mixer with USB and Built-In Effects

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath ZED-22FX is a 22-channel analog mixer combining 16 mono mic/line channels, three stereo input channels, and a built-in digital effects processor in a surface-mount format with USB connectivity. The DuoPre microphone preamplifiers deliver clean, low-noise gain with plenty of headroom, while the three-band EQ with sweepable mid on every mono channel gives engineers precise tonal control for live sound and studio applications. A USB 1.1 port provides stereo audio I/O to any Mac or Windows computer, enabling direct recording without an external audio interface. Independent aux sends, insert points on every mono channel, and a dedicated internal effects bus make the ZED-22FX a genuinely flexible analog console.

Product Description

The ZED-22FX's 16 mono input channels each feature Neutrik XLR mic connectors alongside balanced 1/4" TRS line inputs, allowing connection of both microphone-level and line-level sources without adapters or splitters. The DuoPre preamp design provides -6 to +63 dB of gain range from the mic input and -10 to +26 dB from the line input, accommodating everything from ribbon microphones to hot line-level sources without overloading. Phantom power at +48V is available globally for condenser microphones. Insert points on all 16 mono channels and the stereo bus allow seamless integration of outboard compressors, gates, and equalizers into the signal path.

Three stereo channels accommodate line-level stereo sources such as keyboards, drum machines, media players, and effects returns through balanced/unbalanced 1/4" TRS connectors. The dedicated internal effects bus feeds the onboard processor, which provides 16 effect presets including reverb and delay types with adjustable parameters and tap tempo — useful as a standalone solution in venues where carrying outboard gear is not practical. Three external mono aux sends remain available for floor monitor feeds or outboard effects independent of the internal FX bus.

The output section includes balanced XLR stereo main outputs, a balanced 1/4" mono main output, RCA alt outputs, and both 1/4" and 3.5mm headphone outputs. Dual 12-segment LED meters give a clear indication of main output levels, while individual channel LEDs flag signal presence and clipping per channel. The RCA stereo output is well suited to recording a mix directly to an external device, and the RCA input allows a 2-track playback source to be integrated into the main mix. Power draw is a modest 40W maximum, and the unit accepts 100-240 VAC for worldwide compatibility.

Key Features

• 16 Mono Mic/Line Channels — Neutrik XLR mic and balanced 1/4" TRS line inputs on every mono channel
• DuoPre Microphone Preamps — Low-noise preamps with wide gain range (-6 to +63 dB mic, -10 to +26 dB line)
• 3-Band EQ with Sweepable Mid — Precise tonal shaping on all 16 mono channels; 2-band EQ on stereo channels
• Built-In Digital Effects Processor — 16 presets including reverb and delay types with tap tempo and adjustable parameters
• 3 Mono Aux Sends — Independent level controls for monitor feeds and external effects routing
• Insert Points on All Mono Channels — Full integration of outboard dynamics and EQ hardware
• USB 1.1 Stereo Audio I/O — Direct 2-channel recording and playback to Mac or Windows DAW
• 3 Stereo Input Channels — Accommodate keyboards, media players, and stereo effects returns
• Balanced XLR Stereo Main Outputs — +21 dBu maximum output with 0 dBu nominal for professional system integration
• 100mm Long-Throw Faders — Precise level control with fine resolution across all channels

Typical Applications

• Live Sound Production — Full-featured analog console for small to mid-size venues with onboard effects and monitor sends
• Houses of Worship — Reliable analog mixing with simple operation and comprehensive I/O for technical volunteers
• Recording Studios — High-quality preamps and insert points for hybrid analog/digital recording workflows
• Broadcast — Clean preamps and USB audio interface for radio, podcast, and stream production
• Rehearsal Spaces — Permanent installation mixer with durable construction and versatile I/O
• Home and Project Studios — Multi-channel analog summing with USB recording capability

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the ZED-22FX require a driver for USB audio on Mac and Windows?

The ZED-22FX uses USB 1.1 class-compliant audio, which is driver-free on both Mac and Windows. It appears as a standard 2-in/2-out audio interface.

Can I use external effects via the aux sends while also using the built-in effects processor?

Yes. The three external aux sends are independent of the internal FX bus. You can run outboard effects on aux 1-3 and simultaneously use the internal effects processor on its dedicated bus.

Is phantom power switchable per channel or globally?

Phantom power is globally switchable — a single switch applies +48V to all 16 XLR mic inputs. Care should be taken to mute or disconnect dynamic microphones and other non-phantom devices before engaging the switch.

What is the purpose of the insert points?

Insert points on all 16 mono channels allow you to route the post-preamp/post-EQ signal through external hardware (compressor, gate, EQ) and back into the channel before it reaches the mix bus.

Can the ZED-22FX be rack mounted?

The ZED-22FX is not rack mountable in a standard 19-inch rack. It is designed as a surface-mount console.

What types of effects are available in the built-in processor?

The internal effects processor provides 16 presets including reverb types (hall, room, plate) and delay variants, all with adjustable parameters and a tap tempo function accessible from the front panel.

What is the maximum mic preamp gain?

The mic input provides up to +63 dB of gain, accommodating low-output microphones including ribbons and dynamics used in demanding acoustic environments.