Allen & Heath ZED60-14FX Mixer

What it is

The ZED60-14FX is an analog mixer with 6 mono mic/line inputs, 2 stereo line inputs, 16 internal effects (reverb, delay, chorus, flanger), USB audio in/out, and a 60-second sampler/looper. Allen & Heath's GS-Pre mic preamps, 3-band EQ on mono channels, 2-band on stereo. It's a small mixer designed for jam spaces, podcast/streaming setups, small venues, and backup duty.

Who it's for

Acoustic duos, podcast/streaming setups that don't need a full digital console, AV company backup-bag inventory, or anywhere you need a couple of mics and a couple of stereo sources mixed quickly without a learning curve. Also a solid practice-room console.

Spec highlights

• 6× mic/line inputs with GS-Pre preamps + 48V phantom (global)
• 2× stereo line inputs (4 ch)
• 3-band EQ (with sweepable mid) on mono channels
• 16 internal FX presets (reverb, delay, chorus, etc.)
• Built-in 60-second sampler with single-button record/playback
• USB I/O (stereo to/from computer)
• 2 aux sends per channel
• 1/4" insert points on every mono channel
• Built-in DC supply (no wall-wart)

Real-world notes

The GS-Pre preamps are quiet and have good headroom for a mixer in this class — you can put a condenser on quiet acoustic content and get clean sound. The FX engine is voiced for vocals; the reverb and delay presets are usable for live work without a separate FX unit.

USB is a simple stereo-in/stereo-out implementation — fine for podcast/streaming applications but not multi-track. If you need ISO recording, look at the X Air or CQ series.

The 60-second sampler is more useful than it sounds — it'll loop a stem, playback walk-on music, or hold a sound effect for a podcast intro.

Build is metal with a black finish. Knobs are well-spaced and don't crowd each other in low light.

Bottom line

A reliable little analog mixer with enough modern conveniences (USB, FX, sampler) to make it more than just a dumb summing box. Good as a backup or for low-channel applications where digital overkill doesn't help.