Allen&Heath WZ14-4-2 User Manual

LIMITED ONE YEAR WARRANTY

This product has been manufactured in the UK by ALLEN & HEATH and
is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for
period of one year from the date of purchase by the original owner.

To ensure a high level of performance and reliability for which this
equipment has been designed and manufactured, read this User Guide
before operating.

In the event of a failure, notify and return the defective unit to ALLEN &
HEATH or its authorised agent as soon as possible for repair under
warranty subject to the following conditions

CONDITIONS OF WARRANTY

1. The equipment has been installed and operated in accordance with
the instructions in this User Guide

2. The equipment has not been subject to misuse either intended or
accidental, neglect, or alteration other than as described in the User
Guide or Service Manual, or approved by ALLEN & HEATH.

3. Any necessary adjustment, alteration or repair has been carried out
by ALLEN & HEATH or its authorised agent.

4. The defective unit is to be returned carriage prepaid to ALLEN &
HEATH or its authorised agent with proof of purchase.

5. Units returned should be packed to avoid transit damage

These terms of warranty apply to UK sales. In other territories the terms
may vary according to legal requirements. Check with your ALLEN &
HEATH agent for any additional warranty which may apply.

WZ 14:4:2 User Guide AP3190 Issue 1. Copyright © 1997 Allen & Heath. All rights reserved

MANUFACTURED IN ENGLAND ALLEN & HEATH AGENT:

ALLEN & HEATH
Kernick Industrial Estate
Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9LU. UK
http://www.allen-heath.com

A DIVISION OF HARMAN INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIES Ltd

INTRODUCTION

The WZ14:4:2 continues ALLEN & HEATH’s commitment to provide high quality audio
mixing consoles engineered to meet the exacting requirements of today’s audio business. It
brings you the latest in high performance technology and offers the reassurance of over two
decades of console manufacture and customer support.

This user guide presents a quick reference to the function and application of the WZ14:4:2.
We recommend that you read this guide fully before starting. For your convenience, the
following pages contain information about applications, installing and connecting the console
and its input and output sections. Front and rear panel drawings are included with a
technical specification and a system block diagram is printed on the rear cover. For further
information on the basic principles of audio system engineering, please refer to one of the
specialist publications available from book shops and audio equipment dealers.

Whilst we believe the information in this guide to be reliable we do not assume responsibility
for inaccuracies. We also reserve the right to make changes in the interest of further product
development.

SERVICE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT

We are able to offer further product support through our world-wide network of approved
dealers and service agents. You can also access our Web site on the internet for
information on our product range, assistance with your technical queries or simply to chat
about matters audio... To help us provide the most efficient service please keep a record of
the console serial number, and date and place of purchase to be quoted in any
communication regarding this product.

SAFETY WARNING!

Mains electricity is dangerous and can kill. Mains voltage is present within the console.
Do not remove the covers with mains electricity connected. To ensure your safety, mains earth

is connected to the chassis through the power lead. Do not remove this mains earth connection.

To avoid the risk of fire, replace the mains fuse only with the correct value and type as
indicated on the connector panel.

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS

Your WZ14:4:2 is ruggedly constructed to withstand the rigours of the road whether location
mixing or live gigging. However, you will extend the life of the console and preserve its
cosmetics by applying these simple common sense precautions.

Prevent damage to the controls and cosmetics by avoiding drinks spillage, tobacco ash,
smoke, and exposure to rain and moisture. If the console becomes wet switch off and
remove mains power immediately. Allow to dry out thoroughly before using again.

Protect from excessive dirt, dust, heat and vibration when operating and storing.

Avoid the use of chemicals, abrasives or solvents. The control panel is best cleaned with a
soft brush and dry lint-free cloth. The faders, switches and potentiometers are lubricated for
life. The use of electrical lubricants on these parts is not recommended.

TRANSPORTING THE CONSOLE

The console may be transported as a free-standing unit or mounted in a rack or flightcase.
Ensure that the connector pod is secured in place with the locking screws fitted to prevent
movement. Use adequate packing if you need to ship the unit.

WZ14:4:2 USER GUIDE 3

OVERVIEW OF THE Mix Wizard 14:4:2

The WZ14:4:2 offers the professional user an uncompromised feature set with impressive
performance for live sound engineering and recording. It is built on the established tradition
of innovative British design and manufacture. The console 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 channels 1-4, global for channels
5-10, 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 TRS jack sockets for any
signal level, mic or line. A smooth action 100mm long travel fader with PAN control, ON
switch, 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 15.

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 individual circuit boards secured to the front panel
via all rotary controls. No nonsense solid build ensures on the road reliability.

4 WZ14:4:2 USER GUIDE

FRONT OF HOUSE

Live bands, Theatre, Church, Disco, Club, etc...

MONO

2

4

L

5

EFFECTS

FOLDBACK

groupsLRMONO

pre-fade aux sends

retur ns

6

1

3

TWO TRACK RECORDER

R

play record

EFFECTS PROCESSOR

insert

Post-fader aux sends

GRAPHIC EQUALISERS

Graphic equalisers are used to compensate for
adverse room acoustics. These devices help reduce
acoustic fe edback and enhance the cl arity of the
sound.

This example shows the 4 groups, L - R
and Mono outputs feeding a 7 stack
FOH amplification system. The groups
provide independent control of the
additional left and right loudspeaker
stacks or may be used for zone feeds or
for subgrouping to the L-R mix.

Select aux 1-4 post fade to access 4
effect processing devices. Use stereo
returns 1-4 to add the effects to L-R and
mono mix. Alternatively, return the
effects to the stereo channels which
allows fader control and EQ to be
added.

AUX

POST

PRE

Select aux 5-6 pre-fader for foldback
monitor sends.

The channel and output inserts may be
used for outboard effects and signal
processing devices such as
compressors, limiters and graphic
equalisers.

TWO TRACK RECORDING AND INTERMISSION

REPLAY

Use the console two track send and return sockets for
connecting a cassette or DAT recorder. Alternatively,
connect a CD player to the console two track return
sockets for intermission replay. This does not affect the
recording process.

12­34-

56

These s witches are reces sed
to avoid accidental
operation. Set using a pen

REV REV REV REV REV REV

tip or pointed object.

Set the

AUX REVERSE

switches to the up position for
convent ional a ux/group
operation

Set the

LR SUM MONO

switch to up for mono out
(L+R sum)

1 R

WZ14:4:2 USER GUIDE 5

STAGE MONITOR

r

On stage mixing system for local (side of stage) control of performers monitor loudspeakers (wedges)
with dedicated output for monitor engineer’s listen wedge.

to FOH

console

mic
splitter

inserts

AMPLIFI ERS

1

2

STAGE MONITORS

3

4

5

ENGINEER'S WEDGE MONITOR

Set up the WEDGE MIX by selecting
one or a combination of the
groups/L-R AFL switches to listen to
the desired monitor outputs. These
are post insert and therefore post
graphic EQ and post fader fo
accurate monitoring.

SIGNAL PROCESSOR

Pressing any PFL or AFL switch
allows channel set up and signal
checking.

GRAPHIC EQUALISERS

Graphic equalisers plugged into the console inserts are an invaluable aid to
reducing on-stage acoustic feedback and enhancing the clarity of the
monitors. Using AFL allows the stage engineer to check the operation of
the equalisers in the listen wedge monitor. It is best to use the same type
of loudspeaker for the engineer's monitor as those used on stage.

6

This example shows the 6 aux sends
routed through the main groups and L-R
outputs to provide 6 independent stage
monitor mixes with metering, ON/OFF
switches, inserts and balanced XLR
connectors.

The AUX/GROUP reverse switches
reroute the group and L-R mix to the
aux jacks outputs for additional
monitoring or effect sends or as
independent submix facilities. For
example, aux 5 and 6 jack outputs may
provide a seperate stereo mix output
from the channel L-R routing switches
and the additional 4 stereo return line
inputs.

Use the groups to add effects such as
delay, reverb or echo to the stage
monitors.

AUX

PRE

PRE

9

12-

34-

56

WZ 14:4:2

These switches are
recessed to avoid
accidental operation. Set

ST2 ST3 ST4

ST1

REV

REV REV REV REV REV

using a pen tip or pointed
object.

Set the AUX REVERSE
switch to the down
position (below panel) to
route the aux mix through
the groups and L-R XLR
outputs for stage monitor
level control with fader.

Set LR SUM MONO
switch to down (below
panel) for engineer's
listen wedge following

1

3

1

10109

1

1

1

--2

1 R

4

PFL/AFL.

6 WZ14:4:2 USER GUIDE

DUAL MODE

Left , Centre and Right Front of house system with 4 dedicated stage monitor sends

LEFT

3

1

STAGE MONITOR

STAGE MONITOR

EFFECTS

aux 5-6

stereo

returns 1-2

MONO

RIGHT

4

2

groups 1-4LMONO R

SIGNAL PROCESSOR

COMPRESSORS/LIMITERS

These are often used to prevent excessive peaks
overloading the amplification system, for example in
club installations subject to sound level control.

This example shows the console
configured to control a Left, Right and
Centre Front of House system with 4 full
feature stage monitor mixes.

Stage monitor sends aux 1-4 are set
pre-fade so that the signal level is not
affected by the fader position and the
FOH mix.

Aux 5-6 are set post-fade to access two
effects devices whose outputs are

AUX

PRE

added to the L-R mix via stereo returns
1 and 2. Alternatively, these may be
connected to the stereo channels.

POST

The channel and output inserts may be
used for outboard effects and signal
processors such as compressors,
limiters and graphic equalisers.

inserts

GRAPHIC EQUALISERS

Graphic equalisers plugged into the console
inserts are an invaluable aid to reducing
on-stage acoustic feedback and enhancing
the clarity of the monitors.

9

12-

34-

56

WZ 1 4:4:2

ST2 ST3 ST4

ST1

REV

REV REV REV REV REV

aux 1-4

L-R

These switches are
recessed to avoid accidental
operation. Set using a pen
tip or pointed object.

Set the AUX REVERSE
switch to the down position
(below panel) to route aux
mixes 1-4 through groups
1-4. Set L-R switch in the
up position for conventional
operation.

Set LR SUM MONO switch
to up for mono out (L+R

4

1

3

1

10109

1

1

1

--2

1 2 4 R

sum).

WZ14:4:2 USER GUIDE 7