Allen & Heath ZEDi-10 – Compact Hybrid Mixer and 24-Bit/96 kHz USB Interface

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath ZEDi-10 is a ten-channel compact mixer that integrates a professional 24-bit/96 kHz USB audio interface, combining the tactile control of a hardware console with direct computer recording capability in a single portable unit. Four mic/line channels feature preamps modeled on the Allen & Heath GS2-R24, a console pedigree that delivers low noise, extended headroom, and a warm analog character appropriate for studio and broadcast applications. Two of those channels include switchable high-impedance (Hi-Z) inputs, allowing direct guitar and bass connection without a DI box. A 4x4 USB I/O path — 4 channels to the computer and 4 back — enables multitrack recording while retaining a separate stereo hardware mix output for live sound reinforcement or monitoring. Cubase LE and Cubasis LE App are included, providing a complete DAW workflow out of the box.

Product Description

The ZEDi-10 occupies a specific and practical position in the Allen & Heath ZED lineup: it is the hybrid model that provides a genuine 4-in/4-out multitrack interface rather than the stereo-only USB path found in the ZED-10. This distinction matters for recording engineers who need to capture multiple isolated tracks simultaneously — a drum submix, a vocal, a guitar DI, and a room microphone, for example — and then mix those tracks independently in a DAW rather than committing to a stereo mix at the point of capture.

The GS2-R24-modeled preamps are the sonic foundation of the ZEDi-10. Allen & Heath's GS2-R24 is a professional studio console known for clean, transparent preamp performance with sufficient warmth to complement acoustic instruments and vocals. Reproducing this circuit in a compact portable format means the ZEDi-10 punches well above its price point in preamp quality — a factor that matters when acoustic recordings will be listened to critically or released commercially.

Channels 1 and 2 feature independent XLR mic inputs and TRS line inputs — allowing a microphone and a line-level source to coexist on the same channel strip without a Y-cable. The Hi-Z switch on channels 1 and 2 converts the TRS input to a high-impedance instrument input, suitable for electric guitar, bass, and other high-impedance sources that would load down a standard line input and lose high-frequency content. A 3-band EQ on all four mono channels provides treble, mid, and bass shaping; the two stereo channels (5/6 and 7/8) offer a 2-band shelving EQ for high and low correction.

High-pass filters on channels 1 through 4 reduce low-frequency noise from microphone stands, HVAC rumble, and stage vibration before it enters the mix, improving mix clarity without reaching for the EQ. 48V phantom power is available globally for condenser microphones. The main mix outputs are balanced XLR, and separate RCA monitor outputs allow a control room speaker connection without splitting the main output.

The USB routing switch determines how the analog input signals are divided between the interface channels sent to the computer, enabling different recording configurations from the same physical setup. At 96 x 332.7 x 274.3 mm and 2.2 kg, the ZEDi-10 fits comfortably on a home studio desk, in a laptop bag, or at a front-of-house position in a small venue.

Key Features

• GS2-R24-modeled mic preamps — 4 channels with studio console heritage, low noise, and warm character
• 24-bit/96 kHz USB interface — 4-in/4-out multitrack I/O for isolated channel recording in a DAW
• Switchable Hi-Z inputs — channels 1 & 2 accept guitars and instruments directly; no DI box required
• 3-band EQ on mono channels — treble, mid, and bass shaping on channels 1–4
• High-pass filters — channels 1–4 include HPF to reduce low-frequency noise and stage rumble
• 48V phantom power — global switch for condenser microphone use
• USB routing switch — selects how analog inputs are routed to the 4 USB send channels
• Balanced XLR main outputs — professional-grade connection to PA systems and studio monitors
• Aux and FX sends — pre-fade aux for monitor mixes, post-fade FX for effects processors
• Cubase LE & Cubasis LE included — full DAW and mobile app for immediate recording without additional software purchase
• 8-LED signal metering — real-time visual level monitoring on the main mix

Typical Applications

• Recording studio — multitrack tracking sessions for vocals, guitar, keyboards, and small ensemble recording
• Home studio — complete analog mixing and computer recording in a compact desktop unit
• Live sound reinforcement — small venue and club front-of-house mixing with simultaneous multitrack recording
• Broadcast and podcast production — mix multiple microphone inputs for on-air or recorded interview programs
• Mobile recording — location recording sessions where a laptop and compact mixer replace a full studio setup

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the ZEDi-10 differ from the ZED-10?

The ZEDi-10 provides 4-in/4-out multitrack USB I/O at 24-bit/96 kHz, enabling isolated channel recording in a DAW. The ZED-10 provides stereo-only USB I/O at 16-bit/48 kHz, suitable for recording a stereo mix. The ZEDi-10 is the choice for multitrack recording workflows; the ZED-10 is the choice for a simpler USB stereo mix-to-computer use case.

Can I use the ZEDi-10 as a standalone mixer without connecting it to a computer?

Yes. The ZEDi-10 is a fully functional analog mixer that operates independently of USB connection. The USB interface only activates when a computer is connected.

Does the ZEDi-10 require drivers?

On macOS, the ZEDi-10 operates as a class-compliant USB audio device without additional drivers. On Windows, ASIO driver installation may be required for low-latency recording performance. Refer to Allen & Heath's download page for the latest Windows driver.

Can I connect an electric guitar directly to the ZEDi-10?

Yes. Channels 1 and 2 include switchable Hi-Z inputs that accommodate high-impedance sources such as electric guitars and basses at instrument level. No DI box is needed.

How many channels can I record simultaneously?

The ZEDi-10 provides 4 channels of audio to the computer simultaneously via USB. The specific channels routed to the interface depend on the USB routing switch setting.

What DAW software is included?

Cubase LE (desktop, Mac and Windows) and Cubasis LE App (mobile) are included with the ZEDi-10. Both provide multitrack recording, MIDI sequencing, and a range of built-in effects and virtual instruments suitable for professional production work.

Is the ZEDi-10 suitable for a podcast or radio production setup?

Yes. Four XLR mic inputs with low-noise preamps, a USB interface, and EQ on every channel make the ZEDi-10 a practical choice for multi-host podcast and broadcast recording workflows.