Using mixer AUX for master FX question -- A&H ZED 18

silent_k · 2023-02-26T15:09:36.326Z

Here’s a question for all you mixer experts: I have an Allen & Heath ZED 18 mixer with an OT, AR, A4, DN, and Analog Heat all connected (via a patch bay). I’m trying to figure out the best way to connect everything so the Heat can process the full mix that’s ultimately sent to my interface. Although my primary use of the Heat so far has been on the full mix for saturation, the patchbay allows me to patch the outputs of any individual box directly to the Heat and then rout the Heat’s output where ever I want. I’d like to keep it that way for flexibility if possible (also why I don’t have the main mixer outputs running to the Heat).

The ZED 18 has 10 mono inputs and 4 stereo input pairs, plus two AUX outputs. The AUX outputs are set up so that AUX 1&2 are pre fader and can be used as a stereo pair, where AUX 3&4 are post fader, but summed to mono by a solder link (according to the block diagram in the manual).

At the moment, I have the Heat’s inputs connected to AUX 1&2, then the Heat’s outputs are fed to the 17&18 stereo input pair on the ZED. This gives me a parallel mix, which I like, but being pre-fader is not ideal. I’d much prefer to use the post-fader AUX 3&4, but because they’re summed to mono, that kills the stereo signal. I haven’t seen anything about removing the solder link in the ZED to get stereo signals from AUX 3&4, but I’m curious if anyone has tried it, OR (more likely) if there’s a much simpler way to achieve what I’m after that hasn’t occurred to me. While I have a lot of experience using mixers in very straight-forward ways, this application is confounding me a bit and I’d appreciate any advice.

Here’s a link to the A&H page for the ZED 18 in case it helps: ZED-18 | Allen & Heath

Schnork · 2023-02-26T18:53:32.895Z

That’s what the master inserts are for. You’d need two insert cables (trs to 2x ts).

silent_k · 2023-02-27T16:19:59.857Z

Ok - thanks! The manual is pretty sparse on explanations for that feature. I think I have some appropriate cables so I’ll give that a try. It’s not clear using the master inserts how you’d control levels, though.

Schnork · 2023-02-27T21:24:16.722Z

I have the Zed14, similar to yours, but less channels. Never tried the master inserts, but I’d guess you set the level with the channels’ gain and fader.

The master insert taps the signal before the main out, feeds it into an effect like the AH and returns the output from that effect to the main out. It’s basically like you would connect the effect directly to the main out, but since the inserts are unbalanced, it’s easier to connect an effects processor with unbalanced ins/outs there and use the balanced xlr main out to feed monitors or the PA etc.