Allen & Heath ZED R16

$529.93 Price Tier: Standard

5.0 (4)

1 Review

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Page last updated Jul 03, 2026

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We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 3, 2026.

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5.0 (4)

$529.93 7 available Used

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Average Price: $530

Standard/Professional

$200

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Mixers category, Allen & Heath ZED R16 is priced in the Standard/Professional range. This is quality gear at a fair price point, suitable for beginners, hobbyists, and pros alike.

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Description

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The Allen & Heath ZED-R16 is the quintessential mixer for musicians who demand versatility and exceptional audio quality. Perfectly bridging the gap between live performance and studio recording, this mixer offers a seamless blend of analog warmth and digital precision. Whether you're equipping your studio or preparing for a live gig, the ZED-R16 stands ready to deliver with its robust FireWire and ADAT I/O capabilities, allowing 26 simultaneous inputs and outputs.

This 16-channel mixer is packed with features to enhance your sound. Its high-quality microphone preamplifiers are engineered for clarity and low noise, ensuring your recordings are as pristine as possible. The fully-featured EQ section, with two swept parametric mids and high- and low-shelving, offers comprehensive tone shaping, drawing inspiration from Allen & Heath's pro touring mixers.

Beyond its impressive audio capabilities, the ZED-R16 also excels as a control surface. With MIDI-assignable controls and DAW integration, you can easily map your mixer to your software for a seamless workflow. The built-in condenser talkback mic and flexible output options add even more utility, making it a valuable asset for studio sessions and live performances alike.

A true workhorse in any setting, the Allen & Heath ZED-R16 is a mix of cutting-edge technology and thoughtful design, ensuring your sound is always at its best.

Key Features:

16 mono inputs with high-quality microphone preamplifiers
2 stereo inputs
FireWire and ADAT I/O for 26 simultaneous inputs/outputs
4-band fully-parametric EQ
MIDI-assignable controls with DAW integration
Built-in condenser talkback microphone
Includes Cakewalk SONAR LE music production software

Product specs

Brand	Allen & Heath
Model	ZED-R16 16-Channel Firewire Recording Mixer
Finish	Black/Red
Year	2010s
Categories	Audio Mixers, Consoles and Summing Boxes

FAQs

What kind of connectivity options does the Allen & Heath ZED R16 offer?: The Allen & Heath ZED R16 provides Firewire connectivity for seamless integration with DAWs, along with MIDI I/O and ADAT optical connections, making it versatile for both digital and analog setups.
Is the Allen & Heath ZED R16 compatible with popular DAWs like Ableton Live and Pro Tools?: Yes, the ZED R16 is compatible with major DAWs such as Ableton Live and Pro Tools, providing reliable performance for recording and mixing.
What are the standout features of the Allen & Heath ZED R16's mixing capabilities?: The ZED R16 features 16 channels with high-quality preamps, 4-band EQs, and flexible routing options, making it ideal for professional studio environments.
Can the Allen & Heath ZED R16 be used for live sound applications?: Yes, the ZED R16 is versatile enough for both studio and live sound applications, offering robust build quality and comprehensive I/O options.
Does the Allen & Heath ZED R16 have built-in effects?: The ZED R16 does not have built-in effects but provides extensive routing and connectivity options to integrate external effects processors.

Reviews

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PROS

Preamps and EQ are very good, enhancing acoustic recordings
Includes MIDI control for a variety of DAWs
Supports hybrid mixing with inserts on all channels
Durable, with users reporting long-term reliability
Effective for live and studio recordings
Offers comprehensive master section for detailed sound shaping
Includes a multitrack audio interface plus MIDI control surface
Compatible with major recording software like Reaper and ProTools
Provides 16 channels of good AD-DA conversion

CONS

Limited MIDI control documentation
Lacks subgroups, replaced with 4 programmable MIDI faders
Auxiliary busses are not switchable between pre and post-fader

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Allen & Heath ZED R16.

Features and functionality

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The ZED R16's ADC send is post-EQ, pre-fader, while the return can be switched from pre-insert, pre-EQ to pre-fader, post-EQ.
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The R16 serves as a 16x2 FireWire interface, allowing for individual track recording, unlike other ZED models that limit to stereo mix.
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Using ADAT, the ZED R16 can connect to interfaces like the Audient iD44, enabling additional preamps and monitor control while maintaining ADAT input capabilities.
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The RME Digiface USB allows access to the ZED R16's 16-channel AD/DA converters via ADAT, although the stereo mix requires the FireWire port for access.
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The ZED R16 supports up to 48kHz on its ADAT banks, whereas the Audient iD44 supports up to 96kHz, albeit with fewer inputs.
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Build quality

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Users report flimsy construction; failures in mute and PFL switches noted after extended use, even in well-maintained environments.
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Comparisons

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Mackie Onyx 1640i is mentioned as a $500 cheaper alternative, though it typically requires modification for pre-EQ A/D conversion.
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UAD interfaces are limited to 8 ADAT channels per bank; a full 16-channel setup would require two units, unlike the iD44 which manages 16 channels more efficiently.
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User experience

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Some users find group busses on the ZED series very noisy, making it unsuitable for mixdowns in studio settings.
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Software and compatibility

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The ZED R16 struggles with random sample rate cycling on Windows 10, which is resolved by using an older driver version but may cause BSODs due to conflicts with Nvidia drivers.
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Use cases and applications

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Users maintain the ZED R16's relevance by integrating it with modern interfaces using ADAT connections, allowing continued use despite outdated direct connectivity options.
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Owners suggest combining the ZED R16 with 500 series gear like SSL channels or Neve for enhanced analog sound, feeding these into the interface for richer tone.
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Mods and upgrades

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Summing mixers like the Neve Orbit or Phoenix Audio Nicerizer are recommended for adding color and finishing records with the ZED R16 setup.
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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings

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kenu

over 10 years ago

Allen Heath quality

16 good pres, 16 channel of good AD-DA conversion, 16 good sound equalizers and 16 channel mixer for under 2500€. Should i say more? A must have if you want to record live performances or a decent number of simultaneously audio channels.