Allen & Heath Xone 96 vs Xone 92

I've owned my Xone 96 for a couple months and figured I'd record this video from the perspective of a long time 92 owner, as I've not seen a direct comparison video between the two. Something I didn't mention, everything I refer to for the mics applies to effects as well, as they're on the same channels.
Again, if there's anything you're wondering about that I didn't cover, let me know in the comments!

[@iulianox1]

Wow man how ugly the knobs are, what a cheap image...

[@jelmerslotboom]

I was thinking the exact same, than I noticed your comment!

[@gagarinkafka5863]

@@jelmerslotboom Luckily, they are not the default knobs. Seems like he replaced all buttons (not only the coloured ones).

[@RaquelFoster]

It's cute seeing them next to each other in the same color. It makes the 92 just look like a compact version of the 96. The 92 is 1/2" more narrow and 2" shorter than a DJM-900 - which is really funny when you consider that it has twice as many knobs as a DJM-900. I can fit three decks on a 48" wide table if I use the 92 with two CDJ-3000s and an XDJ-700. I gotta keep the 92 because nothing else is that small. 🙂

[@Ninja_Gaijin]

An additional feature of the 96 is the 'aux - send/return' feature you neglected to talk about. The 'aux 1 - 2' on the headphones that you didn't understand is for monitoring send and receive signals. You can send your tracks with the aux 1 & 2 knobs at the top, into guitar effects etc - check out Ritchie Hawtin where he shows how he used to use his. The 96 not only has 4 send and receives now (those additional C & D you mentioned alongside the 'mic inputs' - the mic inputs being send and receives also if wish), it also includes an instrument (hi-z level) input. I am not entirely sure if it includes a reamper (line to hi-z level converter output option) but I think if I remember correctly it may. So to do what the 96 does for my Xone 92, some years back I bought: Radial X Amp Reamper (active) [Xone 92 line level output -> guitar 'hi-z' output], Radial JDI Duplex (for converting guitar to mic level) and a Rolls MP222 mic preamp (converting mic to line level). I could have potentially just ran from the DI into the mic input of the Xone 92, but I had this (incorrect) idea that the mic inputs / XLR connectors had an 80hZ high pass filter. They don't. But to get around this imaginary issue, I got a mic preamp. They are nice to have anyway. But what I mean to say is I bought a bunch of stay that you could do with the Xone 96 out of the box. Another good thing about the Xone 96 is the digital sound card - you didn't mention. You can record digitally off the mixer now. And yes they modified the phono preamps to be louder, to closer match digital input signals. Which is nice, so you could use quieter carts and have more signal to work with. However I will stick with my Xone 92. Why? Mostly because it's smaller. The Xone 96 and the Xone 92 both run VERY hot. I have burned a PSU on my 92 which cost a bunch to replace. And it felt like I could cook eggs around my master LED section after long use on hot days. So I got my technician to add a heat sink and internal fan, as well as recap some of the lower quality PSU components, to 'future proof' the unit. It now runs cool (so far but have to test on a 'stress' day), but I felt the Xone 96 at the store near me and it was super hot after running all day (in Winter on a cold day). Both 92 and 96 need 2-3" space either side for ventillation, but they still overheat. The internal fan helps a LOT. I wish they would have added a fan to the Xone 96, and I would have considered it.. The main thing I want is for the filter to not have a pop noise with engaged. I don't want crunch particularly, LFO isn't a big deal but it was nicer than crunch I think. Also, I have now installed an Innofader PNP2. I think this is a superior Innofader than the mini, which I hear has many issues with bleeding, according to anecdotal reports. Basically both nice mixers, but with added digital element and overheating element, I imagine a crapload to fix when it fails. I stick with my modified Xone 92 and dream of a Formula Sound FF4.2L some day (which comes with a bloody fan stock lol).

[@ericburgos]

Yeah, I've never used effects when I mix, but I'm considering a MasterSounds effects unit. Same with the sound cards, I play records so the software deejaying bit is not for me.That sucks re: the power supply, though, I never thought about that. I used to keep my 92 on at all times, so that makes me almost surprised it never crapped out on me! I've used crunch more then I've ever used the LFO, it's weird with drum n bass. Crunch gives the filter a nice little bite/edge when used conservatively. Also, the soundcards aren't able to be recognized by any piece of recording software I use... but it doesn't matter as I have an interface that I use to record mixes.

[@mechanoid6152]

Nice video! Had been using Xone:62 for years, also played on 92 a bit...now I have 96 which is perfect mixer for me:) very pleased with it!

[@donaldghazi2392]

ooooh. would you still recommend 62 now? looking to purchase one (hopefully around $200) 92 and 96 are over a grand and I'm just starting out....

[@risquedj]

Yeah, I had the PX5 (LOVED IT!!), but ultimately replaced it w' a 96. It's more transparent than the PX5 was. The 96's sound is just so damn clean! Lovin' the Grey Coolercaps colorway you've chosen for your 96. Not gonna' lie, I am going to copy it for mine, haha!!

[@tonybucks5709]

That's because PX5 is both analog and digital (FX), while the 96 has no digital output, is fully analog, so slightly better sound, but NO effects at all, which is a down side.

[@risquedj]

@@tonybucks5709 Yeah, no built-in EFX is kinda' a bummer....especially the Tape Delay. I really miss that one. But, I do have Strymon "Bluesky" & TEIL1 "Keindelay" pedals to make up for it ;) I also have a Bozure ISO-1 Isolator. But I am REALLY looking forward to the outboard EFX unit that A&H are developing to take advantage of that "Audio Sync Out" port on the back!!

[@tyronedavis240]

I'm a audiophile guy which one sounds best are they both analog mixers....plz help is it worth trashing Pioneer 900nxs

[@marknarain6617]

@@tyronedavis240 I use pioneer up to today but own a x96 and used the v10 I am in the middle on both

[@korkmazmusic]

thank you for this video! I bought 96 a week ago and wondering what do you think about the mixer so far? This is my first analog mixer and so far it’s great! Less cables and super easy setup with macbooks/traktor/ableton. The only thing about it tho, it’s a little noisy, I mean if no signal runs through the mixer and if you turn up volume faders, you can hear the hiss that’s what I did not like it but the technician from allen heath said that it’s the noise floor of the mixer that’s a non issue. What do you think about this? In addition to this when I switch channel 4/D input to phono I get a little louder noise than other channels. I might be an ignorant about this might not be an real issue since this is my first mixer I’d like to know more. Thanks again

[@breakz187]

hmmm - did you get a resolution to this?

[@seabassluna9859]

Xone 92 gain doesn’t kill the volume. Help

[@ericburgos]

It doesn't do that on any Allen + Heath mixer as far as I know?

[@JustinAzeiMusic]

Is 96 sound better then 92? I have 92 but i think about upgrade 96. Just wanna new thing. My faders are loosy

[@AndiGomez-yu2dx]

Yes it is

[@marknarain6617]

did u change all the caps on the 96 and why and can I change the face plate on a 92 if so how

[@ericburgos]

I changed them all out on the 92 and the 96, as I prefer a "skinnier" knob. Gives you more space between them.

[@tonybucks5709]

Please, leave the original knobs on, the ones you have are awful to such great mixer.

[@risquedj]

I disagree. I think his choice in colorway for the knobs is VERY tasteful. It compliments the mixer well. In fact, A&H should have done something similar for their flagship mixer. I just ordered the exact same knobs from Coolercaps for mine. Well done!!

[@tonybucks5709]

@@risquedj to each his own, i enjoy the engineered original mixer, i don't want to see colorful knobs on such high end mixer, it's not Halloween for me.

[@risquedj]

@@tonybucks5709 Oh wait, if you are referencing the knobs on the X92, then I totally agree with you. The colorways he chose for the X96 are what I was complimenting. Black, Grey, and Silver knobs compliment the X96 well!!

[@aaronw4537]

Totally agree, the silver ones are super slick! I will however refrain from commenting on the clown show that is going on on that 92...

[@marknarain6617]

I guess the knobs was not a problem before eh

[@njclondon2009]

your first mixer was a xone 92?! dayam...

[@ericburgos]

Yeah. By the time I got it (was able to afford a deejay set up) I was like 32 and been playing out for about ten years. Life was rough back then.

[@mikedubz5576]

In my opinion i would rather get a used xone 92 for cheap modify the fader to inno fader pnp. Second mode it to have rotaries instead. Buy a used rme 400 soundcard for world better sound Than the 96, have left Over money for a main isolator Unit. And get 2 effect pedals for effect routing while still having Cash left Over for other mods i did like moding the cross fader with a insert section enabling user to apply any inserted effect Unit or isolator to be used individually by selector switch on and of per channel way.

[@aaronw4537]

It is hard to find specs on the soundcard in the 96 but just based on the price of the 96 I tend to agree that it is probably not high-end. I wonder however where you would find all that "leftover cash". The RME 400 seems to go for a little under 400€ used (Germany) which is already more than the price difference between the Xones (also used of course). That being said, the soundcard should be alright for DJing and it is also much more convenient than any external routing, especially for touring DJs.

[@AdamsBrew78]

Have you ever tried the 96 as an iPad interface? Would be pretty sweet if I could run both my Mac mini and iPad at same time on one. Thinking about getting it to use as a home studio mixer, delegating my MOTU Ultralight as standalone submixer when I need extra I/O

[@ericburgos]

No, I've never owned an iPad and the 96 moved to a new home last May :D

[@Dbulkss]

What is the link for xone 92 cooler caps??

[@ericburgos]

coolorcaps.com/product/large-indicator-copy/

[@JL-bu8bz]

Sound and durability is the real important thing. Functions isnt.

[@U2BROTHR]

Do I toss my Xone 92 Rotary and go for this 96? Will the 96 ever come out with a rotary version? Decisions. Thank you for the video.

[@ericburgos]

Do you think you'd miss the 92R if you did?

[@U2BROTHR]

@@ericburgos Not if A+H eventually made a 96R. 😉