Allen & Heath ZED60-10FX – 6-Channel Mixer with Digital Effects and USB

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath ZED60-10FX is a compact 6-channel analog mixer combining four mic/line inputs, two Hi-Z instrument inputs, two stereo line inputs, 16 onboard digital effects, and a USB audio interface in a portable desktop format. It is suited for live mixing in small venues, studio tracking, podcast production, conference rooms, and broadcast applications where a full-size console is not practical. The preamp design is derived from Allen & Heath's MixWizard series, delivering low-noise, high-headroom performance appropriate for professional use. A dedicated recording bus and USB output allow direct multitrack capture to a Mac or PC without additional hardware.

Product Description

Small-format mixers often require a compromise between input count, connectivity, and signal quality. The ZED60-10FX addresses this by packing the channel architecture and build quality of a larger Allen & Heath console into a desktop chassis measuring 13.2 x 13.6 x 3.7 inches and weighing 8.4 pounds. Despite its size, it accommodates a wide range of sources and routing configurations that are rarely found in this price class.

The four mono channels each carry an XLR/TRS combo input with phantom power, a 100 Hz high-pass filter, and a 3-band EQ comprising high and low shelving bands plus a sweepable midrange band adjustable from 120 Hz to 4 kHz. Channels 3 and 4 include 1/4-inch Hi-Z instrument inputs with Class-A FET circuitry and a 26 dB boost switch, allowing direct connection of guitars and basses without a DI box. Each channel also has independent FX send and Aux send controls, enabling a separate monitor mix alongside the effects send, a configuration commonly needed in live performance and rehearsal scenarios.

The 16 onboard digital effects algorithms are the same as those used in Allen & Heath flagship digital consoles, including reverbs, delays, doubler, flanger, and chorus. A single parameter control adjusts the overall character of the selected preset. Effects quality at this level differentiates the ZED60-10FX from budget-tier alternatives that use generic DSP.

The output section provides balanced XLR main outputs, a stereo RCA record output, a switchable RCA monitor output, and a USB-B port for 2-in/2-out audio interface operation with Mac and Windows computers at sample rates up to 48 kHz. A separate recording bus allows individual channels to be routed to the record output independently of the main mix, which is a useful feature for broadcast monitoring or mix-minus configurations in conference rooms.

Build quality follows Allen & Heath's standard for the ZED series: individual vertically-mounted channel circuit boards with each rotary control fastened to the front panel by a metal nut rather than push-fit into a plastic chassis. This construction significantly improves long-term reliability under regular use and transport. The 60mm faders provide a more precise level control feel than the 45mm faders common in competing products at this price point.

The EIN specification of -127 dBu (150-ohm source) and noise floor of -96 dBu place the ZED60-10FX at a professional level suitable for broadcast and studio recording applications, not just live sound or conferencing. THD+N of 0.002% mic-to-main confirms the signal path integrity expected from the Allen & Heath preamp heritage.

Key Features

• MixWizard-Derived Preamps — Low-noise discrete transistor circuitry with -127 dBu EIN for professional-grade signal quality
• Hi-Z Guitar Inputs on Ch.3/4 — Class-A FET instrument inputs with 26 dB boost eliminate the need for external DI boxes
• 3-Band EQ with Sweepable Mid — Per-channel tone shaping with ±15 dB at 80 Hz, 120 Hz–4 kHz, and 12 kHz
• 16 Onboard Digital Effects — Same algorithms used in Allen & Heath flagship digital consoles including reverbs, delays, flanger, and chorus
• Independent FX and Aux Sends — Separate monitor and effects routing per channel for live performance configurations
• USB Audio Interface (2-in/2-out) — Direct recording to Mac or PC at up to 48 kHz without additional hardware
• Separate Recording Bus — Channels can be individually routed to the record output independently of the main mix
• Balanced XLR Main Outputs with Inserts — Professional-level output connectivity for driving PA systems or broadcast equipment
• 60mm Premium Faders — Tactile, precise level control superior to the 45mm faders found in competing products

Typical Applications

• Live sound mixing for small venues, rehearsal spaces, and club performances
• Studio tracking and overdub sessions requiring a compact analog mixer with direct USB recording
• Broadcast and podcast production with multiple microphone inputs and USB interface output
• Conference room and training room audio where a compact, feature-complete mixer is needed
• Houses of worship with limited stage size requiring a portable but capable mixing solution
• AV rental inventory requiring a reliable, easy-to-operate mixer with integrated effects

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the ZED60-10FX require a driver to use the USB audio interface on Mac or Windows?

No driver is required on Mac. Windows users may need to install the Allen & Heath ASIO driver for low-latency recording performance. The unit operates as a standard USB class-compliant audio device at up to 48 kHz, 16-bit.

Can the ZED60-10FX be used to feed a conference room audio system?

Yes. The balanced XLR main outputs and separate aux send make it suitable for driving conference room amplifiers or DSP processors. The recording bus and USB output can simultaneously feed a recording system or conferencing platform.

How many channels can be recorded simultaneously over USB?

The ZED60-10FX supports 2-in/2-out USB audio at up to 48 kHz, 16-bit. This is a stereo recording bus, not a multitrack interface. For multitrack recording, a dedicated USB audio interface is recommended.

Are the effects on the ZED60-10FX the same quality as those in Allen & Heath digital consoles?

Allen & Heath states that the 16 effects algorithms in the ZED60-10FX are the same as those used in their flagship digital consoles, including the dLive series.

Can I use the ZED60-10FX as a standalone effects processor without using it as a mixer?

The effects engine is integrated with the mixer's channel routing and cannot be used as a standalone effects unit. However, you can route a signal in and out of the FX bus with minimal processing in the channel strip.

Does the ZED60-10FX have channel inserts?

Yes. The XLR main outputs include insert points, but individual channel inserts are not included on this model. Inserts are on the main output bus.

Is the ZED60-10FX rack mountable?

No. The ZED60-10FX is a desktop mixer and is not rack mountable. It does not accept optional rack-mount brackets.