Allen & Heath ZED-6 – Compact 6-Input Analog Mixer

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath ZED-6 is a compact six-input analog mixer engineered for performers, lecturers, and small ensemble applications that require professional-grade audio quality in a lightweight, portable format. Its preamp circuit, derived from the Allen & Heath GS2-R24 console, provides the low noise floor, wide headroom, and analog warmth associated with Allen & Heath's professional mixer range — making it a capable tool for small venues, hotels, houses of worship, schools, and home studio use. Two Hi-Z guitar inputs allow direct instrument connection without DI boxes, and 48V phantom power supports condenser microphones on both mic inputs.

Product Description

The ZED-6 provides two mic/line channels with combined XLR and balanced TRS inputs, each fitted with a MusiQ two-band EQ and a high-pass filter. The MusiQ EQ topology was designed by Allen & Heath's analog engineering team specifically for ZED-series mixers, with frequency curves and Q factors tuned for musical instruments and vocals rather than generic broadband applications. Two stereo line inputs accept TRS connections from keyboards, media players, or other line-level sources.

The two high-impedance instrument inputs allow electric guitars and basses to be plugged directly into the mixer, bypassing the need for a separate DI box. The main outputs are balanced XLR, suitable for driving professional powered speakers or a PA system. An eight-segment LED meter provides continuous output level monitoring, and PFL (pre-fader listen) buttons on each channel allow source-level checking before signals enter the main mix. The ZED-6 uses an internal power supply, keeping the stage layout clean without an external wall-wart adapter. This is the effects-free version; the ZED-6FX model adds an onboard effects engine for users who require reverb and delay processing.

Key Features

• GS2-R24-Derived Mic Preamps — Allen & Heath's professional preamp lineage delivers low noise and extended headroom in a compact format
• 2x Hi-Z Guitar Inputs — channels 1 and 2 accept guitars and basses directly, eliminating the need for separate DI boxes
• MusiQ 2-Band EQ per Channel — musically voiced equalization curves for practical tonal adjustment on instruments and vocals
• High-Pass Filter per Channel — reduces low-frequency rumble and stage noise for a cleaner mix
• 48V Phantom Power — powers condenser microphones on the two mic inputs
• Balanced XLR Main Outputs — drives powered speakers and professional PA systems
• 8-Segment LED Metering — continuous visual output level monitoring
• PFL (Pre-Fader Listen) — per-channel source monitoring via headphone output
• Internal Power Supply — no external adapter, reduces stage clutter
• 60mm Main Fader — smooth-travel fader for precise master level control

Technical Specifications