Allen & Heath AH-XB2-14 Compact Radio Broadcast Mixer

The Allen & Heath XB2-14 is not a general-purpose mixer adapted for broadcast use — it's a compact console designed from the ground up around the sonic and workflow demands of radio and internet broadcasting. The DuoPre two-stage preamps are the core of its signal integrity story: by splitting the gain structure into two controlled stages, the desk lets engineers dial in precise levels without compressing headroom or pulling the noise floor up with the signal. On dynamic broadcast microphones, which typically run at modest output levels and require significant gain, this matters directly in what you hear on air — a clean, present mic signal rather than the audible hiss that single-stage preamps introduce at their upper gain limits. The dedicated audition bus runs independently of the program mix, giving producers the ability to cue drops and music beds in headphones without touching what's on air.

The channel layout maps cleanly to a standard hosted broadcast format: four mic/line inputs for hosts and contributors, four Dual Source stereo channels for music and playback, and two Telco channels for phone hybrid feeds — caller audio handled natively without outboard routing boxes. The 100mm faders give operators a confident, physical grip on level during live transitions where a small fader throw makes precise control difficult. The full duplex USB soundcard connects directly to broadcast playout and recording software, and 27 logic I/O points integrate with automation systems, on-air indicators, and remote fader starts — the infrastructure that defines a professional broadcast installation rather than a desktop recording setup. Sized for compact installation but engineered to broadcast professional standards, the XB2-14 is a strong choice for studios where space and budget both have real limits.