Allen&Heath Xone S6 - Manual (Page 7)

XONE:S6 User Guide 7
Welcome to the
The XONE:S6 is an audiophile rotary club mixer that sets a new
quality benchmark. It is an echo of the earliest days of pro audio
when pioneering individuals hand crafted outstanding products
free from the constraints of cost and time. We revisited the basics
of audio circuit design restoring the simple purity of a minimum
signal path meticulously constructed from the finest discrete
components. The result is a console that gives great recordings
the space and freedom to express their true warmth and clarity.
The main circuits use carefully selected transistors instead of ICs
to ensure the shortest signal path and high voltage rail operation
for massive headroom. The lower open loop stage gain means
minimum negative feedback resulting in reduced intermodulation
distortion of the complex waveforms typical of music. The all
important RIAA input stage uses paralleled audio grade JFETS
and a composite passive equalisation network which maintains
low noise and very high input impedance constant with frequency.
Similar care has been taken with the input preamps using JFETS
in a classic long tailed pair configuration and a Class A mosfet
output stage which replaces the busy integrated op-amp typically
found in modern preamps. As much time has been spent
carrying out ‘golden ear’ listening tests as performance logging in
the laboratory. The result is the simple assurance that you will
hear every nuance of the music you mix.
The same attention to quality detail is applied to the construction.
The face plate is machined from 6mm thick bead blasted
aluminium. The main VU meters are a very rugged and accurate
original 1950’s British telecom design. The vintage durability is
also reflected in the choice of the knobs and switches.
The XONE:S6 also features the best in modern technology and
engineering excellence. The top of the range, oil damped rotary
faders are made by Penny & Giles, a British company renowned
for its fader expertise. Not only are the controls guaranteed to
give you the finest mix precision, they will also give you the
longest term service. The power unit also benefits from the finest
in linear design for a rock solid bottom end and utmost clarity.
The 6 input channels each have two selectable stereo inputs.
CH1-3 include selectable RIAA and line inputs. Rear panel inserts
are provided for patching in external processing. The channel hi-
pass filters use large rotary controls for performance mixing. The
microphone channel has a balanced XLR input with selectable
phantom power, vocal optimised EQ, insert point, on/off switch,
and the ability to route to the booth if required.
Balanced XLR master and booth stereo outputs are provided. The
master output is also available on unbalanced TRS jack, and
includes an insert point. The recording output is taken from the
booth mix. Two band EQ is available on both the master and
booth outputs. The cue system feeds both front and rear
headphones sockets. The channel cue switches auto-cancel for
fast action, and the cue/mix rotary fader lets you audition how a
source will sound when added to the mix. The tone control helps
you lift the sounds you want to check in your headphones.
Various internal jumpers are provided so you can set preferred
source selection and operating levels.
We hope you enjoy using the XONE:S6 as much as we have
enjoyed designing it.
Andy Rigby-Jones, the designer