At the centre of our studio is the Allen and Heath ZED R16, a now discontinued 16 channel "mixerface" from the famous UK brand.
It has been a foundation for us for almost a decade, and has allowed us to utilise our ever-growing collection of synths, guitars, percussion, voices, toys, FX pedals, and everything else that makes/mangles a noise, here at Stick Up Boys HQ.
The ZR16 is a sixteen channel analog mixer with a sixteen channel digital interface, which can be addressed via firewire or optical ADAT. Previously we used the firewire connectivity, so that the ZR16 acted as our audio interface as well as analog mixer; however, there are no longer Windows drivers for it, so we use the ADAT connections into our current audio interface, the rather tasty Audient ID44 Mk2. It works a treat in this mode (although 
Each of the 16 channels are identical, and can be fed from the 1/4" mono line input or, with the push of a button, the digital ADAT return, either prefader, or post fader and EQ.
The EQ is excellent, with a fixed high and low at 12Khz and 80Hz respectively, and two widely sweepable mid bands with adjustable Q. There are four mono sends, two pre fader and two post fader; one minor niggle is that there are no physical returns, so all our lovely FX returns end up eating into the generous 16 channels. Each channel has it's own switchable phantom power. There are no Hi-Z inputs.
The master section is fairly comprehensive, and we love the dual headphone outputs when we are micing things up in the studio.
The mono button is also incredibly handy for ensuring those "Ooo check out my big synth sound" moments don't collapse into nothingness when sharing earbuds with a loved one.
There is so much good stuff to say about this device. It sounds great, it is extremely straightforward to use, and like all great gear, it just gets the job done with a minimum of fuss. If you can't afford an SSL Big Six, I reckon this is the next best thing.
Do you have a great piece of music equipment you think we should have a look at? Leave a link in the comments.
Big up all the music in the world!
the Stick Up Boys
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