Talking of Mixers, the A&H XB14

English Hardware
1

So, been thinking of upgrading my little studio and the Allen & Heath XB14 has really come into my radar. I love the fact that it has the UK concept of Pre-Gain, PFL and Fader muting for the Mics as opposed to completely idiot proof and mic on/off buttons on US Mixers (boards/consoles as called here).

So, anyone had any real-world experience with them?

2

No, but it looks an excellent box and the Sound On Sound review gave it a BIG thumbs up: read that if you haven’t already!

BFN
CAD

3

Thanks.

Apparently they are back-ordered to at least May which I have to admit I’ve never come across that in that last 10 years or so in this industry. So, that probably means A&H will lose some business and a three month lead time for this type of board will send potential customers scuttling elsewhere! Does make me rethink my plans as well.

4

I’d try to find one that’s already at a dealer somewhere. If A&H are back-ordered, that means either all the stock ‘out there’ is already sold, or (hopefully!) that a little patient searching will find you a supplier who actually has one to sell you.

To say A&H hit the nail on the head for that market niche would be like saying that the cookie monster is quite fond of the odd biscuit now and again!

I don’t think they will lose that much business on this because there simply isn;t any compact mixer which has that magic mix of features which has made everyone go ‘WOW! Someone FINALLY made the compact mixer which has ALL the features I’ve been looking for!’ Unless and until Soundcraft or others come up with a clone product, I’d say the A&H is worth waiting for if at all possible.

BFN
CAD

5

You’re up either early or late ;D

Tried a number of dealers here in the US and all have the same reply. It appears they order from the US Wholesaler and they need to go back to the factory. Three month lead times are unheard of here in the US broadcast industry unless it’s a huge item such as the transmitter (even then we got our solid state beastie in 3 weeks, $1m talks a lot) or a large ticket item. For what is a relatively small ticket item, I’m a little surprised. I’ve emailed some more dealers as well as A&H directly.

It’s pleasing they’ve done something that has caught fire, or they feel ultimately it may not be a market they wish to seriously compete in or they consider their other products have better margins and they’re dipping their toes in the water. If it has caught fire, they need to reconsider their manufacturing timetable… Ride that wave before others come swooping in.

6

It was late (but not VERY late, for me!)

Maybe contact a friend in the UK and try to grab one here, then ship it to you?
Or would there be power issues (240V vs 110V)?

BFN
CAD

7

I did think of that, but their is a price differential and then I have some fun’n’games with VAT. Whilst I can reclaim it, it’s a PITA.

The Manufacturer did reply and I’ll be calling the main US importer this afternoon to see if they know of any dealers with any in stock!

Thanks

8

Soundcraft do something very similar (or did) in the Spirit ES (4 microphone 10 stereo). No fader starts but one with the needed mods virtually doubled the off the shelf price.

I have just such at home (minus the mods). Edit Sadly they seem to no longer be available.

We did use an earlier Allen Heath 14 channel jobbie (I think the wizard series for PA/Keyboard) on an rsl about 5 years ago which was kicking around in Nottingham fairly recently - that was excellent despite its intended use.

Kind Regards Tony

9

It really is very popular. A&H referred me to the US importer. Apparently they have a batch arriving mid-March and a few are still unallocated. So my dealer is trying to wade through that right now! Next set due Mid-May!

10

[quote=“tony wilding, post:8, topic:7178”]Soundcraft do something very similar (or did) in the Spirit ES (4 microphone 10 stereo). No fader starts but one with the needed mods virtually doubled the off the shelf price.

I have just such at home (minus the mods). Edit Sadly they seem to no longer be available.[/quote]
I was able to catch such a Spirit ES on eBay. Now I know how bad the sound was on my old Behringer Desk… :wink: I will try to upgrade the missing features like fader Start, Celanfead, Monitor Mute, etc. It seems there is enough space inside.