Allen & Heath launches Xone:42 USB mixer

At PLASA 07, Allen & Heath has made an addition to the Xone DJ range, with the launch of the Xone:42 high performance 4-channel DJ mixer with USB audio interface. "Designed to seamlessly interface with current leading edge DJ technology, the Xone:42 has an ergonomic, intuitive layout, making it one of the easiest to use hi-tech mix tools around," comments Xone Designer, Andy Rigby-Jones. The Xone:42's feature set is built around four dual-input stereo channels; channels 1 and 4 are phono/line, while channels 2 and 3 are line/line. All four channels have a +6dB to total kill 3-band EQ, a 9-segment 3-colour bar meter, gain control, and 60mm VCA faders with illuminated X/Y crossfader selection. Xone's Voltage Control Filter is included on each channel via illuminated assignment switches, with selectable filter type, resonance, and frequency controls. The mixer sports a new and original feature - the 'X-FX' system - enabling an external effects processor to be easily interfaced. A single knob controls the proportion of the channel signal sent to the effects unit, from 0 to 100%, and the affected signal is returned to the main mix, or can be routed through the filter. The Xone:42 incorporates a USB audio interface for easy connection to a computer and integration of digital media. It can be used to play back music files from a laptop and to record mixes from the Xone:42, or, when used with appropriate software, as a digital DJ effects unit that can be patched into the X-FX system. The USB input combines with an XLR microphone input to provide an additional channel with two band EQ and rotary level control. The mixer also features a 45mm VCA crossfader with curve control, and a powerful monitoring section with split cue control, mix to cue, two headphone outputs (1/4" and 3.5mm), dedicated booth output, and balanced main mix outputs on XLR.