Buying Guide - Which Allen & Heath XONE Mixer is Best for You
The Xone mixers by Allen & Heath have come a long way since their first model, the 464. Back then, the 464 was a pretty big deal for club owners, offering a great deal of flexibility with its 6+4 channels. Xone mixers have always taken a different approach in DJ mixer technology.
Most of the time, the brand has chosen to build their mixers analog, resulting in fantastic sound quality that sounds pleasantly warm even with slight distortions. Instead of relying on built-in effects, even the entry-level mixers provide the option to incorporate external effect devices into the mix, allowing for creativity with various types of guitar pedals or other effects.
Fortunately, today we have a wide selection of mixers, so Allen & Heath definitely has something for every user, whether it's a bedroom DJ or a professional.
Xone 23
The Xone 23 is the entry-level model of the Xone series with two channels featuring phono and line inputs and a send/return channel.
Though it's a beginner model, it surpasses many other digital high-end mixers in terms of sound quality. So, anyone planning to opt for a Xone mixer makes a very good choice with this device. Additionally, the mixer features a fantastic VCF (Voltage Controlled Filter) with resonance control, giving you the key features of a Xone mixer in a compact and affordable package.
We recommend it especially for home users, but with its 20 dB master output, which is only 2 dB below that of the Xone 92, it's also capable of rocking any club. It's a fantastic entry point to dive into the Xone ecosystem with minimal investment.
Xone 23C
For those who find a two-channel mixer sufficient but want to use it with software like Traktor, the 23C is the right solution. It's also the right choice if you want to set up a simple DVS setup. However, it's important to note that if you want to use it with timecode vinyl, you need to install the DVS mode, for which you need to open the top of the mixer.
The Xone 23C works plug & play with Traktor if used on a Mac. On Windows, a driver needs to be installed to use it (the same goes for any Xone mixer with a sound card).
Xone 43
If two channels aren't enough, the Xone 43 with its 4 channels can be of great service. An additional feature is the DRY/WET control on each channel, allowing you to send the "Dry" signal through the send channel to the external effects unit and return the "Wet" signal through the return channel.
It has the same fantastic VCF filter as the other Xone mixers, which can be routed to each of the four channels.
Xone PX5
Using software for DJing enables one to combine tracks on 3 or even 4 channels, so having a 4-channel mixer with a built-in sound card makes sense, especially if it offers the same perfect audio quality like the Xone PX5.
The PX5 should be an alternative to the 92, not only for those who want a built-in sound card at the same price but also for some built-in digital effects. These two features resulted in sacrifices regarding the 4-band EQ and the two filters per channel, thus making the PX5 a 4-channel club mixer with 3-band EQ and a filter that can be routed for each channel.
Instead of being a serious alternative for clubs, the device evolved into a professional mixer for home use.
Xone 92
The Xone 92 probably doesn't need an introduction, being on the market for nearly 20 years and still proving itself in DJ setups worldwide. With its 4-band EQ, 2x Send/Return channels, and two assignable VCF filters, it's one of the few DJ mixers on the market that has lasted so long without an upgrade.
The only thing one has to do without is a built-in sound card, which might be a challenge for software DJs who need to connect their laptop, but despite all these inconveniences, it has been a favorite for many years even among software DJs with external audio interface solutions.
Even today, with the advent of the successor Xone 96, some DJs prefer to use an external sound card. The Xone 92 is capable of creating super-smooth mixes when the 4-band EQ is used properly. It's one of the most legendary DJ tools ever created, alongside the Technics SL-1210 turntables and the Sennheiser HD25 headphones.
Xone 96
It took 15 years before the bold step was taken to upgrade the Xone 92 with a built-in sound card and some additional features like the Dual Cue System, the Crunch effect, and the Booth EQ. The decision to forgo additional gimmicks was a smart move by the manufacturer as it largely retained the feel of the 92, with a lot of comfort for DJs using their laptops.
The Xone 96 combines the best digital connectivity of its class with the distinctive analog sound of Allen & Heath, making it the best Xone mixer currently available, especially for those working with software.
Due to its extensive connectivity options, club owners and stage technicians will love the 96 as it keeps the DJ setup clean from all the cables and other external devices.
Summary and Final Words
As seen, the Xone mixer series covers a wide range of DJ styles, only those seeking a scratch mixer currently have to turn to another mixer series. Xone mixers have a particularly bad reputation in the scratch community.
Choosing the right device depends primarily on the budget, the requirements one has for connectivity as a DJ, and the skill level as a DJ (probably the most important factor). If you're just starting out or simply want to play around a bit with the Xone workflow and the VCF filter, it's best to go for the 23 or 23C models.
If you're planning long-term and want to DJ professionally, you might want to skip the mid-range (43 and PX5) and go for the 92 or 96. Although these devices come at a higher price, you can rely on these mixers for a very long time. If they meet your needs now, they're very likely to still do so in the next 5 years.