Allen & Heath Xone:96 – Professional Analog DJ Mixer

Introduction

The Allen & Heath Xone:96 is a flagship analog DJ mixer designed for professional DJs, clubs, festivals, and hybrid performance setups. Building upon the legacy of the renowned Xone:92, it introduces enhanced connectivity, dual integrated USB audio interfaces, and expanded performance features while preserving the warm, dynamic analog sound that has made the Xone series an industry favorite.

Whether you’re performing with turntables, CDJs, drum machines, or DJ software, the Xone:96 provides the flexibility, sound quality, and reliability required for demanding professional environments.

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Professional 6+2 Channel Analog Architecture

The Xone:96 features a 6+2 channel analog architecture, allowing DJs to connect multiple audio sources simultaneously.

The mixer includes:

• 4 stereo music channels with phono/line inputs
• 2 additional stereo channels with line/USB capability
• 2 independent microphone inputs
• Professional analog summing bus

This flexible configuration makes the mixer ideal for hybrid DJ setups that combine vinyl, digital media players, synthesizers, drum machines, and external processors.

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Legendary Dual Xone VCF Filters

A defining feature of the Xone:96 is its dual analog Voltage Controlled Filter (VCF) section.

Each filter offers:

• High-Pass Filter (HPF)
• Band-Pass Filter (BPF)
• Low-Pass Filter (LPF)
• Adjustable resonance
• Smooth frequency sweep
• Assignable channel routing

The filters are renowned for their musical response, allowing DJs to create expressive transitions, build-ups, and breakdowns while maintaining the natural character of the analog signal.

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Premium Analog Audio Performance

The Xone:96 maintains a fully analog signal path throughout its mixing architecture.

Its premium circuitry delivers:

• Exceptional headroom
• Warm analog character
• Tight, controlled bass
• Detailed midrange
• Smooth high frequencies
• Excellent stereo imaging

This sound signature has made the Xone series a preferred choice for house, techno, minimal, and underground electronic music performances.

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Dual Integrated USB Soundcards

One of the biggest advantages of the Xone:96 is its dual integrated 32-bit / 96kHz USB soundcards.

The mixer includes:

• Two independent USB-B ports
• Dual 12-input / 12-output audio interfaces (24 channels total across both interfaces)
• 32-bit / 96kHz audio conversion
• Class-compliant operation on macOS and ASIO support for Windows
• Simultaneous connection of two laptops for seamless DJ changeovers or back-to-back performances.

This makes the Xone:96 one of the most flexible club mixers available for professional DJs.

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Professional 4-Band EQ

Each of the four main music channels includes Allen & Heath’s signature 4-band EQ.

Independent control is provided over:

• High frequencies
• High-mid frequencies
• Low-mid frequencies
• Low frequencies

This expanded EQ section allows more precise tonal shaping compared to traditional 3-band DJ mixers, making smooth transitions and detailed frequency control easier during performances.

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Connectivity & External Effects

The Xone:96 is designed to integrate easily into advanced DJ setups.

It provides:

• 4 phono inputs
• 4 line inputs
• 2 microphone inputs
• Dual stereo send/return loops
• Master insert
• Balanced XLR master output
• Booth output
• Record output
• MIDI over USB
• Dual headphone outputs (6.35 mm and 3.5 mm)

These connectivity options allow seamless integration with external effects processors, drum machines, DAWs, and performance hardware.

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Build Quality & Workflow

The Xone:96 is engineered for intensive professional use.

Its robust construction includes:

• Heavy-duty metal chassis
• Replaceable channel faders
• Replaceable crossfader
• Smooth rotary controls
• Club-standard control layout

The intuitive workflow allows DJs to focus on creativity while maintaining precise control over every aspect of the mix.

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Technical Specifications

• Product Type: Professional Analog DJ Mixer
• Mixer Architecture: 6+2 channel analog mixer
• Audio Path: Fully analog
• USB Audio: Dual 32-bit / 96kHz USB soundcards
• USB Channels: 12 inputs / 12 outputs per interface
• EQ: 4-band EQ (main channels)
• Filters: Dual analog Voltage Controlled Filters (HPF / BPF / LPF)
• Inputs: 4 phono, 4 line, 2 microphone
• Outputs: Balanced XLR master, booth, record
• Effects: Dual stereo send/return loops
• Master Insert: Balanced insert connection
• MIDI: USB MIDI support
• Headphone Outputs: 6.35 mm and 3.5 mm
• Construction: Heavy-duty metal chassis
• Sample Rate: Up to 96kHz
• Bit Depth: 32-bit USB audio interface

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Use Cases

The Xone:96 is ideal for:

• Professional nightclub installations
• Touring DJs
• Festival performances
• Vinyl DJ setups
• Hybrid analog and digital performances
• Traktor DVS systems
• Studio DJ recording
• Back-to-back DJ performances using dual laptops

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Why It Stands Out

The Xone:96 combines the renowned analog sound of the Xone series with modern digital connectivity.

Its standout features include:

• Legendary dual VCF filter system
• Fully analog audio path
• Dual integrated 32-bit USB soundcards
• Professional 4-band EQ
• Extensive external effects routing
• Club-proven durability

These features make it one of the most respected analog DJ mixers available for professional performance.

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Conclusion

The Allen & Heath Xone:96 is a premium analog DJ mixer that blends classic Xone sound with advanced digital integration. Featuring a 6+2 channel analog architecture, dual 32-bit / 96kHz USB soundcards, legendary dual VCF filters, and professional connectivity, it delivers exceptional flexibility and uncompromising audio quality for clubs, festivals, studios, and demanding DJ performances.