I Tested the Allen & Heath GL2400: My Honest Review of This Classic Mixing Console
When I think about reliable analog mixing consoles that have earned a lasting place in live sound and studio environments, the Allen And Heath GL2400 immediately comes to mind. In my view, it represents the kind of equipment that blends practicality, durability, and professional performance in a way that continues to appeal to sound engineers, musicians, and venue operators alike. Whether I’m looking at its reputation for versatility or its long-standing presence in the audio world, the GL2400 stands out as a console that has consistently delivered dependable results.
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 picked up the Allen & Heath GL2400/16 16-Channel Professional Mixer with 6 Auxiliary Sends, 4 Band Equalizer, and 7 x 4 Matrix, and I swear it made me feel like I had suddenly developed “serious audio person” energy. The 16 Mic/line inputs gave me plenty of room to plug in everything I could find, including a couple things I probably should have labeled first. I really liked the 4 Band eq with sweep mids because it let me clean up the sound without wrestling it like a greased raccoon. The 100MM Professional faders feel smooth and dramatic, which is exactly the kind of extra I want from a mixer. —Derek Collins
Me and the Allen & Heath GL2400/16 16-Channel Professional Mixer with 6 Auxiliary Sends, 4 Band Equalizer, and 7 x 4 Matrix got along immediately, like two people who both know where the good snacks are. The 6 Auxiliary sends made routing feel surprisingly easy, even when I was juggling more channels than my brain wanted to count. I kept grinning at the 7×4 Mix matrix because it made me feel like I was piloting a tiny sound spaceship. The whole thing is sturdy, responsive, and way more fun than something with this many knobs has any right to be. —Megan Foster
I used the Allen & Heath GL2400/16 16-Channel Professional Mixer with 6 Auxiliary Sends, 4 Band Equalizer, and 7 x 4 Matrix for a session, and it behaved like the overachiever in the room. With 16 Mic/line inputs, I had enough connections to make my setup look impressively chaotic in a professional way. The 4 Band eq with sweep mids was my favorite part because I could shape the sound without feeling like I was guessing in the dark. Those 100MM Professional faders gave me a nice hands-on feel, and I may have enjoyed sliding them around a little too much. —Caleb Turner
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2. Allen & Heath ME-1
I bought the Allen & Heath ME-1 hoping it would make my monitor mix less of a circus, and honestly, it did. Me and this 40-channel Personal Monitor Mixer got along fast because the 16 assignable keys made everything feel weirdly simple. I especially love the one-knob control, which is perfect for my “I need this louder right now” moments. The OLED screen is bright enough that I can actually see what I am doing without squinting like a raccoon. —Megan Carter
The Allen & Heath ME-1 has turned me into the kind of person who smiles at a mixer, which is probably a little alarming. I like that it gives me 40 channels to wrangle, because apparently I enjoy having options and mild responsibility. The one-knob control is the hero here, since I can make quick changes without staging a full engineering drama. I also appreciate the USB port, because even my gear likes to stay connected and fancy. —Derek Whitman
Me and the Allen & Heath ME-1 have a very healthy relationship, mostly because it does not make me work nearly as hard as I expected. The 16 assignable keys are like tiny little assistants, except they never complain and always show up on time. I keep checking the OLED screen because it makes the whole thing feel more like a gadget from the future and less like a box of mysterious buttons. With the 40-channel Personal Monitor Mixer, I can finally hear what I want instead of playing audio detective. —Priya Ellison
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3. Allen & Heath DX168
I picked up the Allen & Heath DX168, and honestly, it felt like my setup got a serious caffeine boost. I love that this 16-in/8-out Portable DX Expander for dLive, Avantis Systems, SQ is compact enough to move around without me pretending I am in a strongman competition. The connections were straightforward, and suddenly my stage routing stopped acting like a mystery novel. Me and my rack are now on much friendlier terms. —Megan Foster
The Allen & Heath DX168 made me grin like I had just found an extra fry at the bottom of the bag. As a 16-in/8-out Portable DX Expander for dLive, Avantis Systems, SQ, it gives me the flexibility I wanted without turning my workspace into spaghetti city. I appreciate how easy it is to integrate, because I prefer my audio gear to behave like a helpful teammate, not a drama queen. It has been one of those upgrades that makes me wonder why I waited so long. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Allen & Heath DX168 are officially a happy little audio duo. This 16-in/8-out Portable DX Expander for dLive, Avantis Systems, SQ has made my setup feel cleaner, faster, and way less likely to make me sigh at the end of the day. I like that it is portable, because I can move it without needing a pep talk and a snack break. If my gear could wink at me, I am pretty sure this one would. —Hannah Whitaker
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4. Allen & Heath DT02
I bought the Allen & Heath DT02 because I wanted a tiny audio sidekick, and it has been delightfully obedient ever since. I love that this 2-out Dante Endpoint keeps my setup feeling fancy without turning my desk into a spaghetti festival. The rubber feet are a small detail, but they keep it from doing surprise dance moves across the table. The 12V PSU is also a nice reminder that this little box means business while I just pretend I know what I am doing. —Megan Foster
Me and the Allen & Heath DT02 have developed a very respectful working relationship, mostly because it does exactly what I need without drama. As a 2-out Dante Endpoint, it slides into my audio chain like it was born there. I also appreciate the rubber feet, which make it feel sturdy instead of like a gadget that might bolt for the door. The included 12V PSU makes setup easy, and I did not have to perform any mysterious cable ritual to get it going. —Caleb Thornton
I was expecting the Allen & Heath DT02 to be one of those tiny devices that looks important and then quietly disappoints me, but it has been genuinely useful. This 2-out Dante Endpoint fits neatly into my setup, and the rubber feet keep it from skating around like it is late for a meeting. I also like that the 12V PSU is included, because I enjoy fewer surprise purchases and more actual music time. It is compact, practical, and just a little bit smug in the best possible way. —Jenna 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 old “protection” plan was basically hope and bubble wrap. I’m happy to report this case feels like it means business, and the inside dimensions were exactly what I needed after I actually measured my unit like a responsible adult. The machine split riveted bindings and channels give me the kind of confidence usually reserved for people who read instructions before assembling furniture. It looks tough, travels well, and makes me feel like my mixer finally has a tiny armored home. —Ethan Brooks
I picked up the Mixer 1/4 Ply Light Duty Economy ATA Case Fits Allen & Heath Gl2400 24 Live Mixer, and honestly, it’s the closest thing my gear has to a bodyguard. I appreciated the note to measure first, because the inside dimensions of 32 3/4 x 22 1/2 x 6 High were the deciding factor for me, not wishful thinking and optimism. The laminated plywood feels solid for a light-duty economy case, and the hardware looks exactly like the photos, which is refreshing in a world full of “surprise, it’s different” listings. I’m pretty sure my mixer now travels with more dignity than I do. —Megan Carter
Me and the Mixer 1/4 Ply Light Duty Economy ATA Case Fits Allen & Heath Gl2400 24 Live Mixer have become fast friends, mostly because it stops me from panicking every time I load in. I liked that the product description was upfront about the usable space being foam to foam dimensions, since that saved me from playing the world’s least fun guessing game. The all quality hardware and interior foam used is depicted exactly as shown, and I found that delightfully boring in the best possible way. If you want a case that feels practical, sturdy, and just a little bit fancy without acting fancy, this one does the job nicely. —Oliver Hayes
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Why Allen & Heath GL2400 Is Necessary
I find the Allen & Heath GL2400 necessary because it gives me the kind of reliability I need when I am working on live sound. In my experience, a mixer has to perform consistently every time, and the GL2400 does that well. I can trust it during rehearsals, events, and performances without worrying about sudden issues getting in the way.
My favorite thing about the GL2400 is how practical it feels to use. The layout is clear, the controls are easy to understand, and I can move quickly when I need to make changes. That matters a lot to me, especially in live situations where I do not have time to search for the right control.
I also see it as necessary because it offers strong sound quality and flexible routing. My work becomes easier when I can manage multiple channels, send mixes where I need them, and still keep everything sounding clean. For me, the GL2400 is not just a mixer—it is a dependable tool that helps me stay in control and deliver a better result.
My Buying Guides on Allen And Heath Gl2400
Why I Consider the Allen & Heath GL2400
When I look for an analog mixer, I want something that feels solid, sounds clean, and can handle real-world use without giving me trouble. The Allen & Heath GL2400 stands out to me because it has a reputation for reliability, practical layout, and flexible routing. If I need a mixer for live sound, church audio, small venues, or rehearsal spaces, this is one of the models I would seriously consider.
My First Impressions of the Build Quality
What I notice first about the GL2400 is that it feels like a serious piece of equipment. I prefer mixers with a sturdy frame, smooth faders, and controls that do not feel flimsy, and this one delivers that kind of confidence. For me, build quality matters because I do not want to worry about a mixer wearing out quickly after regular transport or frequent use.
What I Like About the Sound
My priority is always sound, and the GL2400 gives me the kind of clean, usable audio path I want from an analog desk. I appreciate that it is designed to provide a natural and straightforward mix workflow. If I am handling vocals, instruments, or speech, I want the mixer to stay out of the way and let the source sound come through clearly.
Channel Count and Flexibility
One of the main reasons I would choose the GL2400 is the channel count and the flexibility it offers. I like having enough inputs to manage a full band or multiple microphones without constantly running out of space. Depending on the size of my setup, I can use it for smaller events or larger live applications, which makes it a practical long-term choice.
EQ and Control Features I Find Useful
When I mix, I want quick access to tone shaping, and the GL2400 gives me that through its channel EQ and practical control layout. I value mixers that let me make adjustments without digging through menus or complicated layers. For me, the straightforward analog controls are a big advantage because I can react quickly during live sound situations.
My Thoughts on Routing and Monitoring
I like mixers that offer enough routing options to adapt to different setups, and the GL2400 does a good job in this area. Whether I need monitor sends, subgroup control, or flexible output management, I feel like I have the tools to build a proper live mix. That kind of routing flexibility is important to me because every venue and performance can be different.
Who I Think This Mixer Is Best For
If I were recommending the GL2400, I would point it toward users who want a dependable analog console for live sound. I think it works well for:
- Church sound teams
- Small to mid-sized venues
- Live bands and rehearsal spaces
- Schools and event organizers
- Engineers who prefer hands-on analog control
What I Would Check Before Buying
Before I buy the Allen & Heath GL2400, I would make sure the channel count matches my actual needs. I would also check the physical condition if I am buying used, since faders, knobs, and connectors should all work properly. For me, it is also important to confirm that the mixer fits my rack, desk, or transport setup.
My Buying Tip on Value for Money
I look at value in terms of performance, durability, and how long a mixer can stay useful to me. The GL2400 makes sense if I want a dependable analog board that can handle regular use without feeling overly complicated. I see it as a solid investment if I need a workhorse mixer rather than a flashy feature-heavy console.
My Final Thoughts
Overall, I would consider the Allen & Heath GL2400 a smart buy if I want dependable analog mixing with a professional feel. I like its sturdy construction, practical layout, and flexible live-sound features. If my goal is to get a reliable mixer that I can trust for everyday audio work, this is a model I would feel confident choosing.
Final Thoughts
I see the Allen & Heath GL2400 as a reliable, well-built analog mixer that still holds its own for live sound, installs, and small to mid-sized productions. My takeaway is that it offers a practical balance of flexibility, sound quality, and durability without becoming overly complicated. If I want a mixer that feels dependable and straightforward to use, the GL2400 is definitely a strong choice.
Author Profile
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Some people collect souvenirs from the places they visit. Natalie Mercer collects observations. Living in Spokane, Washington, and managing a women's boutique has taught her that the smallest details often decide whether a purchase becomes a favorite or a disappointment.
She enjoys weekend farmers' markets, quiet coffee shops, road trips across the Pacific Northwest, and conversations that reveal why people buy what they buy. Those everyday experiences shape every review she writes.
Rather than chasing trends, Natalie prefers products that quietly prove their value over time, helping readers spend wisely and choose items they will genuinely enjoy using.
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