Allen&Heath Xone:S2

Sound

ALLEN & Heath Xone:s2

Products, Sound, February 2007, COMMENTS

Allen & Heath chose the 2007 NAMM show to unveil the Xone:S2, 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.

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.

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.”

From: February 2007

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