Allen & Heath's XB-14-2 radio broadcast mixer offers a host of specialized broadcast features, including telephone communication (Telco) channels, microphone channel ON switch sensing, stereo channel start/cue outputs for playback device control, automatic muting of speaker outputs and much more. The XB-14-2 incorporates features and styling based on feedback from the many broadcasters who have built their operations around the original XB-14. With a wealth of routing options, dual stereo channels for up to 7 stereo sources, and the addition of a dedicated audition bus, enhanced microphone preamps and stereo channel gain range, this mixer satisfies the demands of small radio and internet broadcasters as well as larger studios with multiple rooms. With no less than 27 logic I/O for remote control and 15 configuration switches, XB-14-2 is a highly flexible solution. Whether you need a mixer for a self-operated broadcast situation, or whether you have a separate studio and engineer, the XB series has features to fit. Separate monitor mixes can be created for operator and guests or presenter, so the engineer can check levels and cue sources while the presenter or guest can listen to a different source. The engineer/producer can communicate to the guest or presenter using the Talk feature, as well as speaking off-air with callers. There is also the facility for remote control of channel mutes from the studio using the remote interface connectors. The XB-14-2 pre-amps use a two-stage design, with carefully controlled amounts of gain in each stage. When amplifying the signal from the XLR input, the gain range is huge (69 dB of range) and is very evenly distributed around the gain control, meaning better control of signal level. There is no pad switch, or pad circuit. Line level signals are simply plugged into the second stage of the pre-amp by using the line input jack socket. This has the great advantage of lower noise when using the line input.