Allen & Heath ZED60-14FX Audio Mixer User Manual

1. Introduction

The Allen & Heath ZED60-14FX is a compact audio mixer designed for live sound, studio recording, and various audio applications. It features multiple input channels, onboard effects, and USB audio connectivity. This manual provides essential information for the safe and effective use of your ZED60-14FX mixer.

2. Safety Information

Please read and understand all safety instructions before operating the ZED60-14FX mixer. Retain this manual for future reference.

Power Supply: Use only the specified power supply unit. Ensure the voltage matches your local power supply. Disconnect power before cleaning or servicing.
Moisture: Do not expose the unit to rain, moisture, or excessive humidity. Avoid placing liquid-filled objects on the mixer.
Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit. Do not block ventilation openings.
Grounding: The mixer must be properly grounded to prevent electric shock.
Servicing: Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Do not attempt to service the unit yourself.
Placement: Place the mixer on a stable, level surface. Avoid extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.

Rear panel of the Allen & Heath ZED60-14FX mixer showing power input and safety warnings.

Figure 2.1: Rear panel of the ZED60-14FX mixer. This view highlights the power input, voltage selector, and important safety warnings regarding electrical shock and proper grounding. Always ensure the correct voltage is selected for your region before connecting power.

3. Setup

3.1 Unpacking and Inspection

Carefully remove the mixer from its packaging. Inspect the unit for any signs of damage that may have occurred during transit. Report any damage to your dealer immediately.

3.2 Power Connection

Ensure the mixer's power switch is in the OFF position.
Verify the voltage selector on the rear panel matches your local mains voltage (100-240V AC).
Connect the supplied IEC mains cable to the mixer's power inlet and then to a grounded AC power outlet.
Switch the mixer ON. The power indicator LED should illuminate.

3.3 Audio Input Connections

The ZED60-14FX offers various input types:

Mic/Line Inputs (Channels 1-6): Use XLR connectors for microphones (with 48V phantom power available) or 1/4" TRS/TS jacks for line-level sources.
Mic/Line/DI Inputs (Channels 7-8): These channels feature high-impedance (Hi-Z) 1/4" jack inputs, allowing direct connection of guitars or other instruments without a separate DI box.
Stereo Line Inputs (ST1, ST2, ST3): Use 1/4" TRS/TS jacks for stereo line-level sources like keyboards, media players, or effects returns.

Top view of the Allen & Heath ZED60-14FX mixer, showing all controls and input/output jacks.

Figure 3.1: Top view of the ZED60-14FX mixer. This image provides an overview of the mixer's layout, including all input channels, master section, and effects controls.

Close-up of the ZED60-14FX mixer's channel strip controls, including gain, EQ, and aux sends.

Figure 3.2: Detail of channel controls. This close-up shows the individual channel strip controls, such as gain knobs, 3-band EQ with swept mid, auxiliary sends, pan, mute, and PFL buttons.

3.4 Audio Output Connections

Main Mix Output: Connect XLR cables from the MAIN MIX L/R outputs to your power amplifier or active speakers.
Monitor Output: Use 1/4" TRS/TS jacks to connect to stage monitors or a separate monitoring system.
Headphone Output: Connect stereo headphones to the 1/4" jack for personal monitoring.
FX Send/Return: Use 1/4" jacks for connecting external effects processors.

3.5 USB Audio Connection

The ZED60-14FX features a built-in USB audio interface for recording and playback with a computer.

Connect a USB cable from the mixer's USB port to an available USB port on your computer.
The mixer is class-compliant and typically does not require drivers for basic functionality on most operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux).
Select the ZED60-14FX as your audio input/output device in your computer's sound settings or Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software.

Close-up of the ZED60-14FX mixer's USB and FX section, showing controls for USB routing and effects selection.

Figure 3.3: Detail of USB and FX section. This image focuses on the USB audio input/output controls, including source selection for recording, and the built-in effects unit controls.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Channel Controls Overview

Each mono and stereo input channel features a set of controls to adjust the audio signal:

GAIN: Adjusts the input sensitivity for microphones or line-level sources. Set this to achieve a healthy signal level without clipping.
EQ (Equalizer): 3-band EQ (High, Mid, Low) to shape the tone of the input signal. The Mid band is swept, allowing selection of the center frequency.
AUX Sends: Controls the amount of signal sent to the auxiliary outputs, typically used for monitor mixes or external effects.
FX Send: Controls the amount of signal sent to the internal effects processor.
PAN (Mono Channels) / BALANCE (Stereo Channels): Positions the signal in the stereo field.
MUTE: Silences the channel output.
PFL (Pre-Fade Listen): Routes the channel signal to the headphones for monitoring before the fader.
Channel Fader: Adjusts the overall level of the channel in the main mix.

4.2 Using Onboard Effects (FX)

The ZED60-14FX includes 16 high-quality internal effects.

Use the FX SELECT knob to choose one of the 16 effects programs.
Adjust the FX PARAMETER knob to modify specific aspects of the selected effect (e.g., decay time for reverb, delay time for echo).
Use the FX SEND control on each channel to send signal to the effects processor.
The FX RETURN fader controls the overall level of the processed signal returned to the main mix.
The TAP TEMPO button can be used to set the timing for time-based effects like delay.

4.3 Master Section Controls

The master section provides overall control of the mixer's outputs:

MAIN MIX Faders: Control the overall output level of the main stereo mix.
MONITOR LEVEL: Adjusts the output level for the monitor outputs.
PHONES LEVEL: Adjusts the volume for the headphone output.
USB OUT SOURCE: Selects what signal is sent to the USB output (e.g., Main Mix, Aux, FX, or Record Bus).
USB IN TO MIX: Controls the level of the USB input signal routed to the main mix.

5. Maintenance

5.1 Cleaning

To maintain the appearance and functionality of your mixer:

Disconnect the power cable before cleaning.
Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to wipe down the surface.
For stubborn dirt, a slightly damp cloth with mild detergent can be used, followed by a dry cloth.
Avoid abrasive cleaners, solvents, or waxes, as these can damage the finish.
Keep dust out of faders and potentiometers using compressed air if necessary.

5.2 Storage

When not in use for extended periods, store the mixer in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Covering the unit can help prevent dust accumulation.

6. Troubleshooting

This section addresses common issues you might encounter with your ZED60-14FX mixer.

Problem	Possible Cause	Solution
No sound from main outputs	Power off/disconnected Main Mix faders down Channel MUTE engaged Incorrect input/output connections Amplifier/speakers off or muted	Check power cable and switch Raise Main Mix faders Disengage channel MUTE buttons Verify all audio connections Check external audio equipment
Distorted audio	Input GAIN too high Channel fader too high Output level too high Faulty cable or source	Reduce input GAIN until signal LED is green/yellow, not red Lower channel fader Reduce Main Mix faders Test with different cables/sources
USB audio not recognized	USB cable faulty or disconnected Incorrect USB port used Computer driver issue Mixer not selected as audio device	Try a different USB cable and port Restart computer and mixer Check computer's sound settings and DAW for device selection Ensure mixer is powered on
No effects sound	FX SEND on channel is down FX RETURN fader is down Incorrect FX program selected	Increase FX SEND on desired channels Raise FX RETURN fader Select an audible FX program

7. Specifications

Technical specifications for the Allen & Heath ZED60-14FX mixer:

Item Model Number: AH-ZED60-14FX
Number of Channels: 14 (6 Mic/Line, 2 Mic/Line/DI, 3 Stereo Line, 2 USB Audio, 1 Stereo Playback)
Connectivity Technology: USB
Hardware Interface: USB
Power Source: Corded Electric
Voltage: 48 Volts (Phantom Power)
Material Type: Metal
Color: Gray and Red
Item Weight: 13.6 pounds (6.17 kg)
Product Dimensions: 13.6 x 3.7 x 17.3 inches (34.5 x 9.4 x 43.9 cm)
Rack Mount Option: Optional rack ear kit [ZED60-14FX-RK19] available.

8. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, and service inquiries, please refer to the official Allen & Heath website or contact your authorized dealer. Keep your purchase receipt as proof of purchase.

Online Resources: Visit the Allen & Heath website for product registration, FAQs, and additional documentation.

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