A significant leap forward has been taken in DJ technology with the launch of Allen & Heath's pioneering mixer/controller, the Xone:3D. The unique design is the amalgamation of a high performance DJ mixer, a top spec multi-channel USB soundcard, a comprehensive MIDI control surface, offering a performance workstation that integrates all the tools of the modern DJ.
The mixer section is derived from the industry-standard Xone:92 and Xone:62 designs, featuring 4 multi-input stereo channels, 3-band total kill EQ, a comprehensive cue system, 2 stereo returns, headphone monitor with mix/cue control, and high quality dual rail faders. 3D contains the Xone range's trademark VCF filters, offering low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass selection; resonance and frequency filters; plus there is an assignable LFO with depth control. The master section has 2 FX sends with pre/post fader selection, and there is a VCA crossfader.
The USB soundcard has eight channels, arranged in stereo pairs, which can operate in two modes - 6 channels from a PC and 2 returns, or 4 channels from a PC and 4 returns. Using individual professional audio standard 24bit stereo converters with an audio sampling rate of 48kHz, the card's design guarantees the best possible sound quality from laptops and PCs. The soundcard can be fed from the main mix, FX1, or direct from the channels, and features a SPDIF optical and coaxial interface. Also, the USB connection sends and receives both audio and MIDI data to and from the PC, and can be used to update firmware and set mixer configuration data.
There are dedicated MIDI control sections either side of the mixer, with a total of 8 dedicated control faders, 16 rotary controls with centre detent, 10 encoders, 50 switches, and 2 custom jog wheels with micro switches, which can be mapped for use as navigation controls for DJ software such as Ableton Live and Traktor. Xone:3D can send a total of 105 different MIDI control messages from the dedicated control sections, audio channel faders and crossfader, to the 3D's MIDI out socket and via the USB interface to the PC.
An automatic beat detector synchronises the MIDI clock to the main mix, the FX2 mix buss, or can be disabled to allow the beat to be manually tapped-in. The 3D also has connections for a footswitch controller and a gameport socket for a standard analogue joystick that can also be used as a second MIDI output.
The progressive DJ's, Chris Liebing and Richie Hawtin, have been consultants and beta testers during development of the Xone:3D.
"Technology is leading us into a very exciting and new form of DJ'ing," comments Chris Liebing. "Allen & Heath's Xone:3D is a huge step forward into that future. More fun for the DJ, more fun for the crowd!"
The Xone:3D is a combination of a fully-featured high performance DJ mixer, a top spec multi-channel USB soundcard, and a comprehensive control workstation with MIDI and PC connectivity. This versatile product has 14 stereo inputs and 10 stereo outputs, and can simultaneously mix up to 11 stereo signals.
The ALLEN & HEATH XONE:3D allows the user to manipulate and manage any source - such as mp3, CD, video and vinyl - from a central interface. It is an amalgamation of a fully-featured high performance DJ mixer, a top spec multi-channel USB soundcard, and a comprehensive control surface with MIDI and PC connectivity. This versatile product has 14 stereo inputs and 10 stereo outputs, and can simultaneously mix up to 11 stereo signals.
The Xone:3D is a unique DJ control concept allowing the user to manipulate and manage any source - such as mp3, CD, video and vinyl - from a central interface. The Xone:3D is an amalgamation of a fully-featured high performance DJ mixer, a top spec multi-channel USB soundcard, and a comprehensive control surface with MIDI and PC connectivity. This versatile product has 14 stereo inputs and 10 stereo outputs, and can simultaneously mix up to 11 stereo signals.
The Xone:3D is a stunningly versatile combination of sophisticated 4-channel DJ mixer, a high quality multi-channel USB soundcard and comprehensive MIDI control surface, packaged together in sleek but rugged Allen & Heath style.
The cutting edge DJ now has the freedom to take music sources from vinyl, CD or computer, manipulate them using favourite music software and output professional quality sound – all from the Xone:3D control surface. If offers a huge number of MIDI control points, USB connections and even a ‘gameport’ socket for joystick control.
Mixer:
4 multi-input stereo channels: RIAA preamps for turntables on 4 inputs
3-band total kill EQ: +6dB to off
2 FX sends: pre/post selection (internal on FX2)
2 stereo returns
Headphone monitor with mix/cue control: 3.5mm and ¼” sockets
Mic input: On XLR connector; gain control and 2-band EQ control available
Power supply: High performance internal switch-mode supply
RIAA: for THREE turntables (four via internal jumper link)
Dual Rail VCA Cross Fader
USB SoundCard:
Uses 24 bit stereo Analogue to Digital converters and Digital to Analogue converters (not lower spec CODECs
Sample rate can be set to either 44.1kHz or 48kHz; interfaces to any digital audio source up to 192kHz
Soundcard fed from main mix, FX1, or direct from channels
8 channels - either 6 channels from a PC and 2 returns or 4 channels from a PC and 4 returns.
Sends - mix, FX, or individual analogue channels may be routed to PC or digital outputs
MIDI Controller:
Mappable MIDI controls:
105 MIDI control messages available
8 x 60mm linear faders
16 x detented rotary pots
10 rotary encoders, 50 switches, 2 custom jog wheels with micro switches
8 illuminated push switches
Multi-function jog wheels with switched navigation control
Xone:3D is compatible with any PC software that has MIDI assignable functions: for instance,
lighting controller or visual effects programs
Allen & Heath is moving DJ technology forward with a new mixer/controller, the Xone:3D. The design is the amalgamation of a high performance DJ mixer, a multi-channel USB soundcard, and a MIDI control surface, offering a performance workstation that integrates all the tools of the modern DJ.
The mixer section is derived from the Xone:92 and Xone:62 designs, featuring four multi-input stereo channels, 3-band total kill EQ, a comprehensive cue system, two stereo returns, headphone monitor with mix/cue control, and high quality dual rail faders. 3D contains the Xone range's trademark VCF filters, offering low-pass, band-pass, and high-pass selection; resonance and frequency filters; plus there is an assignable LFO with depth control. The master section has two effects sends with pre/post fader selection, and there is a VCA crossfader.
The USB soundcard has eight channels, arranged in stereo pairs, which can operate in two modes - six channels from a PC and two returns, or four channels from a PC and four returns. The 24-bit stereo converters run at an audio sampling rate of 48 kHz. The soundcard can be fed from the main mix, FX1, or direct from the channels, and features a SPDIF optical and coaxial interface. Also, the USB connection sends and receives both audio and MIDI data to and from the PC, and can be used to update firmware and set mixer configuration data.
There are dedicated MIDI control sections either side of the mixer, with a total of eight dedicated control faders, 16 rotary controls with centre detent, 10 encoders, 50 switches, and two custom jog wheels with micro switches, which can be mapped for use as navigation controls for DJ software such as Ableton Live and Traktor. Xone:3D can send a total of 105 different MIDI control messages from the dedicated control sections, audio channel faders and crossfader, to the 3D's MIDI out socket and via the USB interface to the PC.
An automatic beat detector synchronises the MIDI clock to the main mix, the FX2 mix buss, or can be disabled to allow the beat to be manually tapped-in. The 3D also has connections for a footswitch controller and a gameport socket for a standard analogue joystick that can also be used as a second MIDI output.
Operating Levels:
Main Outputs: +4dBu XLR Headroom +22dB
Booth Output: 0dBu Jack Heasdroom +22dB
Effect Send output:-2dBu Headroom +22dB
Maximum output: +26dBu
Mic Pre-Amp Sensitivity: -45 to -15dBu
RIAA input sensitivity: 7-100mV 47K/330pF
Stereo Line input sensitivity: -10 to +8dBu
Frequency Response (20Hz-30KHz):
Mic to Main output: (+40 dB) +0/-12dB(lo-cut filter)
Line to Main output: (0dB) +0/-2dB
Distortion at 1KHz +0VU out
THD + Noise (mic in +40dB gain) <0.04%
THD + Noise (line in 0dB gain) <0.02%
Common Mode Rejection @1KHz:
Mic Input +40dB gain >-50dB
CrosstalK @1KHz:
Adjacent Channel <-90dB
Mute Shutoff N/A
Fader Shutoff <-90dB
Noise Performance (22Hz-22KHz unweighted)
Mic EIN with 150ohm source -126dB
Residual output noise: - main outputs <-97dBu
Main Mix noise: <-80dBu (84dB S/N)
Connection Impeadances:
Mic Inputs: <2K5 ohms
Line Inputs: >15K ohms
Outputs: <47 ohms
Record out N/A
Equalisation:
Gain (each band) Stereo EQ +6dB/OFF 3 BAND TOTAL KILL
Gain (each band) Mono (mic) EQ +/- 12dB
Filter 30Hz-20KHz Dual VCF with LFO
Metering:
Reading referred to Main outputs 0VU = +4dBu (9 point channel, 9 point master)
PeaK indication threshold 10dB before clipping
System:
Power supply: Internal Universal input
Power Consumption: 30W Max 20W nominal
Dimensions (WxHxD) 17 x 3.5 x 14" (432 x 88 x 358mm)
