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Description

Product specs

Brand Allen & Heath
Model MixWizard WZ3 16:2 16-Input Stereo Mixer
Year 2004 - 2013
Made In United Kingdom
Categories Audio Mixers, Consoles and Summing Boxes

FAQs

What are the input and output options on the Allen & Heath MixWizard WZ3 16:2 mixer?

The MixWizard WZ3 16:2 features 16 mono inputs with mic/line capability, 2 stereo returns, and 6 auxiliary outputs. It also includes direct outputs for each channel, making it versatile for various live and studio applications.

Is the Allen & Heath MixWizard WZ3 16:2 suitable for live sound applications?

Yes, the MixWizard WZ3 16:2 is designed for both live sound and studio use, offering robust build quality and flexible routing options ideal for live performances.

Does the MixWizard WZ3 16:2 have built-in effects?

Yes, the MixWizard WZ3 16:2 includes a built-in effects processor with a range of reverb, delay, and modulation effects, allowing for enhanced sound processing without the need for external units.

Can the MixWizard WZ3 16:2 be rack-mounted?

Yes, the MixWizard WZ3 16:2 is designed to be rack-mountable, making it convenient for installations in both studio and live sound environments.

What is the EQ configuration on the MixWizard WZ3 16:2?

The MixWizard WZ3 16:2 features a 4-band EQ with two swept mids on each channel, providing detailed frequency control for precise sound shaping.

Reviews

PROS

  • Generous headroom for dynamic range in live performances

  • Four auxes switchable pre-fader for flexible monitoring

  • Internal jumpers allow auxes to be customized per channel

  • Surprising quality built-in reverb and delays

  • Highly reliable for live music, prompting repeat purchases

CONS

  • Not the quietest mixer option available

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Allen & Heath MixWizard WZ3 16:2 16-Input Stereo Mixer.

Features and functionality

  • Internal jumpers allow customization of routing, enabling effects from aux 5/6 to be routed to monitor sends 1-4.

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  • The reverb effects send is post fader, affecting how much reverb reaches monitors based on channel fader position.

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  • Internal FX includes 16 programs with MIDI-connected external editing software.

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  • Some inputs produce a louder signal when cables are only halfway inserted, suggesting design quirks with the mixer’s input architecture.

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  • The MixWizard's analog design limits scene recall capabilities; users often resort to photographing settings for manual recall.

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  • Offers six aux sends, providing more flexibility than some analog mixers of similar size, which typically offer fewer sends.

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User experience

  • Multiple users note the challenge of balancing reverb in monitors due to feedback concerns, emphasizing proper tuning and monitoring setup.

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  • Owners frequently encounter signal problems when using unbalanced outputs from instruments, necessitating the use of DI boxes or balanced connections for proper functionality.

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  • Owners appreciate the MixWizard for its robust build and analog charm, often citing nostalgia and ease of use for basic mixing tasks.

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Use cases and applications

  • Returning reverb on a channel allows sending effects to both mains and monitors, offering greater control over mix adjustments.

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  • Some users prefer dry monitors for precise vocal feedback, while others appreciate slight reverb for a more natural sound in in-ear monitors (IEMs).

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  • Ideal for learning sound fundamentals, the MixWizard is praised for its simplicity, making it a good teaching tool for beginners.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Issues with input signal sometimes resolve by using TRS cables, indicating the mixer requires balanced inputs for optimal performance.

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  • Problems with input jacks often relate to poorly seated ribbon cables; reseating and cleaning them can alleviate signal issues.

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Comparisons

  • Compared to the X32 Compact, the MixWizard lacks digital scene recall, making it less suitable for complex live cue management.

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Critic Reviews

Allen & Heath MixWizard WZ3 16:2

soundonsound.com

The Allen & Heath MixWizard WZ3 16:2 mixer is a robust workhorse, excelling with clean preamps, comprehensive EQ, and a user-friendly layout ideal for both studio and live settings. Its discrete circuit boards and customizable options, like individual phantom power, stand out. However, the effects section is cumbersome to tweak, lacking an intuitive bypass and relying on software for detailed adjustments—a step back from its otherwise hands-on design. Despite its steep price, the mixer's build quality and versatility justify the investment for those seeking enduring and adaptable audio gear.

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