Allen & Heath are launching a “sister product” to their just-announced Xone:23 at NAMM earlier this year (see our extended review here).The new Xone:23C is being added to the range with all the same features as the Xone:23, as well as the addition of three items:
- 96kHz 24bit 4 stereo channel USB soundcard
- Mixvibes Cross LE bundled (allows 2-deck DVS control in combo with the soundcard)
- X:Link connector to allow for easy connection of Allen & Heath Xone:K series controllers (like the Xone:K2)
The 23:C also is rocking a familiar orange design around the controls that mirrors the look and feel of the Xone:DB2/4 flagship mixers. It’s a nice touch and certainly makes the EQ, filer, and fader controls pop quite a bit more than the original 23.
If you’re looking for a really high quality 2-channel mixer with USB I/O, this could be right for you – although it’s highly unlikely to get Traktor or Serato certification. We’re a bit disappointed that a few of the design issues like filter/FX out weren’t sorted out in this edition as well, since they were the only major draw back in the 23 model that launched at NAMM.
The Xone:23C is expected to cost about $580 MSRP (the Xone:23 has $299 street price) and will ship in June 2014.