ALLEN & HEATH PLAYDIFFERENTLY MODEL 1.4 4-channel Analog Mixer

4-Channel Analog Mixer

The ALLEN & HEATH PLAYDIFFERENTLY MODEL 1.4 is a 4-channel analog mixer designed for the clubbing and DJing world. The ALLEN & HEATH PLAYDIFFERENTLY MODEL 1.4 is a compact (368x248x111mm; 5KG in weight) 4-channel version aimed at satisfying users who want to use it in the studio, at home, or those who travel frequently and are looking for a high-quality product that is compact and more affordably priced.
The ALLEN & HEATH PLAYDIFFERENTLY MODEL 1.4 was designed by engineer Andy Rigby-Jones in collaboration with renowned DJ and producer Richie Hawtin and manufactured in England.
The ALLEN & HEATH PLAYDIFFERENTLY MODEL 1.4 is a 4-channel mixer (two of which (CH2 and CH3) are equipped with efficient and high-quality phono pre-amplification (RIAA)) featuring two sends, two stereo returns, and two MIX outputs. Each channel has the unique equalization/filtering system that made the MODEL 1 famous, based on two independent filters, a low-pass and a high-pass, and a semi-parametric equalizer with a wide bell curve that allows you to adjust the mid-range using two rotary controls for frequency (70Hz/7kHz) and asymmetric gain (cut/boost) (+8/-20dB). The vertical faders for managing the volume of individual channels are "studio quality" TKD dual-rail faders with a 60mm travel. Each channel has a dedicated 10-LED meter.
The ALLEN & HEATH PLAYDIFFERENTLY MODEL 1.4 uses the same pure analog circuit as the flagship model in the PLAYdifferently catalog, which employs technologies and components typically found in high-end studio consoles: from fully balanced buses to zero-crossing detectors, for immediate and artifact-free filtering and routing when activating and using the various filters and equalizers. In addition to the Trim (gain) potentiometer, each channel features a "Drive" rotary control for signal saturation, usable both during music production and during a live set, given the harmonic distortion induced by the feedback-type circuit saturation, which is a source of potential creative effects.
The Aux potentiometers allow sending the signal from individual channels to the two stereo Send outputs (Aux 1 and Aux 2) available on 1/4" Jack connectors, either to the input of external effects processors or for specific monitoring situations. Aux 1 can be configured on each channel in pre or post-fader mode using the dedicated buttons; Aux 2 is internally set to post-fader and can be varied via internal configuration to follow Aux 1 settings.
The ALLEN & HEATH PLAYDIFFERENTLY MODEL 1.4 also features two stereo inputs for as many return channels to which external multi-effects units or other sources can be connected. These two channels, located on the left side of the panel, are equipped with TRIM and Drive controls, a rotary Level potentiometer for volume management, a button for sending to cue, and a 4-LED meter for visual level monitoring. Both Return channels can be routed to the Master Filter input via a dedicated switch.
The Master Filter is a filtering section applicable to one or more mixer channels, which can be routed to it via dedicated switches. The Master Filter includes a high-pass filter with cutoff and resonance controls and a low-pass filter. This filtering section can be used for classic "sweep" effects (rotating the cut-off controls) during performances, or pre-set to apply immediate cuts (Kill) to the high or low frequencies of the signal routed to it.
The ALLEN & HEATH PLAYDIFFERENTLY MODEL 1.4 also adopts the unique dual cue system, ideal for Back2Backs, with two CUE buttons: A and B, on each channel. Cue A sends the signal to the headphones connected to the right side of the mixer, while Cue B sends it to the cue section on the left. The two cue buses are completely independent, two separate output channels, both equipped with two 1/4" and mini-jack headphone sockets, split function, Cue/Mix blending, and rotary volume control.
The summing in the ALLEN & HEATH PLAYDIFFERENTLY MODEL 1.4 employs a fully balanced system typically found in high-end analog studio consoles, ensuring a high dynamic range (110dB), with natural attenuation of artifacts and disturbances such as hum, background noise, and crosstalk. A 3-band equalizer with asymmetric gains (-20/+6dB) is available on the Master channel, usable as a creative tool or as a normal EQ for compensating frequency levels.
There are two balanced stereo MIX outputs with independent rotary volume controls: the "MASTER" on XLR connectors with a 3-band EQ and the Booth on 1/4" TRS Jack connections, which has a two-band equalizer (bass and treble). The Record output on a 3.5mm TRS mini-jack connector, with a nominal output level of -2dB, is located in the upper right corner of the panel.
External recorders can be connected to this, receiving the Master signal (pre-fader, post Master Eq) from the mixer as input. The DSub output allows connection of the Master, Aux 1, Aux 2, and Cue B outputs to a patch-bay or an audio interface via a single standard TASCAM DB25 cable. The two 9-pin DSub Link In and Link Out connectors (for RS232 cables, for example) allow cascading multiple Model 1 series mixers for two-mixer performances or to expand the number of console channels.

Specifications

• 100% analog studio quality
• 4 stereo RCA inputs
• High-efficiency RIAA pre-amps on channels 2 and 3
• Analog overdrive based on feedback circuit
• Semi-parametric EQ and two independent filters on each channel
• 60mm TKD faders
• 2 Sends and 2 stereo returns (1/4” TRS Jack)
• Assignable resonant Master Filter (Low and High pass)
• 2 MIX outputs: Master (XLR) and Booth (1/4” TRS Jack)
• Inputs and outputs also available on DB25
• 3-band EQ on Master
• 2-band EQ on Booth
• Two cue BUSes (CUE A and CUE B)
• LINK to connect multiple Model 1 mixers
• LINK IN/LINK OUT DB9 connectors/RS232 cable
• Maximum Output Level: +28dBu balanced; +23dBu unbalanced
• Output Impedance: 50R balanced, 68R unbalanced
• Residual Noise: -100dBu (22Hz/20kHz)
• Noise from line in to line out (Unity): -90dBu (22Hz/20kHz)
• Dynamic Range: >112dB
• Frequency Response: 20Hz/40kHz, +0/-2dB
• Distortion (THD+N): 0.008% from Line In to Mix 1 out, 0dBu Unity Gain
• Inter-channel Crosstalk: < -100dB
• Left/Right Crosstalk: -80dB 1kHz
• Maximum headphone output level: 850mW RMS at 45 Ohms (Cue A)
• Power Consumption: Max 45W