Allen & Heath launch two new Xone DJ products

The Xone:S2 is a new installation DJ mixer for use in clubs and bars, and by professional mobile DJ’s. It is a 19” rack-mounted 4U mixer, available with either linear or rotary VCA channel faders, and features 4 stereo dual-input channels, 2 mono mic/stereo line channels, a USB audio interface, and boasts many features to both enhance the DJ’s performance and aid the installer.

The new Xone:S2 installation/DJ mixer

Xone:S2 represents the ideal package for club installers as it has a multitude of features designed to integrate it into a typical PA system. One of the key features is an output limiter system that enables the engineer to preset the maximum output level of the mixer, irrespective of input level.

The main mix outputs are on balanced XLR, and an additional mono output, also on XLR, can be used as a zone feed or can be used to feed a sub-bass stack. A dedicated alarm input mutes all music channels when active and there is also a dedicated alarm message audio input connection. An additional stereo input (RCA) is accessible on the front panel - enabling guest DJ’s to patch in music sources without having to gain access to the rear connectors. Two high quality mono/mic or stereo channels are included, and there is a booth monitor and music ducking facility.

The Xone:S2 is offered with either linear or rotary faders, which are fitted on a removable panel making it is possible for venues to purchase the alternative panel and easily interchange between fader types without having to remove the unit from the rack, as required by the visiting DJ.

The Xone:S2 is equipped with many performance tools for DJ’s. Each of the four main stereo channels is equipped with a flexible 3-band equalizer providing a safe +6dB of boost and total kill for complete frequency isolation. Individual channels can be routed to either side of the high-quality VCA crossfader with adjustable curve control for smooth constant level mixes or virtually instant attack suitable for scratching.

The Xone:S2 is also equipped with the legendary Xone filter system, allowing each of the four main channels to be individually routed to the filter. The filter can also be connected to outboard equipment, or can be patched into the mixer insert point for global filtering of the main mix. Three separate headphone sockets are provided, and a split cue allows the cue signal to be monitored in the left headphone and the main mix in the right.

Uniquely on a mixer of this type, the Xone:S2 is equipped with a USB audio interface enabling easy integration of digital media. The USB interface can be used for playback and recording to or from the Xone:S2 and a computer, or used with appropriate software to act as a hardware effects unit.

Andy Rigby-Jones, chief Xone designer, says, “We’ve learned so much from the development of our entire Xone range in the last few years, and we’ve listened to many club techs. They’ve asked us for more installer tools, like the limiters and duckers, but want the DJ’s to have all the performance tools we’ve always given them. The result of all that is the Xone:S2, and it’s the most feature-laden 19” DJ mixer available.”

The Xone:S2 will be shipping in March 2007, with an approximate SRP of £900 (ex VAT).

The Xone:2D

The Xone:2D is a follow-up product to the acclaimed Xone:3D mixer/controller. The Xone:2D is the combination of a 4 stereo channel USB soundcard and MIDI controller, which DJ’s can connect to their existing analogue mixer to integrate leading DJ software such as Ableton Live and Traktor DJ Studio, and create a complete digital DJ mixing system.

The Xone:2D MIDI controller

The high quality USB soundcard can operate in either of two modes – stereo channels for 3 inputs from a PC and 1 return, or 2 channels from a PC and 2 returns. A large array of connections are provided to enable easy integration into any DJ set-up, and the 2D can be directly connected to turntables, CD players or linked to an external mixer. Digital IO (optical and coaxial) is also provided.

The Xone:3D BPM counter with LED display is included, which is capable of detecting a beat in music presented on the stereo BPM input. A MIDI clock generator, which can be set using the illuminated tap tempo button or sync’d to the tempo detected by the BPM counter, is provided, and features the unique MIDI clock nudge facility of the 3D.

The MIDI controller connects via USB to a computer and also has 5-pin DIN MIDI sockets for connection to any MIDI-enabled device, and features 5 60mm linear faders, 8 detented rotary pots, 19 push buttons - 4 of which are illuminated, 5 rotary encoders with "push to switch" function, and a multi-function jog wheel with switched navigation control. All the MIDI controls can be mapped for use as navigation controls for DJ or production software.

Optional attachment brackets to mechanically link the Xone:2D to other mixers in the A&H range, and overlays relating to various software programmes including Ableton Live 6 and Traktor DJ Studio 3, are available.

The Xone:2D will be shipping in March 2007, SRP £499 (ex VAT).

Website: http://www.allen-heath.com

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Back 24.01.2007