Allen & Heath ZED-18 18-Channel USB Mixer, 10 DuoPre Preamps, 100mm Faders

Allen & Heath ZED-18: 18-Channel Analog Mixer for Full-Band Live and Recording

The Allen & Heath ZED-18 is an 18-channel analog mixer with ten DuoPre mic preamps, 100mm long-throw faders, and a built-in USB interface, built as a full-band live and recording console. Eighteen channels combine ten mono mic/line inputs with four stereo channels, giving a whole band plus playback and effects returns room to work. It is the non-FX console in the larger ZED range; the ZED-16FX adds a built-in effects engine, while the ZED-18 focuses on clean sound and precise control. Long faders, per-channel inserts, and ten quality preamps make it a favorite for engineers who want a straightforward, great-sounding desk at scale. It is a workhorse for real gigs.

Ten DuoPre Preamps with 69dB Gain

Ten Neutrik XLR mic inputs feed DuoPre preamps delivering up to 69dB of gain with phantom power across a two-stage design that stays quiet when pushed. Splitting the gain across two stages keeps the preamp clean and open, so dynamic, condenser, and ribbon mics all reach level without hiss. The transparent Allen & Heath character keeps a full band's sources natural rather than colored. Ten mic channels cover drums, vocals, and instruments without sharing inputs. These preamps are why the ZED-18 records as convincingly as it mixes live.

100mm Long-Throw Faders and Per-Channel Control

The ZED-18 uses full 3.9 in (100 mm) long-throw faders with solo and mute on every channel for precise, repeatable level control across eighteen sources. A long fader gives finer resolution than a short one, so level rides during a busy live mix stay smooth. Solo and mute on each channel let the engineer check and drop any source instantly without disturbing the main mix. That per-channel control keeps a large mix manageable under pressure. It is built for the demands of a full-band stage.

Swept-Mid MusiQ EQ and Channel Inserts

Each mono channel carries a 3-band swept-mid MusiQ EQ that adapts its Q to the amount of boost or cut, while stereo channels get a 2-band EQ. The swept midrange lets the engineer find and tame a problem frequency instead of working with fixed bands, which matters in a dense mix. The mono channels also include 1/4-inch insert points, so a compressor or outboard EQ patches directly into a single channel's path. That per-channel insert capability is a studio feature that makes the ZED-18 a serious recording desk. It bridges live and studio work at scale.

USB Interface, Aux Sends, and Metering

A built-in stereo send/return USB audio interface records the main mix to a computer and returns playback over one cable for capturing shows or streaming services. Four aux sends build independent monitor mixes and feed outboard effects, covering the several monitor feeds a full band needs. Stereo and mono main outputs plus an alternate output and headphone out route to a PA, a recorder, and a control room. Dual 12-segment LED meters keep the engineer on top of levels at a glance. The output section is comprehensive for an eighteen-channel console.

Who the ZED-18 Is For

The ZED-18 suits live sound reinforcement for bands and events, recording and rehearsal studios, houses of worship, and AV and multipurpose venues. It is the choice for engineers who want ten DuoPre preamps, long faders, and per-channel inserts without onboard effects; the ZED-16FX covers the FX need. It rack-mounts with the optional ZED-18-RK19 kit for install and touring. Eighteen channels, quality preamps, and studio-grade control make it a long-term investment. For clean, reliable full-band mixing, it is a benchmark.