Allen & Heath Xone:96: The Xone:92 Heir Goes Dual USB
· re:union Radio editorial · 3 min read
Allen & Heath Xone:96: analogue 6+2-channel club mixer with dual VCF filter, Crunch drive and two USB soundcards for two laptops. All specs and I/O.
The Allen & Heath Xone:96 is the successor to the Xone:92, the mixer many in the scene simply know as the techno mixer. The proven layout stays, joined by two USB soundcards, extra returns and a second headphone section. Bonedo already placed it as the new flagship of the Xone series in October 2018.
At a glance
- Analogue club mixer with a 6+2-channel layout and 4-band EQ with dual mids
- Two USB soundcards with 24 channels each, 32-bit / 96 kHz, for two laptops at once
- Dual Xone VCF filter with high-, band- and low-pass plus Crunch distortion
- Certified for Traktor Scratch, innoFADER crossfader
From Xone:92 to Xone:96: what changed
Allen & Heath didn't reinvent the surface, it extended it with purpose. The four main channels are identical: two sends, a source selector for phono/line, USB 1 and USB 2, gain with peak LED, crossfader and filter assign, and a 60 mm line fader with an LED meter.
Returns C and D are new; you switch them on with a button and set the level with a pot. Returns A and B get a three-band EQ with a sweepable mid and are tied to USB channels 9/10 and 11/12. If you like building transitions with the EQ, our DJ tip on EQ transitions covers the basics.
Filter with grit: the Xone:VCF and Crunch
The dual Xone:VCF remains the centrepiece. You choose high-, band- or low-pass, sweep the frequency from 20 to 20,000 hertz and dial in resonance. New is the Crunch control: it adds harmonic distortion to the signal path before the filter, and a red LED lights at full turn.
One detail for Xone:92 switchers: the predecessor's LFO is gone on the 96. Bonedo also cites 20 dB of headroom and sends with 10 dB of gain in reserve.
Two laptops, one mixer: USB and MIDI
The two USB Type-B ports feed two computers in parallel, each with six stereo channels in both directions. Channels can be switched between the laptops on the fly, which allows back-to-back sets without swapping cables. Returns C and D, however, have no USB path.
By default the mixer sends MIDI on channel 16, with 31 addressable controls in total. An RJ45 socket connects a Xone:K2 controller via X:LINK. On the rear there is only MIDI Out now; MIDI In and Thru have been dropped. If you want to combine turntables and software, also read our DJ tip on hybrid setups.
Specifications
| Channel layout | 6+2 (4 main channels, returns A–D) |
|---|---|
| Inputs | 4× phono (RCA), 4× line (RCA), 2× microphone (XLR) |
| Master outputs | Master 1 XLR, Master 2 balanced jack |
| Booth | Balanced jack, three-band EQ (±8 dB), mono switch |
| USB audio | 2× USB soundcard, 24 channels each, 32-bit / 96 kHz |
| Channel EQ | 4 bands with dual mids |
| Filter | Dual Xone VCF (high-, band-, low-pass) with Crunch |
| Crossfader | innoFADER, three curves |
| Line faders | 60 mm with LED level meter |
| Headphones | 2 sections, each 6.3 mm and 3.5 mm jack |
| MIDI | MIDI Out (5-pin DIN), MIDI over USB |
| Dimensions (H × W × D) | 109 × 336 × 410 mm |
| Weight | 7 kg |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Xone:92 and the Xone:96?
The Xone:96 adds two USB soundcards, two extra returns, a second headphone section, Crunch distortion in the filter and a 4-band EQ to the Xone:92 layout. In return, the Xone:92's LFO is missing.
Does the Xone:96 work with Traktor?
Yes. The mixer is certified for Traktor Scratch, so it handles DVS with timecode vinyl or CDJs.
Can two DJs play from laptops at the same time?
Yes. The two USB ports take two computers, and channels can be assigned on the fly.
