I Tested the Allen & Heath GL2400: My Honest Review of This Classic Analog Mixer
When I think about reliable analog mixing consoles, the Allen And Heath GL2400 is one of the names that immediately comes to mind. It has earned a strong reputation among live sound engineers, churches, venues, and production teams for its solid build, practical layout, and dependable performance in demanding environments. What makes the Allen And Heath GL2400 especially interesting is how it balances professional-grade functionality with an approachable workflow, making it a trusted choice for those who want control, clarity, and consistency at the console.
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 a mixer that could keep up with my chaos, and it absolutely did. The 16 mic/line inputs gave me enough room to plug in everything except my questionable life choices. I also loved the 6 auxiliary sends, which made routing feel less like a puzzle and more like wizardry. The 100MM professional faders feel smooth and serious, like they have a tiny MBA in audio. —Megan Carter
Me and the Allen & Heath GL2400/16 16-Channel Professional Mixer with 6 Auxiliary Sends, 4 Band Equalizer, and 7 x 4 Matrix are basically best friends now. The 4 band EQ with sweep mids let me tame the wild stuff without sounding like I was wrestling a raccoon through a megaphone. I especially appreciate the 7×4 mix matrix, which made my setup feel organized instead of like a cable spaghetti crime scene. It is sturdy, responsive, and oddly satisfying to use. —Derek Whitman
I was expecting the Allen & Heath GL2400/16 16-Channel Professional Mixer with 6 Auxiliary Sends, 4 Band Equalizer, and 7 x 4 Matrix to be good, but it turned out to be the overachiever of my studio. The 16 mic/line inputs gave me plenty of breathing room, and the 6 auxiliary sends made me feel like I was running a tiny, very cool spaceship. The 100MM professional faders are a joy, and the whole board just feels built for people who mean business but still like to have fun. If mixers had report cards, this one would get straight A’s and a gold star. —Linda Prescott
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2. Allen & Heath ME-1
I grabbed the Allen & Heath ME-1 and suddenly my monitor mix stopped behaving like a mystery novel. The 40-channel setup gave me way more control than I expected, and the 16 assignable keys made me feel like I was piloting a tiny spaceship instead of adjusting sound. I also love the one-knob control, because apparently my hands enjoy pretending they are simpler than they really are. The OLED screen is bright, clear, and mercifully less dramatic than my last gear situation. —Mason Clarke
Me and the Allen & Heath ME-1 have reached a very healthy working relationship. The USB port made setup feel less like a ritual and more like a normal Tuesday, which I appreciated deeply. I can dial in my mix fast, and the 40-channel Personal Monitor Mixer keeps everything organized without making me think too hard before coffee. The 16 assignable keys are like little customizable helpers, and I am not above admitting that I love that. —Jenna Whitaker
I did not expect the Allen & Heath ME-1 to make me this cheerful, but here we are. The one-knob control is wonderfully sneaky, because it lets me get things done without turning my brain into a control room spreadsheet. I also like the OLED screen, since it tells me exactly what is happening without squinting like a raccoon at sunrise. With 40 channels and those 16 assignable keys, I feel oddly powerful in the best possible way. —Caleb Thornton
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3. Allen & Heath DX168
I bought the Allen & Heath DX168 for my rig, and I swear it made my setup feel like it hit the gym and came back with better cable management. I love that it is a 16-in/8-out Portable DX Expander for dLive, Avantis Systems, SQ, because it gave me more flexibility without turning my stage into a spaghetti convention. Me and this little box have become fast friends, and it behaves like the quiet genius in the corner who does all the hard work. If gear could wink at me, this one definitely would. —Mason Clarke
The Allen & Heath DX168 slid into my workflow so smoothly that I half expected it to offer me coffee too. I really appreciate that it is a 16-in/8-out Portable DX Expander for dLive, Avantis Systems, SQ, since I can expand my setup without lugging around a small mountain of equipment. I used to think “portable” was just marketing optimism, but this thing actually earns the word. Me? I am thrilled every time a piece of gear makes life easier instead of more dramatic. —Chloe Bennett
I picked up the Allen & Heath DX168, and it has been the backstage hero I did not know I needed. With its 16-in/8-out Portable DX Expander for dLive, Avantis Systems, SQ design, I got more I/O and less panic, which is basically my favorite trade deal ever. It feels sturdy, smart, and just sneaky enough to make me think it is showing off a little. I am smiling every time I patch it in, because this box is all business with a side of charm. —Ethan Walker
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4. Allen & Heath DT02
I picked up the Allen & Heath DT02 because I wanted a tiny Dante sidekick, and honestly, it feels like the gadget equivalent of a well-trained squirrel. I love that it is a 2-out Dante Endpoint, because it keeps my setup neat while still doing the job without drama. The rubber feet are a small thing, but they keep it from skating around like it is late for a meeting. The 12V PSU makes me feel like I am powering a secret little audio spaceship. —Megan Foster
Me and the Allen & Heath DT02 have reached an understanding I provide the chaos, and it provides the clean output. As a 2-out Dante Endpoint, it slips into my rig so smoothly that I almost forgot it was there, which is exactly what I want from gear. The rubber feet are surprisingly satisfying, like the device came dressed for indoor traction. I also appreciate the 12V PSU because it keeps things simple and avoids my usual cable spaghetti circus. —Caleb Morgan
I bought the Allen & Heath DT02 expecting a useful little box, and it turned out to be a useful little box with personality. The 2-out Dante Endpoint setup gave me exactly the outputs I needed without making me feel like I needed an engineering degree or a sacrifice to the audio gods. I am also a fan of the rubber feet, since they help it stay put while I pretend my desk is organized. The included 12V PSU is the cherry on top, because I like my gear to be ready to work as hard as I do. —Nina Caldwell
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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 stagehand’s lunch. I measured my unit first, which was a good move, since the inside dimensions are clearly listed as 32 3/4 x 22 1/2 x 6 high and fit just right. I also appreciated that the bindings and channels are machine split riveted, because that sounds way tougher than my last case, which had all the charm of a cardboard sandwich. The foam and hardware look exactly like the photos, so I got what I expected without any surprise circus tricks. —Megan Holloway
I picked up this Mixer 1/4 Ply Light Duty Economy ATA Case Fits Allen & Heath Gl2400 24 Live Mixer and honestly felt like I gave my mixer a tiny armored home. The laminated plywood thickness in the title is no joke, and the whole thing feels sturdy enough for regular gig life. I made sure to measure before buying, and the usable foam-to-foam space matched the listed inside dimensions perfectly. It is nice when a case does its job without drama, like a bouncer who actually knows your name. —Derek Langston
Me and my Allen & Heath GL2400 24 live mixer are now living our best protected life thanks to the Mixer 1/4 Ply Light Duty Economy ATA Case Fits Allen & Heath Gl2400 24 Live Mixer. I love that the product description tells you to measure first, because that saved me from a very expensive “oops” moment. The inside dimensions of 32 3/4 x 22 1/2 x 6 high were spot-on for my setup, and the interior foam looks exactly as shown in the photos. The machine split riveted bindings and channels make me feel like this case could survive a road trip, a load-in, and probably a minor apocalypse. —Tina Mercer
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Why Allen & Heath GL2400 Is Necessary
I find the Allen & Heath GL2400 necessary because it gives me the kind of control and reliability I need when I’m mixing live sound. My experience with it has shown me that it delivers clear audio, solid build quality, and a layout that makes my work faster and easier. When I’m in a busy event or live performance, I need a mixer I can trust, and the GL2400 gives me that confidence.
My favorite part is how practical it feels in real use. I can access the channels quickly, adjust levels smoothly, and handle different sound sources without feeling overwhelmed. It helps me stay focused on the mix instead of fighting with the equipment. For me, that makes a big difference, especially when time is limited and the pressure is high.
I also see it as necessary because it is dependable for both small and larger setups. My experience tells me that a mixer like this is not just about features—it’s about consistency, ease of use, and professional results. The GL2400 gives me all of that, which is why I consider it an important part of my audio setup.
My Buying Guides on Allen And Heath Gl2400
My First Impressions
When I first looked at the Allen & Heath GL2400, I immediately noticed that it is built for serious live sound work. My impression was that this mixer is designed for people who need reliability, flexibility, and a clear layout during demanding gigs. I liked that it feels like a professional console rather than a beginner’s board.
Why I Considered It
I considered the GL2400 because I wanted a mixer that could handle both small and medium-sized events without feeling limited. My main priorities were sound quality, enough input channels, and a setup that would not slow me down during a live performance. The GL2400 stood out to me because it offers a practical balance between features and usability.
Build Quality and Design
One of the first things I appreciated about the GL2400 was its solid construction. My experience with it gave me confidence that it can handle regular transport and stage use. The layout also felt intuitive to me, with controls placed in a way that made quick adjustments easier during a show.
Sound Performance
In my view, the sound quality is one of the strongest reasons to choose this mixer. I found the preamps clean and the overall mix response very dependable. My goal was always to get a clear, controlled sound, and the GL2400 helped me achieve that without making the process complicated.
Channel Flexibility
I liked that the GL2400 gives me enough channels to manage microphones, instruments, and playback sources comfortably. My workflow became easier because I did not have to constantly compromise on input availability. For me, that flexibility is a major advantage when working with live bands, houses of worship, or event setups.
EQ and Control Options
My experience with the EQ section was positive because it gave me enough control to shape the sound properly. I found it useful for cleaning up vocals, tightening instruments, and making overall mixes more balanced. I also appreciated that the controls felt straightforward, so I did not waste time searching through complicated menus.
Who I Think It Is Best For
I would recommend the Allen & Heath GL2400 to live sound engineers, small venue owners, churches, and bands that need a dependable analog mixer. My opinion is that it is especially valuable for anyone who wants hands-on control and a trustworthy board for regular use. If someone prefers simple operation with professional results, this mixer makes a lot of sense to me.
Things I Would Keep in Mind Before Buying
Before buying, I would think about the size of my events and how many channels I really need. My advice would be to make sure the GL2400 matches my typical setup, because while it is versatile, I still want the right model size for my work. I would also consider whether I want an analog workflow, since that is part of its appeal.
My Final Buying Opinion
Overall, I see the Allen & Heath GL2400 as a strong choice for anyone who wants a dependable, professional mixer with a practical layout and solid sound quality. My experience suggests that it is a reliable investment for live audio work. If I needed a mixer that I could trust gig after gig, this would definitely be one of the models I would put on my shortlist.
Final Thoughts
In my view, the Allen and Heath GL2400 stands out as a reliable, well-built analog mixer that still holds its own for live sound and studio use. I like that it offers a practical layout, solid audio quality, and the kind of hands-on control many engineers still prefer. My takeaway is that if you want a dependable mixer with a straightforward workflow, the GL2400 is still a strong choice.
Author Profile
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Donald Williams writes Rocco and the Fox from Augusta Park Logan, Hispanic, where he balances family life with his work as a children’s product merchandiser. His days are spent looking past packaging, comparing materials, and asking the questions buyers often wish they had asked sooner.
At home, he sees the difference between an item that simply looks good and one that survives laundry, spills, crowded closets, and busy mornings.
Evan brings that same grounded attention to every article. He writes for readers who want useful perspective, sensible spending, and products that feel worth keeping after the first week is over too.
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