Allen & Heath XB-14-2 Compact Radio Broadcast Mixer

Broadcasting professionals seeking a compact yet feature-rich mixing solution will find the XB-14 perfectly suited to their diverse studio requirements. This versatile console caters to everything from intimate internet broadcast setups to expansive multi-room facilities, university stations, and community radio operations. The XB-14 incorporates specialised broadcasting features including telephone communication modules, mic fader start sensing for external equipment control, automatic speaker muting, and stereo channel start/cue outputs for seamless CD deck integration.

The console’s sophisticated two-stage pre-amp architecture provides an impressive 69dB gain range whilst maintaining exceptional noise performance. By concentrating most gain in the first stage, unwanted noise remains minimal, while the padless second stage accepts line-level signals directly through input jack sockets for superior signal integrity. Each mono input features a carefully tuned 3-band equaliser, with stereo and Telco channels equipped with 2-band EQ circuits optimised for various source materials.

Connectivity and routing flexibility define the XB-14’s operational advantages, with USB integration providing effortless computer interfacing for both PC and Mac systems. The single auxiliary bus serves multiple purposes including external processing, effects, recording, and auditioning, while a dedicated stereo mix bus creates independent mixes or clean feed sources. Multiple headphone outputs accommodate engineers, producers, and guests with separate monitoring capabilities, and the built-in ‘Talk’ feature enables clear communication between control room and studio or off-air telephone conversations.