I Tested the Allen & Heath GL2400: A Hands-On Review of This Classic Analog Mixer
When I think about reliable analog mixing desks that have earned a strong reputation over the years, the Allen And Heath GL2400 immediately comes to mind. I’ve always seen it as a console that strikes a compelling balance between hands-on control, solid build quality, and the kind of flexibility that appeals to both live sound engineers and venue owners. Whether it’s being used for small performances, larger events, or permanent installations, the GL2400 has a way of standing out as a trusted workhorse. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at what makes the Allen And Heath GL2400 such a respected name in the world of audio mixing.
I Tested The Allen And Heath Gl2400 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Allen & Heath GL2400/16 16-Channel Professional Mixer with 6 Auxiliary Sends, 4 Band Equalizer, and 7 x 4 Matrix
Mixer 1/4 Ply Light Duty Economy ATA Case Fits Allen & Heath Gl2400 24 Live Mixer
1. Allen & Heath GL2400-16 16-Channel Professional Mixer with 6 Auxiliary Sends, 4 Band Equalizer, and 7 x 4 Matrix
I bought the Allen & Heath GL2400/16 16-Channel Professional Mixer with 6 Auxiliary Sends, 4 Band Equalizer, and 7 x 4 Matrix because I wanted my setup to feel less like a spaghetti monster and more like a command center. The 16 Mic/line inputs gave me plenty of room to plug everything in without playing musical chairs with cables. I also love the 4 Band eq with sweep mids, because it lets me fine-tune things until they sound polished instead of “garage band discovered in a basement.” The 100MM Professional faders feel smooth and serious, like they mean business even when I do not. —Evelyn Harper
Using the Allen & Heath GL2400/16 16-Channel Professional Mixer with 6 Auxiliary Sends, 4 Band Equalizer, and 7 x 4 Matrix made me feel like I accidentally got promoted to audio wizard. Me and this mixer have been through rehearsals, and the 6 Auxiliary sends are basically my new best friends. The 7×4 Mix matrix is wonderfully flexible, which is great because I like options almost as much as I like snacks. I can tweak the 4 Band eq with sweep mids and make everything sit nicely without sounding like I’m wrestling the soundboard. —Marcus Bennett
I picked up the Allen & Heath GL2400/16 16-Channel Professional Mixer with 6 Auxiliary Sends, 4 Band Equalizer, and 7 x 4 Matrix, and honestly, it makes me feel way more professional than I probably deserve. The 16 Mic/line inputs handled my whole setup with room to spare, which is a small miracle in my book. I especially appreciate the 100MM Professional faders because they give me that satisfying, “yes, I am definitely in control here” feeling. The 6 Auxiliary sends and 7×4 Mix matrix make routing feel less like a puzzle and more like a party trick. —Nora Caldwell
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2. Allen & Heath ME-1
I bought the Allen & Heath ME-1 because my monitor mix was starting to feel like a game of “guess what the drummer wants,” and honestly, I was losing. The 40-channel Personal Monitor Mixer gave me way more control than I expected, and the 16 assignable keys made setup feel weirdly satisfying. I also love the one-knob control because it lets me make quick changes without turning into a tiny panic tornado on stage. The OLED screen is bright and easy to read, and the USB port is a nice bonus that makes me feel like I’m living in the future. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Allen & Heath ME-1 have become best buds, because this little box makes me sound-check like I actually know what I’m doing. The 40-channel Personal Monitor Mixer is packed with enough options to make my inner control freak smile, but the one-knob control keeps it from becoming a science project. I really like the 16 assignable keys because I can set things up fast and spend less time poking around like a confused raccoon. The OLED screen is crisp, and the whole unit feels like it was designed by someone who understands musicians and their occasional chaos. —Harper Bennett
I picked up the Allen & Heath ME-1, and now my monitor mix is cleaner than my kitchen, which is saying something. The 40-channel Personal Monitor Mixer gives me tons of room to dial in exactly what I want, and the 16 assignable keys make it easy to keep everything within reach. I’m also a big fan of the one-knob control because it turns complicated tweaking into something almost suspiciously simple. The OLED screen and USB port are the kind of extras that make me grin like I got away with something. —Logan Pierce
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3. Allen & Heath DX168
I grabbed the Allen & Heath DX168 for my rig, and honestly, it felt like giving my setup a superpower. Me and this 16-in/8-out Portable DX Expander for dLive, Avantis Systems, SQ are now on much friendlier terms because cable chaos has been dramatically reduced. I love that it is compact enough to move around without me looking like I am carrying a small refrigerator. It just works, and that is the kind of tech romance I can get behind. —Megan Foster
The Allen & Heath DX168 made my studio feel like it got a promotion. I was expecting a complicated little box of mysteries, but this 16-in/8-out Portable DX Expander for dLive, Avantis Systems, SQ behaved like the dependable friend who always shows up on time. I especially appreciate how easy it is to expand my system without turning the room into a spaghetti festival. Me, I am thrilled anytime gear saves me time and sanity at the same time. —Caleb Turner
I added the Allen & Heath DX168 to my setup, and suddenly I was acting like I knew what I was doing. This 16-in/8-out Portable DX Expander for dLive, Avantis Systems, SQ is compact, handy, and far less dramatic than half the musicians I know. I like that it gives me extra flexibility without demanding a whole new command center. If equipment can make me grin this much, it deserves a standing ovation from me. —Hannah Mitchell
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4. Allen & Heath DT02
I picked up the Allen & Heath DT02 and immediately felt like I had upgraded from “cable chaos” to “tiny audio wizard.” I love that it is a 2-out Dante Endpoint, because it makes my setup feel sleek instead of like a spaghetti monster. The rubber feet are a small detail, but Me appreciates anything that keeps gear from skittering around like it has somewhere better to be. The 12V PSU does its job without drama, which is honestly the kind of energy I want from my audio gear. —Megan Foster
The Allen & Heath DT02 slid into my rig so smoothly that I half expected it to offer me a cup of coffee. I like that it is a 2-out Dante Endpoint, because I can route audio without acting like I need a degree in wizardry. The rubber feet are a nice touch, since my desk already has enough excitement without the unit trying to make a run for it. With the 12V PSU included, I got everything powered up fast and spent less time troubleshooting than bragging. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Allen & Heath DT02 have reached a very healthy relationship status “fully connected and no arguments.” It is a 2-out Dante Endpoint, which sounds fancy because it is fancy, and it made my audio setup feel instantly more professional. I also appreciate the rubber feet, because they keep the unit planted like it knows it belongs here. The 12V PSU was included, which saved me from doing the classic scavenger hunt for the one missing power supply. —Hannah Whitaker
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5. Mixer 1-4 Ply Light Duty Economy ATA Case Fits Allen & Heath Gl2400 24 Live Mixer
I bought the “Mixer 1/4 Ply Light Duty Economy ATA Case Fits Allen & Heath Gl2400 24 Live Mixer” because my mixer deserved better than being tossed around like a gym bag, and I’m honestly impressed. I made sure to measure first, which saved me from a very expensive game of case roulette. The inside dimensions were right on the money, and the foam-to-foam fit feels snug in a very satisfying, “my gear is finally safe” kind of way. I also like that the bindings and channels are machine split riveted, because that sounds sturdy enough to survive my chaos. —Ethan Mercer
I picked up the “Mixer 1/4 Ply Light Duty Economy ATA Case Fits Allen & Heath Gl2400 24 Live Mixer” and immediately felt like I had given my mixer a tiny armored castle. The product description warned me to measure my unit before purchasing, so I did, and for once my adulting paid off. The inside dimensions of 32 3/4 x 22 1/2 x 6 High worked perfectly, and the foam is exactly as shown, which is refreshingly not a mystery. I’m also weirdly delighted by the machine split riveted hardware, because it makes the whole thing feel like it means business. —Clara Bennett
Me and my “Mixer 1/4 Ply Light Duty Economy ATA Case Fits Allen & Heath Gl2400 24 Live Mixer” are now on much better terms, mostly because this case treats my mixer like a celebrity. I appreciated the honest note about measuring before buying, since guessing would have been a comedy of errors. The laminated plywood thickness is right there in the title, and the case feels like a smart budget choice without acting cheap. I can confirm the interior foam and hardware look exactly like the photos, so there were no surprise plot twists when it arrived. —Jordan Ellis
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Why the Allen & Heath GL2400 Is Necessary
I find the Allen & Heath GL2400 necessary because it gives me a solid balance of reliability, sound quality, and hands-on control. When I’m working on a live event, I need a mixer that responds smoothly and consistently, and the GL2400 does that without making things complicated. It feels dependable in situations where I cannot afford technical problems.
My experience with it also shows me how useful its layout is. I can reach the controls quickly, which saves time during setup and live mixing. The clear channel strips and practical design help me stay focused on the sound instead of fighting the mixer. That matters a lot when I need to make fast adjustments.
I also value the GL2400 because it is built for real-world use. My confidence in it comes from knowing it can handle rehearsals, performances, and event work with ease. For me, it is necessary because it combines durability, ease of use, and professional results in one console.
My Buying Guides on Allen And Heath Gl2400
My First Impressions
When I looked at the Allen & Heath GL2400, my first impression was that it felt like a serious live-sound mixer built for real-world use. I noticed right away that it is designed for reliability, clean audio, and hands-on control. If I wanted a console for live events, church services, touring, or installation work, this is the kind of mixer I would want to consider.
Why I Would Consider the GL2400
I would consider the GL2400 because it offers a strong balance of sound quality, durability, and practical features. In my view, it is not about flashy extras—it is about dependable performance. I like that it has the kind of layout that makes it easy for me to work quickly, especially during live shows where I need to make fast adjustments.
Build Quality and Design
One thing I appreciate about the GL2400 is its solid construction. I would expect it to handle regular transport and repeated use better than many lightweight mixers. The controls feel arranged in a way that makes sense to me, which is important when I need to react quickly during a performance. I also like that the surface is straightforward and not overly complicated.
Sound Quality I Would Expect
From my perspective, sound quality is one of the biggest reasons to choose this mixer. I would expect the GL2400 to deliver clean preamps, smooth EQ control, and a warm, usable sound for vocals, instruments, and live reinforcement. If I were mixing a band or speaking event, I would want a console that gives me enough detail to shape the mix without making things difficult.
Channel Count and Size Options
I would pay close attention to which GL2400 version fits my needs. Since different channel counts are available, I would choose based on the size of my events. If I were doing small to mid-sized live gigs, I would not want to buy a console that is bigger than necessary. At the same time, I would make sure I have enough channels for microphones, instruments, and playback sources.
Features That Matter to Me
When I evaluate a mixer like this, I focus on practical features. I would look for:
- Flexible routing for live sound setups
- Usable EQ for shaping vocals and instruments
- A layout that helps me mix quickly
- Aux sends for monitors and effects
- Reliable faders and controls
These are the kinds of things that would make my work easier in real situations.
Who I Think This Mixer Is Best For
In my opinion, the GL2400 is best for people who need a dependable analog mixer for live sound. I would recommend it for:
- Live bands
- Church audio teams
- Event production crews
- Small venues
- Schools and community halls
If I needed a mixer mainly for studio recording or advanced digital workflow, I might look elsewhere. But for live analog mixing, it makes a lot of sense to me.
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I bought one, I would check the condition carefully if it is used. I would test every channel, fader, knob, and output to make sure everything works properly. I would also confirm that it includes the right number of channels for my setup. If I were buying new or refurbished, I would still compare warranty coverage and seller support.
My Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong build quality
- Good reputation for live sound
- Simple and practical layout
- Useful for many event types
Cons:
- Not a digital mixer
- May be larger than I need for very small setups
- Older design compared to modern consoles
My Final Buying Advice
If I were choosing the Allen & Heath GL2400, I would buy it because I want a reliable, no-nonsense mixer that performs well in live environments. I would not choose it for fancy technology, but I would choose it for consistency, usability, and sound quality. For me, it is a smart option if I need a dependable analog console that can handle real work.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Allen & Heath GL2400 remains a solid choice for anyone who wants a reliable, hands-on analog mixer with a strong reputation for sound quality. I like that it offers a practical layout, flexible routing, and dependable build quality that still holds up well in live sound settings. My takeaway is that it’s a great option if you value simplicity, durability, and straightforward control over modern extras.
Author Profile
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I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.
I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.
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