Allen & Heath PA20 20 Channel (16m + 2s) Mixer

Allen & Heath PA20

The PA20 mixer has been designed with all the tools you will need to run a standard stereo PA system. With ALLEN&HEATH's legendary innovative design and excellent sound quality, these entry level consoles makes an ideal live mixer for club performers, schools' systems, conference rooms and travelling musicians. If you care about quality you’ll also appreciate the build standards that the PA series conforms to, including the same individual vertical circuit boards, nutted pots and solid copper buss interconnection as our acclaimed ML series consoles. As for audio performance, PA20 mixers have the wonderfully full, open, natural quality that you’d expect from a professional ALLEN&HEATH desk.

High Performance Preamp

The mic preamp is probably the most important stage in the console’s signal path and its performance is often the measure of the quality of the console. The PA Series uses a high grade dualstage design, developed from our top-end range of ML and GL consoles. This ensures optimum matching and very low noise when connecting mic or line sources.

Parametric Output EQ

A 4 band equaliser with swept frequency  on each band provides more precise optimisation of the speaker system and control of feedback than the typical fixed frequency graphic type EQ found on similar consoles. Download the free EQ Visualiser programme from our website to learn more about using this powerful tool.

Filter

Each mono input channel is equipped with a 100Hz high-pass filter, an invaluable tool for cleaning up the mix. The majority of live sound sources have very little content below 100Hz, and modern microphones have wide frequency response and can pick up bleed from nearby low frequency sources such as bass and kick drums. The filter can be used: on vocal channels to reduce mic handling noise and close proximity popping; on drum overhead mics to reduce kick and bass pick up; on higher frequency instruments such as flute and acoustic guitar; and on stage mics to reduce foot noise.

Recording Outputs

There is a digital SPDIF 2-track output available from a RCA phono socket for recording direct to digital media, such as PC soundcards, DAT and digital audio processors. The recording send can be switched pre-fade if desired. An analogue recording output is also available.

4 Band Channel EQ

Another design innovation taken from ALLEN&HEATHs flagship range, the 4 band input EQ is every bit a pro tool. The low [60Hz] and high [12kHz] bands have shelving response, while the high-midrange band is sweepable from 350Hz to 6 kHz. Low-midrange EQ has a bell response at 250Hz - a frequency chosen to provide reduction of  muddy sounds and enhance warmth.

Lamp socket

A 4 pin lamp connector is provided on the rear of the control surface.

Easy-to-Mix Controls

The control surface is laid out in an uncomplicated format and the operator can easily see all connections for patching. Pre-fade sends (FB) and post-fade sends (FX) are clearly labelled and colour coded, and there are generous 100mm fader masters with a LED mute button, identical to the channel controls. There is a selection of 16 editable digital FX to complete the professional design.

Stereos

2 dual stereo channels with RCA and TRS connectors and independent gain controls are included for FX returns and stereo sources, such as CD players and backing tracks. The RCA inputs can feed straight to LR, so providing extra returns. The stereo channels are furnished with 2 band EQ, and can be routed to all 4 auxiliary sends.

Powered Option

The PA-CP versions contain a built-in amplifier, delivering an impressive 1 kiloWatt, able to run a regular stereo PA system with very little external equipment. Our objective was to produce a powerful, great sounding amplifier in a compact package for the high-end audio market. The result is not only a well voiced amp with loads of weighty power but also clear, transparent audio quality. ALLEN&HEATH’s unique Constant Power system ensures that all available power is converted into useable speaker power so we can guarantee the full 500W RMS per side into 4 ohms OR 8 ohms.

A+B Output Channels

The main outputs - XLR (PA) or amplifier (PA-CP) - derive their source from a selectable combination of LR (stereo), L+R (mono), FB1 and FB2, and provide master level trim, meters, slave outputs, patch point for external processors, and the very precise 4 band semi-parametric equalisers. This is extremely flexible and means that the PA can be operated in many different ways. For example, the user may want to run a stereo house system with separate left and right speakers and no monitors, or a mono system with a foldback monitor. Alternatively, you may patch into a bigger house system and use the built-in amplifier to provide a pair of equalised stage monitors. The PA Series takes the concept of a  PA in a box a versatile step further.

Equalisation

• Mono Channel Low Frequency: 60Hz Shelf
• Mono Channel High Mid Frequency: 500Hz-15kHz, Q=1.8
• Mono Channel High Frequency: 12kHz Shelf
• Filter (mono input): 100Hz switchable

Mechanical Specifications

• Dimensions (W x H x D): 29" x 6" x 21"
• Weight: 31 lbs