ALLEN & HEATH ZED-14, ZED-18, ZED-24 - Analog USB Mixer Manual

Check that you have received the following:

To ensure that you get the maximum benefit from the unit please spare a few minutes familiarizing yourself with the controls and setup procedures outlined in this user guide. For further information please refer to the additional information available on our web site, or contact our technical support team.
http://www.allen-heath.com
http://www.allen-heath.com/zed
http://www.myspace.com/thezedspace

USB Audio Interface
The ZED is equipped with a stereo bi-directional USB 1.1 compliant audio CODEC. It is fully compliant with USB 2 ports and uses standard Windows and MAC Core Audio Drivers. In other words, plug it in and your computer will find it and be able to transfer audio to and from the ZED USB device.
You will need some form of audio software running on your computer to be able to record and play back what you record, but on a basic level, you can use your computers media player to play straight to the ZED device.
Just a couple of points to look out for:
Windows XP/Vista: When you plug in your ZED USB interface to your computer, if the volume level is low or inaudible, check the device volume in control panel/Sounds and Audio Devices/Volume. Set the volume to High.
Windows 7: At present, Windows 7 treats the USB audio device as a microphone source instead if a line input, so set the device volume level much lower, we found setting to 3 is ideal.
If you want to reduce latency (delay) there are some different drivers available for your operating system. Please check the Allen & Heath website www.allen-heath.com for details and links to third party companies able to supply appropriate drivers for your operating system.

CONNECTING A ZED TO PRO TOOLS 9 ON A MAC

If you use Pro Tools 9 and want to connect to your ZED console using a Mac computer, here are some notes:

1. Connect your ZED mixer to your Mac via USB and power on the mixer.
2. With Pro Tools 9 installed, open Audio MIDI Setup on your Mac. PT9 should have created a Pro Tools Aggregate I/O folder in the Audio Devices list. The ZED interface should appear as USB Audio CODEC in the list along with other audio devices in your system. Tick Use to enable the device in PT9. You may need to also tick Resample in order for the audio data settings to be compatible with your PT9 session.
   

3. Run Pro Tools 9 and create a new session with at least two audio tracks. Open the SETUP/ Playback Engine window and select Pro Tools Aggregate I/O as the Current Engine. Click OK.
   
4. In PT9 click SETUP and then I/O. Select Output from the menu and the devices available should appear in a box labelled PTAI/O (Pro Tools Aggregate I/O). Here you can create a new output path if one doesn't exist, name it (here it's called ZED Stereo OUT) and tick it to enable. The output path can be set as stereo or mono channels as is required.
   
5. Still in I/O Setup, click the Input tab. Again the input sources should appear for enabled devices in Pro Tools Aggregate I/O. Create a new path for the inputs and name as you prefer. Here we have a stereo input named ZED- Stereo Input. Note that mono channels can use one channel of a stereo input path. Make sure the path is ticked and click OK.
   
6. Select the inputs and outputs for your tracks in your session. Here the input for mono Track 1 is selected as the Left channel from the ZED USB interface. The track outputs can either be routed to the ZED directly or to a master bus in Pro Tools and then to the ZED.
   
7. Finally check the interface and settings are working by recording some audio from the ZED mixer to PT9 and then play the audio back to the ZED afterwards. Always be wary of audio feedback loops with bi-directional interface connections which can cause high level audio feedback if signals are routed back to themselves either in the mixer or in the software system.

LIVE APPLICATION DIAGRAM

1. Use post fade Aux 3 & 4 as the sends from ZED so when you move the channel fader the effects level stays in proportion.
2. Select Aux 3-4 on the USB output selector switches.
3. USB lead carries the digital signals to & from the computer.
4. Select USB Device Left for Aux 3 or Right for Aux 4 as the input for the track in the software package.
5. You can use a send bus in software as you would a hardware mixer.
6. Assign an effect from your software plug in list.
7. If using reverb, it's a good idea to have 100% wet mix level and reduce the predelay in order to compensate for any latency in USB.
8. Send the output of the software group or bus to USB Device. In this case, and probably with most reverbs, it will be stereo so it will go to left & right.
9. Set the return level and select USB ON. You can monitor the level quickly by selecting USB RTN on the headphone monitor selection.
10. You can select the USB return to use the stereo channel ST3. Or, if using the stereo channel for another input route the USB return direct to L-R by leaving this switch un-pressed.
11. If you are using the stereo channel ST3 for the USB return signal, then this will be your effects return (Wet mix) fader for the effects to L-R.
12. You can then add some reverb for example, to your foldback (artists') monitors.

WIRING NOTES

Read the following before proceeding:

This equipment must be earthed.

Important Mains plug wiring instructions
The console is supplied with a moulded mains plug fitted to the AC mains power lead. Follow the instructions below if the mains plug has to be replaced. The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:

The wire which is coloured Green and Yellow must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter E or with the Earth symbol. This appliance must be earthed. The wire which is coloured Blue must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter N. The wire which is coloured Brown must be connected to the terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter L. Ensure that these colour codes are followed carefully in the event of the plug being changed.

General Precautions:

Damage:	To prevent damage to the controls and cosmetics avoid placing heavy objects on the control surface, scratching the surface with sharp objects, or rough handling and vibration.
Environment:	Protect from excessive dirt, dust, heat and vibration when operating and storing. Avoid tobacco ash, smoke, drinks spillage, and exposure to rain and moisture. If the console becomes wet, switch off and remove mains power immediately. Allow to dry out thoroughly before using again.
Cleaning:	Avoid the use of chemicals, abrasives or solvents. The control panel is best cleaned with a soft brush and dry lint-free cloth. The faders, switches and potentiometers are lubricated for life. The use of electrical lubricants on these parts is not recommended. The fader and potentiometer knobs may be removed for cleaning with a warm soapy solution. Rinse and allow to dry fully before refitting them.
Transporting:	The console may be transported as a free-standing unit or mounted in a rack or flightcase. Protect the controls from damage during transit. Use adequate packing if you need to ship the unit.
Hearing:	To avoid damage to your hearing do not operate any sound system at excessively high volume. This applies particularly to close-to-ear monitoring such as headphones and in-ear systems. Continued exposure to high volume sound can cause frequency selective or wide range hearing loss.