Allen & Heath ZED420

A "large console" architecture designed for demanding setups

With its mono channels rich in processing, dedicated subgroups, and Matrix sections, this console follows the classic approach of analog production consoles, designed to manage front-of-house mixing, monitor mixes, and more advanced routing needs. The presence of a USB port adds a simple gateway for recording or playback from a PC without changing your mixing habits on physical channels.

For stage, control room, rehearsal studios, and installations

This console is aimed at bands, sound engineers, rehearsal studios, places of worship, schools, and multipurpose rooms that need numerous mic inputs, auxiliaries for monitors (wedges or in-ear), and clear level management via long faders. It is also well suited for fixed installations where direct ergonomics (Mute, PFL, group assignments) are desired while benefiting from a USB output to archive an event, prepare a recording, or feed a streaming.

Routing, equalization, and USB: a console built for operational mixing

16 full mono channels: gain, high-pass filter, EQ, and assignments

Each mono channel offers a balanced mic input on XLR and a line input on Jack, with insert and direct output on Jack. The phantom power 48 V is individually switchable, convenient for combining dynamic and condenser microphones without compromise. The high-pass filter helps clean handling noise, stage vibrations, or unnecessary low frequencies, while the 4-band equalizer (including 2 semi-parametric bands) facilitates precise midrange adjustment, essential for vocal intelligibility and instrument presence.

Auxiliaries and monitors: 6 sends for a custom mix

The 6 auxiliary sends allow managing multiple monitor and effects mixes: 2 pre-fader, 2 switchable pre/post, and 2 post-fader. On the channels, the presence of PFL, signal and clipping indicators, as well as a pan control and a 100 mm fader, speeds up adjustments in real conditions, even in noisy environments.

Subgroups, matrices, and Mono bus: organizing the mix and gaining efficiency

The 4 subgroups (with outputs and inserts on 6.35 mm Jack) are ideal for controlling a group of instruments with a single gesture (drums, choirs, sections, effects returns), or for structuring the mix before the main output. Assignments to groups 1/2, 3/4, L/R, and Mono, combined with Mute and AFL functions, offer a clear workflow. The 2 Matrix sections, with the possibility of sending to USB, provide an additional routing layer to feed an area, a recorder, a lobby, or a specific mix.

USB and monitoring: record, play, and control without complications

The USB port allows sending a stereo send to PC by selecting the source (L/R bus, Aux 1/2, Aux 3/4, or Matrix), and retrieving a stereo return routable to L/R or to stereo channel 3. The console also includes RCA 2 Track inputs and outputs, a talkback on XLR with sends, and a headphone output on 6.35 mm and 3.5 mm Jack with L-R, Mono, or PFL/AFL monitoring, for reliable control both in the control room and on stage.

Technical specifications

Insert	Yes	Busses / groups	4 groups
Number of faders	25	Number of auxiliary sends	6
Number of channels	20	Mic inputs	16 x XLR
Phantom power supply	Yes	Line inputs	2 x Rca, 16 x jack, 2 x stereo jack
EQ	4-band with upper and lower semi-parametric mid	Inputs (other)	USB, 2 channels RCA, inserts : jack for each group, inserts : jack for each mono input, talkback (XLR)
Filters	Low cut	Main outputs	3 x XLR : LR + M
PFL/AFL mode	Yes	Direct outputs	16 x balanced jacks
Category	analog mixer	Outputs (other)	6 x Aux unbalanced Jacks, groups 4 x balanced jacks, Matrixes : 2 x balanced jacks
Fader travel	100 mm	Display	LED
Number of matrixes	2	Weight	14 kg
Number of mic preamps	16	Dimensions (mm)	715 x 560 x 50
Recording	USB

Direct output	Jack	Matrix outputs	asymmetrical Jack (symmetrization option: contact us)
Phantom power	48 V individually switchable	Matrix monitoring	AFL
Equalizer	4 bands including 2 semi-parametric, On/Off	Insertion on main outputs	yes
Auxiliary sends	6 (2 pre, 2 pre/post switchable, 2 post-fader)	Main faders	100 mm
Fader	100 mm	Main bargraph	L/R 12 segments
Functions	Mute, PFL	Talkback	XLR with sends to Aux 1 to 4 or LRM
Indicators	clipping LED, signal presence LED	Headphone output	6.35 mm and 3.5 mm Jack
Assignments	Groups 1/2, 3/4, L/R, and Mono	Headphone monitoring	L-R or Mono or PFL/AFL
Pair A	2 x Jack	2 Track In	RCA
Pair B	2 x RCA	2 Track Out	RCA
Subgroup outputs	6.35 mm Jack	USB	stereo send to PC (selectable source: L/R bus, Aux 1/2, Aux 3/4, or Matrix)
Subgroup inserts	6.35 mm Jack	A/D and D/A converters	16-bit
Faders	100 mm	Sampling frequencies	32 to 48 kHz
Bargraph	4 segments	Built-in power supply	100 to 240 V, 50/60 Hz
Auxiliary monitoring	AFL	Dimensions	715 x 560 x 50/130 mm
Matrices	2 sections with USB send capability	Included	Cakewalk SONAR LE software