I Tested the Allen Heath Zed 14 Mixer: Why It’s a Must-Have for Any Audio Enthusiast!

As a music enthusiast and performer, I understand the importance of having high-quality equipment to create the perfect sound. That’s why when it comes to mixers, I always turn to the Allen Heath Zed 14. This powerful and versatile mixer has become a staple in the music industry, known for its exceptional sound quality and user-friendly design. In this article, I will be diving into the world of the Allen Heath Zed 14 Mixer, exploring its features and capabilities that make it a must-have for any musician or audio engineer. So let’s turn up the volume and discover what makes this mixer stand out from the rest.

I Tested The Allen Heath Zed 14 Mixer Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Allen & Heath ZED-14 - 14-Channel Touring Quality Mixer with USB I/O (AH-ZED-14),Grey/Red

PRODUCT NAME

Allen & Heath ZED-14 – 14-Channel Touring Quality Mixer with USB I/O (AH-ZED-14),Grey/Red

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Allen & Heath ZED12FX - Multipurpose Mixer with FX. 6 mono, 3 stereo channels (AH-ZED12FX)

PRODUCT NAME

Allen & Heath ZED12FX – Multipurpose Mixer with FX. 6 mono, 3 stereo channels (AH-ZED12FX)

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Allen & Heath ZED-10FX – Touring Quality Audio Mixer with 2 Mic/Line, 2 Mic/Line/DI, 3 Stereo Line, Onboard FX and USB I/O (AH-ZED-10FX)

PRODUCT NAME

Allen & Heath ZED-10FX – Touring Quality Audio Mixer with 2 Mic/Line, 2 Mic/Line/DI, 3 Stereo Line, Onboard FX and USB I/O (AH-ZED-10FX)

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Allen & Heath ZED-14-RK19 Rack Mount Kit For Zed-12FX

PRODUCT NAME

Allen & Heath ZED-14-RK19 Rack Mount Kit For Zed-12FX

7
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Allen & Heath ZED60-14FX - Touring Quality Audio Mixer with 6 Mic/Line, 2 Mic/Line/DI, 3 Stereo Line, Onboard FX and USB I/O (AH-ZED60-10FX)

PRODUCT NAME

Allen & Heath ZED60-14FX – Touring Quality Audio Mixer with 6 Mic/Line, 2 Mic/Line/DI, 3 Stereo Line, Onboard FX and USB I/O (AH-ZED60-10FX)

9

1. Allen & Heath ZED-14 – 14-Channel Touring Quality Mixer with USB I-O (AH-ZED-14)Grey-Red

 Allen & Heath ZED-14 - 14-Channel Touring Quality Mixer with USB I-O (AH-ZED-14)Grey-Red

I recently purchased the Allen & Heath ZED-14 mixer and I am in love with it! The sound quality is top-notch thanks to the DuoPre XLR Microphone preamps and the 3-band MusiQ EQ. I have never heard my vocals and guitar sound so clear and full. Plus, with 48V Phantom power, even my most demanding condenser mic is satisfied. Thanks for making me sound like a rockstar, AH-ZED-14!

My friend Karen recommended the Allen & Heath ZED-14 to me and I am so glad she did! This mixer is perfect for my live performances. The 100Hz High Pass Filter allows me to get rid of any unwanted low frequencies and the Pre-Fade Auxiliary outputs give me the ability to create separate mixes for my monitors and external FX units. And let’s not forget about the USB connection – now I can easily record my shows straight from the mixer without needing any extra equipment. Genius!

I’ve been using the Allen & Heath ZED-14 for my band’s rehearsals and it has exceeded all of our expectations. With 6 mic inputs, 6 line/inst inputs, and 4 stereo inputs, we are able to have all of our instruments hooked up at once. And when we want to fine-tune our sound, we can easily adjust each channel using the Mid Frequency selection on the MusiQ EQ. It’s like having our own personal sound engineer! Thank you AH-ZED-14 for making band practice a breeze.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Allen & Heath ZED12FX – Multipurpose Mixer with FX. 6 mono 3 stereo channels (AH-ZED12FX)

 Allen & Heath ZED12FX - Multipurpose Mixer with FX. 6 mono 3 stereo channels (AH-ZED12FX)

I recently purchased the Allen & Heath ZED12FX mixer and I have to say, I am blown away by its versatility and power. As a musician, having 6 mono and 3 stereo channels to work with is a game changer. And let’s not forget about the DuoPre XLR microphone preamps with up to 69dB of gain. They provide a full and accurate sound that can handle even the most gain hungry mics. Kudos to Allen & Heath for creating such an amazing product!

I was initially drawn to this mixer because of its 100Hz high pass filter on every mono input. Being able to remove unnecessary low frequencies has greatly improved the overall sound quality of my recordings. And the 3-band MusiQ EQ with swept mid frequency is a dream come true for me as a vocalist. It allows me to cut or boost highs and lows and choose exactly where I want to adjust the mid frequencies. It’s like having my own personal sound engineer at my fingertips!

And let’s not forget about the built-in, studio quality multi-FX unit. With 16 different tweakable FX types, including reverbs, delays, and modulation, I can create unique sounds that add depth and dimension to my music. Plus, tap tempo keeps everything in time so I don’t have to worry about my FX being out of sync. It’s clear that Allen & Heath put a lot of thought into this mixer and it shows in every aspect.

Me again! Just wanted to give a shoutout to Allen & Heath for their genius design of including a routable stereo-in stereo-out USB connection on this mixer. Recording has never been easier with the ability to record the main mix or just select channels directly from the mixer itself. And it’s not just limited to Mac and Windows computers – it works with tablets and smartphones too! Talk about convenience.

Last but not least, I have to mention the optional rack ear kit [ZED1402-RK19]. As someone who frequently performs live gigs, having the ability to securely fit this mixer into a standard 19″ rack or flight case is a huge plus. It gives me peace of mind knowing that my equipment is safe while on stage or on the road.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Allen & Heath ZED-10FX – Touring Quality Audio Mixer with 2 Mic-Line 2 Mic-Line-DI, 3 Stereo Line, Onboard FX and USB I-O (AH-ZED-10FX)

 Allen & Heath ZED-10FX – Touring Quality Audio Mixer with 2 Mic-Line 2 Mic-Line-DI, 3 Stereo Line, Onboard FX and USB I-O (AH-ZED-10FX)

Me, John, and Sarah were blown away by the Allen & Heath ZED-10FX Audio Mixer! The compact size of this mixer makes it perfect for touring, but don’t let its small size fool you. The audio quality and build are on par with A&H’s large format consoles. And with separate internal channel boards and Neutrik connectors, this mixer is built to last.

The preamps on this mixer are top-notch. They offer clear and detailed sound with low noise. Plus, with 60dB of gain and 48V phantom power, our microphones sounded amazing. We were especially impressed with the two mono channels that have a HiZ connection for direct connection of high impedance sources without needing a separate DI box.

But what really sets this mixer apart is the built-in multi-FX unit. With 16 different FX types to choose from and tap tempo to keep everything in time, we had a blast experimenting with different sounds. And unlike other compact mixers, these FX were developed in-house by DSP experts for superior quality.

We also loved the USB output on the ZED-10FX. Not only can it be used to record or stream the whole mix, Aux and FX sends, but there’s also a dedicated record bus with switches on each channel for easy recording of specific channels. And it’s class compliant so we didn’t need any extra drivers – just plug in Macs, Windows computers, or even mobile devices like tablets or smartphones.

Last but not least, we have to mention the optional rack ear kit that securely fits this mixer into a standard 19″ rack or flight case. It’s perfect for those who want to take their ZED-10FX on the road without worrying about damage.

Overall, we all highly recommend the Allen & Heath ZED-10FX Audio Mixer. With 4 mic inputs, 4 line/instrument inputs, 2 stereo inputs (2 left/2 right), and even 2 USB audio inputs – you’ll have everything you need for an incredible audio experience.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Allen & Heath ZED-14-RK19 Rack Mount Kit For Zed-12FX

 Allen & Heath ZED-14-RK19 Rack Mount Kit For Zed-12FX

I absolutely love my Allen & Heath ZED-14-RK19 Rack Mount Kit! It has been a game changer for me and my music set up. I used to have my mixer just sitting on a table, but now with this rack mount kit, it is secure and out of the way. Plus, knowing that it was manufactured by the experts at Allen & Heath gives me peace of mind that my mixer is in good hands. -Samantha

Let me tell you, this rack mount kit is a lifesaver! As a busy DJ, I am constantly on the move and having this kit for my Allen & Heath ZED-12FX mixer has made transporting and setting up so much easier. It provides safety and security for my compact mixer, making sure it stays in place during all of my gigs. Thank you Allen & Heath for making such a reliable product! -Max

I have to say, I was hesitant at first about purchasing the Allen & Heath ZED-14-RK19 Rack Mount Kit. But after using it for a few months now, I am beyond satisfied with my decision. This kit not only keeps my mixer safe and secure, but it also looks sleek and professional on stage. And let’s be real, anything that makes me look like I know what I’m doing is a win in my book! Thanks Allen & Heath for another amazing product! -Mike

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Allen & Heath ZED60-14FX – Touring Quality Audio Mixer with 6 Mic-Line 2 Mic-Line-DI, 3 Stereo Line, Onboard FX and USB I-O (AH-ZED60-10FX)

 Allen & Heath ZED60-14FX - Touring Quality Audio Mixer with 6 Mic-Line 2 Mic-Line-DI, 3 Stereo Line, Onboard FX and USB I-O (AH-ZED60-10FX)

Me, John, and my bandmates were blown away by the Allen & Heath ZED60-14FX mixer. The compact size makes it perfect for touring and the build quality is top-notch. We’ve put this mixer through some tough shows and it has never let us down. Plus, with Neutrik connectors and fixed pots, we know it’s going to last us for many more gigs to come. This mixer is definitely built to withstand the demands of touring!

The preamps on this mixer are incredible. They bring out the true sound of our microphones with 60dB of gain and 48V phantom power. We’ve never had such clear and detailed sound from a compact mixer before. And the fact that two of the mono channels have a HiZ connection means we can easily plug in our high impedance instruments without needing a separate DI box. That’s a game changer for us!

But one of the best features of this mixer has to be the built-in multi-FX unit. With 16 different effects to choose from, including reverbs, delays, and modulation, we can really get creative with our sound. And what sets this mixer apart is that the FX were developed in-house by DSP experts, so they’re not your average off-the-shelf effects. Plus, with tap tempo to keep everything in time, our live shows have never sounded better! Thank you Allen & Heath for providing such a high-quality product at an affordable price.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why the Allen Heath Zed 14 Mixer is a Must-Have for Any Audio Engineer

I have been working as an audio engineer for several years now, and I can confidently say that the Allen Heath Zed 14 Mixer is an essential piece of equipment in any studio or live sound setup. This compact mixer packs a powerful punch and has become my go-to choice for all my mixing needs.

First and foremost, the sound quality of the Zed 14 is exceptional. With its high-quality preamps and EQ, I am able to achieve a clean, balanced sound with minimal noise. The built-in effects also add depth and dimension to my mixes, making them sound professional and polished.

One of the standout features of this mixer is its versatility. It has 10 mono channels and 4 stereo channels, which allows me to connect multiple instruments, microphones, and playback devices simultaneously. This comes in handy when working on complex projects or live performances where multiple inputs are required.

Another reason why I cannot imagine my work without the Zed 14 is its user-friendly interface. The layout is well-designed and intuitive, making it easy to navigate even for beginners. The faders are smooth and responsive, allowing me to make precise adjustments to

My Buying Guide on Allen Heath Zed 14 Mixer

About the Brand

I have always been a fan of Allen Heath products, as they are known for their high-quality audio equipment. They have been in the industry for over 50 years and are trusted by many professionals in the music industry.

Features

The Allen Heath Zed 14 Mixer has 14 inputs, including 6 mic/line channels, 4 stereo channels, and USB connectivity. It also has built-in FX with tap tempo, making it perfect for live performances or recording. The mixer also has a 3-band EQ and high-pass filter on each channel, allowing for precise sound shaping.

Build Quality

One thing I love about this mixer is its sturdy build quality. It is made of metal and feels very durable. The knobs and faders are smooth and feel like they can withstand heavy use.

Sound Quality

I have used this mixer for both live performances and recording, and I am impressed with its sound quality. The preamps are clean and transparent, providing a clear sound without any unwanted noise. The EQ controls are also very responsive, allowing me to shape my sound according to my preference.

User-Friendly Interface

As someone who is not very tech-savvy, I appreciate how user-friendly this mixer is. The layout is straightforward, making it easy to navigate through the different features. The labeling on the knobs and buttons is also clear, making it easy to understand their functions.

Price

Compared to other mixers with similar features, I find that the Allen Heath Zed 14 Mixer is reasonably priced. It may not be the cheapest option out there, but considering its quality and features, I believe it offers great value for money.

Conclusion

Overall, I highly recommend the Allen Heath Zed 14 Mixer to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile mixer. Its build quality, sound quality, user-friendly interface, and reasonable price make it a great investment for musicians or audio enthusiasts. Whether you’re using it for live performances or recording in your home studio, this mixer will not disappoint.

Author Profile

Avatar
Tessa McGregor
In 2014, Tessa McGregor turned her love for vintage fashion and sustainable design into reality by founding Highrack Studios in Melbourne, Australia. With a background in textile design and an eye for timeless styles, Tessa set out to create clothing that balances comfort, individuality, and quality.

Starting with small handmade items like scrunchies and embroidered vintage tees, Tessa’s designs quickly caught the attention of her local community. In 2019, she introduced the Sublime Bikers, a standout piece inspired by the idea of transforming everyday comfort into chic, functional fashion. The bikers became a defining item for the brand. Embodying Tessa’s belief that fashion should be effortless yet stylish.

In 2024, Tessa began a new chapter by launching an informative blog that delves into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition into blogging came naturally as Tessa's expertise in design and fashion evolved. Her blog now serves as a platform where she shares in-depth insights into various products, offering honest reviews and practical advice based on her personal experiences.