Allen&Heath XB-10 User Manual

USER GUIDE

Publication AP8810

CONTENTS

Thank you for purchasing your Allen & Heath XB-10 mixer. To ensure
that you get the maximum benefit from the unit please spare a few
minutes familiarizing yourself with the controls and setup procedures
outlined in this user guide. For further information please refer to the
additional information available on our web site, or contact our technical
support team.

http://www.allen-heath.com

http://www.allen-heath.com/xb

Warranty .............................................. 4

Packed Items ........................................ 5

Safety Instructions .............................. 6

Panel Drawings .................................... 8

Introduction to XB-10 ....................... 9

Specifications ....................................... 11

Dimensions .......................................... 13

Block Diagram ..................................... 14

Mono Input Channel .......................... 15

TELCO Channel ................................. 18

Stereo Input Channels ....................... 21

Outputs ................................................. 23

Output Selection ................................ 24

Master Section .................................... 25

Remote Interface Connector .......... 27

Connecting to a Computer .............. 29

Application Diagram - Self Op......... 30

Application Diagram - Studio........... 31

Application tip : VOIP caller ............ 32

Wiring notes ........................................ 33

Product Support ................................. 34

Allen & Heath 3 XB-10 User Guide

Limited One Year Warranty

This product 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 Limited or its authorised agent as
soon as possible for repair under warranty subject to the following
conditions

Conditions Of Warranty

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

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.

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

This warranty does not cover fader wear and tear.

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

Units returned should be packed to avoid transit damage.

In certain territories the terms may vary. Check with your ALLEN &
HEATH agent for any additional warranty which may apply.

This product complies with the European Electromagnetic Compatibility directive 2004/108/EC
and the European Low Voltage directive 2006/95/EC.

This product has been tested to EN55103 Parts 1 & 2 2009 for use in
Environments E1, E2, E3, and E4 to demonstrate compliance with the
protection requirements in the European EMC directive 2004/108/EC.
During some tests the specified performance figures of the product were
affected. This is considered permissible and the product has been passed as
acceptable for its intended use. Allen & Heath has a strict policy of
ensuring all products are tested to the latest safety and EMC standards.
Customers requiring more information about EMC and safety issues can
contact Allen & Heath.

NOTE: Any changes or modifications to the console not approved by
Allen & Heath could void the compliance of the console and therefore the
users authority to operate it.

Allen & Heath XB-10 User Guide AP8810 Issue 2

Copyright © 2012 Allen & Heath Limited. All rights reserved

Allen & Heath Limited

Kernick Industrial Estate, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9LU, UK

http://www.allen-heath.com

Allen & Heath 4 XB-10 User Guide

PACKED ITEMS

Check that you have received the following:

AUX OUT

-15

HF

LF

LEV

-30

PK !

SIG

-15

-15

LR

-20

0

L

R

RLR

5

-15

+15

HF

-15

+15

LF

-15

+15

AUX

0

+6

BAL

-20

-10

LEV

-30

0

PK !

PFL PFL

SIG

0

LR

L

R

+15

+15

+15

+6

PRE

0

L

USB IN L

USB IN R

CLF-TELCO

5

AUX-ALT

RECORD OUT
SOURCE

AUX-MONO

AUX

0

MASTER

-10

ALT OUT

USB

Guest
Phones

LR

MAIN

PGM

-20

PROG

-10

LEVEL

-30

0

LR

PGM

GUEST

PHONES SELECT

+6

MAX

MIN MAXMIN MAXMIN

LR

OPERATOR

PHONES SELECT

Operator
Phones

+16
+9
+6
+3

0

-3

-6

-9

-12

-16

-20

-30

Mic Mic

Mic

Line

Line

Line

5

0

20

GAIN

- 10 10

HF

-15

500

200

f

120

MID

-15 +15

LF

-15 +15

AUX

PAN

LR

-20

LEV

-30

PK !

SIG

M1

0

0

30

20

GAIN

40

60

- 10 10

60

COMP

COMP

HPF

HF

-15

+15

650

650

500

1k

200

2k

f

3k

120

4k

MID

-15 +15

LF

-15 +15

AUX

0

+6

PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE

PAN

LR

-20

-10

LEV

-30

0

PK !

PFL

PFL

SIG

M2

0

20

30

30

GAIN

10

GAIN

-5

20

40

- 10 10

60

-1O

40

HPF

+15

1k

2k

3k

4k

0

+6

-10

0

26

TEL IN

COMP

USB

HPF

HPF

HF

HF

12kHz

-15

500

200

f

120

MID

-15 +15

LF

-15 +15

AUX

PAN

LR

-20

LEV

-30

PK !

SIG

M3

-15

-15

+15

+15

650

1k

LF

80Hz

2k

HF

3k

-15

4k

+15

TALK

LF

CLF SCE

PGM
AUX

AUX AUX

AUX

0

0 0

+6

+6

BAL BAL

PAN

LR

-20

-10

-10

LEV

LEV

-30

-30

0

0

PK !

PK !

PFL

PFL

SIG

SIG

T1

L

R

L

R

0

5

+15

-15
+15

-15
+15

0

+6

LR

-20

-10

0

PFL

ST1 ST2 ST3

Mains Lead (or leads)

Check that the correct
mains plug is fitted.

XB-10 MIXER

This User Guide

Type A-B USB Lead

To connect the XB-10 to
your computer.

Allen & Heath 5 XB-10 User Guide

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING - Read the following before proceeding :

CAUTION

ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE – NE PAS OUVRIR

Read instructions: Retain these safety and operating instructions for future reference. Adhere to all warnings printed

Do not remove cover: Operate the console with its covers correctly fitted.

Power sources: Connect the console to a mains power unit only of the type described in this User Guide and marked

Power cord routing: Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be walked on, stretched or pinched by items placed

here and on the console. Follow the operating instructions printed in this User Guide.

on the rear panel. Use the power cord with sealed mains plug appropriate for your local mains sup­ply as provided with the console. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet consult your service
agent for assistance.

upon or against it.

Grounding: Do not defeat the grounding and polarisation means of the power cord plug. Do not remove or tam-

per with the ground connection in the power cord.

!

WARNING: This equipment must be earthed.

Water and moisture:

To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock do not expose the console to rain or moisture or use it in

damp or wet conditions. Do not place containers of liquids on it which might spill into any openings.

Ventilation: Do not obstruct the ventilation slots or position the console where the air flow required for ventilation

is impeded. If the console is to be operated in a rack unit or flightcase ensure that it is constructed to
allow adequate ventilation.

Heat and vibration: Do not locate the console in a place subject to excessive heat or direct sunlight as this could be a fire

hazard. Locate the console away from any equipment which produces heat or causes excessive vi­bration.

Servicing: Switch off the equipment and unplug the power cord immediately if it is exposed to moisture, spilled

liquid, objects fallen into the openings, the power cord or plug become damaged, during lightening
storms, or if smoke, odour or noise is noticed. Refer servicing to qualified technical personnel only.

Installation: Install the console in accordance with the instructions printed in this User Guide. Do not connect the

output of power amplifiers directly to the console. Use audio connectors and plugs only for their

intended purpose.

Allen & Heath 6 XB-10 User Guide



SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Important Mains plug wiring instructions

The console is supplied with a moulded mains plug fitted to the AC
mains power lead. Follow the instructions below if the mains plug has to
be replaced. The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance
with the following code:

TERMINAL WIRE COLO UR

European USA/Canada

LIVE BROWN BLACK

L

!

The wire which is coloured Green and Yellow must be connected to the
terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter E or with the Earth sym­bol. This appliance must be earthed.
The wire which is coloured Blue must be connected to the terminal in the
plug which is marked with the letter N.
The wire which is coloured Brown must be connected to the terminal in the
plug which is marked with the letter L.
Ensure that these colour codes are followed carefully in the event of the
plug being changed.

NEUTRAL BLUE WHITE

N

EARTH GND GREEN & YELLOW

E

GREEN

General Precautions:

Damage : To prevent damage to the controls and cosmetics avoid placing heavy objects

Environment : Protect from excessive dirt, dust, heat and vibration when operating and stor-

Cleaning : Avoid the use of chemicals, abrasives or solvents. The control panel is best

Transporting : The console may be transported as a free-standing unit or mounted in a rack

Hearing : To avoid damage to your hearing do not operate any sound system at exces-



on the control surface, scratching the surface with sharp objects, or rough
handling and vibration.

ing. Avoid tobacco ash, smoke, drinks spillage, 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.

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. The fader and potentiometer knobs may be re­moved for cleaning with a warm soapy solution. Rinse and allow to dry fully
before refitting them.

or flightcase. Protect the controls from damage during transit. Use adequate
packing if you need to ship the unit.

sively high volume. This applies particularly to close-to-ear monitoring such as
headphones and in-ear systems. Continued exposure to high volume sound
can cause frequency selective or wide range hearing loss.

Allen & Heath 7 XB-10 User Guide

PANEL DRAWINGS

OFF
ON

LIMITER R

ENGINEERED IN ENGLAND BY ALLEN & HEATH LIMITED. MADE IN CHINA

GAIN

AUX

Mic

Line

MID

LF

OFF

0 I

- 10 10

HF

200

f

ON

0

20

COMP

-15

650

500

120

-15 +15

-15 +15

LIMITER

THRESHOLD

30

60

40

HPF

+15

1k

3k

4k

+6

Line

GAIN

2k

MID

AUX

0

AC MAINS IN ~

100 - 240V~ 47-63Hz 22W

Mic Mic

0

20

30

- 10 10

60

40

COMP

HPF

HF

-15

+15

650

500

1k

200

2k

f

3k

120

4k

-15 +15

LF

-15 +15

0

+6

PRE P RE PRE PRE PRE PRE

LR

-20

0

-10

PAN

LEV

-30

LR

-20

0

-10

LEV

PAN

LEV

-30

OFF
ON

LIMITER L

REC OUT

REMOTE

GROUND CANCEL

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any inter ference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Laite on liitettävä suojamaadoituskoskettimilla varustettuun pistorasiaan
Apparatet må tilkoples jor det stikkontakt
Apparaten skall anslutas till jordat uttag

Line

0

20

GAIN

- 10 10

60

COMP

0

30

GAIN

-5

40

-1O

HPF

AUX

PAN

HF

200

f

MID

LF

-30

-15

-15 +15

-15 +15

-20

+15

650

500

1k

2k

3k

120

4k

+6

LR

0

0

-10

HF

12kHz

LF

80Hz

AUX

PAN

LEV

-30

-15

-15

LR

-20

ON
OFF

5

HPF

+15

+15

TALK

CLF SCE

10

26
TEL IN

USB

PGM
AUX

+6

ON
OFF

MON OUT

GROUND CANCEL

AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

L

R

L

20

0 0

R

0

5

-15

+15

HF

-15

+15

LF

-15

+15

AUX AUX

0

+6

-15

HF

-15

LF

-15

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

WARNING: THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED

CET APPAREIL DOIT ETRE MIS A LA TERRE

L

R

L

R

0

5

+15

L

R

L

R

0

5

-15

+15

HF

-15

+15

+15

LF

-15

+15

0

+6

AUX

+15

0

+6

ALLEN&HEATH

USB IN L

USB IN R

CLF-TELCO

AUX-ALT

RECORD OUT
SOURCE

AUX-MONO

AUX

MASTER

PRE

BAL BAL

-20

-10

LEV

-30

0

LR

-10

0

LEV

-30

LR

-20

0

BAL

LR

-20

-10

-10

LEV

-30

0

CONFORMS TO

CERTIFICATED TO CAN/CSA STD.

Serial No.

AUX

ALT

USB

Guest
Phones

LR

MAIN

PGM

LR

PGM

MIN MAXMIN MAXMIN

-20

PROG
LEVEL

+6

MAX

-10

-30

0

GUEST

PHONES SELECT

OPERATOR

ANSI/UL STD.

+16

+9
+6
+3

0

-3

-6

-9

-12

-16

-20

-30

LR

PHONES SELECT

60065-2003

Operator
Phones

60065-03

PK !

SIG

M1

PK !

PFL

SIG

M2

PK !

PFL

SIG

M3

PK !

PFL

SIG

PK !

PFL

SIG

T1

PK !

PFL

SIG

ST1 ST2 ST3

PK !

PFL PFL

SIG

Allen & Heath 8 XB-10 User Guide

INTRODUCTION TO THE XB-10

Background overview

The Allen & Heath XB-10 mixer has been carefully and lovingly designed in the beautiful county of Cornwall in the UK and is manufac­tured alongside a wide range of professional audio mixing consoles. Many of the components used in the XB-10 are exactly the same
as in the larger Allen & Heath products and the construction methods are also very similar — utilising individual vertically mounted
channel circuit boards with each rotary control fixed with a metal nut to the front panel. This provides a very robust product that will
resist damage and give years of reliable use. It also makes servicing much easier should it be required, with the ability to remove one
particular channel from the mixer at a time.

The audio circuitry is based on years of continual development and refinement , the performance of all the elements within the mixer
scrutinised and perfected to ensure the very best sound quality possible.

Multi-application:

The XB-10 is great for a range of applications from small radio or internet broadcast studios, or for larger studios with multiple
rooms, for hospital radio, university radio and community radio broadcast applications. The XB-10 has a wealth of features specifically
designed for broadcasters, things like a dedicated telco channel for telephone callers, mic channel on switch sensing for switching
external equipment and internal automatic muting of the speaker outputs, stereo channel start/cue outputs for CD deck transport

control, separate headphones mix & outputs for a guest, built in mic compressors and output limiters…. The list goes on!

Mic/Line Pre-amps:

Based on the pre-amps from the Mixwizard series, The XB-10 pre-amps use low noise discrete transistor circuitry to achieve high gain
(60dB max), low noise and good linearity.

Compressors

Each mic channel has its own compressor to constrain the dynamic range from the microphone inputs if required. Low level signals are
given a gain boost. Mid level signals are mildly compressed with a soft knee response. High level signals are limited. This automatic
compression is activated with a simple switch and indicator LED to show the level of compression.

EQ

The XB-10 is equipped with a 3-band equaliser circuit on each mono input and a 2-band EQ on the Telco & stereo channels. The fre­quency and response of each has been carefully chosen to give the maximum performance when using the EQ on a variety of sources.

Output Limiter

The main outputs on the XB-10 are equipped with a variable limiter to ensure that the final mix to air does not exceed a pre defined
level. Back panel option switches allow the limiter to be selected or bypassed. A trim pot is used to vary the threshold. There is also
an LED on the front panel that indicates when the limiter has triggered.

Telco channel

The XB-10 has a dedicated TELCO input channel with a mix-minus return feed. The mix-minus feed can be sent from the main pro­gram mix or using a separate aux mix. There is a talk button where an off-air conversation can be held with the caller using a user
selected comms mic channel.

By Selecting the USB input, the telco channel can be used directly from the USB connection and callers can be accessed via Skype or
similar VOIP applications. This means the use of costly hybrid units, that would normally be used to connect to the telephone system,
can be avoided.

AUX / ALT bus

The XB-10 has 2 mono buses that can be used for external processing, effects, recording or auditioning.

Remote Control

The XB-10 has a 25 way D connector on its rear panel to allow a number of extra functions.

The mic and telco channels have ON switch logic that can be used to remotely control external equipment, they can also be muted
from an external “cough” switch or similar.

The stereo channels have start and cue logic outputs that can be used to operate external equipment such as CD players. Power for
remote circuitry is also available on the rear panel and a post-fade program output is available for metering.

Allen & Heath 9 XB-10 User Guide

INTRODUCTION TO THE XB-10

USB

Getting audio to and from a computer easily is now a common requirement for sound and music production and broadcast applica­tions. The way we have implemented this on XB-10 is super-flexible and super-easy! No longer do you need to fiddle around the
back of your computer to get to the soundcard inputs, only to find that the levels are all wrong and noisy. Just plug in a USB lead to
your XB-10, select the USB routing on the mixer and the device on your computer and that’s it! Quality audio to and from your PC
or MAC.

The USB connection can be used for VOIP telephone calls, Recording program material, playing jingles etc.

Guest Headphones

The XB-10 has a dedicated headphone socket for studio guests with its own routing matrix. Guests can be fed the main program mix
or a bespoke mix via the AUX bus. There is also a talk button to communicate off air via the user selected comms mic channel.

Output Matrix

Both the operator and guest headphone outputs have an output matrix with additive feeds. This means that the operator could, for
example, listen to a mix of the main program feed and an external monitor input.

Electronically Balanced Outputs

The main program outputs are from XLRs with an electronically balanced output circuit. The phono outputs have a ground cancelled
earth return to ensure low noise and provide some isolation from equipment with a noisy earth such as laptop computers.

Self operation or Producer operated:

Whether you need a mixer for a self operated broadcast situation, or whether you have a separate studio and engineer, the XB-10
has the features to fit. Separate monitor mixes can be created for operator and guests or presenter so the engineer can check levels
and cue sources while the presenter or guest can listen to a different source. The engineer/producer can communicate to the guest
or presenter using the Talk feature, as well as off-air communication to telephone callers.
There is also the facility for remote control of channel mutes from the studio using the remote interface connectors, ideal for studio
situated mute switches.

Allen & Heath 10 XB-10 User Guide

SPECIFICATIONS

Operating Levels

Input

Mono channel Mic input (XLR) -10 to -60dBu for nominal (+11dBu in max)

Mono channel Line input (TRS Jack socket) +10 to -40dBu (+30dBu maximum)

Stereo input (TRS Jack sockets) 0dBu nominal (control = Off to +15dB)

Stereo input (RCA phono sockets) 0dBu nominal (control = Off to +15dB)

Telco channel input (TRS) +10 to -26dBu (+30dBu maximum)

External monitor input (RCA phono sockets) 0dBu Nominal

Output

PGM L & R outputs (XLR) +4dBu nominal. +25dBu maximum.

PGM L & R inserts (TRS jack sockets) -2dBu nominal. +21dBu maximum

Aux output (RCA phono socket) 0dBu nominal. +21dBu maximum.

Alt output (RCA phono socket) 0dBu nominal. +21dBu maximum.

Rec outputs (RCA phono sockets) 0dBu nominal. +21dBu maximum.

Telco cleanfeed output (TRS Jack socket) 0dBu nominal. +21dBu maximum.

CRM Speaker outputs (RCA phono sockets) 0dBu nominal. +21dBu maximum.

THD+n

Mic in to PGM L/R Out, 15dB gain, 1kHz, +10dBu out 0.002%

Mic in to PGM L/R Out, 30dB gain, 1kHz, 0dBu out 0.006%

Line in to PGM L/R out, 0dB gain, 1kHz, 0dBu out 0.005%

Telco in to PGM L/R out, 0dB gain, 1kHz, 0dBu out 0.004%

Stereo in to PGM out, 0dB gain, 1kHz, +10dBu out 0.002%

USB Audio CODEC (Coder/Decoder)

USB Audio In/Out USB 1.1 compliant 16bit.

Sample Rate 32, 44.1, or 48kHz

Noise

Mic Pre EIN @ max gain 150R input Z 22-22kHz -126dBu

PGM out, PGM fader = 0, 22-22kHz -103dBu

Aux out, Alt out, Rec out = 0, 22-22kHz < -93dBu

Allen & Heath 11 XB-10 User Guide

SPECIFICATIONS

Headroom

Analogue Headroom from nominal (0Vu) Outputs 21dB

Analogue Headroom from nominal (0Vu) Mix point 24dB

USB in & out headroom from nominal (0Vu) 14dB

Crosstalk & Attenuation (dB 22-22kHz)

Mono fader attenuation (dB relative to +10dBu) 1kHz/10kHz -88/-88

Mono ON switch attenuation (dB relative to +10dBu) 1kHz/10kHz -98/-98

TELCO fader attenuation (dB relative to +10dBu) 1kHz/10kHz -90/-90

TELCO ON switch attenuation (dB relative to +10dBu) 1kHz/10kHz -98/-98

Stereo fader attenuation (dB relative to +10dBu) 1kHz/10kHz -86/-86

Stereo ON switch attenuation (dB relative to +10dBu) 1kHz/10kHz -99/-96

PGM fader attenuation (dB relative to +10dBu) 1kHz/10kHz -87/-87

TELCO clean-feed isolation from I/P (dB relative to +10dBu) 1kHz/10kHz -94/-77

Stereo separation, L in to PGM R out. dBr 1kHz/10kHz -75/-74

Frequency Response

Mic in to PGM L/R Out, 30dB gain +0.5/-1dB 10Hz to 30kHz

Line in to PGM L/R out 0dB gain +0.5/-1dB 10Hz to 20kHz

Stereo in to PGM L/R out +0.5/-1dB 10Hz to 30kHz

Allen & Heath 12 XB-10 User Guide

Dimensions

Mic Mic

Mic

Line

Line

Line

0

20

- 10 10

-15

500

200

f

120

-15 +15

-15 +15

LR

-20

-30

M2

0

20

30

GAIN

- 10 10

40

60

COMP

HPF

HF

-15

+15

650

500

1k

200

2k

f

3k

120

4k

MID

-15 +15

LF

-15 +15

AUX

0

+6

PAN

LR

-20

-10

LEV

-30

0

PK !

PFL

SIG

M3

0

20

30

GAIN

GAIN

40

- 10 10

60

COMP

HPF

HF

HF

-15

+15

650

500

1k

200

2k

f

3k

120

4k

MID

MID

-15 +15

LF

LF

-15 +15

AUX

AUX

0

+6

PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE

PAN

PAN

LR

-20

-10

LEV

LEV

-30

0

PK !

PK !

PFL

SIG

SIG

M1

5

0

30

GAIN

10

-5

20

40

60

-1O

26

TEL IN

COMP

USB

HPF

HPF

HF

12kHz

-15

-15

+15

650

+15

1k

LF

80Hz

2k

3k

4k

0

+6

-10

0

PFL

HF

-15

+15

-15

TALK

LF

CLF SCE

PGM
AUX

-15

AUX

AUX AUX

0 0

+6

PAN

BAL BAL

LR

LR

-20

-20

-10

LEV

LEV

-30

-30

0

PK !

PK !

PFL

SIG

SIG

T1

L

L

R

R

L

L

R

R

0

0

+15

+15

+15

+6

5

5

-15

-15

+15

HF

HF

-15

-15

+15

LF

LF

-15

-15

+15

0

AUX

0

+6

BAL

LR

LR

-20

-10

LEV

-30

0

PK !

PFL

SIG

ST1 ST2 ST3

-20

-10

LEV

-30

0

PK !

PFL P FL

SIG

L

R

L

USB IN L

USB IN R

R

0

5

+15

+15

+15

0

+6

PRE

-10

0

AUX

ALT

USB

CLF-TELCO

AUX-ALT

LR

MAIN

PGM

RECORD OUT
SOURCE

AUX-MONO

MASTER

PROG
LEVEL

LR

PGM

AUX

+6

MAX

MIN MAXMIN MAXMIN

Operator

Guest
Phones

Phones

+16
+9
+6
+3

0

-3

-6

-9

-20

-30

GUEST

PHONES SELECT

-12

-16

-10

-20

-30

0

LR

OPERATOR

PHONES SELECT

336mm (13.2 inches)

95mm (3.7 inches)

275mm (10.8 inches)

Weight

XB-10

Unpacked 3.4 kg (7.5 lb)

Packed 4.6 kg (10.1 lb)

A rack mounting kit is available for XB-10. The part number is: XB-10-RK19

Allen & Heath 13 XB-10 User Guide

BLOCK DIAGRAM

ST1a, ST2, ST3a

R

L

6

114

215

316

4

5

78910111213
ST1 START PULSE +10V

ST1 STOP PULSE

ST2 START PULSE

ST2 STOP PULSE

ST3 START PULSE

ST3 STOP PULSE

GND

M1 ON LOGIC

M2 ON LOGIC

M3 ON LOGIC

TELCO ON LOGIC

CNTRL ROOM MUTE INPUT

GND

REMOTE INTERFACE

222324

25

LEFT METER

RIGHT METER

MIC COMMS MIX

25

REMOTE INTERFACE

1718192021

+15V

-15V

SIGNAL GND

13

25 WAY D CONNECTOR

M1 MUTE INPUT

M2 MUTE INPUT

M3 MUTE INPUT

TELCO MUTE INPUT

GND

LF

HF

PULSE LOW = START

PULSE LOW = STOP

LEVEL

SWITCH

14

1

LOGIC

ON

R

L

USB RTN

ST3b

GAIN

STEREO CHANNEL

2 BAND EQUALISER

METER

PEAK

SIGNAL

PFL

Monitor in

ST1b

TELCO CHANNEL

CLF OUT

MON IN

CLF+COMMS

CLEANFEED + COMMS

CLEANFEED SOURCE

COMMS MIC INPUT

TELCO IN

USB RETURN (LEFT CH)

GAIN

+

-

LINE IN

MIC IN

PP

Phantom Power

GAIN

+

-

100Hz

+48V

GLOBAL 48V SWITCH

HPF

100Hz

COMPRESS

MONO CHANNEL

HPF

2 BAND EQUALISER

AT SERVICE CENTRE

FACTORY SET TO M1

CAN BE CHANGED

TALK

AUX - T

MONO PGM - T

MIC MIX

TELCO

HFLF

METER

LEVEL

PEAK

SIGNAL

PFL

REMOTE MUTE

ON

3 BAND EQUALISER

TALK SELECTION

MONO CHANNEL

LF

HM HF

METER

LEVEL

PEAK

SIGNAL

PFL

REMOTE MUTE

ON

OPTION

OPTION

PRE

AUX

BAL

PRE

AUX

PAN

OPTION

PAN

PRE

XB-10 BLOCK DIAGRAM

AUX

USB RETURN

ADDITIVE MIXING (OPTION FOR PRIORITY SWITCHING)

PGM

POST

PGM

MON IN

AUX

GUEST PHONES SELECT

MONITOR IN

USB IN

AUX

AUX

L INSERT

R INSERT

ALT

MONO PGM

AUX

USB RETURN

MONO PGM

ADDITIVE MIXING (OPTION FOR PRIORITY SWITCHING)

ALT

PFL ACTIVE

EXT CRM MUTE

MICS MUTE MONITOR

LEVEL

MONITOR

MIC MIX

TO GUEST

AUX

TALK

GUEST

MUTE

TALKBACK

POST

PGM

PGM

ALT

AUX

MON IN

OPERATOR PHONES SELECT

PRIORITY SWITCHING

MONITOR IN

USB IN

AUX

ALT

PFL

GROUND

CANCEL

OPTION

HEADPHONES

GUEST

AUX

ALT

GROUND

CANCEL

OPERATOR

PHONES

OPERATOR

R

OUT

L

MON

METERS

CLF+COMMS

TELCO

AUX

PRIORITY SWITCHING

CLF - TELCO

AUX - MONO

PGM

PRE

GROUND

CANCEL

R

L

OUT

REC

CLF+COMMS

TELCO

AUX

ALT

AUX - ALT

PGM

PRE

RETURN

USB

LIMITER ON

CLF - TELCO

PGM

PRE

PGM

POST

USB DEVICE

LIMITER

LIMITER

SET THRESHOLD

GAIN

USB STEREO I/O

MAIN PGM

OUT

+4dBu

L

R

Allen & Heath 14 XB-10 User Guide

L

G

MONO INPUT CHANNEL

Mic Input Socket

Standard 3-Pin XLR socket wired as Pin 1=Chassis, Pin 2=hot
(+), Pin 3=Cold (-).

Line Input Jack Socket

Standard 1/4” (6.25mm) Jack socket for balanced or unbalanced line
level signals. Wired Tip=Hot(+), Ring=cold (-), Sleeve=Chassis.
The Line input connects to the XLR input via a pad, so be aware

Mic

Line

0

20

30

that the two signals will add together if both inputs are plugged in
simultaneously.

Gain Control

This adjusts the gain of the input amplifier to match the signal level
of the source. The gain is varied from +10dB to +60dB for signals
plugged in to the XLR socket (Mic Input) and –10dB to +40dB for
signals plugged into the Line input jack.

GAIN

Compressor

This enables the compressor which is optimised to reduce the dy-

- 10 10

60

40

namic range of a presenter microphone. Low level signals are given
a 10dB gain boost, Soft knee compression activates at -20dBu. High-

COMP

er level signals are limited.

The LED gives an indication of the amount of compression by mod­ulating with the signal level.

HPF

100Hz Hi-pass Filter

The Hi-pass filter is used for reducing pop noise and
rumble from microphone signals. It is a 2-pole filter with
a corner frequency set at 100Hz.
The filter affects signals from both Mic XLR and Line jack
socket.

dBr

10.00

0.00

-10.00

dBu

10.00

0.00

-10.00

-20.00

-30.00

-40.00

-50.00

-50.00 dBu -40.00 -30.00 -20.00 -10.00 0.00 10.00 20.00

-20.00

-30.00

-40.00

-50.00

10.00 Hz 100.00 1000.00 10000.00 30000.00

Allen & Heath 15 XB-10 User Guide

MONO INPUT CHANNEL

HF EQ

The HF (High Frequency) equaliser affects the frequency response of the higher
audible frequencies. The corner frequency of 12kHz is around 3dB from the
maximum cut or boost of the circuit. It has plenty of gain and actually gives
slightly more that the +/-15dB legend suggests.

dBr

20.00

15.00

10.00

5.00

0.00

-5.00

-10.00

HF

-15

500

200

f

120

MID

-15 +15

LF

-15 +15

650

+15

1k

4k

-15.00

-20.00

10.00 Hz 100.00 1000.00 10000.00 30000.00

MF EQ

The MF (Mid Frequency) equaliser affects the middle of the audible frequency

2k

3k

range. The frequency graduations on the sweep control are the centre fre­quencies of the EQ. The range has been carefully chosen to cover “boomy”
frequencies around 120Hz to 250Hz which may need cutting back, or a lift at
2 to 3kHz may be required for microphone intelligibility.

dBr

20.00

15.00

10.00

5.00

0.00

-5.00

-10.00

-15.00

-20.00

10.00 Hz 100.00 1000.00 10000.00 30000.00

LF EQ

20.00

dBr

The LF (Low Frequency) equaliser
affects the response at the low end of
the audio range. The graph shows the

15.00

10.00

response of the LF EQ at maximum
cut and boost. The corner frequency
is 80Hz.

5.00

0.00

-5.00

-10.00

-15.00

-20.00

10.00 Hz 100.00 1000.00 10000.00 30000.00

Allen & Heath 16 XB-10 User Guide

MONO INPUT CHANNEL

AUX

This control sends a signal to the auxiliary bus. The signal is sourced pre­fade (and pre ON switch) or post-fade (and post ON switch) depending on
the PRE switch position. The send control varies the signal level to the bus
from off (fully attenuated) to +6dB, with unity gain at the arrow.

PAN

The pan control adjusts how the signal from the mono input channel is shared be­tween the left and right sides of the PGM bus. Set to the mid position, equal amounts
of signal are fed to left and right, with pan set to L, none is sent to the Right bus.

AUX

0

+6

PRE

Level

This control adjusts the level of the channel signal to the left & right PGM bus, ALT
bus and post fade Aux.
With the pot fully clockwise, the channel has unity gain.

PAN

-20

LEV

-30

PK !

SIG

LR

-10

0

PFL

M1

ON Switch

This mechanically latching switch operates the channel mute circuitry, turning the
signal to the PGM, ALT and Aux buses on or off.
With the button depressed the signal is routed to the PGM bus and the pre/post
AUX bus. With the button up the signal is routed to the ALT bus and the prefade
AUX bus.
The switch is illuminated green when pressed.
There is also a remote mute option wired to a D type connector on the rear panel.
When this is wired and operated the green ON LED is switched off, and the mute
circuit is activated, regardless of whether the ON switch is pressed. Also the ON
switch activates a logic output that can be used to control an 'ON AIR' light or simi­lar.

PFL Switch

The PFL (Pre-Fade Listen) switch sends the channel signal to the PFL bus and subse­quently to the headphones/CRM speakers and the main L R meters. Used for check­ing the audio signal before raising the level or pressing the ON switch.

SIGNAL & PEAK LEDs

The Signal LED illuminates when the pre-fader signal level is above –15dB.
The Peak LED illuminates and stays on for around 0.5 seconds when a peak level is detected
(pre-fader signal) within 5dB of clipping.

Allen & Heath 17 XB-10 User Guide

TELCO CHANNEL

TELCO IN

The Telephone Communication channel input 1/4” (6.25mm) Jack socket . Wired as
Tip=Hot (+), Ring=cold (-), Sleeve=Chassis.

CLF OUT

Standard 1/4” (6.25mm) Jack socket for the Clean-Feed output from the Telephone
Communication channel.

Wired Tip=Hot (+), Ring=cold (-), Sleeve=Chassis. Impedance balanced. Nominal level =
0dBu. (See next page for more information about the cleanfeed output).

TELCO Input Gain

The Telephone Communication channel input gain control. Varies the gain applied to
the TELCO input channel from –10dB to +26dB.

GAIN

HF

12kHz

LF

80Hz

TELCO Input Selector

With the switch in the up position, the channel input is from the TELCO IN jack for
use with a telephone hybrid system.

5

0

-5

-1O

10

20

26

TEL IN
USB

When the switch is depressed, the channel signal is routed from the USB connection
so that the TELCO channel can be used with a VOIP connection such as SKYPE.

100Hz High Pass filter

Similar to the mono input channel, a 12dB per octave 2-pole high pass filter used to

HPF

filter out any low frequency rumble or pops on the TELCO channel input.

TELCO Channel EQ

The TELCO Channel EQ is 2 band with corner frequencies of

-15

-15

+15

+15

12kHz for the HF and 80Hz for the LF.

dBr

20.00

15.00

10.00

5.00

0.00

-5.00

-10.00

-15.00

-20.00

10.00 Hz 100.00 1000.00 10000.00 30000.00

Allen & Heath 18 XB-10 User Guide

L

LEV

AUX

PAN

LR

-20

-30

TALK

CLF SCE

PGM
AUX

+6

PRE

0

-10

TELCO CHANNEL

TALK

The TALK switch enables the presenter or operator to communicate with the tele­phone caller with the presenters channel fader down so the presenters voice does
not go to the program mix.
The source for the TALK signal is one of the mono channels, pre-selected by links
set within the XB-10, the factory default is mono channel 1. The signal source is pre­fade and pre-mute on the selected mono channel.

CLF SCE

The Clean-Feed Source switch selects the signal source for the TELCO output. In
the un-pressed position the signal will be the entire program (PGM) mix (pre main
PGM fader) but without the signal from the input on the TELCO channel, so the
caller does not hear any distracting echo of their voice.
If the switch is pressed, the TELCO output signal is sourced from the AUX bus, but
minus the AUX signal sent from the TELCO channel.
This is a really useful feature that can enable the operator to send a mix of signals
from different channels to the telephone caller using the AUX bus, the sources may
be on or off air because the sources for the AUX bus can be pre or post fader.
In addition, the AUX bus can be used for off-air audition or recording of an inter­view with a telephone caller (or callers), using pre-fade signals to the AUX bus for

later playback or editing for the broadcast.

PK !

SIG

T1

PFL

0

AUX

This control sends a signal to the auxiliary bus. The signal is sourced pre-fade (and
pre ON switch) or post-fade (and post ON switch) depending on the PRE switch
position. The send control varies the signal level to the bus from off (fully attenu­ated) to +6dB, with unity gain at the arrow.

PAN

The pan control adjusts how the signal from the TELCO input channel is shared
between the left and right sides of the PGM bus. Set to the mid position, equal
amounts of signal are fed to left and right, with pan set to L, none is sent to the
Right bus.

Allen & Heath 19 XB-10 User Guide

L

TELCO CHANNEL

TALK

CLF SCE

PGM
AUX

Level

AUX

0

+6

PRE

PAN

This control adjusts the level of the channel signal to the left & right PGM bus,
ALT bus and post fade Aux.

With the pot fully clockwise, the channel has unity gain.

-20

LEV

-30

PK !

SIG

LR

-10

0

PFL

T1

ON Switch

This mechanically latching switch operates the channel mute circuitry, turning the
signal to the PGM, ALT and Aux buses on or off.
With the button depressed the signal is routed to the PGM bus and the pre/post
AUX bus. With the button up the signal is routed to the ALT bus and the prefade
AUX bus.
The switch is illuminated green when pressed.

There is also a remote mute option wired to a D type connector on the rear panel.
When this is wired and operated the green ON LED is switched off, and the mute
circuit is activated, regardless of whether the ON switch is pressed. Also the ON
switch activates a logic output that can be used to control an 'ON AIR' light or simi­lar.

PFL Switch

The PFL (Pre-Fade Listen) switch sends the channel signal to the PFL bus and subse­quently to the headphones/CRM speakers and the main L R meters. Used for
checking the audio signal before raising the level or un-muting the channel.

SIGNAL & PEAK LEDs

The Signal LED illuminates when the pre-fader signal level is above –15dB.
The Peak LED illuminates and stays on for around 0.5 seconds when a peak level is
detected (pre-fader signal) within 5dB of clipping.

Allen & Heath 20 XB-10 User Guide

STEREO INPUT CHANNELS

Monitor input / USB input

The monitor input is on standard RCA phono sockets and is commoned
with the ST1 inputs. This means that the monitor input will appear on the
ST1 channel if nothing is plugged in on the 1/4" channel jacks.

The USB input channel is commoned with the ST3 channel and works in

L

the same manner.

-15

HF

R

Stereo Channel Inputs

Standard 1/4” jack sockets for input signals to ST1 - 3.
Wired Tip=Hot(+), Ring=cold (-), Sleeve=Chassis.

Impedance balanced. Nominal input level = 0dBu.

L

Stereo input level control

R

For adjustment of the stereo input levels from fully attenuated to +15dB
of gain.

Stereo channel EQ

The stereo channel EQ is 2 band with corner frequencies of 12kHz for

0

5

+15

the HF and 80Hz for the LF.

dBr

20.00

15.00

10.00

5.00

0.00

-15

+15

-5.00

-10.00

LF

-15.00

-20.00

-15

+15

10.00 Hz 100.00 1000.00 10000.00 30000.00

AUX

AUX

0

+6

PRE

Allen & Heath 21 XB-10 User Guide

This control sends a signal to the auxiliary bus and is a combined sum of
the left and right stereo signals. The signal is sourced pre-fade (and pre
ON switch) or post-fade (and post ON switch) depending on the PRE
switch position. The send control varies the signal level to the bus from
off (fully attenuated) to +6dB, with unity gain at the arrow.

STEREO INPUT CHANNELS

BAL

The balance control adjusts the relative levels of the left & right signals in
the stereo input channel as they are sent to the PGM bus. Set to the mid
position, the signals are balanced equally. With the balance control set
fully anticlockwise the right channel will be fully attenuated and the left
channel will increase by approximately 3dB.

Level

This control adjusts the level of the channel signal to the left & right PGM bus,
ALT bus and post fade Aux.

BAL

-20

LEV

-30

LR

-10

The left and right channels are mixed for the ALT and aux mono buses.
With the pot fully clockwise, the channel has unity gain.

PK !

SIG

PFL

ST1

0

ON (+START/CUE) switch

This mechanically latching switch operates the channel mute circuitry,
turning the signal to the PGM, ALT and Aux buses on or off.
With the button depressed the signal is routed to the PGM bus and the
pre/post AUX bus. With the button up the signal is routed to the ALT
bus and the prefade AUX bus.
The switch is illuminated green when pressed.
The ON switch also activates the START/CUE logic signals (for the cor­responding selected input) wired to the remote interface connector on
the rear panel. This allows the ON switch to start or cue a transport
such as a CD player.

PFL Switch

The PFL (Pre-Fade Listen) switch sends the channel signal to the PFL bus and subse­quently to the headphones/CRM speakers and the main L R meters. Used for check­ing the audio signal before raising the level or un-muting the channel.

SIGNAL & PEAK LEDs

The Signal LED illuminates when the pre-fader signal level is above –15dB.
The Peak LED illuminates and stays on for around 0.5 seconds when a peak level is detected
(pre-fader signal) within 5dB of clipping.

Allen & Heath 22 XB-10 User Guide

OUTPUTS

GROUND CANCEL SELECTORS

Both the MON OUT and RECORD OUT connectors are ground cancelled. The signal ground is lifted with a 75ohm im­pedance to eliminate issues with hum and earth loops. To disable this function and allow a direct earth connection, depress
the rear switches with a matchstick or similar.

RECORD OUT

This is the PGM mix but taken before the main output level pot.
Standard RCA phono sockets. Ground cancelled output. Nomi­nal level = 0dBu.

L

L

MONITOR OUT

This is the mix generated by the operator phones selection

R

R

matrix. Its level is controlled by the MONITOR LEVEL pot.
The MIC MUTE MONITOR function will mute this output if
any of the mic channel ON switches are illuminated.
This output can also be muted by an external switch attached
to the REMOTE connector on the back of the unit. The main
function of this output is to feed speakers for the studio.

Standard RCA phono sockets. Ground cancelled output.
Nominal level = 0dBu.

AUX OUT

This is the output for the AUX mix and its level is controlled by the
AUX MASTER control.

Standard RCA phono sockets. Ground cancelled output. Nominal
level = 0dBu.

ALT OUT

This is the output for the ALT mix. Levels are controlled by the
channel level pots only. When channel ON switches are in the up
position, the channel is fed to the ALT mix.

Standard RCA phono sockets. Ground cancelled output. Nominal

AUX OUT

level = 0dBu.

ALT OUT

USB

USB IN L

USB IN R

Allen & Heath 23 XB-10 User Guide

USB audio send & return

The USB connection uses a USB 1.1 compliant stereo USB audio
CODEC which is also fully compliant with USB 2.
The connector is a standard USB “B Type” connector.
When connected to a computer (Windows or Mac) you will be
able to transfer stereo audio to and from the XB-10.
Please see the next page for selecting USB send options.

The USB audio input can be selected to feed the stereo channel 3
(ST3) by leaving the ST3 1/4" input jacks unplugged

O

N

E

GU

S

OUTPUT SELECTOR

USB OUT SOURCE

The signal source for the USB send is selected using the switches below
the USB connector.
If both switches are un-pressed, the pre level main program mix will be
sent to the USB output, if the AUX-ALT button is pressed then the AUX
and ALT mixes will be sent to the left and right channels respectively. If
the CLF-TELCO button is pressed then then left channel will send the
telco channel cleanfeed and the right channel will send the TELCO chan­nel signal.

The CLF-TELCO feed is primarily for use with a VOIP program such as
SKYPE. The left channel is used by SKYPE to send a cleanfeed mix to the

CLF-TELCO

AUX-ALT

caller. The left and right channels can be recorded using another piece of
software to give a copy of the callers channel and the program cleanfeed
mix.

RECORD OUT
SOURCE

AUX-MONO

AUX

MASTER

PGM

PGM

MIN

LR

LR

+6

MAX

MAI
PR
LEV

RECORD OUT SOURCE

The signal source for the RECORD output is selected using these switch­es .

If both switches are un-pressed, the pre level main program mix will be
sent to the REC OUT phono connectors, if the AUX-MONO button is
pressed then the AUX and MONO mixes will be sent to the left and
right channels respectively. If the CLF-TELCO button is pressed then
then left channel will send the telco channel cleanfeed and the right chan-

T
E

0

nel will send the TELCO channel signal.

AUX MASTER

This controls the amount of signal sent to the AUX OUTPUT RCA phono
socket. The send control varies the signal level from off (fully attenuated)
to +6dB, with unity gain at the arrow.

MONITOR LEVEL

This controls the amount of signal sent to the MON OUT RCA phono
sockets. The send control varies the signal level from MIN (fully attenuat­ed) to MAX (+10dBu).

MUTE LED / MIC MUTE MONITOR SWITCH

Press the MIC MUTE MONITOR option switch to activate the monitor
speaker muting.

This is used to turn off studio monitor speakers when the MIC channels
are being used to eliminate any feedback paths.
When a MIC channel ON switch is illuminated, the mute LED will come
on and the MON OUT feeds are muted.

The MON OUT feed can also be remotely operated using logic connected
to the rear panel. The mute LED will also come on in this case.

Allen & Heath 24 XB-10 User Guide

MASTER SECTION

Output Limiter

The limiter controls are on the rear panel of the XB-10.
Use a matchstick or similar to press both mode switches, this acti­vates the limiter for the left and right channels respectively. The
trimmer pot can be adjusted with a small bladed screwdriver and this
allows the limiter threshold range to be changed from 0dBu to
21dBu.

The limiter LED will come on as soon as the limiter reaches its
threshold.

OUT

Main PGM Outputs

UT

Standard XLR output connector for the main program mix left &
right outputs.
Wired Pin 1=Chassis, Pin 2=hot (+), Pin 3=Cold (-).

Electronically balanced, nominal level = +4dBu (=0VU).

MAIN
PROG
LEVEL

Guest

Phones

Operator
Phones

Main PGM Inserts

Standard 1/4” (6.25mm) Jack socket for unbalanced insert send and
return signals.
Wired Tip=send, Ring=return, Sleeve=Chassis. Nominal level is ­2dBu.

The insert point is pre the main PGM fader.

+16

+9
+6
+3

0

-3

-6

-9

-20

-30

-10

0

-12

-16

-20

-30

LR

Headphone Output Sockets

Standard 1/4” (6.25mm) Jack sockets for the engineer/self operator
and guest.

Wired Tip=Left (+), Ring=Right (-), Sleeve=Ground.

48v Phantom Power switch

Press this in to switch 48v Phantom Power to the 3 Mic input xlr
connectors, if any of the microphones attached require power.
Dynamic microphones won’t mind being connected to a phantom
powered input, but care is needed to ensure that 48v is not switched

GUEST

PHONES SELECT

OPERATOR

PHONES SELECT

on if an xlr is used to input a signal from an electronic circuit (ie. An­other mixer).

When switching 48v on or off, or plugging in connectors to
channels with 48v present, it is important (and normal pro­cedure) to mute the channels.

Main Program Level

MAXMIN MAXMIN

Allen & Heath 25 XB-10 User Guide

The main program mix level control. Affects the stereo PGM XLR
outputs and phones feeds, but not the prefade PGM outputs to USB
and RECORD OUT.

0dB, or unity gain is at the top of the control.

MASTER SECTION

Main Left & Right meters

12 segment LED meters, peak type response, the
“0” position reflects nominal level at the outputs
(+4dBu from the main PGM outputs). The meters
display the signals from the Operator phones se­lector switches below, or the PFL (pre-fade listen)
signal from any selected channels, which overrides.

Operator phones Source Selector switches

These 5 switches select the signal source for the monitor speak­ers, operator phones and the meters. They work on a signal mix
basis. By pressing a button, the corresponding signal is added to
the mix. Pressing two buttons mixes both feeds together.

The PFL signal will override the selection if activated.

MAIN
PROG
LEVEL

+16

+9
+6
+3

0

-3

-6

-9

-20

-30

-10

0

-12

-16

-20

-30

LR

Guest phones Source Selector switches

Similar to the Operator phones selection switches, these select
the source for the guest headphones output. A different source
can be selected for the guests to that selected for the operator.

The PFL signal is not fed to the guest phones outputs.

Guest / Operator phones level

Adjusts the level of the signal to the guest / operator phones
from off (fully attenuated) to unity gain.

GUEST

PHONES SELECT

OPERATOR

PHONES SELECT

!

Warning ! To avoid damage to
your hearing do not operate the
headphones or sound system at
excessively high volume.
Continued exposure to high
volume sound can cause frequency

MAXMIN MAXMIN

selective or wide range hearing

loss.

PFL on light

This LED will come on when any channel PFL switch is pressed.
The PFL signal received is then routed to the operator phones and
monitor. The signal overrides the current selection.

Talk to guest button

The TALK switch enables the presenter or operator to communicate with
the guest with the presenters channel fader down so the presenters voice
does not go to the program mix.

The source for the TALK signal is one of the mono channels, preselected by
links set within the XB-10, the factory default is mono channel 1. The signal
source is pre-fade and pre-mute on the selected mono channel.

Allen & Heath 26 XB-10 User Guide

REMOTE INTERFACE CONNECTOR

25 Way D socket connector REMOTE

PIN FUNCTION

1 M1 ON LOGIC (OPEN COLLECTOR OUTPUT)
2 M2 ON LOGIC (OPEN COLLECTOR OUTPUT)
3 M3 ON LOGIC (OPEN COLLECTOR OUTPUT)
4 TELCO ON LOGIC (OPEN COLLECTOR OUTPUT)
5 CONTROL ROOM MUTE (INPUT, ACTIVE LOW)
6 GROUND
7 ST1 START PULSE
8 ST1 STOP PULSE

9 ST2 START PULSE
10 ST2 STOP PULSE
11 ST3 START PULSE
12 ST3 STOP PULSE
13 GROUND
14 M1 EXTERNAL MUTE (INPUT, ACTIVE LOW)
15 M2 EXTERNAL MUTE (INPUT, ACTIVE LOW)
16 M3 EXTERNAL MUTE (INPUT, ACTIVE LOW)
17 TELCO EXTERNAL MUTE (INPUT, ACTIVE LOW)
18 GROUND
19 +15V POWER OUTPUT (MAX 50mA)
20 +10V POWER OUTPUT (MAX 100mA)
21 SIGNAL GROUND
22 -15V POWER OUTPUT (MAX 50mA)
23 COMMS MIC CHANNEL OUTPUT (NOMINAL LEVEL 0dBu)
24 LEFT METER (POST FADE PROGRAM FEED)
25 RIGHT METER (POST FADE PROGRAM FEED)

ON Logic

The ON logic outputs are an open collector transistor that is switched on when the channel on switches are pressed.
The open collector outputs can be connected together to switch something collectively, such as an ON AIR light for
example. Max current per channel is 50mA.

Mute inputs

The mute input channels can be switched on with a button pulling them to ground or an open collector transistor switch
to ground. When activated the relevant channel is muted and the ON light extinguished.

Start/Cue logic

The Start/Cue logic from the Stereo channel ON switches is designed to interface to a common standard employed by
Denon and Pioneer equipment. The logic signals are usually wired to a 2 pole 3.5mm jack plug where a low pulse on the
tip starts the deck and a low pulse on the sleeve stops or cues the deck. There needs to be some form of ground con­nection between the equipment for this to work—normally effected by the audio connector leads.

External meter outputs and comms mic feed

These feeds produce PGM L & R signals for external metering equipment. These are line level analogue signals, the level
at 0VU will be 0dBu. There is also a comms mic feed that can be used to communicate with an engineer or similar.

External power

There is a 10v supply available for relays, ON air lights etc. Max current draw 100mA. A +15v/-15v supply is also availa­ble to supply low current audio equipment such as a powered PPM meter. Max current draw 50mA.

Allen & Heath 27 XB-10 User Guide

REMOTE INTERFACE CONNECTOR

REMOTE Connector Example

REMOTE connector

17

19

2122232425

18

20

25 WAY D CONNECTOR

16

+10V

Cue pulse to sleeve

Start pulse wire to tip

Max current sink per channel 50mA

12345678910111213

15

14

3.5mm jack plug

To CD player or deck, triggered by ST1

ON Air light for mono channels M1 and M2

Remote mute switch for mono M1

+10V +10V

12V 500ohm coil relay

ON AIR

PPM meter

Allen & Heath 28 XB-10 User Guide

CONNECTING TO A COMPUTER

USB lead type A to B

AUX OUT

-15

HF

LF

LEV

-30

PK !

SIG

0

+15

-15

-15

LR

-20

PFL PFL

L

R

RLR

5

-15

HF

+15

LF

+15

AUX

0

+6

BAL

-10

LEV

-30

0

PK !

SIG

-15

-15

LR

-20

0

L

R

L

USB IN L

USB IN R

CLF-TELCO

5

+15

RECORD OUT
SOURCE

+15

AUX-MONO

+15

0

+6

PRE

-10

0

ALT OUT

USB

AUX-ALT

LR

MAIN

PGM

PROG
LEVEL

LR

PGM

AUX

MASTER

+6

MAX

MIN MAXMIN MAXMIN

Operator

Guest
Phones

Phones

+16
+9
+6
+3

0

-3

-6

-9

-12

-20

-16

-10

-20

-30

-30

0

LR

GUEST

PHONES SELECT

OPERATOR

PHONES SELECT

Mic

Mic Mic

Line

Line

Line

5

GAIN

MID

AUX

PAN

LEV

- 10 10

HF

f

LF

-30

PK !

SIG

0

20

-15

500

200

120

-15 +15

-15 +15

LR

-20

M1

COMP

650

PFL

0

0

30

20

30

GAIN

60

- 10 10

60

40

COMP

HPF

HPF

HF

-15

+15

+15

650

500

1k

1k

200

2k

f

3k

120

4k

4k

MID

-15 +15

LF

-15 +15

AUX

0

+6

+6

PRE PR E PRE PRE PRE PRE

PAN

LR

-20

-10

LEV

-30

0

0

PK !

PFL

SIG

M2

0

20

30

GAIN

- 10 10

HF

200

f

LF

-30

PK !

SIG

10

-5

20

60

40

-1O
26

TEL IN

COMP

USB

HPF

HPF

HF

12kHz

-15

500

120

-15 +15

-15 +15

LR

-20

M3

650

-15

-15

+15

+15

1k

LF

80Hz

2k

HF

3k

-15

4k

+15

-15

TALK

LF

CLF SCE

PGM
AUX

-15

AUX

AUX AUX

0

0 0

+6

+6

PAN

BAL BAL

LR

-20

-20

-10

-10

LEV

LEV

-30

-30

0

0

PK !

PK !

PFL

PFL

SIG

SIG

T1

GAIN

40

2k

3k

MID

AUX

0

PAN

-10

LEV

L

R

L

R

0

5

+15

+15

+15

0

+6

LR

-10

0

PFL

ST1 ST2 ST3

USB Audio Interface

The XB-10 is equipped with a stereo bi-directional USB 1.1 compliant audio CODEC. It is fully compliant with USB2
ports and uses standard Windows and MAC Core Audio Drivers. In other words, plug it in and your computer will find
it and be able to transfer audio to and from the USB device.

You will need some form of audio software running on your computer for playback/recording or a voice over internet
phone, but on a basic level, you can use your computers media player to play straight to the XB-10 device.

Just a couple of points to look out for:

Windows XP/Vista:

When you plug in your XB-10 USB interface to your computer, if the volume level is low or inaudible, check the device
volume in control panel/Sounds and Audio Devices/Volume. Set the volume to High.

Windows 7:

At present, Windows 7 treats the USB audio device as a microphone source instead if a line input, so set the device
volume level much lower, we found setting to 3 is ideal.

Allen & Heath 29 XB-10 User Guide

APPLICATION DIAGRAM: SELF OPERATION

Ensure MIC MUTE MONITOR switch is enabled to avoid feedback from speak ers

Notes:

The Telephone module could be substituted with a Skype system.

Headphone

Splitter

LEV

PAN

PK !

SIG

-30

-20
LR

M1

PFL

0

-10

LEV

PAN

PK !

SIG

-30

-20
LR

M2

PFL

0

-10

LEV

PAN

PK !

SIG

-30

-20
LR

M3

PFL

0

-10

LEV

PAN

PK !

SIG

-30

-20
LR

T1

PFL

0

-10

LEV

BAL BAL

PK !

SIG

-30

-20
LR

ST1 ST2 ST3

PFL

0

-10

LEV

PK !

SIG

-30

-20
LR

PFL PFL

0

-10

LEV

BAL

PK !

SIG

-30

-20
LR

0

-10

MIN MAXMIN MAXMIN

MAX

Single room

Self Operation

System

Operator

Guests

AUX

GAIN

MID

Line

LF

Mic

HF

- 1010

f

200

-15

-15 +15

-15 +15
0

500

120 4k

20

650

COMP

60

PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE

HPF

+15

+6

30

1k

40

2k

0

GAIN

AUX

+6

0

AUX

-15 +15

+6

0

AUX

+6

0 0

AUX AUX

+6

0

+6

0

AUX

PRE

+6

0

MASTER

AUX

PGM

LR

+6

GUEST

PHONES SELECT

OPERATOR
PHONES SELECT

Line

MID

LF

Mic Mic

HF

- 1010

f

200

-15

-15 +153k-15 +15
0

500

120 4k

20

650

COMP

60

HPF

+15

30

1k

40

3k

2k

GAIN

MID

Line

LF

HF

- 1010

f

200

-15

-15 +15
0

500

120 4k

20

650

COMP

60

HPF

+15
1k

30

40

3k

2k

GAIN

12kHz

80Hz

HF

LF

-5

-1O 26

-15

-15 +15

0

CLF SCE

5

HPF

TALK

+15

USB

TEL IN
AUX

PGM

10

20

LF

HF

-15

-15

-15

0

+15

R

+15

+15

LF

-15

+15

LF

-15

+15

AUX-MONO

0

LR

L

L

R

5

HF

-15

-15

0

+15

+15

R

L

R

L

5

HF

-15

-15

0

+15

+15

R

L

L

R

5

USB IN L

USB IN R

RECORD OUT

SOURCE

CLF-TELCO

AUX-ALT

USB

PGM

LR

ALT OUT

AUX OUT

PROG

MAIN

LEVEL

-30

-20

Guest

Phones

-10

+16

-20

-30

-16

-12

+3+6+9

-6

-9

-3
0

Operator

Phones

CD

CD

Music sources

Hybrid Module

Telephone

Telephone caller

Monitor Speakers

Control Room

Amp

TX 1

Broadcast

Method

Transmission

USB audio data

Headphone signals

Program mix for transmission

Control room speakers

Line level stereo signals

Line level to/from telephone module

Telephone line in (or exchange)

KEY

Microphone signals to mono inputs

Skype caller

or

Playback and

record

Use Computer for:

Allen & Heath 30 XB-10 User Guide

APPLICATION DIAGRAM: STUDIO+CONTROL ROOM

Telephone caller Telephone caller

Studio

Presenter

Guest

Headphone
Splitter

Telephone
Hybrid Module

Operator/Producer

Telephone call handling

Control Room
Monitor Speakers

Amp

AUX OUT

L

L

RLR

R

5

0

0

30

GAIN

10

-5

20

-1O

60

26
TEL IN

COMP

USB

HPF

HPF

HF

12kHz

-15

-15

+15

+15

650

500

1k

LF

80Hz
2k

3k

-15

120

+15

4k

TALK

-15 +15

CLF SCE

PGM
AUX

-15 +15

AUX

0

0 0

+6

+6

PAN

LR

LR

-20

-20

-10

-10

LEV

-30

0

0

PK !

PFL

PFL

SIG

M3

T1

-15

HF

-15 +15

LF

-15

AUX AUX

BAL BAL

LR

-20

LEV

-30

PK !

SIG

ST1 ST2 ST3

ALT OUT

L

L

USB

USB IN L

USB IN R

Guest
Phones

R

RLR

0

0

0

CLF-TELCO

5

5

5

-15

-15

AUX-ALT

+15

+15

+15

LR

MAIN

PGM

-20

HF

HF

PROG

-10

RECORD OUT

LEVEL

SOURCE

-30

-15 +15

-15 +15
0

LR

LF

LF

AUX-MONO

-15

-15

+15

+15

+15

LR

PGM

GUEST

AUX

AUX

PHONES SELECT

0

0

0

OPERATOR

MASTER

PHONES SELECT

+6

+6

+6

+6

PRE

BAL

LR

LR

-20

-20

-10

-10

-10

LEV

LEV

MAX

MIN MAXMIN MAXMIN

-30

-30

0

0

0

PK !

PK !

PFL

PFL PFL

SIG

SIG

Mic

Mic Mic

Line

Line

Line

0

0

30

30

GAIN

GAIN

GAIN

- 10102040

- 10102040

60

- 10102040

60

COMP

COMP

HPF

HPF

HF

HF

HF

-15

-15

+15

+15

650

650

500

500

1k

1k

200

200

200

2k

2k

f

f

f

3k

3k

120

120

4k

4k

MID

MID

MID

-15 +15

-15 +15

LF

LF

LF

-15 +15

-15 +15

AUX

AUX

AUX

0

0

+6

+6

PRE PRE PRE PRE P RE PRE

PAN

PAN

PAN

LR

LR

-20

-20

-10

-10

LEV

LEV

LEV

-30

-30

-30

0

0

PK !

PK !

PK !

PFL

PFL

SIG

SIG

SIG

M1

M2

Music sources

Sound sources

Operator
Phones

+16
+9
+6
+3
0

-3

-6

-9

-12

-16

-20

-30

Control Room

CD

CD

Jingle

Computer for sound
sources and
recording via USB

KEY

Microphone signals to mono inputs
Telephone line in (or exchange)
Line level to/from telephone module
Line level stereo signals
Headphone signals
Program mix for transmission
USB lead

Broadcast

Transmission

Method

TX 1

Separate studio & control
room setup.

Allen & Heath 31 XB-10 User Guide

APPLICATION TIPS: VOIP CALLER ON TELCO CHANNEL

This diagram shows the basic mixer setup for a conversation with a Skype/
VOIP caller.

Ensure the buttons marked with a star are pressed to route the telco channel
and cleanfeed to the computer VOIP program.

Before going to air the presenter can speak with the caller. Do this by moni­toring the telco channel with the PFL button. Pressing the telco channel talk
button will allow the caller to hear the presenter.

Pressing the presenter and telco channel ON buttons and raising the channel
faders will allow an on-air conversation.

Using a recording program such as Audacity, you can also record the caller
and cleanfeed signals.

Mic

Line

GAIN

- 10 10

HF

f

MID

LF

AUX

0

20

-15

500

200

120

-15 +15

-15 +15

30

40

60

COMP

HPF

+15

650

1k

2k

3k

4k

0

+6

Mic Mic

Line

0

20

30

GAIN

40

- 10 10

60

COMP

HPF

HF

-15

+15

650

500

1k

200

2k

f

3k

120

4k

MID

-15 +15

LF

-15 +15

AUX

0

+6

Line

GAIN

HF

MID

LF

AUX

0

20

- 10 10

-15

500

200

f

120

-15 +15

-15 +15

5

0

30

GAIN

10

-5

40

60

COMP

HPF

+15

650

1k

2k

3k

4k

0

+6

20

-1O

26
TEL IN

USB

HPF

HF

12kHz

LF

80Hz

AUX

-15

-15

+15

HF

-15

+15

-15

TALK

LF

CLF SCE

PGM
AUX

-15

AUX AUX

0 0

+6

PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE

LR

-20

-30

M3

PAN

-10

LEV

0

PK !

PFL

LR

-20

-30

SIG

T1

BAL BAL

LR

-20

-10

LEV

-30

0

PK !

PFL

SIG

ST1 ST2 ST3

PAN

LEV

-30

PK !

SIG

LR

-20

0

PFL

M1

PAN

-10

LEV

LR

-20

-30

PK !

SIG

M2

PAN

-10

LEV

0

PK !

PFL

SIG

AUX-ALT

AUX

MASTER

USB

PGM

PGM

AUX OUT

ALT OUT

+16
+9
+6
+3

0

-3

-6

-9

-12

-16

-20

-30

LR

OPERATOR

PHONES SELECT

Operator
Phones

Guest
Phones

LR

MAIN

-20

PROG
LEVEL

LR

+6

-10

-30

0

GUEST

PHONES SELECT

L

R

0

+15

L

R

L

R

0

5

-15

+15

HF

-15

+15

+15

LF

-15

+15

+6

+15

0

+6

L

R

L

R

5

0

L

USB IN L

USB IN R

R

0

CLF-TELCO

5

-15

+15

HF

LF

AUX

RECORD OUT
SOURCE

-15

+15

-15

AUX-MONO

+15

0

+6

PRE

BAL

LR

-20

-10

LEV

-30

0

PK !

PFL

SIG

LR

-20

-10

LEV

-30

0

PK !

PFL PFL

SIG

-10

0

MAX

MIN MAXMIN MAXMIN

Allen & Heath 32 XB-10 User Guide

Insert cable wiring

WIRING NOTES

PROCESSOR

INSERT

T

R

GROUND

RETURN

SEND

General Wiring Information

Y-Adapter

2 Outputs to 1 Input

No !

UNBALANCED

S

RCA PHONO CABLE

INSTRUMENT CABLE

RETURN

T

S

R

SEND

T

S

LINK RING TO SLEEVE TO UNBALANCE

RCA phono jacks

UNBALANCED

R

adapter

UNBALANCED

OUT

IN

Y-Adapter

1 Output to 2 Inputs

Yes

TO

INPUT

Tip=hot (+)

2=hot (+)

3=cold (-)

Tip=hot (+)

2=hot (+)

3=cold (-)

Sleeve=ground

Ring=cold (-)

1=ground

Sleeve=ground

Ring=cold (-)

1=ground

BALANCED

BALANCED

XLR MALE

BALANCED

BALANCED

XLR MALE

TRS JACK CABLE

MIC CABLE

TRS to XLR-F CABLE

TRS to XLR-M CABLE

BALANCED

XLR FEMALE

BALANCED

XLR FEMALE

BALANCED

Sleeve=ground

BALANCED

Sleeve=ground

Ring=cold (-)

Tip=hot (+)

1=ground

3=cold (-)

1=ground

3=cold (-)

Ring=cold (-)

Tip=hot (+)

2=hot (+)

2=hot (+)

FROM

OUTPUT

Allen & Heath 33 XB-10 User Guide

PRODUCT SUPPORT

Investigate ALLEN & HEATH’s other ranges at www.allen-heath.com

Large Live Sound mixers — iLive digital, ML and GL Series

Small Format Live Sound mixers — ZED, MixWizards , PA Series, XB

DJ products — Xone Series

Sound Management Series — iDR Series

Registering your product

Thank you for buying the Allen & Heath XB-10 mixer. We hope that you are happy with it and that
you or your end users enjoy many years of faithful service with it.

Please go to www.allen-heath.com/register.asp and register your product’s serial number and your de­tails. By registering with us and becoming an official Registered User, you will ensure that any warranty
claim you might make is actioned quickly and with the minimum delay.

Alternatively, you may either copy or cut off this section of the page, fill in the details, and return it by
mail to:
Allen & Heath Ltd, Kernick Industrial Estate, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9LU, UK



Allen & Heath 34 XB-10 User Guide