ZED24

Ready for action in many ways, you can really choose your own adventure with Zed24. Simply laid out, with 16 mono channels and some stereo goodies. Each mono channel has XLR mic input / phono line input, and an insert point. The 3-band eq has a mid sweep, and you also get 4 aux sends (2 pre, 2 post fade). If you want...send a couple of auxes out of the USB, and you've got a straight-to-computer recording solution, or an FX send/return for using your laptop's plug-ins as effects. The 4 stereo channels have all the control you would expect from Allen & Heath.

Solid design and build quality: "utilises individual vertically mounted channel circuit boards with each rotary control fixed with a metal nut to the front panel - making a much more robust product that will resist damage and give years of reliable use. ZED also has professional 100mm faders for ultimate control over your levels" And most importantly thesedays, it's priced within reach of most budgets. Live, studio, installed or portable. Includes SONAR LE, which is great for stereo or multi-track recording (or start fiddling with the effects and Zed's USB straight away).