Allen & Heath XB-14-2

A "Broadcast" Console Designed for the Realities of Broadcasting

The XB-14 belongs to the family of non-modular consoles intended for the radio environment: a design focused on continuous broadcasting, quick intervention, and management of typical studio sources (microphones, players, monitors, and telephone links). While a "live music" console prioritizes stage versatility, the XB-14 emphasizes broadcast automation and coordination of playback equipment to secure transitions and streamline daily work.

This approach is reflected in its overall architecture: dedicated channels, ergonomics designed for hosting, and control functions allowing integration of studio equipment without multiplying peripherals or manipulations during a broadcast.

Who Is It For and What Are Its Uses?

The XB-14 console is primarily aimed at web radios, community radios, corporate webradio studios, and any organization producing "on-air" content: live shows, interviews, segments, news, talk shows, podcasts recorded live, or guest panels.

Its 2 hybrid telephone channels facilitate call management (guests, listeners, contributors), while the presence of start/cue outputs and mute functions helps maintain a clean broadcast: fewer feedbacks, fewer oversights, and smoother transitions. The headphone outputs with guest mix are also an asset for hosting studio contributors while maintaining separate control in the control room.

Broadcast Functions: Speed, Automation, and Control

Integrated Telephone Hybrids: Remote Guests as Studio Sources

With 2 hybrid telephone channels, the XB-14 is designed to integrate remote contributions in a structured way, just like a line source. Dedicated equalization on these channels (2 bands) allows refining clarity and intelligibility, particularly useful for voice.

Microphone Fader Start and Internal Mutes: Cleaner "On-Air" Management

In radio operation, speed and reliability are paramount. The XB-14 includes a microphone fader start and an internal automatic mute for master outputs to support common studio actions. The goal: reduce ancillary manipulations, limit errors during live broadcasts, and improve consistency between what happens on the mixing surface and what goes on air.

Stereo Start/Cue: Player Control and Controlled Transitions

The stereo start/cue outputs are designed for CD player control and, more broadly, to structure playback/listening logic in a broadcast environment. This facilitates starts, pre-listening, and transitions while maintaining a clear organization of sources.

Headphones and Guest Mix: Listening Adapted to Hosting

The XB-14 features headphone outputs with a separate mix for guests, a real plus in the studio: the host retains listening comfort, while the guest can receive an adapted monitor (voice, jingles, telephone, etc., depending on your setup). This separation helps produce more natural exchanges and avoid confusion during live broadcasts.

External Mute Control: Studio Integration via Sub-D 15

To integrate into a control room, some mutes can be controlled remotely via the 15-pin Sub-D port. This possibility opens the door to a more "automated" installation (depending on your configuration), useful for synchronizing equipment or studio logic around live broadcasts.

Technical specifications