Allen&Heath WZ14-4-2 MK2 - Manual (Page 6)

6 WZ14:4:2+ U SER G UIDE
O
VERVIEW OF THE
MixWizard 14:4:2+
The WZ14:4:2+ combines uncompromised features with impressive performance for live sound
engineering and recording. Built on the established tradition of innovative British design and
manufacture, WZ14:4:2+ is solidly reliable for a hard life on the road and uniquely versatile for any
audio mixing application. The WZ14:4:2+ is equally at home alongside top of the range live sound
consoles such as the ALLEN & HEATH GL4000, in use in theatres, houses of worship, conference
and club installations, home and recording studios, or multi-tasking with equipment hire
companies. Check out the key features:
The Mix Wizard QCC (Quick Change Connector) system lets you quickly rotate the connectors for
rear access desk top operation, or for underside access as required when mounted in a compact
10U 19” rack space.
MSP (Minimum signal path) for transparent audio is achieved by careful circuit design using high
grade, low noise discrete and IC components aimed at providing the shortest signal path from input
to output.
The 10 mic/line input channels each feature a 4 band EQ with 2 mid-sweep controls for source
correction or enhancement equalisation, a 100Hz lo-cut filter, an EQ IN switch and individual
phantom power switching on the rear panel for inputs channels, and a global on/off switch on the
front panel. In addition, 6 auxiliary sends with up to 6dB of boost may be switched Pre/Post fader in
groups 1-4 and 5-6. The input pre-amplifier provides a wide 70dB gain range for soft and loud
signal sources. Cable matching is no longer a problem as each input offers both professional XLR
and metal TRS jack sockets for any signal level, mic or line. A smooth action 100mm long travel
fader with PAN control, ON switch and LED, Pre Fade Listen (PFL) switch, L-R, & groups 1-2, 3-4
routing switches and PEAK (PFL) LED indicator complete the input channel. INSERTS for effects
patching and DIRECT OUTPUTS for multitrack recording are also provided on the rear panel.
The 2 full facility stereo input channels feature dual inputs, A (RCA phonos) and B (jacks) each
with individual gain control and on/off switching. A 4 band EQ with HF and LF shelving together
with two fixed frequency peak/dip mid controls MF1 and MF2 providing 15dB of cut or boost.
A further 4 stereo returns ST1-4 each with feeds for AUX and L-R routing bring the total number
of input connections up to 26.
The Master section includes 100mm GROUP and L-R master faders each with AFL, balanced
XLR connectors on all outputs and INSERTS for signal processing. The MONO output is on
balanced XLR with mode switching for either LR sum (mono) output or PFL/AFL for an
engineer’s listen wedge speaker. The groups also feature individual PAN controls with L-R and ON
switches.
Above the groups, the AUX SEND master level controls provide an extra 10dB boost and AFL
switches for monitoring. The GROUP/AUX reverse switch bank is located below the aux master
section. Mode switching enables the user to reverse the aux outputs with the group outputs to
configure the console for either FOH operation or on stage monitoring or both. This provides aux
masters on balanced XLRs with inserts and fader control. The groups are redirected to the Aux
master level controls and are on balanced TRS jacks. Individual mode switching for each
Aux/Group is available permitting a wide variety of applications. Refer to the MODE SWITCHING
section on page 16.
A useful oscillator allows a tone or pink noise signal to be sent to key outputs for system
checking/alignment. Refer to Page 18 for details.
A headphone socket with level control is provided together with two 12 segment bargraph level
meters for L & R signal monitoring.
2-Track recording and playback is set with the individual send and return level controls with routing
for replay to the L-R mix. An XLR socket is provided for the talkback mic with a trim control for
talkback to aux 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 in pairs.
A rugged all metal construction features all-metal jack sockets combined with individual circuit
boards secured to the front panel via all rotary controls. No-nonsense solid build ensures on-the
road reliability.