Well I used the ZED-14 Saturday and have to say it was an interesting experience.
Some of the issues to be addressed for the next gig are :-
1.Don't introduce 2 new variables at the same time. Namely a new mixer and the inclusion of my little Boss MA-15 personal monitor
This combination of totally different system gain structure and proximity of the monitor to me/my mic and mixer caused a few squeals
2. I think the gain structure of this mixer needs to be a little hotter than my CFX-12.
Mic gain trim was 0dB on the meters using PFL on my Mackie and so I set the A&H the same for the gig. The result was a very low recording output on the USB port.
Since the gig I contacted A&H support and they suggested +6dB on the ZED-14 meters for mic trim setup. (There is no information on channel trim setup in the manual !)
The ability to switch the PFL between USB input (for the backing tracks) and USB output (for recording from pre main fader) has enabled me to match input/output levels, over USB, which subsequently means the mixer is running about 6dB higher than I ran the CFX-12.
Now I have had to turn my compressor thresholds down, to accomodate the hotter mic channels, and the main faders below unity (my normal setting) or set the speaker management down, to get back to where the overall volume is the same as before. Phew !
In the past my mic channel faders were set at or around unity, -6dB to -10dB for the backing tracks and the master faders also at the unity setting. This made it easy to start off with the right sound every time (I only play one venue).
Anyway the mixer is very quiet and has a crisp and clear sound which I'm sure will surpass the Mackie once all the tweaking is complete.
/END RAMBLING/