Allen & Heath has expanded its ME personal mixing system range with the release of the 16-channel ME-500 personal mixer.

Designed for rental companies, orchestras and houses of worship, the ME-500 is allows musicians to quickly and independently build and control their own monitor mixes from 16 stereo or mono sources. The new mixer inherits the same compact format as the 40-channel ME-1, but with simplified setup and controls. The ME system is plug-and-play compatible with A&H’s digital mixer range, and can be used with third-party digital consoles via the ME-U hub.

ME-500 features a dimmable display, 16 backlit select keys, mute and solo buttons, master level with limiter and EQ, plus a single rotary encoder for all main navigation and control. Each unit can store and recall eight user presets for different mixes, users and shows, all of which can be saved to USB. Outputs include minijack and headphones, and a TRS mono connection for wedge monitors.

There is no limit to the number of ME-500 and ME-1 personal mixers that can be added to a system – secure EtherCon connectors allow ME-500s to be daisy-chained, or deployed in a star topology using the ME-U or an off-the-shelf PoE switch.

‘We’re seeing a big rise in personal mixing as venues and tours battle to keep sounds levels on stage under control and try to make the most effective use of precious sound check time,’ says Allen & Heath Live Sound Product Manager, Ben Morgan.

‘Our established ME-1 personal mixers are superb for environments where there’s the time and expertise to craft the perfect mix of up to 40 sources for each performer, but many customers have been asking for a more accessible alternative that volunteers and first-time users can get great results with quickly and easily. That’s exactly what we set out to create with ME-500.’

More: www.allen-heath.com