Allen & Heath Xone:96 – Successor to the Cult Mixer Xone:92

The Allen & Heath Xone:96 is the official successor to the legendary Xone:92, bringing its signature analog sound into a modern, digitally networked chassis. As a mixer with four main channels, two return channels, and two additional stereo returns (eight stereo inputs in total) plus an integrated audio interface, it targets DJs who value analog warmth in the club but don't want to miss the flexibility of digital software. 15 years after the Xone:92, Allen & Heath has thus revised its flagship – according to Attack Magazine, a deliberately late step because its predecessor had long been considered a standard among techno DJs.

At a glance

• Four main channels plus two return channels and two additional stereo returns (eight stereo inputs) as the successor to the Xone:92
• Two independent USB-B ports, each with up to 24 audio channels at 32-bit/96 kHz
• Dual filter with new CRUNCH effect, active when the filter is engaged
• Switchable fader curve (linear/logarithmic) and Hi-Z mode for Send 1

From Xone:92 to the Standard of Techno DJs

According to Attack Magazine, the Xone:92 became the preferred mixer for a more frequency-conscious, restrained generation of DJs – with Richie Hawtin as one of the early testers. Hawtin even convinced Allen & Heath developer Andy Rigby-Jones at the time to add MIDI to the completely analog device. With the rise of techno and Hawtin's Minus label in the 2000s, the 92 became the mixer of choice for many techno DJs – also because of its four-band, asymmetrical EQ, which allowed simultaneous shaping of four tracks, and the generous send/return options, also a suggestion from Hawtin. Rigby-Jones himself described to Resident Advisor in 2013 how carefully Allen & Heath had to handle changes to such an established standard.

The Xone:VCF Filter Gets CRUNCH

The heart of the Xone:96 is the filter of the two main sections. New is CRUNCH, a harmonic distortion that, according to Attack Magazine, only becomes active when one of the filters is engaged; MIDI control is currently missing. The four main channels can be routed to one of the two filters as before, and now also the return channels.

Two USB Sound Cards for Studio Connection

The Xone:96 has two independent USB-B ports, each with up to 24 audio channels – six stereo inputs and six stereo outputs – at a maximum of 32-bit/96 kHz. According to Attack Magazine, the mixer can be easily connected to software like Ableton Live for external effect processing.

EQ Sections and Connections

The four main channels feature the familiar Xone 4-band EQ, while the two additional stereo returns C and D, according to Attack Magazine, get a new 3-band EQ with a parametric band – instead of the previous 4-band EQ on the returns. On the back, there are more sends and returns than on the Xone:92, according to the review; Send 1 can be switched between line and Hi-Z level, making it suitable for guitar pedals.

The channel faders are tighter and more precise than on the Xone:92, according to Attack Magazine, and there's also a new switch that changes the fader curve from logarithmic to linear. A Mini-InnoFader is used as the crossfader, which, according to the review, feels looser than its predecessor's. For booth operation, there's a separate output with its own 3-band EQ, a stereo/mono switch, and a mute button to adjust the monitor sound independently of the main mix.

“Even small changes tend to freak people out … I wouldn't say it's been a victim of its own success, but because it has become a standard, it's going to take very careful thought before we replace it.” – Andy Rigby-Jones, Xone:92 developer, to Resident Advisor (quoted by Attack Magazine)

If you work with EQ mixing for clean transitions today, you'll find appropriately fine tools in the 4-band design of the main channels and the new EQ with a parametric band on the returns. For sets with stems software like on the Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX10, the Xone:96 can also be integrated into a hybrid setup via its dual USB sound card.

FAQ

What distinguishes the Xone:96 from the Xone:92?

The Xone:96 adopts the analog sound signature of the Xone:92 but supplements it with the CRUNCH effect, a new 3-band EQ with a parametric band on the return channels, and two independent USB-B sound cards with up to 32-bit/96 kHz.

For what applications is the mixer designed?

According to Attack Magazine, the Xone:96 is suitable for both club and studio: the separate booth output with its own 3-band EQ serves for monitor adjustment, the two USB ports allow easy integration of software like Ableton Live, and the new Crunch effect, according to the magazine, particularly appeals to warehouse techno DJs.

Source: Attack Magazine, Review “Allen & Heath Xone:96”.