Allen & Heath's third generation of MixWizard desk/rack mount consoles, introduced earlier this year, will also be seen at a U.S. AES Convention for the first time. The new WZ³12:2, WZ³14:4:2, and WZ³16:2 mixers utilize the latest technology to add new and improved features to the well established functionality and build quality of the MixWizard range.
Allen & Heath will be exhibiting on booth 919 at the 117th AES Convention, which marks the company's 35th year designing and manufacturing innovative pro audio products. In addition to the new Xone VF-1 and MizWizard products, the company will also be showcasing its complete range of Xone DJ mixers, the large-format ML Series, mid-format GL Series, compact PA Series powered and non-powered mixing consoles, and the new LEDlamp - an 18-inch, 4-pin XLR gooseneck console lamp containing a built-in thumbwheel dimmer.
XONE VF-1 is styled similarly to the flagship Xone:V6 valve rotary DJ mixer, the VF-1's circuitry is an enhanced version of the filters built into Allen & Heath's Xone mixers, and offers three basic 24dB/octave valve filter types: high-pass, band-pass and low-pass. The basic filter types can be combined to create further filter types such as 'notch.'
The Xone VF-1 additionally offers MIDI capability, and also contains an envelope follower and an LFO with both triangle and square wave outputs. A resonance control with automatic limiter circuits enable high levels of resonance to be used without causing the system to overload. One unique feature of the VF-1 module is the inclusion of valve overdrive circuitry, whereby a single control enables the user to dial-in an amount of valve "warmth" while maintaining a constant output level.MixWizard is the new, third generation compact WZ16:2 and WZ12:2 feature a dedicated mono output fader, with innovative mode for control of aux fed subs, while the WZ14:4:2 builds on Allen & Heath's pioneering dual-functionality and boasts a 6x2 matrix. All MixWizard models have a new mic preamp design and advanced grounding scheme, which further enhance sonic quality. WZ consoles also feature individual phantom power switches, channel signal indicators, lamp sockets, and backup supply capability. Internal configuration options for channel aux sends and direct output are now on pluggable jumpers for user convenience.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
