Allen & Heath ZED-428 28-Channel 4-Bus Analog Mixer with USB Connection

Allen & Heath ZED-428 — Professional 28-Channel 4-Bus Analog Mixer

The Allen & Heath ZED-428 is a 28-channel, 4-bus analog mixing console designed for live sound reinforcement, house of worship audio, project studio recording, and broadcast studio applications. With 24 mono DuoPre mic preamp channels and two stereo channels in a compact but fully featured layout, the ZED-428 delivers the routing architecture and signal quality expected from Allen & Heath's professional analog console heritage at a channel count suited to small-to-medium scale productions. The GL2400-derived 4-band equalizer on every mono channel, six auxiliary sends, four subgroup buses with inserts, a 7x2 matrix, direct outputs on all mono channels, and a USB 1.1 stereo interface make the ZED-428 a versatile production mixer for environments where the full 36-channel ZED-436 exceeds the input requirement.

Product Description

All 24 mono channels of the ZED-428 feature Neutrik XLR mic inputs and 1/4" balanced/unbalanced line inputs, DuoPre preamps with individually switchable 48V phantom power, a 100 Hz high-pass filter, and 1/4" TRS insert points. The 4-band semi-parametric EQ provides sweepable hi-mid and lo-mid bands alongside fixed high and low shelves, giving engineers consistent tonal control across the channel count without the frequency limitations of fixed-frequency midrange designs.

Six auxiliary sends — two pre-fader, two post-fader, and two user-switchable pre/post — allow independent routing to floor monitors, in-ear systems, and outboard effects processors per channel. Four subgroup outputs with insert points enable submix grouping and parallel dynamics processing before the main bus. The 7x2 matrix provides two additional output paths fed from any combination of the main LR, mono, and four group buses, suited to delay stack feeds, broadcast outputs, and secondary zone distribution. The 24 balanced 1/4" TRS direct outputs on all mono channels deliver pre-fader signals to a multitrack recorder simultaneously with the main program mix.

The USB 1.1 interface delivers 2-in/2-out stereo audio to Mac or Windows computers at sample rates of 32, 44.1, and 48 kHz at 16-bit depth, enabling direct-to-DAW stereo recording and playback without an external audio interface. RCA 2-track I/O supports connection to tape machines, external recorders, or consumer playback sources. An XLR talkback mic input with adjustable level routes to the first four auxiliary outputs or all main outputs. Balanced XLR main outputs (stereo L/R and mono) with insert points, two matrix outputs, two headphone outputs (1/4" and 3.5mm), and multi-segment LED metering complete the feature set. The ZED-428 operates worldwide on 100–240 VAC 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 support condenser, dynamic, and ribbon microphones across all 24 mono channels.
• GL2400-Derived 4-Band EQ — Sweepable hi-mid (500 Hz–15 kHz) and lo-mid (35 Hz–1 kHz) semi-parametric bands on all 24 mono channels provide surgical tonal control without fixed-frequency limitations.
• Insert Points on All Mono Channels — 1/4" TRS inserts on all 24 mono channels, group outputs, and main outputs allow hardware compressors and equalizers to be inserted without dedicated patch bays.
• 24 Balanced Direct Outputs — Pre-fader 1/4" TRS direct outputs on all mono channels enable simultaneous multitrack recording alongside the main program mix.
• Six Flexible Aux Sends — Two pre-fader, two post-fader, and two switchable sends with independent level controls drive up to six independent monitor mixes and effects processors simultaneously.
• 4-Bus Subgroup Architecture — Four subgroup buses with insert points provide submix grouping and parallel dynamics processing before signals reach the main stereo and mono buses.
• 7x2 Matrix — Additional output paths for delay stacks, broadcast feeds, and zone distribution using main LR, mono, and all four group buses as selectable matrix sources.
• USB 1.1 Stereo Interface — 2-in/2-out USB stereo audio at up to 48 kHz for direct connection to Mac or Windows computers without an external audio interface.
• Integrated Talkback — External XLR talkback mic input with level control routes to the first four aux outputs or all main outputs for engineer-to-stage communication.
• 100mm Long-Throw Faders — Durable long-throw faders on all channels provide precise gain control 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 capacity of the ZED-436.
• House of Worship — Individual phantom power switching, six aux sends for monitor mixing, talkback routing, and USB stereo recording make the ZED-428 practical for contemporary worship audio setups with multiple performers.
• Broadcast Studio — Matrix outputs, direct outputs, and RCA 2-track I/O support small broadcast environments requiring signal routing paths for on-air feeds and commentary boxes.
• Recording Studio — The 24 direct outputs enable the ZED-428 to function as a tracking console in project studios recording live ensembles to multitrack audio workstations.
• Conference Room Audio — The talkback system, aux routing, and matrix outputs suit conference room AV installations requiring microphone management and multi-zone distribution.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the ZED-428 and the ZED-436?

The ZED-428 has 24 mono channels (28 total including two stereo channels) while the ZED-436 has 32 mono channels (36 total). Both share the same DuoPre preamp design, GL2400 EQ topology, aux send architecture, and USB interface. The ZED-428 is the appropriate choice when 24 mono inputs satisfy the channel requirement and the reduced physical footprint is preferred.

Can I use the ZED-428 for multitrack recording of a live band?

Yes. The 24 balanced 1/4" TRS direct outputs on the mono channels feed a multitrack recorder or audio interface with sufficient inputs simultaneously with the main program mix. The USB interface provides an additional stereo 2-in/2-out path to a computer for stereo mix recording or playback.

Does the 4-band EQ include 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 on all 24 mono channels, providing ±15 dB of boost or cut across their respective frequency ranges.

Is the ZED-428 compatible with in-ear monitor systems?

Yes. Six auxiliary sends — including pre-fader options for monitor mixing — support independent in-ear or floor monitor mixes for up to six mix destinations. The individual phantom power switching on each channel accommodates any combination of condenser and dynamic microphones across the stage.

Does the talkback route to all monitor sends simultaneously?

No. The talkback signal routes either to the first four auxiliary outputs or to all main outputs — selectable, but not both simultaneously in standard operation. A Y-split at the talkback output would be required to cover both destinations at the same time.

What warranty applies to the ZED-428?

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

Is the USB interface class-compliant on Windows?

The USB 1.1 interface operates at up to 48 kHz for 2-in/2-out stereo audio and is compatible with Mac and Windows. No additional driver installation is required on Mac. For Windows, class-compliant operation at supported sample rates is standard; ASIO performance may require the Allen & Heath USB driver available from their support site.