Andy Rigby-Jones from Allen & Heath does a quick walkthrough of their new Xone:22 dj mixer.

via Scratchworx

2009 WInter NAMM Show: Allen & Heath has unveiled the Xone:22, a 2 channel analog DJ mixer – a mixer which A&H says offers pro-quality sound and features, but at an entry-level price.

“We’ve raised the bar on entry level mixer design with the Xone:22. It’s the first mixer at this price point to have a full cut isolator/EQ, accurate metering, quality faders and pro standard audio headroom. Incorporating a “lite” version of our now legendary Xone filter system is the icing on the cake,” explains Xone designer, Andy Rigby-Jones.

Description:

At the heart of the feature set is a lite version of the renowned analogue Voltage Control Filter (VCF) system offering Low-Pass and High-Pass filters, frequency sweep and ‘mild to wild’ resonance control. There is also a soft switched effects loop to bring in external effects, which are routed back in through the filter system.

The new mixer has 2 stereo channels with dual phono/line inputs, and phonos can be configured to line if no RIAA sources are in use. There is a 3-band total kill EQ, crossfader curve control switch, and the maximum output level is a generous +25dBu.

The main mix output and mic input are on professional standard balanced XLR’s, and there is a dedicated record output. The Xone:22 is equipped with comprehensive monitoring facilities, including a booth output with its own volume control, a cue mix control, and ‘cue-to-master’ switch to preview the master output. There are also 10-segment LED meters with selectable bar or dot mode display for each channel.

The Xone:22 is finished with UV sensitive ink screen for improved low light legibility.

Available from March 2009, SRP for the Xone:22 is £266 (+VAT).

Mixed in Key is Windows and Mac OS X software which analyses MP3 and WAV files. It identifies the musical key of every track, and highlights which other tracks are harmonically compatible. Designed to quickly analyze music files, Mixed In Key shows which tracks can be mixed together without a key clash.

Pricing is $58.00 USD.

New features:

• Improved algorithm to find the key of every track
• Improved graphic design
• A fast way to create playlists in “Browse Collection” to organize music files
• New quality-control feature: While scanning music files, Mixed In Key detects if the volume is too loud, the song is off-key or there are too many clipped peaks. Version 4.0 suggests how to improve those audio files to make them sound better for a live DJ performance
• Ability to add custom keywords to each track for quick searching

Mixed In Key software users include Pete Tong from BBC Radio 1, Dubfire from Deep Dish, Nick Warren, David Guetta, High Contrast, BT and Kaskade.

Version 4.0 is available in two styles: The original theme and Allen & Heath XONE theme. The original theme is available from http://www.MixedInKey.com. The Allen & Heath theme is available from http://Xone.MixedInKey.com.

Allen & Heath have launched the iLive Configuration Utility, a new online tool that lets you design your own custom modular digital system.

The application comprises 3 screens, starting with the iLive surface, followed by the MixRack, finishing with the addition of extra modules or accessories. There is a ‘drag and drop’ configuration utility, where modules can be ‘dragged’ to the corresponding slots on the back of an iLive surface and MixRack.

An item code is generated for each iLive surface and iDR10 MixRack built, and up to 5 surfaces and 5 MixRacks configurations can be saved during the process.

This sort of semi-automated custom system is great; I’d like to see more companies consider tools like this.

Wouldn’t you like to be able to design your perfect synth, or your ideal custom Ableton Live controller?

Allen & Heath has unveiled a sweet new DJ mixer/controller – the new Xone:4D performance DJ controller.

Evolved from the revolutionary Xone:3D, the Xone:4D has an updated feature set, combining a professional analog DJ mixer with 105 MIDI controls, and a new 96 kHz/24bit 20-channel USB 2.0 soundcard.

Features:

The mixer section is based on the Xone:92 and features 4 triple-input stereo channels (soundcard, phono and line), 3 band total kill EQ, 2 stereo effects sends, 2 analogue VCF filters with LFO, VCA crossfader and dual-rail channel faders, DJ mic and cue monitoring system.

For the assignable LFO, a new editable step-filter function has been developed, designed for creative combinations of the tempo-detecting BPM counter and tap tempo. Each MIDI fader becomes a filter cut-off frequency, enabling users to “draw” their own tempo-locked LFO waveform.

There is also a new 16-bit tempo detecting circuit, which constantly monitors the BPM and outputs a MIDI clock to help synchronize MIDI-controlled music replay software with external source program material.

The stereo FX sends can be used with external equipment such as effects units and samplers and now both FX sends can be routed to the USB audio system and sent to the PC. The FX2 hardware output can be switched to act as a Main Mix record output.

There are two dedicated MIDI control strips comprising 8 60mm faders, 16 centre-detented rotary controls, 10 rotary encoders with push switches, 32 switches (8 illuminated), and 2 improved high quality custom jog wheels with 4 navigation switches. The Xone:4D’s MIDI sections now have a ’shift’ function giving two layers of MIDI controls, allowing 227 mappable MIDI messages from the 105 MIDI controls on the front panel, and a fader pickup algorithm allows seamless movement between the layers.

In addition, several mixer functions generate and respond to MIDI, and the BPM counter provides MIDI start/stop and clock. The Xone:4D provides full control of external MIDI devices including the most sophisticated DJ performance computer environments. Overlays are available to identify the control function for popular software applications.

A 20-channel USB2.0 soundcard is built into the mixer, featuring 4 analog stereo inputs and outputs, transmitting audio at up to 96kHz with 24 bit resolution. It uses USB to interface the mixer audio and MIDI to a PC where the sound may be manipulated in real time using any music software application. The soundcard also produces SPDIF, COAX and optical digital inputs and outputs.

A low latency ASIO driver is provided for audio streaming between the 4D and PC. Each mixer channel has its own soundcard input routing switches allowing for complete flexibility on what gets sent to or from the PC.

Allen & Heath has added a new Xone DJ mixer, the Xone:42 4-channel DJ mixer with USB audio interface.

The Xone:42’s feature set is built around 4 dual-input stereo channels; channels 1 and 4 are phono/line, while channels 2 and 3 are line/line. All four channels have a powerful +6dB to total kill 3-band EQ, a 9-segment 3-colour bar meter, gain control, and 60mm VCA faders with illuminated X/Y crossfader selection. Xone’s legendary Voltage Control Filter is included on each channel via illuminated assignment switches, with selectable filter type, resonance, and frequency controls.

The mixer also sports the ‘X-FX’ system, which lets an external effects processor to be easily interfaced. A single knob controls the proportion of the channel signal sent to the effects unit, from 0 to 100%, and the affected signal is returned to the main mix, or can be routed through the filter.

Sound familiar to anyone?

The Xone:42 incorporates a USB audio interface for easy connection to a computer and integration of digital media. It can be used to play back music files from a laptop and to record mixes from the Xone:42, or, when used with appropriate software, as a digital DJ effects unit that can be patched into the X-FX system. The USB input combines with an XLR microphone input to provide an additional channel with two band EQ and rotary level control.

The mixer also features a 45mm VCA crossfader with curve control, and a powerful monitoring section with split cue control, mix to cue, two headphone outputs (1/4″ and 3.5mm), dedicated booth output, and balanced main mix outputs on XLR.m.

Allen & Heath will unveil a fifth model in its ZED range of small format, USB-equipped mixers for live performance, recording, and production, at the forthcoming NAMM show in Anaheim, CA, in January 2008.

The new ZED-24 stereo mixer provides 23 independent sources to the mix, 10 independent outputs, 4 aux sends (2 pre and 2 post fade), a USB send and return (for PC or Mac recording, playback and effects), a unique dual stereo input capability, and advanced monitoring facilities.

In addition to 16 mono channels there are 4 stereo channels, each with a main stereo input on jack sockets, and with the ability to take additional stereo inputs from phono sockets or from the USB audio input, enabling the engineer to control and route any source. ZED-24 features a responsive 3-band swept-mid EQ, with an optimised slope for equalising individual instruments. The ZED-24 also features the new DuoPre pre-amps, which use a two stage design with carefully controlled amounts of gain in each stage, offering lots of headroom.

ZED’s USB output can be configured to allow different signals to be sent to USB, from the LR master, the matrix or the aux busses, with the USB return signal available as a stereo return. Cakewalk’s SONAR LE music production software is bundled with the mixer, to enable the user to perform many different tasks, for live performance, live recording, studio recording, or studio mixing.

The NAMM show will also be the official debut for the ZED 4 bus series — ZED-420, ZED-428 and ZED-436 mixers — which were previewed at the PLASA show, and the first time that the Xone:42 DJ USB mixer has been shown outside of the UK.

The XD-53’s incorporate a circumaural isolation design, providing high level isolation from ambient noise, which make them the ideal product for DJ’s requiring immersive listening in loud environments.

Comprising 53mm diameter drivers – the largest drivers currently available – with high power neodymium magnet design, 1500 mW of power handling, and high SPL capacity, the XD-53 headphones deliver excellent sound reproduction. They also have rotating earpieces for easy one-ear monitoring, a coiled cable with convenient one-side exit, and a folding design for compact portability.

“The Xone range of DJ mixers has a staunchly loyal following and many customers were asking if we could design headphones to complement their audiophile set up, comments head of Xone design,” Andy Rigby-Jones. “We’ve bought the same design ethos to the XD-53 headphones as we use for our mixers – they sound fantastic with tons of power, and a sturdy construction.”

The XD-53 headphones will be available from May 2007, SRP £122 (ex VAT).

Musikmesse: Allen & Heath has introduced a fourth control surface to the iLive digital mixing console system, joining the existing iLive-122, iLive-144 and iLive-176. The new iLive-80 is the smallest in the range of control surfaces, designed for smaller applications such as theatres, churches and touring bands.

Providing 80 control strips grouped in 2 sections, each with 4 banks, there is an LCD display with multi-colour backlight above each fader for labelling and colour-coding channel information. The channel controls for preamp, filter and EQ are laid out across the top of the surface on rotary controls with LED indicators, while a colour LCD touch screen presents a graphical view of the processing and access to gates, compressors, limiter/de-essers, graphic EQ’s and effects, as well as the automation and set up screens. Audio at the surface is available on 4 slots accommodating the 8-channel audio interface cards.

The heart of the mixing system is the iDR-10 stand-alone stagerack, which has 10 slots for 8-channel audio interface cards, comprising analogue and digital variants. The iDR-64 DSP module is part of this rack, processing 64 channels into 32 mixes, which can be assigned as auxes, groups, matrix and main outputs. The iDR-64 is controlled via an Ethernet network and can be connected to a variety of controllers, including the range of iLive control surfaces, Allen & Heath’s PL range of remote units, third party devices, or a laptop/PC.

The iLive-80 surface will be available from July 2007, approximate SRP £15,000 (ex VAT) with the iDR-10 stagerack.

As well as the USB connection, the Xone:1D has 5-pin DIN MIDI sockets for connection to other MIDI-enabled devices, and features 4 60mm linear faders, 8 detented rotary pots, 16 push buttons (4 of which are illuminated), 5 rotary encoders with “push to switch” function, and a multi-function jog wheel with switched navigation control. As with the Xone:3D, all the MIDI controls can be mapped for use as navigation controls for DJ or production software, providing the user with the same tactile control of performance software.

The unit can be placed alongside any standard DJ mixer to add digital control, and if a Xone:2D is added, presents the equivalent feature set to a Xone:3D around your favourite mixer.

The Xone:1D will be available from June 2007, SRP £199 (ex VAT)

The Xone:2D is the combination of a 4 stereo channel USB soundcard and MIDI controller, which DJ’s can connect to their existing analogue mixer to integrate leading DJ software such as Ableton Live and Traktor DJ Studio, and create a complete digital DJ mixing system.

The USB soundcard can operate in either of two modes — stereo channels for 3 inputs from a PC and 1 return, or 2 channels from a PC and 2 returns. A large array of connections are provided to enable easy integration into any DJ set-up, and the 2D can be directly connected to turntables, CD players or linked to an external mixer. Digital IO (optical and coaxial) is also provided.

The Xone:3D BPM counter with LED display is included, which is capable of detecting a beat in music presented on the stereo BPM input. A MIDI clock generator, which can be set using the illuminated tap tempo button or sync’d to the tempo detected by the BPM counter, is provided, and features the MIDI clock nudge facility of the 3D.

The MIDI controller connects via USB to a computer and also has 5-pin DIN MIDI sockets for connection to any MIDI-enabled device, and features 5 60mm linear faders, 8 detented rotary pots, 19 push buttons – 4 of which are illuminated, 5 rotary encoders with “push to switch” function, and a multi-function jog wheel with switched navigation control. All the MIDI controls can be mapped for use as navigation controls for DJ or production software.

Optional attachment brackets to mechanically link the Xone:2D to other mixers in the A&H range, and overlays relating to various software programmes including Ableton Live 6 and Traktor DJ Studio 3, are available.

The Xone:2D will be shipping in March 2007, SRP £499 (ex VAT).

The updated utility software provides an interface – identical to the PC version – for users with Mac computers to set up and configure their 3D unit.

Key to the firmware release – v.1.10 – is the inclusion of a MIDI merge facility, which enables MIDI data from external devices to be combined with the MIDI data from the Xone:3D control surface and passed via USB to the software. The new firmware also includes full MIDI duplex, which enables MIDI data generated by the software to be sent back down the USB and out of the Xone:3D MIDI socket to an external device, such as a sequencer or sound generation module.

MIDI time clocks can now be generated either internally by the Xone:3D, or by an external device, with the 3D clock turned off. This is a great feature that enables multiple DJ set-ups to all synchronize to a common MIDI clock.

Further improvements include improved tolerance to USB clock jitter that in extreme cases could cause degradation of the soundcard audio output, smoother MIDI clock generation, and improved response of the encoders and jog wheels.

The Xone:3D is the amalgamation of a high performance 4 stereo channel DJ mixer, a top spec 8-channel USB soundcard, and a comprehensive MIDI control surface with 105 different controls that can be mapped to ma.ipulate any music software.

The unique design offers DJs and producers an integrated perform!nce workstation, providing all &ecessary control on one surface& This offers flexibility during live performance or production %ork when the user can introduce(various clips and samples, sync them with other music sources v!a the USB soundcard, and build ! unique set.

More informatio& is available at the Allen & Heath site.

Allen & Heath

The mixer section is derived from the industry-standard Xone:92 and Xone:62 designs, featuring four multi-input stereo channels, 3-band total kill EQ, a comprehensive cue system, two stereo returns, headphone monitor with mix/cue control, and high quality dual rail faders. 3D contains the Xone range’s trademark VCF filters, offering low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass selection; resonance and frequency filters; plus there is an assignable LFO with depth control. The master section has two effects sends with pre/post fader selection, and there is a VCA crossfader.

The USB soundcard has eight channels, arranged in stereo pairs, which can operate in two modes – six channels from a PC and two returns, or four channels from a PC and four returns. Using individual professional audio standard 24bit stereo converters with an audio sampling rate of 48 kHz, the card’s design guarantees the best possible sound quality from laptops and PCs. The soundcard can be fed from the main mix, FX1, or direct from the channels, and features a SPDIF optical and coaxial interface. Also, the USB connection sends and receives both audio and MIDI data to and from the PC, and can be used to update firmware and set mixer configuration data.

There are dedicated MIDI control sections either side of the mixer, with a total of eight dedicated control faders, 16 rotary controls with centre detent, 10 encoders, 50 switches, and two custom jog wheels with micro switches, which can be mapped for use as navigation controls for DJ software such as Ableton Live and Traktor. Xone:3D can send a total of 105 different MIDI control messages from the dedicated control sections, audio channel faders and crossfader, to the 3D’s MIDI out socket and via the USB interface to the PC.

An automatic beat detector synchronises the MIDI clock to the main mix, the FX2 mix buss, or can be disabled to allow the beat to be manually tapped-in. The 3D also has connections for a footswitch controller and a gameport socket for a standard analogue joystick that can also be used as a second MIDI output.

DJs Chris Liebing and Richie Hawtin have been consultants and beta testers during development of the Xone:3D.

Allen & Heath

The mixer section is derived from the industry-standard Xone:92 and Xone:62 designs, featuring four multi-input stereo channels, 3-band total kill EQ, a comprehensive cue system, two stereo returns, headphone monitor with mix/cue control, and high quality dual rail faders. 3D contains the Xone range’s trademark VCF filters, offering low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass selection; resonance and frequency filters; plus there is an assignable LFO with depth control. The master section has two effects sends with pre/post fader selection, and there is a VCA crossfader.

The USB soundcard has eight channels, arranged in stereo pairs, which can operate in two modes – six channels from a PC and two returns, or four channels from a PC and four returns. Using individual professional audio standard 24bit stereo converters with an audio sampling rate of 48 kHz, the card’s design guarantees the best possible sound quality from laptops and PCs. The soundcard can be fed from the main mix, FX1, or direct from the channels, and features a SPDIF optical and coaxial interface. Also, the USB connection sends and receives both audio and MIDI data to and from the PC, and can be used to update firmware and set mixer configuration data.

There are dedicated MIDI control sections either side of the mixer, with a total of eight dedicated control faders, 16 rotary controls with centre detent, 10 encoders, 50 switches, and two custom jog wheels with micro switches, which can be mapped for use as navigation controls for DJ software such as Ableton Live and Traktor. Xone:3D can send a total of 105 different MIDI control messages from the dedicated control sections, audio channel faders and crossfader, to the 3D’s MIDI out socket and via the USB interface to the PC.

An automatic beat detector synchronises the MIDI clock to the main mix, the FX2 mix buss, or can be disabled to allow the beat to be manually tapped-in. The 3D also has connections for a footswitch controller and a gameport socket for a standard analogue joystick that can also be used as a second MIDI output.

DJs Chris Liebing and Richie Hawtin have been consultants and beta testers during development of the Xone:3D.