ALLEN & HEATH ZED-6 - User Manual

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ZED-6 6 Channel Live + Recording Mixer User Guide

Thank you for purchasing this Allen & Heath ZED-6.

We recommend that you read all of this user guide to get the best from your mixer and after

reading, please keep this safe for future reference.

Included in this package is:

 ZED-6 Mixer

 IEC C5 Mains Power Cable. Please check correct mains plug is fitted for your country.

 This User Guide!

1. Get to know your mixer

1.1 MONO INPUT CHANNELS (M)

1. Mic Input Socket uses a standard 3-Pin XLR socket for connecting dynamic

or condenser microphones.

2. Line / Inst Input Socket uses a standard 1/4” (6.25mm) Jack socket for

connecting balanced or unbalanced signals such as guitars and other

instruments.

3. Gain Control adjusts the gain of the input preamplifier to drive the

source signal level. Gain ranges from 5dB to 60dB.

4. Instrument activates the Line / Inst input circuit for electro-acoustic and

electric guitars, basses and other Direct Input instruments. When activated

the Mic Input Socket is disabled.

5. lo-cut (Hi-Pass Filter) is used for reducing Low Frequency noise such as

handling noise, popping, rumble and proximity effect in microphone signals.

6. HF EQ (High Frequency) equaliser affects treble frequencies in the

signal for adding “brightness” and “definition” or for reducing “hiss” and

“harshness”.

7. LF EQ (Low Frequency) equaliser affects bass frequencies in the signal

to cover “boom” and “sub-bass” frequencies.

8. PAN adjusts signal from a mono input channel between the left and

right busses and subsequently the main outputs.

9. MIX rotary fader controls the amount of signal to the left and right

busses.

10. Pre-Fade Listen (PFL) switches the channel input signal to the

headphones for checking before adding it to Mix. The PFL signal is taken

after the EQ but before the MIX control.

The LR Meters display the channel input level when the PFL switch is

activated.

1.3 MASTER SECTION

1. MAIN OUT L & R are line level outputs for the main stereo mix using standard XLR

output connectors and are impedance balanced for rejection of unwanted interference.

2. 48V switches industry standard 48V (phantom power) to all the microphone inputs for

use with condenser microphones and active D.I. boxes requiring +48V.

3. POWER LED indicates that the mixer is switched on.

4. LR Meters display the level of the MAIN MIX or the mono PFL signal if activated by any

of the PFL switches.

5. MAIN MIX fader is the master volume control for the main stereo mix.

6. PFL (Pre-Fade Listen) LED indicates when a PFL switch has been pressed on one of

the channels.

7. PHONES level controls the volume of signal to the PHONES output.

Warning! To avoid damage to your hearing do not operate headphones or sound

system at excessively high volume. Continued exposure to high volume sound can cause

frequency selective or wide range hearing loss!

!

8. PHONES output uses a standard 1/4” (6.25mm) jack socket.

1.2 STEREO INPUT CHANNELS (ST)

ST1 and ST2 Inputs use standard 1/4” (6.25mm) Jack sockets for balanced or

unbalanced line level stereo sources such as professional keyboards, drum

machines and other pro audio equipment.

ST1 and ST2 Gain Control adjusts the input level to the channel.

HF and LF EQ are the same for ST1 & ST2 as they are for M1 & M2 and are set

at the same frequencies.

BAL adjusts the relative level between the left and right stereo signals as they

are sent to the left and right busses and subsequently the main outputs.

2.1 “Zeroing”

It’s good practice to “zero” your mixer and turn down relevant channels before

connecting any devices as this prevents potential damage to speakers or

other equipment.

Follow these steps to make sure you’re safe and you avoid thumps and

bangs when plugging equipment in.

Speakers should always be switched ON LAST and OFF FIRST!

1. Make sure the power switch on the rear of the mixer is set to “OFF”

2. Connect the AC Mains Lead provided to the AC MAINS IN socket on the rear of the

mixer.

Check that the correct mains plug is fitted for your country and plug the AC Mains

Lead into a standard household mains socket.

3. Turn channel Gain controls all the way down (left).

4. Make sure Instrument, HPF, PFL and 48V switches are not pressed in.

5. Set all channel EQ and PAN controls to the centre position marked “▼”

6. Turn all FX send, AUX send and MIX controls all the way down (left).

7. Lower the MAIN MIX fader to “∞”.

8. Turn down the PHONES level.

9. Double check speakers or amplifiers are switched off!

10. Connect speakers, instruments and other equipment.

11. Switch on instruments and other equipment, then mixer, THEN speakers !

Speaker or amp volumes should be set according to manufacturer guidelines. !

3.1 Connecting Microphones

Dynamic or condenser microphones and DI boxes should be connected to the Mic Input Socket

using a balanced XLR Microphone cable.

If you‘re using a condenser microphone, it will require 48V Phantom Power to work.

Some active DI boxes may also require phantom power.

Avoid ‘hot plugging’ when connecting any equipment and make sure AUX MASTER and MAIN MIX controls

are turned down before 48V is switched on as this as may cause loud thumps and bangs!

3.2 Connecting Instruments and Line-Level Equipment

High-Impedance (Hi-Z) instruments such as electro-acoustic guitars, basses and other Direct

Input instruments should be connected to Line / Inst Inputs on channels M1 & M2 using a jack to

jack instrument cable, and do not require an additional DI box or preamp.

The Instrument switch must be activated to match extremely high impedance signals (10MΩ)

from instrument pickups.

Line level instruments such as keyboards, synthesizers, drum machines or equipment such as

external effect processors can be connected to Line / Inst Inputs on channels M1 & M2, and LINE inputs on M3 & M4 for

mono sources or ST1 & ST2 for stereo sources.

For channels M3 & M4 the LINE/PAD switch must be activated.

Follow the application examples in Section 7. for connecting devices to relevant input and outputs.

4.1 Gain Structure

1. Once you’ve connected your instruments and equipment you will need to set input levels before

you can mix the signals together.

2. Gain structure is important to get the maximum signal level without undesirable distortion.

Setting gain properly helps to optimise signal quality and ensure that the signal to noise ratio

remains as low as possible.

3. If you‘re using a microphone make sure the mic is placed at an appropriate distance to the sound

source. (Close for quiet sources, further away for louder).

4. Press the PFL switch on the corresponding channel. This will allow you to hear the pre-fader

input signal and will show the signal level on the LR Meters.

5. Sing, talk or play your instrument at a typical level of loudness.

6. Slowly raise the Gain Control on the corresponding channel until you see a good signal level in

the LR Meters. Maximum peaks between “0” and “+6” on the meters are a good indicator.

7. Connect professional monitoring headphones to the Phones output and turn up the

PHONES level to a safe listening volume.!

8. If the signal sounds undesirably distorted at a low signal level, enable any pad switch on the

microphone, or move the microphone further away from the source and repeat the process.

Once you’re happy with the input signal level, you may wish to use lo-cut (Hi-pass Filter) and the EQ

to enhance intelligibility or to remove unwanted frequencies, and improve the tonal balance of the

source sound, so keep the channel PFL switch enabled for now!

Section 4. continued overleaf...

4. Get the best sound

3. Connect mics, instruments and other equipment

2. Good practice

Need help?

Do you have a question about the ALLEN & HEATH ZED-6 and is the answer not in the manual?

Summary

Get to Know Your Mixer Controls

Mono Input Channel Controls

Details on mono input channels including Mic/Line inputs, Gain, EQ, PAN, and PFL settings.

Stereo Input Channel Controls

Explains stereo input channels for keyboards, drum machines, covering inputs, gain, EQ, and BAL.

Master Section Controls

Covers main outputs, phantom power, power LED, LR meters, main mix fader, PFL LED, and headphone controls.

Good Practice and Setup

Zeroing and Safe Connection

Steps for safely powering on and connecting equipment to avoid thumps and bangs.

Connecting and Sound Setup

Connecting Microphones and DI Boxes

Guide on connecting microphones and DI boxes, including phantom power usage.

Connecting Instruments and Line-Level Sources

Details for connecting high-impedance instruments and line-level equipment like keyboards.

Gain Structure for Optimal Sound

Setting input levels for maximum signal quality and a low noise ratio.

Shaping Sound with EQ

Using lo-cut, HF EQ, and LF EQ to adjust frequencies and improve sound quality.

Balancing the Mix

Techniques for mixing channels, setting levels, using PAN, and creating a balanced stereo image.

The Allen & Heath ZED-6 is a 6-channel live and recording mixer designed for musicians, sound engineers, and content creators who need a compact yet versatile audio mixing solution. It provides essential features for capturing and mixing audio from various sources, making it suitable for small live performances, home studio recording, and podcasting.

Function Description:

The ZED-6 serves as a central hub for audio signals, allowing users to connect microphones, instruments, and line-level devices, mix their signals, and send the combined audio to a sound system, recording device, or headphones. It features two mono input channels (M1, M2) and two stereo input channels (ST1, ST2), offering flexibility for different audio setups.

Each mono input channel (M1, M2) is equipped with a Mic Input Socket (XLR) for dynamic or condenser microphones and a Line / Inst Input Socket (1/4" Jack) for instruments like guitars and other line-level sources. A crucial feature is the "Instrument" switch, which activates the high-impedance input circuit specifically designed for electro-acoustic and electric guitars and basses, eliminating the need for an external DI box. These channels also include a "Gain Control" to adjust the input preamplifier, a "lo-cut" (Hi-Pass Filter) to reduce low-frequency noise, and a 2-band EQ (HF and LF) to shape the tone. The "PAN" control allows positioning the mono signal within the stereo field, and the "MIX" rotary fader controls the signal's level sent to the main outputs. A "Pre-Fade Listen (PFL)" switch is available for monitoring the channel's input signal in headphones before it's sent to the main mix.

The stereo input channels (ST1, ST2) utilize 1/4" Jack sockets for balanced or unbalanced line-level stereo sources such as keyboards, drum machines, or other pro audio equipment. They feature a "Gain Control" to adjust the input level, the same 2-band EQ (HF and LF) as the mono channels, and a "BAL" control to adjust the relative level between the left and right stereo signals as they are sent to the main outputs.

The mixer's "Master Section" provides overall control. "MAIN OUT L & R" are line-level XLR outputs for the main stereo mix. A "48V" switch enables phantom power for condenser microphones and active DI boxes across all microphone inputs. The "POWER LED" indicates when the mixer is on, and "LR Meters" display the level of the main mix or the PFL signal. The "MAIN MIX fader" is the master volume control for the main stereo mix. A "PFL LED" indicates when any PFL switch is active. "PHONES level" controls the volume of the "PHONES output," which uses a 1/4" jack socket for headphones.

Usage Features:

The ZED-6 emphasizes ease of use and good audio practice. Before connecting any devices, a "zeroing" procedure is recommended: ensuring the mixer is off, connecting the power cable, turning down all gain and mix controls, setting EQ and PAN controls to the center, and ensuring Instrument, HPF, PFL, and 48V switches are not pressed. Speakers should always be switched on last and off first.

Connecting microphones involves using balanced XLR cables to the Mic Input Socket. Condenser microphones require the 48V phantom power to be enabled, but users are advised to avoid "hot plugging" and ensure master controls are down before activating 48V to prevent loud thumps.

For instruments, high-impedance instruments like guitars connect to the Line / Inst Inputs on M1 & M2, with the "Instrument" switch activated. Line-level instruments can connect to M1 & M2 Line / Inst Inputs or ST1 & ST2 inputs.

Setting up the "Gain Structure" is crucial for optimal sound quality. This involves adjusting the "Gain Control" on each channel while monitoring the signal level on the LR Meters (using PFL for individual channels) to achieve maximum signal level without undesirable distortion, aiming for peaks between "0" and "+6". If distortion occurs at low signal levels, users should enable any pad switch on the microphone or adjust microphone placement.

The EQ section allows for "shaping sound" by cutting or boosting selected frequencies. The "lo-cut" (Hi-pass Filter) removes unwanted low-frequency noise at 100Hz. The "HF EQ" (12kHz) affects treble frequencies for brightness or reducing hiss, while the "LF EQ" (80Hz) affects bass frequencies for roundness or removing boom. Overuse of EQ should be avoided to prevent unnatural sound.

"Balancing the Mix" involves disabling all PFL switches to view the main mix metering, slowly raising the "MAIN MIX fader" to "0," and then adjusting individual channel "MIX" controls to send signals to the main mix. Users should aim for average peaks around "0" on the meters, leaving headroom for louder moments. The "PAN" and "BAL" controls are used to separate sounds and create a stereo image, with high-energy low-frequency sounds ideally kept center.

Maintenance Features:

The manual highlights several important safety precautions to ensure the longevity and safe operation of the ZED-6.

Water and moisture: The mixer should not be exposed to rain or moisture, used in damp conditions, or have liquid containers placed on it to prevent spills into openings.
Ventilation: Ventilation slots should not be obstructed, and the mixer should be positioned to allow adequate airflow. If placed in a rack unit or flight case, it must be well-ventilated.
Heat and vibration: The mixer should be kept away from excessive heat, direct sunlight, and equipment that produces excessive heat or vibration.
Servicing: In case of moisture exposure, liquid spills, objects falling into openings, power cord damage, lightning storms, or unusual smoke/odor/noise, the equipment should be switched off, unplugged, and referred for servicing by qualified technical personnel only.
Installation: The mixer should be installed according to the user guide, and power amplifier outputs should not be connected directly to the mixer. Only audio connectors and plugs for their intended purpose should be used.
Read instructions: Users are advised to retain the safety and operating instructions for future reference and adhere to all warnings.
Do not remove cover: The mixer should never be operated if the cover is not correctly fitted.
Power sources: The console should only be connected to mains power of the type described in the user guide and marked on the rear panel, using the provided power cord with an appropriate sealed mains plug. If the plug doesn't fit, a service agent should be consulted.
Power cord routing: The power cord should be routed to avoid being walked on, stretched, or pinched.
Grounding: The ground connection or polarity in the power cord should never be removed or tampered with.

These guidelines are crucial for maintaining the mixer's performance and ensuring user safety. For additional information, hardware specifications, product information, or technical support, users are directed to the Allen & Heath website. The product comes with a limited one-year manufacturer's warranty, and registration is encouraged to receive useful information.

ALLEN & HEATH ZED-6 Specifications

General

Frequency range	10 - 20000 Hz
Channels quantity	6 channels
Digital sound processing	- bit
Number of EQ bands per channel	2
Headphone connectivity	3.5 mm
Phantom power	48 V
AC input voltage	100-240 V
AC input frequency	50 - 60 Hz
Power consumption (typical)	12 W
Equalizer bands quantity	4
Product color	Black
Rack mounting	No