Audiosure: Allen & Heath's Xone:92

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- Published: 12 May 10
An instrument of musical elocution. A masterpiece amongst mixers
If there was a Louvre for DJ mixers you would be sure to find the Xone92 occupying one of the positions of honour there. It really is one of the best pieces of gear I've had the pleasure of working on and it's not often that a piece of hardware can enamour an old pro like me. But after all, it is an Allen and Heath. This legendary company started off in the early 70's hand building mixers for iconic bands like Pink Floyd and the Who and have progressed into producing mixers for all aspects of live audio from TV and Radio through to Touring, Clubs, Theatres and Places of Worship. The words warmth and depth are synonymous with the Allen & Heath brand and every mixer I've had the pleasure of working on possesses its own auditory signature. This is no chance event either; it is achieved by Allen & Heath having a huge passion for audio that runs from the directors through to its engineers and down to the feet on the assembly factory floors. When developing the Xone series, high profile DJ's were consulted from the get-go to ensure that nothing unnecessary made its way to the final product and that the audio and functionality remained as uncompromised as any product that carries the Allen and Heath logo. The result on the flagship Xone92 is a mixer that can trade blows with any piece of DJ gear out there. The Xone92 is a 6 Channel stereo mixer that can accommodate 4 Phono or Line signals with two Mic Filters. Each of these filters can be manipulated by independent LFO's and can be run as Low Pass, High Pass or Band Pass filters with frequency and resonance manipulations. To those of you who want an effects section the Xone 92 comes with a MIDI Output so you can control external devices like Korg's Kaoss Pad 3, drum machines or a sequencer like Ableton Live. While working with sequencers the MIDI output can be set to provide a MIDI time clock with 6 controls being assignable to MIDI values. It might take a couple of tries to accurately tap in the correct tempo but you can re-adjust the timing using the rotary tempo. Booth monitoring on the Xone92 is via TRS Jacks for a balanced output source; couple this with rotary volume control and booth Mute and Mono buttons and you have a monitoring section that can be set and recalled live. The headphone section is equally comprehensive; so besides the backlit Cue buttons over each channel you can select your cue to monitor Post-EQ or to listen directly to Aux 1 and 2 independently or mixed down. The traditional rotary Cue to Master system is in effect with the option to split. The headphone sockets are via " or 3.5 mm Jacks. The output section follows the same professionalism as the cueing section with both sets of main outputs being offered in a balanced format each with its own rotary volume control with a nine segment stereo meter on the face of the mixer. Output 1 is via XLR and Output 2 via TRS Jacks, with an additional record output via RCA or Stereo return channels; this adds up to a staggering 10 stereo channels and 2 microphones at the same time. Each of the channels have a 4 band EQ with full cuts on the treble and bass with the mids split into highs and lows with a parametric set-up which narrows the bandwidth for boosts and widens them for cuts. The four central channels each have nine segment volume meters whilst the Mic/ Return channels have a single signal/overload light. Every channel on the Xone92 has its own set of Aux Sends (1 & 2) with the option to send the source PreLine Fader or straight out. The Xone 92 comes standard with VCA twin rail linear faders and a Penny & Giles performance crossfader with gradient control but you have the option to order a rotary version. Unique to the Xone 92 is the use of two variable Voltage Controlled Who Should Own One? Everyone should own or at least get a chance to play on this mixer to understand what makes it so good. This mixer slots in at the top end of DJ audio spectrum as comfortably as Lionel Messi slots footballs into nets. One might encounter a DJM800 at a club and go "awesome", but when one finds out that you are going to be working on a Xone 92, its like getting Lobster Bisque brought to the table when you ordered Prawns. The Verdict It's really difficult to say anything bad about this mixer because there is virtually nothing on it I can
http://www.mio.co.za/print-version/audiosure-allen-heaths-xone92-2010-05-12

13/07/2010

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fault. The line faders all feel solid and the gradients were perfect for long flowing mixes but I could see some people wanting adjustable gradient curves for the line faders and a full effects section. All the pots are slightly oversized and generously rubberised to allow for a greater measure of control, and all the buttons and switches felt nice and springy and I would feel very confident of them performing consistently year-in and year-out. Setting up the MIDI operation for Ableton was a synch, and the output and headphones sections are pure class. As with any Allen & Heath mixer while we may perv over the external components, they pale in comparison to the internal ones, and the warmth of the circuitry adds depth and character to any music being played through it. For the spec freaks among us a maximum dynamic range of 110 dB speaks volumes of the Xone92. In conclusion, the Allen & Heath Xone92 is a mixer with personality, and that's what I love about it the most. The bottom line is this; it is the perfect mixer whether you mix trance, house, breaks or techno. PUBLISHED BY BPM MAGAZINE (www.bpmmag.co.za) Reviewed by Dave Skinz.
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SERVICE MANUAL

Publication AP5296

Introduction

This publication provides technical information on servicing the Allen & Heath XONE:92. Included are system block diagram, internal layout drawing and circuit schematics with board layouts. Whilst we believe this information to be reliable we do not assume responsibility for inaccuracies. We also reserve the right to make changes in the interest of further product development.

Additional Resources

Allen & Heath web site www.allen-heath.com Product information Technical downloads Distribution contacts Company contacts See web for local contact Operating instructions Performance specification User jumper link options
Technical support Xone:92 user guide
support@allen-heath.com AP5345
Xone:92 Service Information
Issue status: Print date:
xone92_ap5296_1.doc 20 April 2004
Copyright 2004 Allen & Heath. All rights reserved
Manufactured in the United Kingdom by Allen & Heath Kernick Industrial Estate, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9LU, UK http://www.allen-heath.com

xone92_ap5296_1.doc

Servicing Precautions General Notes

Service personnel:

Service work should be carried out by technically qualified service personnel only. Mains power is dangerous and can kill. Do not attempt to work on a linear or switched mode power supply if you are not suitably qualified to do so. Do not attempt to repair surface mount circuit assemblies unless you are suitably qualified and have the necessary facilities to do so. Replacement circuit assemblies can be ordered. Ensure a suitably sized work surface is available. Ensure this is clear of dirt, debris and obstructions which may damage the equipment surfaces. Ensure adequate lighting. Use the correct tools for the job and ensure they are in good working order. Ensure all workshop safety requirements are adhered to. Check that you have all the information you need before starting the service job. Refer to the Allen & Heath web site or contact Allen & Heath technical support for details on the latest information. Full technical information can be downloaded from the web site Distributor Zone (password required). Connect the equipment to mains power only of the type described in the user guide and marked on the rear panel. The power source must provide a good ground connection. Ensure you always use an isolation transformer when working on any mains power supply unit. Use the correct power cord as supplied with the equipment. Do not remove or tamper with the ground connection in the power cord. Heed the Important Mains Plug Wiring Instructions printed in the user guide if it is necessary to rewire the mains cord. Always replace the equipment mains fuse with the correct type and rating as described in the user guide and marked on the equipment panel. Switch off and remove the mains power cord before opening the equipment. Ensure all power supply covers and safety shields are in place before applying power with the unit open for diagnostic fault finding. Before finishing, check the quality and accuracy of the service work carried out. Remove any dirt or debris as this may cause equipment failure in the future. Ensure all assemblies, harnesses and connectors are correctly aligned and plugged in. Ensure that jumper settings and control configurations are correctly set according to the requirements of the customer. Before operating the equipment, read and adhere to the Important Safety Instructions printed in the user guide. Test that the service work has been successfully carried out. Use adequate packing such as the original packaging or purpose designed flight case if you need to ship the unit. To avoid injury to yourself or damage to the equipment take care when lifting, moving or carrying the equipment.

Service facilities:

Service information:

Mains power:

Mains cord and fuse:
Opening the unit: Closing the unit:
Testing the unit: Shipping the unit:

Servicing Notes XONE:92

User maintenance: Technology:
There are several user configurable jumper links inside. These are described in the user guide together with instructions on how to change the default settings. The XONE:92 uses SMT (surface mount) PCB technology. In certain cases it may be better to replace a faulty assembly rather than try to fix it without the appropriate tools and training. The power supply is a built-in universal mains input, switched mode circuit which should be serviced by suitably qualified personnel only. The XONE:92 is a performance club mixer. To ensure optimum performance and reliability it should be connected and operated as described in the user guide. Refer to the system block diagram and circuit drawings to follow through the signal path during fault diagnosis. Replace suspected faulty components only with those specified by Allen & Heath. The use of lower grade alternatives may degrade the performance. Ensure the RCA phono insert jumper links are pressed fully in if fitted.

Operation: Fault finding:

Contents Log

XONE:92 Historical Change Log.. xone92_ap5296_1.pdf Removing the Top Panel. xone92_top_panel_removal_1.pdf Internal Layout drawing..xone92_layout_1.pdf Surface and Main Parts.. xone92_parts_1.pdf Block Diagram.. xone92_blockdiagram_1.pdf Stereo Fader PCB Assembly. xone92_002-684_stereo_fader_3.pdf Mic/Stereo Return PCB Assy.xone92_003-136_mic_stereoreturn_1.pdf Stereo Input PCB Assembly.. xone92_003-137_stereo_2.pdf Filter 1 & 2 PCB Assembly..xone92_003-138_143_filter_2.pdf Master PCB Assembly.. xone92_003-139_master_1.pdf Crossfader PCB Assembly..xone92_003-140_xfade_1.pdf Slave PCB Assembly.. xone92_003-141_slave_1.pdf Connector PCB Assembly. xone92_003-142_connector_1.pdf Linear Fader PCB Assembly.. xone92_003-144_linear_fader_1.pdf Rotary Fader PCB Assembly.xone92_003-145_rotary_fader_1.pdf PSU PCB Assembly... xone92_003-233_psu_1.pdf
XONE:92 Historical Change Log
The following list identifies historical changes to the XONE:92. The effective dates, serial numbers and related change note documentation are included for reference to help identify the correct issue circuit boards and components. Whilst we believe this information to be reliable we do not assume responsibility for inaccuracies. We also reserve the right to make changes in the interest of further product development.

Assembly

003-138/143

Description

Value change to Filter 1 & 2 PCBs

From Serial Number

060507

25/02/04

Change Note Number