Allen & Heath ZED18

An 18-Input Console Designed for Stage and Home Studio

This analog mixing console stands out for its highly effective balance between compactness, number of inputs, and routing possibilities. With its total of 18 inputs, it naturally fits into a rehearsal setup, a small venue, a hybrid DJ set, or a project studio, while maintaining immediate usability. The built-in USB complements the "all-in-one" approach: you can easily capture a live performance, record a demo, or simply play back tracks from your computer without multiplying interfaces.

Who Is It For? Bands, Technicians, Project Studios, and Multipurpose Venues

If you need to manage multiple microphones (vocals, drums, ambient mics), live instruments, and some stereo sources (keyboards, samplers, media players), this console provides clear and structured control. The 10 mono channels are suited to typical band needs: gain adjustment, high-pass filter to clean unwanted low frequencies, 3-band EQ including a semi-parametric section to better target problematic frequencies, and mute/PFL functions for quick work during soundcheck. For comfort, the headphone monitoring with 6.35mm and 3.5mm jacks adapts equally well to the technician or the musician preparing a mix or monitors.

Flexible Routing, Immediate Control, and Hassle-Free USB Recording

Designed to adapt to many situations, the console offers 4 auxiliary sends that allow organizing stage monitors, sends to effects, or audio distribution to external equipment. The 2 stereo effects returns facilitate integration of external processors, and the main output on balanced XLRs ensures a reliable connection to a PA system or powered speakers. The ALPS 100 mm faders provide a long and readable travel, particularly useful for fine adjustments both live and in recording.

USB: Capture a Concert, Playback Tracks, or Simplify a Sound Desk

The integrated USB interface is designed to focus on essentials: a stereo send to the computer and a stereo return from the computer, with 16-bit converters and a sampling rate from 32 to 48 kHz. Depending on your workflow, you can send the main mix or choose an auxiliary send to record a different version (for example, a monitor mix or a sub-mix). The USB return can then be assigned to the main bus or to a dedicated stereo channel, handy for launching backing tracks, playing hold music, or integrating accompaniment tracks during a set.

Control Features: PFL/AFL, Inserts, and Indicators

To maintain control, the console provides pre-listening functions (PFL/AFL) and clipping indicators on the channels to optimize levels without surprises. Inserts on the mono inputs and on the main output (with insertion) allow easy integration of a compressor, external equalizer, or any other hardware processing, a real asset in both live sound and project studio setups. The 12-segment bargraph provides quick level reading, useful when immediate reaction is required in live conditions.

Technical specifications

Insert	Yes	Number of mic preamps	10
Number of faders	16	Recording	USB
Number of channels	18	Number of auxiliary sends	4
Phantom power supply	Yes	Mic inputs	10 x XLR
EQ	3-band with semi-parametric mid and 3-band per channel	Line inputs	10 x jack mono, 4 x stereo
Motorised faders	Yes	Inputs (other)	USB, inserts : jack for each mono input, 2 x phono
Filters	Low cut	Main outputs	mono jack, 2 x XLR
PFL/AFL mode	Yes	Outputs (other)	USB, headphone 6,35 mm stereo jack, headphone 3,5 mm stereo jack, 4 x Aux unbalanced Jacks, Record RCA, alternative (Rca), 2 x tracks (RCA)
Rackable	Yes	Display	LED
Category	analog mixer	Weight	8 kg
Fader travel	100 mm	Dimensions (mm)	464 x 465 x 45

Number and connectors of mono inputs	10 balanced microphone inputs on XLR / line inputs on jack	4 auxiliary sends	1 and 2 switchable pre-fader as 2 mono or 1 stereo ; 3 and 4 post-fader, with 4 routed to internal effects without a physical output
Mono input inserts	on jack	Stereo input balance	yes
Phantom power	48 V, shared switch	Stereo input level control	100 mm ALPS fader
Mono input gain	adjustable	Stereo input functions	mute and PFL
Mono input low-cut filter	yes	Stereo input overload indicator	indicator light
Mono input equalizer	3-band, including 1 semi-parametric band	Effects returns	2 stereo, adjustable level and assignable to stereo channels no. 1, no. 2 or the L/R bus
Mono input auxiliary sends	4 (1 and 2 pre-fader, 3 and 4 post-fader)	Auxiliary outputs	4 on unbalanced jack, adjustable level (Aux 1 and 2)
Mono input pan	yes	Main output	stereo on 2 balanced XLRs with insert
Mono input level control	100 mm ALPS fader	Mono summing	output via unbalanced jack
Mono input functions	mute and PFL	Faders and bargraph	100 mm faders, 12-segment bargraph
Mono input overload indicator	indicator light	Headphone outputs on 6.35 mm and 3.5 mm jacks	L-R or PFL/AFL monitoring, adjustable level
Number and connectors of stereo inputs	4 unbalanced stereo line inputs (1 jack per channel)	Stereo send to PC	L/R bus or Aux 1/2 or Aux 3/4
Stereo input gain	adjustable	Stereo return	to L/R or to stereo channel no. 3
Stereo input equalizer	2 fixed bands	A/D and D/A converters	16-bit, 32 to 48 kHz