Compact Broadcast Mixer Built for Professional Radio Workflows
The Allen & Heath XB2-14 is a purpose-built broadcast mixer designed for radio studios, podcast production rooms, and self-operated broadcast environments that demand reliability and fast operation. It combines professional broadcast features with a compact footprint, giving presenters and engineers full control over microphones, music sources, telephone callers, and computer audio in one streamlined console.
Dedicated Mic and Stereo Channels for Live Broadcasting
At the core of the XB2-14 are four mic/line mono channels and four dual-source stereo channels, allowing multiple microphones, music players, and playback devices to be connected simultaneously. The mono channels are equipped with Allen & Heath DuoPre microphone preamps, delivering high gain with low noise for clear voice capture. Stereo channels are optimized for music playback and external sources commonly used in broadcast studios.
Broadcast-Specific Routing and Monitoring Control
This mixer is designed around real-world broadcast workflows, offering an audition bus, auxiliary bus, and a secondary Mix B output. These routing options allow operators to preview sources, record clean feeds, or manage alternate mixes without interrupting the main program output. The output matrix supports multiple headphone feeds so presenters, guests, and producers can each have their own listening mix.
Integrated Telco Channels for Call-In Programming
Two dedicated Telco channels are included for handling telephone callers and remote contributors. Each Telco input provides selectable clean-feed routing and adjustable high-pass and low-pass filtering to improve intelligibility when working with lower-quality phone connections. A dedicated talk function allows off-air communication with callers before bringing them live on the program.
USB Audio Interface for Computer Playback and VoIP
A built-in USB sound card provides bidirectional audio connectivity with Mac and Windows computers. This allows the XB2-14 to handle recording, playback, and voice-over-IP applications without additional hardware. The USB interface integrates easily into modern broadcast setups, supporting software playout systems and remote guest connections.
Logic Control and Remote Muting for On-Air Operation
The XB2-14 includes extensive logic I/O for fader-start sensing, remote channel muting, and start/cue control of external devices such as CD players. Mono channels can be muted remotely using external cough or mute switches, making it ideal for live radio where quick microphone control is essential. Automatic speaker muting helps prevent feedback when microphones are opened.
Durable Construction for Daily Studio Use
Built with vertically mounted circuit boards and front-panel-mounted controls, the XB2-14 is designed for long-term reliability in busy broadcast environments. Individual channel construction allows for easier servicing and fader replacement, minimizing downtime in professional studios.