There’s no denying that podcasting is extremely popular right now, and this surge in popularity means that everyone wants to give it a go.
Starting a podcast from your bedroom using only a microphone and free recording software on your laptop is possible. However, if you’re committed to podcasting, it’s worthwhile to invest in proper audio equipment to create professional-sounding episodes.
To do this, there are going to be a number of different things that you need.
However, arguably one of the most important things is a high-quality audio mixer, which will allow you to fine tune and perfect the sound of your podcast, as well as a load of other handy features too.
But it doesn’t matter who you ask, any professional podcaster will tell you that a mixer is worth its weight in gold.
So, which mixer should you buy? It’s a difficult question to answer, and the reality is that it’s whatever suits you best.
Today, we’re going to be reviewing the Allen & Heath ZEDI-8 mixer, so you can decide whether or not it’s going to be right for you!
Overview
Founded in 1969 in Cornwall, England, Allen & Heath are known worldwide for their mixing consoles, most of which are usually found within studios.
However, they also compete in the compact and portable mixer market now with their ZED line, which allows them to take what made their larger mixing consoles so successful, and shrink them down to help people recreate that crisp and professional sound outside of a studio.
The ZEDi-8 is a mixer that tries to provide its users with flexibility and versatility, whilst remaining as easy to use as possible, with an interface that is great for beginners without being too simplistic, which means that it’ll even appeal to the more experienced podcasters amongst us too.
Once you open the packaging, you’ll immediately notice the build quality of this mixer is above what you would typically expect from a compact mixer, and it’s much heavier than its competitors too, weighing in at 2.8 pounds, so although it’s heavier, it’s by no means hard to move around, which is good for those who might have to record on the go.
Overall then, for those who are looking for an extremely rugged mixer that is going to provide them with the features they need to help elevate their podcast’s audio to the next level, then the ZEDi-8 certainly seems like a sensible choice.
Want to know more about the features and capabilities of the Allen & Heath ZEDi-8?
Then keep reading on, as in the next section we’ll explore all there is to know about this amazing littler mixer.
Features
So for those interested in the features found on the Allen & Heath ZEDi-8, here’s an in-depth look of what this mixer is all about!
Preamps
The Allen & Heath ZEDi-8 features GS-Pre XLR microphone preamps, which draw inspiration and were developed from preamps found on the legendary GS-R24 studio console, which is a clear indicator that this mixer is certainly capable of producing great audio.
These preamps produce minimal noise, which will prevent them from disrupting your recording, as well as huge headroom, and a lot of exceptionally clean gain, which all culminates to ensure that your microphones have a warm and full sound, and will help you achieve the best audio quality possible when it comes to recording and producing your podcast.
There’s also two HiZ connections, which means that you can easily connect high impedance di inputs directly, so if you wanted to include live instruments onto your podcast, such as an electro-acoustic guitar, then you can do so without having to go through the hassle of adding a DI box into your setup.
Filtering
Also found on the Allen & Heath ZEDi-8 is a 100Hz high pass filter, which allows you to cut and filter out any low frequencies that might be picked up with your microphone, which will make the editing process much easier when it comes to editing your podcast’s audio.
These filters can be found on every mono input too.
Then there’s the 3-band MusiQ EQ, which selects frequencies carefully, which helps to ensure that your recorded audio is always going to sound full and vibrant, without any inconsistencies.
And the ability to either boost or cut the highs, mids, and lows means that you can easily achieve the tone you want when using the ZEDi-8!
Interface
Another part of what makes the Allen & Heath ZEDi-8 so great to use is its super concise and clear interface.
For those who have used mixers before, you should have no problem navigating your way around the ZEDi-8 without having to consult the manual.
If you’re a complete novice when it comes to using audio equipment then fear not, as the manual that you can download online will provide you with all of the information you need to get started using this mixer.
It has a built in audio interface that doesn’t take too much time for users to become acquainted with it either.
The ZEDi-8 features a 60mm level fader, which provides you with complete control over the overall output of the mixer.
Also built into the mixer is a 96kHz stereo USB output which makes streaming or capturing either mono channels or the entire mix extremely easy.
So, perfecting your audio with this mixer is a relatively hassle-free task, and will prove to be extremely useful once you hear the finished product, which will show you why using a mixer is so important to your sound!
Compatibility
When it comes to buying your first mixer, you want to make sure that it’s compatible with the equipment you’re going to be using alongside it, and this should be no concern with the Allen & Heath ZEDi-8!
It features 2 microphone inputs, 2 line/inst inputs, 2 stereo inputs (2 of both left and right), as well as 2 USB cable audio inputs too.
Another compatibility feature of the ZEDi 8 is that it’s also class compliant, so not only can you use this with your PC or Mac as you usually would, but you can also use this mixer in conjunction with a whole range of different mobile devices too, including tablets, and even selected smart phones too, which is great for the podcaster who is constantly on the move!
Pros And Cons
So, if you want a clear and concise breakdown of the pros and cons of the Allen & Heath ZEDi-8, then look no further, as this will provide you with both the good and the bad aspects to this mixer, which should hopefully help you to decide whether or not it’s going to be suitable for you and your podcast!
Pros
- Compact designs helps to minimize space it takes up
- XLR outputs allow for wide range of compatibility
- USB audio interface
- Compatibility with standard PC and Mac, as well as smart phones and tablets
- Both the EQ and preamps are good quality
- Overall build quality is great
Cons
- The master fader is slightly too easy to move, and would be better with greater resistance
- No button for per-track mute
- No per track faders
- No TRS main outputs
- No built-in FX
- Requires 48V phantom power
As you can see, although the Allen & Heath ZEDi-8 is a well designed and solid mixer choice, it isn’t entirely perfect, and as a beginner it’s important to understand what the mixer you want is capable of before you purchase it, as you don’t want to be limited by its capabilities after you’ve bought it!
Customer Reviews
The Allen & Heath ZEDi-8 was well received by many customers across a wide range of websites, with many complimenting its build-equality and simplicity, as well as its affordability.
However, some did raise problems about the inclusion of the plastic framing around the mixer, which some felt that the empty space it occupied could have been used to help provide a more even distribution of the buttons, which would make the interface slightly less cramped.
There was also some disappointment in regards to the lack of additional stereo channels headphone output, which is only in Mono when you have used one of the single channels’ headphones switches, otherwise, it works in full stereo.
Overall though, many customers believed that for a first mixer, the Allen & Heath ZEDi-8 was an excellent choice.
Conclusion
So, if the Allen & Heath ZEDi-8 is one of your options when trying to decide on your first mixer, should you buy it? Well, the answer is slightly complicated.
It’s certainly not a bad mixer, and there are a lot of options on the market that are far worse, but it’s important to understand exactly what you’re buying, which is a simple mixer that does the basics well.
For the beginner podcaster, this mixer will work perfectly though. Thanks for reading!
