Allen & Heath Xone:DB2

(See below)

UTILIZATION

(See below)

SOUNDS

(See below)

OVERALL OPINION

I spend an Allen Heath Xone 62 I loved this Xone DB2. The Xone 62 had good ergonomics, a fearsome sound, and VCA filters that are a killer. As I was mixing on vinyl, this table was ideal because of its purely analog system.
Then I switched to digital, and suddenly I needed additional functionality. Initially, I hesitated between going on a Xone 4D, or from a DB2 Xone with two controllers. Finally, I opted for the second solution. I mix all techno / minimal / tech-house that dubstep or drum'n'bass.
This review was written after two days of use, suddenly it could evolve over time.

Why I love this mixer?
- Configuration: unpacking the table, we need to learn to use a mixer. Indeed, it has a lot of customization options. So, should tamper with the menus. But you can easily find the right settings for the interface is really simple.
- By mixing the Xone 62, I used many many many VCA filters to chain. The Xone DB2 or made worse, is that the analog filter VCA is my best taste a digital filter. The Xone DB2 or explodes the Xone 62 is that you can turn the traditional EQ "filter", suddenly EQ "bass" is a low-pass, EQ "high" becomes a high-pass , and EQ "mid" is resonance. And from there, it becomes magical. Try, it is adopted.
- Sound: I could not try it on a large sound system, but on my fresh Equator D5, it sounds really good. The knobs and faders are more accurate than the Xone 62, suddenly it less forgiving mistakes. This part will change later.
- Sound card built: suddenly, no need to have a sound card, etc. 5 RCA cables. You plug the Xone DB2 PC, you plug the XLR audio system, and it works.
- Box of effects: it is effective, but take the time to test each effect individually. But they are quite interesting, and do not "gouzigouzi" as would the application of Virtual DJ for example.

In summary, I am fully satisfied with this mixer, it responds exactly to my expectations. I can only recommend it.

Possible improvements:
- To make settings profiles, as it can create their profile and assign it to the Xone he will use.
- To reverse the direction of EQ "filters" (among other pass-up)
- To synchronize the BPM of the box Traktor effects Xone
- In the effects section, the filter is very nice, but it would be nice for example to set it up or pass-pass-low is
- When you have the EQ in trimodal "filter" mode, you can not add more bass to a song, for example. It would be interesting to have a graphic equalizer that would be in the menus, which apply to the Master.

The console is rackable with optional bracket.

For details see the Allen & Heath website features.

Connectivity is limited to the union minimum, keeping the essentials. Console 4 voice over microphone.
The equalizer is fully configurable in the menu, isolators, equalizer or filter. Slope of the cross-fader also adjustable in the menu.

2 boxes of independent effect rather well done, and well configured. Easy to use (setting expression, resonance), fits well in the mixes.

UTILIZATION

Yes the general configuration is simple, even if the console seems complicated at first sight. The usual functions are easily accessible. Even when we go into the menu, the settings are simple and intuitive unlike that suggested can leave this console. We finally relatively surprised.

The manual is in English. I have hitherto never consulted, not needed.

SOUNDS

The console is transparent and introduces no breath. Yes equalizer is effective in any mode. The sound is beautiful, clean, dynamic, need I say more, which is why we buy Allen ...
While it's a digital console, I is slightly above my old Xone 62 (yes, really).

OVERALL OPINION

I've had about 6 months. I said in another review when my Xone62 would have died I would resume the same, but in the mood to try something else I sold my 62 and bought this one.

Models, I got a few hands, Freevox, Bst, Xone 62, Beringher, Ecler ... and I next to his piopio a DJM700.

What I like the most, a lot of things: the excellent and exquisite sound of this console, very good finish (plus Allen can provide buttons knob replacement). Ease of use ...

What I like least: The crossfader not graduated. At least one reference for the mid-point would have been nice. It is not in use for the cut, no problem, but if it is used very gradually is less. It is the small detail that makes c ****.


Despite to detail, go, go for it.

Bought about € 1050 Promotion, yes it is a very wise choice, value and excellent price

The rack console is it?
To my knowledge, the brackets are optional.

What is the type of connectors (RCA, Jack, XLR ...)?
The connection is quite low for a console of this range, means ...
Available input:
- 4 RCA inputs (2 phono switchable by switch on the rear, 2 internal switchable via the console menus)
- 2 digital inputs (for CDJ)
- A PCM channel (with a dedicated channel EQs and High / Mid) Communtable Line IN input (RCA) / Mic IN (XLR) with switch on the table).
- A port X-link, which allows you to route a controller information noon xone K2 to software
- A USB port to send the card with USB2 or 8INs/8OUTs du Midi (the table one afternoon shift, but can also send a MIDI K2 connected to the table in X-Link).

Output, we have:
- A XLR master output,
- An output Jack Booth,
- A record output in RCA
- The USB2 port which allows you to route the sound from the different inputs to the program of your choice.

All outputs are configurable so fine in the menus on the table.


And it is tout.On is far from the 92 connectivity gargantuan, but it is already beautiful work ...

What is the accuracy of the sampling (bits / kHz)?
It is 24 bit / 96KHz

How many lanes, bus attendant, departures, returns ... ?
- The console is a four-lane road + 1 Mic. All are assignable crossfader, and suddenly a DSP processors.
The big advantage of the table (in my eyes) is the Input Matrix system, borrowed from Denon DN and NX-1600 and 1700. Each channel is independent of the physical inputs, inputs are assigned to a channel via a knob associated with a 4-position switch (USB / Analogigique / Digital) .. The interest thing is that it allows a great modularity and also route the same song on two different paths to the "remix" on the fly.
How departure / return? NO, but when you see the quality of the effects offered, I do not see much use to add something else ...

The parametric equalizer is it?
Everything is configurable ... If there is no such switch on an analogue desk, we can fix everything in the menus (slope faders, the crossfader, ...) including switch between three modes of EQs ... And there ... Happiness ...
We have three methods at our disposal:
- EQs traditional
- Isolators,
- Filters ...

UTILIZATION

Coming up in the evening

SOUNDS

Coming up in the evening

OVERALL OPINION

Coming up in the evening