Description

The Allen & Heath XONE:96 redefines the standard for analog mixers for DJs, clubs, and festivals, integrating a dual 32-bit/96kHz USB audio interface into a 6+2 channel mixer for simultaneous connection and use with two computers, supported by Traktor PRO software (v. 2.11.3 or later) for time code (DVS) use.

Compared to the 92, the 96 features: phono inputs with optimized +6dB RIAA, two additional Return channels, pre-filter harmonic distortion applicable via the Crunch potentiometer, semi-parametric equalizer (with sweepable mids) on channels A and B, two completely independent cue sections, and a 3-band equalizer on the Booth output. The Allen & Heath XONE:96 is the flagship mixer of the XONE analog series. Constructed entirely of metal, the 96 features newly designed faders developed specifically by the English company for improved performance and durability, and an Innofader mini crossfader that enhances its performance.

The 4 main channels offer selectable stereo RCA phono and line inputs via a rotary switch that includes two additional USB 1 and USB 2 options for receiving the signal played by mixing software decks when the mixer is used with a computer. The channel strip of these channels includes gain, peak/distortion indicator, and a 4-band EQ (with Kill on lows and highs). A small button on the back allows you to select which of the inputs (phono or line) to send to the computer via USB for use with time code vinyls, or for multi-track recording of individual channel audio to a computer. The 4 numbered channels are recognized by your computers as input and output 1/2 (channel 1), 3/4 (channel 2), 5/6 (channel 3), and 7/8 (channel 4).

Channels A and B are equipped with a gain, peak/distortion indicator, and an asymmetrical equalizer with greater attenuation capability (Kill) than emphasis (+6dB) for lows and highs, while on the mids we find a new semi-parametric EQ with a frequency adjustable from 190 to 2750Hz and its gain control adjustable from -24dB to +10dB. The selectable inputs via a detented switch on channels A and B are: MIC, Return (line Jack), USB 1, and USB 2.

All 6 channels (A, B, 1, 2, 3, and 4) have a 60mm fader, a 9-LED meter showing the level (from -20dBu to +10dBu) of the input signal processed by the EQ before being affected by the fader, a "CUE" button for sending to the headphone cue (Monitor section), two potentiometers (Send 1 and Send 2) for sending the signal to the respective outputs, and a "Filter 1/Filter 2" switch for sending the signal of each individual channel to one of the two multi-mode filters integrated into the mixer. The "numbered" channels also feature the "X/Y" switch for assignment to one side of the crossfader: X for the left side, Y for the right side.

In the XONE:96, we find the traditional VCF (analog) multi-mode filters configurable by the user as low-pass, band-pass, or high-pass and controllable with independent cutoff and resonance potentiometers. A new CRUNCH potentiometer located at the top of the two filters allows us to introduce harmonic saturation through an analog circuit on the audio signal directed to the filter input (pre-filter).

The two channels C and D offer stereo (L and R) inputs on 1/4” jack sockets, a rotary volume control, an on/off button, a peak indicator, and a button for sending to cue (Monitor). All Return inputs (A, B, C, and D) can be used with mono sources by connecting your instrument (synth, drum machine, or other) to the "L" input only. Send 1 output and Return A input are configurable as HiZ for use with vintage effects or guitar pedals.

The XONE:96 offers two USB ports that allow us to simultaneously use two PC and/or Mac computers. With Apple computers, no driver installation is required as the mixer is recognized as a device compliant with MacOS Core Audio and MIDI specifications. Each USB port, once connected to your computer, will add 12 inputs and 12 outputs (6 In/6 Out stereo). In addition to the 4 stereo inputs and 4 outputs assigned to channels 1 to 4, your computer will see the signal sent to Send 1 as input 9/10, while 11/12 will contain the mixer's Master output. Alternatively, by pressing the dedicated button (USB 11/12: MST/SEND2), it will be possible to route the signal we directed to Send 2 to the computer's USB input 11/12. Outputs 9/10 and 11/12 that will be added to the computer will serve respectively to send the signal directed to them to channel A and channel B.

The mixer offers two independent analog Master outputs, meaning they have separate volume controls: Master 1 on XLR (male) connectors and Master 2 on 1/4” TRS female jack sockets. Both pairs of outputs are balanced. Near the Master section, there is an 11-LED dual-bar stereo meter that allows us to visually monitor (from 35dBu to +10dBu) the output signal before it is affected by the Master volume control. When one of the CUE buttons is active, the meters indicate the level of the signal assigned to the cue. If split Cue is activated, the left meter will show the cue channel signal and the right meter will show the master output signal.

The Master output features Insert connections which include a stereo output (Send) and a stereo input (Return) on 1/4” jack connectors, TRS type (balanced) for the output, unbalanced (TS) for the return. Through the "Send" output, we extract the signal before it is subject to the Master volume control (before it leaves the mixer) to send it to an external signal processor (limiter, compressor, equalizer, filter, etc.). From the processor's output, we can re-enter the mixer's Insert Return and then normally output the processed signal to our audio system from the Master 1, Master 2, and Booth outputs.

The Booth output uses 1/4” TRS (balanced) jack connectors, and the signal directed to it benefits from a volume control (independent of the masters), a 3-band EQ, each capable of +/-8dB increase/decrease, a button for activating mono summing (L+R=M), and a mute button. The Record Out available on RCA stereo connectors (L and R) outputs the signal before it is modified by the Master volume control and is used for connecting to hardware recorders.

All Send outputs are balanced (TRS) on 1/4” Jack sockets, usable in stereo (L and R) or mono (L) configuration. To send the channel signals to these outputs, simply use the corresponding potentiometers at the top of the channel strips. Send 2 operates in "post" fader mode, while Send 1 is user-configurable on each channel in "pre" or "post" fader mode using the dedicated button. There is another stereo output called "Audio sync out" on a 1/8” (3.5mm) mini-jack connector, usable as an additional record out, as well as for connecting to any future accessories produced by the same English company.

In addition to the traditional cue system managed by the Monitor section, which allows monitoring the signal of active "CUE" channels in headphones, the XONE:96 features a second completely independent cue system called "Phones 2" which includes three potentiometers: a detented one to select which of the 8 channels or the Master to monitor in headphones, the omnipresent CUE/MST rotary for mixed listening of the cue channel and the master channel in headphones, and a volume control.

The Allen & Heath XONE:96 mixer also transmits MIDI control messages from the faders of channels 1 to 4 and from some of the buttons and potentiometers. Please refer to the provided table for further information. These control messages, as well as the MIDI Clock signal, are sent to both the USB ports and the traditional MIDI DIN output. The two MIDI 1 and MIDI 2 buttons allow, if necessary, to deactivate the sending of MIDI control messages to their respective USB ports. These will not affect the operation of the DIN output and the MIDI Clock signal. Thanks to the X:LINK port - a native protocol developed by Allen & Heath itself - we can connect XONE "K" series MIDI controllers directly to the XONE:96. These controllers, in addition to being powered by this bus, will transmit the generated MIDI messages to our computer without occupying additional USB ports.

Allen & Heath XONE:96 Features

    
• 8-channel analog mixer for DJs and clubs
    
• Dual 32bit/96kHz USB audio interface
    
• Compatible with Traktor Scratch for time code use
    
• Two multi-mode filters assignable to channels A, B, and 1 to 4
    
• HPF, BPF, LPF filters with separate cut-off and resonance
    
• CRUNCH: dual pre-filter harmonic distortion circuit
    
• Dual cue: Monitor and Phones 2
    
• 1/4” (2) and mini-jack (2) headphone outputs
    
• Inputs on channels 1 to 4: phono, line, USB 1 and USB 2
    
• I/O to computer for channels 1 to 4: 1/2, 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8
    
• Inputs A and B: Mic XLR, Line Jack TRS (Return: Lmono/R), USB 1 and USB 2
    
• A and B receive computer outputs 9/10 and 11/12 via USB
    
• Send 1 arrives via USB to the computer on input 9/10
    
• Computer input 11/12 can receive Master or Send 2
    
• Two USB Type-B ports for connecting two computers
    
• Compatible with Windows PCs and Apple MacOS
    
• MacOS Core Audio and MIDI compliant
    
• No drivers required with MacOS
    
• Two Send outputs, one configurable pre/post
    
• 2 inputs for dynamic microphones on female XLR: channels A and B
    
• 4 stereo 1/4” Jack Return line inputs: A, B, C and D
    
• All Returns accept Mono sources (L-M)
    
• Send 1 and Return 1 configurable as Line or HiZ
    
• Master 1 output: XLR (balanced), volume
    
• Master 2 output: Jack TRS (balanced), volume
    
• Booth output: Jack TRS (balanced), 3-band EQ, Volume
    
• Record output (pre-master) on RCA connectors
    
• Audio Sync output on 1/8” mini-jack
    
• MIDI output on 5-pin DIN connector
    
• MIDI Controller functions
    
• Faders 1 to 4 and crossfader transmit Control Change
    
• Some potentiometers and buttons transmit MIDI Notes
    
• X-LINK for power/connection of controllers
    
• 6 60mm VCA faders designed by Allen & Heath
    
• 45mm InnoFADER crossfader
    
• User-replaceable crossfader without voiding warranty
    
• Dimensions and weight: 336x410x109cm; 7KG
    
• Rack-mountable with optional kit X:96-RKX