Four years after the launch of the acclaimed and award-winning MODEL 1 DJ mixer, PLAYdifferently are bringing the same unrivalled analogue experience to the Allen & Heath PLAYDifferently Model 1.4 DJ Mixer, a compact 4- channel design with the same uncompromising approach. The Allen & Heath PLAYdifferently MODEL 1.4 delivers next-level performance for DJs, electronic musicians, and even club owners with installed in-house systems.
Four years after the launch of the acclaimed and award-winning MODEL 1 DJ mixer, PLAYdifferently are bringing the same unrivalled analogue experience to the Allen & Heath PLAYDifferently Model 1.4 DJ Mixer, a compact 4- channel design with the same uncompromising approach.
Engineered by Andy Rigby-Jones and co-designed by Richie Hawtin with feedback from artists, clubs and engineers, MODEL 1.4 features the attention to build quality and comprehensive feature set that put MODEL 1 in a class of its own.
“With MODEL 1 we set out to build a new breed of DJ mixer, more akin to an instrument, with levels of control and quality that inspired creativity,” says Richie Hawtin. “We always felt a compact version would be welcomed in home studios and perfect for streaming. At a more affordable price, but with no compromise to the purity of design and components, this is a smaller format MODEL 1 with four channels, perfect for the home, as a compact club mixer, or as a nimble tour instrument. Allen & Heath PLAYDifferently Model 1.4 DJ Mixer remains true to our original concept of ‘DJ mixer as instrument’ and delivers it in compact, more affordable package. I can’t wait to see and hear how it’s going to inspire the current generation of DJs.”
Built in the UK and sharing MODEL 1’s 100% analogue design, key features include four stereo channels, two stereo send and return channels, two mix outputs and two high performance phono preamps. Each channel also has its own hi- and low-pass filters, precision SCULPT EQ and analogue overdrive circuit. Just like MODEL 1, Allen & Heath PLAYDifferently Model 1.4 DJ Mixer also boasts two independent cue systems, D-Sub I/O for high end sound card integration and the Mixer Link system that allows multiple PLAYdifferently mixers to be linked together, giving you a truly scalable system to grow with your ambitions and not limit your creative possibilities.
Allen & Heath PLAYDifferently Model 1.4 DJ Mixer Features:
100% Analogue
2 High Performance Phono Preamps
Studio-grade TKD 60mm Faders
Precision Sculpting EQ
Master high & low pass resonant filters
Three-band Master EQ
Two-band Booth EQ
Contouring low & high pass filters
Analogue overdrive
Two Independent Cue systems
Mixer Link allows linking multiple mixers
Balanced Mix Bus with >110dB of dynamic range
Two Stereo Sends
The two Aux controls send the channel signal to the Aux mix outputs for use with external effects processors or, in some applications, local monitors. Aux 1 offers either pre or post fade while Aux 2 is internally set to post fader.
Two Stereo Returns
Two basic stereo channels for use as return inputs from external effects processors or other sources. Each return features trim to adjust the return signal, input drive circuit, and cue routing to both Cue A and Cue B. Each return also features metering for visual feedback of the signal level, a rotary level fader to adjust mix amount and combined return 1-2 low-cut EQ and master-filter routing.
Two High-Performance Phono Preamps
Two high-performance turntable inputs have been optimized for the club environment to minimize the tonal imbalance between vinyl and digital audio and eliminate sub-frequency feedback. Each phono input has its own individual turntable earth binding for greater flexibility.
Studio-Grade Faders
Custom TKD 60mm faders. These twin-rails faders have been carefully chosen to ensure long life and smooth operation and feature a heavy feel for greater precision.
Precision Sculpting EQ
Sculpt is a semi-parametric swept bell filter and consists of two controls: Freq, which allows you to set the center frequency and Cut/Boost, so you can adjust the gain or attenuate this frequency. The level of Cut/Boost is asymmetric; maximum boost is limited to +8 dB, while the cut is extended to -20 dB. Sculpt has a wide Q and a frequency range that covers almost seven octaves.
Contouring Low- and High-Pass Filters
As the name implies these two controls allow you to contour the frequency range of the audio signal. They consist of low Q, high-pass and low-pass filters designed not to add color to the sound as they are swept across their frequency range.
Analog Overdrive
A unique feature on every input, the Drive control. This control allows the user to adjust the level at which the channel preamplifier clips the input signal, thus creating harmonic distortion as a creative effect.
Dual Cue
Two independent cue systems, A and B. Cue A routes to the right-hand-side headphone monitor and the Cue B routes to the left-hand-side headphone monitor. The dual-cue system makes it much easier for two DJs to perform on the mixer together in back-to-back setups, as each can select a separate channel to monitor without interfering with the other. This feature also assists DJs in handing off to each other in a smooth and natural way.
Mixer Link
A system that allows multiple mixers to be linked together, either for use with two or more performers, or as a way to expand the number of channels. When Linked together the mixers share a common balanced mix feeding the PA and booth monitors. In addition, the two cue systems are joined allowing interactive cueing between multiple performers.
Balanced Mix Bus
Fully balanced main mix bus (usually only found in very high end analogue studio consoles) resulting in >110 dB of dynamic range, improved hum rejection, lower noise and crosstalk.
Master High- and Low-Pass Resonant Filters
The Master Filter consists of a high-pass filter, a low-pass filter, and a resonance control, to adjust the sharpness of the high-pass filter. The Master Filter can be used as a swept frequency performance effect, or as preset frequency mix tool to instantly cut the low or high frequencies of any channel routed to the filter. Signals can be routed to the Master Filter by the Filter select switch found on each channel.
Three-Band Master EQ
Three-band Master EQ with asymmetric cut and boost, -20/+6 dB, which can be used as a performance effect, as well as a frequency correction tool.
Two-Band Booth EQ
A 2-band equalizer allowing the user to adjust the frequency response of the booth monitors to suit their own preference.
100% Analog
Smooth intuitive controls matched with warm, pure analog circuitry.
Zero Crossing Circuitry
All internal routing utilizes a zero-crossing detection system that helps minimize audio switching artifacts for channel and filter selection, master filter on/off, and master EQ on/off. This system allows each of these functions to be used quickly and intuitively as performance effects.
Quality Components
Beautifully smooth components each controlling one specific function for intuitive on-the-fly creative performances.
External Power Supply
Powered by an external 45W 24V universal voltage PSU. Internally, the 24 volts from the external supply, is converted to just under +/-20 V for the analog power rails using high frequency switching technology, giving MODEL 1 some of the highest signal headroom of any professional mixer irrespective of its application.
Built in the UK
Built in the UK with our partners DigiCo and Allen & Heath using alloy/steel chassis for maximum strength and minimum weight, optimized for touring, club, and performance situations.
D-Subs In
Two fully balanced TASCAM DB25 inputs receiving all 6 stereo channels for rapid connections to external soundcards and added flexibility in club installations.
D-Sub Out
Fully balanced TASCAM DB25 output for sending Master, Aux 1 and 2 Sends, and Cue B channels down a single connector for rapid connections to external soundcards and added flexibility in club installs.
Record Out
Mounted on the front panel at the top of the Master section, the Record Out 3.5mm TRS jack feeds the post Master EQ signal as a pre-fader record output. Nominal level is -2 dB.
Allen & Heath PLAYDifferently Model 1.4 DJ Mixer Specs
Number of Channels
4 x Stereo 2 x Aux
Faders
4 x 2.4″ / 60 mm Channel Level
Meters
Channel Meter: 4 x 10-Segment LED Main Meter: 2 x 10-Segment LED
2 x Stereo RCA TS Unbalanced Line Input 2 x Stereo RCA 3-Pin Unbalanced Line/Phono Input 4 x 1/4″ TRS Balanced Return Input
Audio Outputs
2 x XLR 3-Pin Balanced Master Output 2 x 1/4″ TRS Balanced Master Output 2 x 1/4″ TRS Balanced Booth Output 4 x 1/4″ TRS Balanced Aux Output 2 x 1/4″ TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output 2 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Unbalanced Headphone Output 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Unbalanced Record Output
Phantom Power
None
USB
None
Wireless Connectivity
None
Performance
Frequency Response
20 Hz to 40 kHz +0/-2 dB
Gain/Trim Range
+10 dB
Output Level
+28 dBu (Balanced)
+23 dBu (Unbalanced)
Headphone Output Power
850 mW per Channel into 45 Ohms
I/O Impedance
Output:
50 Ohm (Balanced)
68 Ohm (Unbalanced)
Crosstalk
<100 dB Master Output:
80 dB (1 kHz)
Dynamic Range
>112 dB
SNR
-100 dB
Power
Power Requirements
AC/DC Power Adapter (Included)
Power Supply Output
24 VDC (Included)
AC Input Power
100 to 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz
Power Consumption
45 W
Physical
Dimensions (W x D x H)
14.6 x 9.8 x 4.5″ / 37.0 x 25.0 x 11.5 cm
Weight
11 lb / 5 kg
Weight
17 lbs
Dimensions
24 × 18 × 10 in
Profit Tier
T1 – $250+
Brand
Allen & Heath
Allen & Heath is a leading designer and manufacturer of mixing desks for live sound, permanent installation, DJs, broadcast and recording studios.Allen & Heath was in the vanguard of the first wave of great British mixer companies, starting life at the heart of London’s swinging music scene in 1969. In those early days Allen & Heath hand built mixers for the top bands of the era, including Genesis, Pink Floyd and The Who.Fast forward to the second decade of the 21st Century and some the artists touring with Allen & Heath desks recently include Bring Me the Horizon, Fifth Harmony and Morrissey. Today’s Allen & Heath range is used and loved by bands, rental companies, installers, houses of worship, DJs, clubs, broadcasters and studios in virtually every country across the globe.We are proud to design and specify all our mixers here at our headquarters in beautiful Cornwall, UK, with manufacturing split between our UK factory and a production facility in China. Our world class R&D team has kept us at the leading edge of mixing technology and is committed to harnessing the best technologies and materials to give our customers the best possible mixing experience. Many key members of the Allen & Heath team are active sound engineers with years of hands-on experience, and we’re fortunate to have a network of leading audio professionals whose feedback helps to shape our designs to meet our customers’ real-world needs. One of the cornerstones of the company is our shared passion for audio excellence, both in the analogue domain and in our digital systems, where we have won high praise from some of the most discerning ears in the business for the faithfulness of our FX emulations.From the tiny ZED-6 to the largest dLive pro touring system, all mixers bearing the Allen & Heath logo are designed to our exacting audio and build quality standards. With a strong team behind us and our best ever product range, we’re looking forward to playing a leading role in mixing technology in the years and decades ahead.
