Allen & Heath Xone:23C: Analog Mixer with USB Sound Card
· re:union Radio editorial · 2 min read
The Allen & Heath Xone:23C combines the classic Xone filter, 3-band EQ, and a built-in 24-bit USB sound card in a compact 2+2 channel DJ mixer.
The Allen & Heath Xone:23C is a 2+2 channel DJ mixer that combines analog circuitry with a digital interface. According to the manufacturer, it is "a high performance 2+2 channel VCA mixer designed around the latest analogue circuitry, with microprocessor control of all signal routing." At its heart is an integrated USB sound card that connects the mixer directly to computers and DJ software, without the need for additional hardware.
At a glance
- 2+2 channel VCA mixer with analog circuitry
- Built-in 4-channel stereo USB sound card with 24-bit / 96 kHz
- Classic voltage-controlled Xone filter with resonance control
- X:LINK interface for Allen & Heath controllers like Xone:K1 or K2
The Xone Filter
The voltage-controlled filter (VCF) defines the sound of the 23C. You can switch between high-pass and low-pass on the device, and there's also a resonance control: "Mild will give a smooth filter sound, Wild will make the filter sound more pronounced (sharper 'Q')," as described in the user manual. The filter is complemented by a 3-band tone control per channel, as well as a separate 2-band EQ for the microphone.
USB Sound Card and X:LINK
The built-in sound card processes four stereo channels at 24-bit and 96 kHz and can be connected directly to a computer via USB to stream audio files or record the mixer output. The Xone:23C is class-compliant and, according to the manufacturer, works on a Mac without drivers, but a dedicated ASIO driver is required for full channel count on Windows. Allen & Heath controllers such as the Xone:K1 or K2 can also be connected via the X:LINK interface: "The Xone:23C does not send MIDI itself, but is equipped with a proprietary A&H interface called X:Link. This allows an Allen & Heath controller to be connected, which both powers the device and forwards MIDI via the USB connection."
Crossfader and Connections
The crossfader offers two curve settings: a softer one for smooth transitions during EQ mixing and a sharper one for scratch techniques. If you wish, you can replace the standard fader with a contactless Innofader, which Allen & Heath offers as an accessory. On the rear, you'll find professional, balanced XLR outputs, a separate booth monitor output, and an FX send/return loop for external effects units. At the front, two headphone outputs (6.3 mm and 3.5 mm) are available.
| Channels | 2+2 (four inputs, stereo) |
|---|---|
| Sound Card | 4-channel stereo USB, 24-bit / 96 kHz |
| Filter | Xone VCF, high/low-pass, resonance control |
| EQ | 3-band per channel, 2-band microphone |
| Interface | X:LINK for Xone:K1 / K2 |
| Outputs | Balanced XLR, Booth Monitor, FX Loop |
| Headphones | 6.3 mm and 3.5 mm jack |
FAQ
Does the Xone:23C need a driver?
On macOS, it runs class-compliant even without additional software. On Windows, a special ASIO driver from the Allen & Heath website is required for full channel access.
Can the crossfader be replaced?
Yes. According to the user manual, the mounting plate is designed so that a contactless Innofader can be installed instead of the standard fader.
