Allen & Heath XONE:92 Mk2 User Guide

Warranty Information

Allen & Heath provides a limited one-year manufacturer's warranty against defects in materials and workmanship for the original packaging hardware and accessories when used according to published guidelines. This warranty does not cover non-Allen & Heath branded products or software. It is non-transferable and does not cover fader wear and tear. Repair or replacement does not extend the warranty period. Allen & Heath is not liable for loss of saved data during repair or replacement. Conditions for warranty include proper use, authorized repairs, and returning the unit with proof of purchase. Terms may vary by territory.

Compliance

The XONE:92 Mk2 complies with European Electromagnetic Compatibility (2014/30/EU) and Low Voltage (2014/35/EU) directives. Unauthorized modifications may void compliance and the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Packed Items

Ensure you have received the following items:

• XONE:92 Mk2 mixer
• Spare knobs
• Dual ground adaptor
• Mains Lead (check for correct AC mains plug)
• QR Card (links to mixer information)

Introduction

This user guide serves as a quick reference for the XONE:92 Mk2. It covers connecting and operating the console, panel layouts, system block diagrams, and technical specifications. For deeper understanding of audio system engineering, consult specialist publications. Allen & Heath offers product support through its global network of distributors and agents. Keep records of the sale date, proof of purchase, and mixer serial number for any communication.

For more information on the company, product range, and design philosophy, visit the Allen & Heath website: https://www.allen-heath.com

Connecting Mains Power

Always read the SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. The power supply accepts 100-240V AC without fuse or setting changes. Turn power amplifiers down or off before switching the console on or off to prevent switch-on thumps. Ensure the IEC mains plug is fully inserted. Proper earthing is crucial for both safety (preventing electric shock) and audio performance (minimizing hum and interference). Ensure all equipment earths are connected to mains earth. An earth loop can cause audible hum. Recommendations include having the mains system checked by a qualified electrician, not removing the earth connection from the console's mains plug, correctly earthing turntables via the chassis earth terminal, using low impedance sources and balanced connections for microphones and mix outputs, using good quality cables, and consulting a service agent if unsure.

Cables and Connectors

The guide illustrates various cables and connectors (CABLE A through G) used for different audio sources and outputs, emphasizing the use of high-quality cables for reliable performance.

Rear Panel Overview

The rear panel features numerous connection points:

• 1 MIDI Output: 5-pin DIN socket for connecting to MIDI interfaces or compatible equipment.
• 2 CH1 - 4 STEREO PHONO Inputs: RCA phono sockets for turntables with magnetic cartridges requiring RIAA equalization. Use high-grade cables.
• 3 CH1 - 4 STEREO LINE Inputs: RCA phono sockets for connecting stereo line-level sources like media players or keyboards. Do not connect turntables requiring RIAA equalization.
• 4 Chassis Earth Terminal: Screw terminal for connecting turntable earth straps to prevent ground hum. A dual ground adaptor is included.
• 5 MIC/RTN 1 & 2 MIC Inputs: Balanced XLR inputs for DJ, guest, or announcement microphones. Use low impedance dynamic mics; avoid high impedance, unbalanced, or condenser mics requiring phantom power. Use balanced cables.
• 6 MIC Clean Feed Switches: Switches for MIC inputs to control routing to BOOTH and RECORD outputs, preventing feedback in the booth and allowing music-only recording. When ON, MIC signals are routed to BOOTH and RECORD outputs.
• 7 MIC/RTN 1 & 2 LINE RETURN Inputs: Unbalanced TRS jacks for mono or stereo line-level sources that bypass the crossfader. Can accept balanced or unbalanced TRS/TS jacks.
• 8 AUX 1 & AUX 2 Outputs: Impedance-balanced TRS jacks for feeding samplers, effects units, additional monitors, zones, or recorders.
• 9 MIX 2 Output: Impedance-balanced TRS jacks for feeding house PA systems or other remote audio systems.
• 10 RECORD Output: RCA phono socket providing a pre-master level, post-Clean Feed, LR mix output for recording.
• 11 MIX 1 Output: Balanced XLR output, the main output for the house PA system.
• 12 BOOTH Output: Impedance-balanced TRS jacks providing a line-level, music-only stereo feed to the DJ local monitor amplifier system, unaffected by the master fader or cue system.
• 13 AC MAINS Input and Power Switch: IEC socket for the supplied mains lead and the main power ON/OFF switch.

MIC/RETURN Input Channels

These channels (1 & 2) are for microphones or alternative stereo line sources. They feature four-band corrective EQ and controls for level and tone.

• 1 AUX 1 & AUX 2 Sends: Adjust signal levels sent to stereo Aux outputs (+6dB boost max).
• 2 PRE Switches: Source Aux mix post-fader (follows channel fader) or pre-fader (fader has no affect). Post-fade is typical for effects; pre-fade for monitors or cueing.
• 3 MIC/RTN Switch: Selects between the XLR microphone input (MIC, green LED) or the stereo line return input (RTN, red LED).
• 4 LEVEL Control: Adjusts input sensitivity (-15dBu to +20dBu for line, -47dBu to -10dBu for mic) to match console 0dB operating level. Use Cue system to set levels; reduce LEVEL if PK! LED flashes.
• 5 MIC EQ: Four-band EQ with +/-15dB boost/cut for HI (shelving, 12kHz), HM (bell, 2.7kHz), LM (bell, 270Hz), and LO (shelving, 60Hz). Adjust to correct source problems or shape tone.
• 6 CUE switch: Routes pre-fader, post-EQ channel signal to headphones and main meters for auditioning. LED illuminates when pressed.
• 7 DUCK / ON switch: Adds MIC/RTN signal to mix outputs. 'DUCK' (up, non-latching) adds signal and ducks stereo channels by 15dB. 'ON' (down, latching) adds signal without ducking. Central 'OFF' position prevents signal from being added.
• 8 ON / PK! LED: Green indicates channel is ON. Flashing red indicates signal peaks; reduce gain.
• 9 Channel fader: 60mm stereo fader adjusts signal level from off to unity. Affects mix output but not pre-fade Aux sends.

PHONO/LINE Input Channels

Four stereo music channels (1-4) for CD decks, turntables, or other music sources. They can be routed through the crossfader and VCF filters, featuring effective equalisation.

• 1 AUX 1-2 sends: Adjust signal levels sent to stereo Aux outputs (+6dB boost max).
• 2 PRE switches: Source Aux mix post-fader or pre-fader.
• 3 PHONO/LINE switch: Selects PHONO input (green LED) for RIAA-equalized turntables or LINE input (red LED) for non-RIAA or alternative stereo sources.
• 4 LEVEL control: Adjusts input sensitivity for line and RIAA turntable cartridges to match console 0dB operating level. Reduce LEVEL if RED +10 LED flashes.
• 5 MUSIC EQ: Four-band EQ with +/-6dB boost and -30dB cut. HI (shelving/low-pass, 2.4kHz), HM (bell, 1.8kHz), LM (bell, 320Hz), LO (shelving/high-pass, 220Hz). Boosts are limited to +6dB; cuts can be substantial for creative mixing.
• 6 FILTER assign switch: Routes channel signal through FILTER 1 (left), FILTER 2 (right), or bypasses filters (center 'OFF').
• 7 XFADE assign switch: Routes channel signal to the crossfader (left/right) or bypasses it (center 'OFF').
• 8 CUE switch: Routes pre-fader channel signal to headphones and meters for auditioning. LED illuminates when pressed. Selecting one cue cancels the previous one; multiple cues can be selected.
• 9 Channel meter: 9 LED meter bar showing pre-fader channel signal presence. Adjust LEVEL control so normal music averages 0dB, with peaks up to +6dB.
• 10 Channel faders: 60mm linear VCA faders adjust signal level from off to unity. Do not affect pre-fade Aux sends.

Crossfader and VCF

The crossfader allows smooth transitions and creative layering between stereo music channels. It uses VCAs and a custom mini innoFADER Pro. The XONE:92 Mk2 features two stereo analogue Voltage Controlled Filters (VCFs) with independent frequency sweep and resonance controls, LFO modulation, and selectable filter types (HPF, BPF, LPF).

• 1 VCA Crossfader: Custom mini innoFADER Pro, assignable, sends MIDI CC messages.
• 2 Crossfader assignment indicators: LEDs show which channels are routed to the crossfader.
• 3 XFADE select switches: Route channel signal through the crossfader (left/right) or bypass it (center 'OFF').
• 4 XFADE CURVE control: Adjusts the crossfader response from progressive (center dip) to instantaneous (sharp attack).
• 5 CH CURVE switch: Selects a global fader response for channels 1-4, with a default characteristic increase towards the top of the fader travel.

The Xone:VCF Filters

The acclaimed analogue Xone VCFs offer powerful sound shaping. Two stereo VCFs are provided, each with frequency sweep and resonance controls. They can be assigned to any of the four main stereo channels and independently switched on/off. Two independent Low Frequency Oscillators (LFOs) provide filter modulation.

• 6 FILTER ON switch: Turns the filter on/off. Blue light-pipe illuminates when active.
• 7 FILTER assign switch: Routes signal through FILTER 1 (left), FILTER 2 (right), or bypasses (center 'OFF').
• 8 FREQ - Frequency sweep control: Adjusts the filter's cut-off frequency (-3dB point) for dynamic sweeping effects.
• 9 RESONANCE control: Adjusts the filter's 'Q' or sharpness. 'MILD' provides a smooth response, 'WILD' creates resonant feedback. High resonance may require reducing channel GAIN to prevent clipping.
• 10 VCF TO XFADER control: Assigns a filter to the crossfader, allowing filter effects during crossfading.
• 11 VCF LINK 2-1: Links FILTER 2 to FILTER 1, synchronizing their cut-off frequencies. Useful for creating smooth mixes or combining different filter types (e.g., HPF on one, LPF on another).

LFO Modulation

Two independent LFOs can modulate the VCFs for cyclic effects.

• 12 LFO ON switch: Activates the LFO modulation. Red LED lights when on.
• 13 LFO DEPTH control: Increases the amount of LFO modulation applied to the filter.
• 14 TAP tempo control: Sets the LFO speed by tapping. The light-pipe flashes red in time with the LFO.
• 15 X2 tempo switch: Doubles the LFO speed set by the TAP tempo control.

Filter Type Select

The filters are 'state variable', providing three simultaneous filter types: High-Pass (HPF), Band-Pass (BPF), and Low-Pass (LPF). Combinations can create effects like 'Notch' (HPF + LPF) and 'All-Pass' (HPF + BPF + LPF).

• 16 HPF: Selects the high-pass filter, removing frequencies below the cut-off point. Use FREQ control to sweep. Tip: Use HPF with FREQ around ten o'clock to remove low frequencies when mixing in a new track, then sweep anticlockwise to introduce bass.
• 17 BPF: Selects the band-pass filter, removing frequencies above and below the cut-off point. Useful for isolating lead sounds. Tip: Add resonance to lift sounds like vocals out of the mix.
• 18 LPF: Selects the low-pass filter, removing frequencies above the cut-off point. Use FREQ control to sweep. Tip: Sweep LPF anticlockwise to a low setting to maintain beat energy while mixing in another track.

Filter Combinations:

• HPF + LPF = NOTCH: Creates a phasing effect, especially with low RESONANCE settings.
• HPF + BPF + LPF = ALL PASS: Creates an interesting effect that varies with RESONANCE.

Tip: Experiment with filter combinations before live performance.

Master Mix and Monitor System

The XONE:92 Mk2 offers two stereo master mix outputs (MIX 1 & MIX 2) with independent level controls for PA systems or zone feeds. It includes comprehensive DJ monitoring facilities with independent headphones and booth monitors, plus stereo metering.

• 1 MIX 1 & MIX 2 Master Level Controls: Rotary controls for output levels to the house PA. MIX 1 max is unity (0dB), MIX 2 max is +10dB. Ensure connected equipment is not too sensitive. Comply with local sound level regulations.
• 2 MIX / MONITOR Meters: 9-LED meter bars display headphone monitor source levels (main mix, Aux, or Cue). SPLIT CUE mode shows CUE on the left and program on the right (both mono). Meters indicate levels from -20dB to +10dB.
• 3 CUE ACTIVE Indicator: Red LED lights when a channel CUE is active, indicating the signal is heard in headphones and shown on meters. Use CUE to set channel levels correctly.
• 4 HEADPHONES Level Control: Adjusts stereo headphone output level. Start at minimum and raise to a comfortable level. Use closed-ear headphones for isolation and consider impedance ratings (35-300 Ohms recommended).
• 5 POST EQ Switch: In the up position, headphones/meters monitor pre-EQ cue signal. Pressing the switch monitors post-EQ signal, allowing comparison of EQ effects.
• 6 SPLIT CUE Switch: When pressed, CUE overrides only the left headphone channel, leaving program audio in the right. Left meter shows CUE, right shows program. Essential for club mixing and beat matching.
• 7 AUX 1 & AUX 2 Switches: Select Aux mixes as the headphone monitor source instead of the main mix.
• 8 CUE/ADD MIX Control: Adds the main mix output to the CUE signal in the headphones. Fully anticlockwise is CUE only; clockwise adds main mix. SPLIT CUE overrides this control.
• 9 HEADPHONE OUTPUTS: Stereo TRS jack and mini-jack. Use high-quality, closed-ear headphones (35-300 Ohms). Warning: Avoid high listening levels for prolonged periods to prevent hearing damage.
• 10 MONO switch: Sums left and right monitor signals for mono compatibility checks. Does not affect headphones monitor.
• 11 BOOTH MONITOR level control: Adjusts the stereo booth monitor output level. Microphone signals are muted by default to prevent acoustic feedback.
• 12 MUTE switch: Mutes the booth monitor output. Red LED lights when muted.

MIDI Control of External Devices

The XONE:92 Mk2 includes MIDI functionality to control external devices like effects units, sequencers, and drum machines. It has a MIDI OUT socket. The default MIDI channel is 16, but can be changed internally.

Basic Setup

Connect MIDI OUT from the XONE:92 Mk2 to the MIDI IN of the device using a standard 5-pin MIDI lead. Set the peripheral device's MIDI channel to 16. For master clock synchronization, set the device to receive External MIDI clocks.

XONE:92 as a Master Tempo Controller

To sync external devices, set the Tempo control to center, Stop/Start button OFF. Tap the tempo using the FILTER 2 LFO Tap Tempo button. Hit Start to begin the sequencer. Adjust the TEMPO ADJ control to fine-tune the MIDI clock speed for synchronization. Always return TEMPO ADJ to center before tapping a new BPM.

MIDI Control Codes

The mixer generates MIDI Control Change (CC) messages for various functions:

• 1 TEMPO ADJ control: Adjusts MIDI clock speed. Can be reconfigured via internal jumper to send dedicated DATA (CC94).
• 2 START / STOP button: Sends MIDI start/stop data. First press sends MIDI start; second press sends MIDI clock stop + rewind.
• 3 TAP TEMPO button: Sets MIDI clock BPM by tapping.
• 4 FREQ VCF sweep control: Independently outputs MIDI data 0-127 (CC12 for FILTER 1, CC13 for FILTER 2).
• 5 CROSSFADER: Outputs MIDI data 0-127 (CC92) based on position.
• 6 MIDI OUT socket: 5-pin DIN socket on the rear panel for transmitting MIDI data.

MIDI Implementation Chart

This chart details MIDI transmission and reception capabilities:

O = Available, X = Not used

Block Diagram

A block diagram illustrates the internal signal flow and component interconnections of the XONE:92 Mk2 mixer, showing how input channels, filters, crossfader, master mix, and monitor systems are integrated.

Hardware Specifications

[0dBu = 0.775 Volts rms / +4dBu = 1.23V rms / 0dBV = 1 Volt rms / -10dBV = 316mV rms]

Weights and Dimensions

Unpacked: Height: 106mm (4.2"), Width: 320mm (12.6"), Depth: 376mm (14.8"), Weight: 7kg (15.4lbs)

Packed: Height: 200mm (7.9"), Width: 460mm (18.1"), Depth: 495mm (19.5"), Weight: 8.2kg (18.1lbs)

Diagrams showing front panel, rear panel, and side view are provided for physical reference.

Rack Ears

The XONE:92 Mk2 is supplied with rubber feet for desktop use. A 19" rack mount accessory kit (Part number: X:922-RK19/X) is available separately for permanent installation. Rack ears can be fitted in three orientations. Ensure air vents are not obstructed when rack mounted.

Operating Levels

Correct system level settings are crucial for optimal performance. Pushing levels to maximum with meters peaking results in distortion, not increased volume. The amplifier/speaker system determines maximum volume, not the console. The human ear can be deceptive; high listening levels can lead to hearing damage and ear fatigue. Focus on sound quality over volume. The normal operating range for the audio signal is between -6dB and +6dB on the meters, with averages around 0dB. This provides headroom for peaks and maintains a good signal-to-noise ratio by keeping the signal well above the noise floor. The dynamic range is the swing between the noise floor and clipping.

Important Note: The human ear compresses at high sound levels. Do not interpret this as a need to increase volume further. Ear fatigue and speaker cone heat can reduce system effectiveness. BE SENSIBLE. BE SAFE WITH SOUND LEVELS.

Installer Link Options

Caution: Service instructions are for qualified personnel only. The XONE:92 Mk2 has internal option settings for fixed installations and MIDI system reconfiguration. Accessing these requires separating the top panel assembly using a Torx T10 screwdriver. Ensure the AC mains lead is disconnected first. Options include input channel configuration (RIAA to Line, input gain disable), VCF settings (maximum resonance limit, filter disable), and MIDI setup (MIDI ON/OFF, MIDI Channel selection, TEMPO ADJUST / DATA configuration). Detailed jumper and DIP switch locations are illustrated for qualified service personnel.