Allen & Heath
Allen & Heath ME-500
Best personal monitor mixer for musicians needing precise stage control.
The Allen & Heath ME-500 is a 16-channel personal mixer designed for musicians to precisely control their monitor mixes in live or rehearsal settings. It offers seamless Plug & Play integration with popular digital consoles like dLive, GLD, and Qu, or connects to others via the ME-U. Power is flexible, supporting Power over Ethernet (PoE) or an external supply. Multiple output options, including stereo headphone jacks and a balanced Line Out, ensure tailored sound for every performer, with a built-in limiter for speaker protection.
$482.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
11
/ 369
#11 in Audio Mixers
Price vs Category Average
-50%
Below average
Who it's for
- Performers needing fast, tactile adjustments during live sets
- Musicians using high-impedance in-ear monitors
- Engineers already invested in the Allen & Heath ecosystem
Who should skip it
- Bands requiring complex, large-scale monitor mixes
- Users wanting independent channel processing at the monitor position
- Technicians working in venues lacking PoE infrastructure
Performance breakdown
System Integration
Seamless plug-and-play connectivity with Allen & Heath's professional digital console ecosystem.
Ease of Use
Intuitive layout allows musicians to dial in monitor mixes without technical friction.
Build Durability
Rugged construction designed to withstand the rigors of daily live touring.
Power Flexibility
Dual power options via PoE or external supply ensure reliable stage performance.
Output Versatility
Dual headphone jacks and balanced line outs accommodate diverse monitoring setups.
Safety Features
Integrated limiter provides essential protection for both ears and stage monitors.
Key Specs
16-Channel personal mixer
Dimensions (W x D x H)
225 x 150 x 55 mm
Weight
900 g
Power supply via PoE or external adapter
Output
Headphone (3.5 mm & 6.3 mm), Line Out (1/4" balanced)
Input compatibility via ME-U for various mixers
Features integrated Limiter
Includes USB port
Features
- 16-channel personal mixing
- Plug & Play with major consoles
- Power over Ethernet (PoE) support
- Mix and match with ME-1 units
- Stereo headphone and line outputs
- Built-in limiter for speaker protection
- Flexible mounting options
- Dedicated USB port
What customers say
The Allen & Heath ME-500 earns high praise for its exceptional reliability and user friendly design, making it ideal for professional settings. Users consistently highlight the superior sound quality and the robust metal build, which inspires confidence in its durability. Its core strength is operational simplicity; the intuitive layout with a large encoder allows musicians to quickly tailor their 16 channel mix without navigating complicated menus. Seamless integration within the Allen & Heath ecosystem is another major benefit. While the initial investment is notable, customers agree that the premium quality and dependable performance fully justify the cost, leading to high satisfaction among performers.
Know before you buy
Yes, it is compatible with a wide range of third-party digital consoles when connected via the Allen & Heath ME-U hub. For direct Plug & Play, it integrates seamlessly with Allen & Heath dLive, GLD, and Qu systems.
Absolutely. The ME-500 is fully compatible with ME-1 personal mixers, allowing you to mix and match units within the same system to suit the specific needs of different performers.
You can power the unit using Power over Ethernet (PoE) through a compatible network switch or the ME-U hub. Alternatively, it comes with an external power supply adapter if PoE is not available in your setup.
No, the ME-500 does not feature per-channel EQ or compression. It is designed specifically for intuitive, hands-on control of your monitor mix levels and panning.
The unit features both 3.5mm and 6.3mm stereo headphone jacks, as well as a balanced 1/4-inch Line Out. This allows you to connect a variety of in-ear monitors, headphones, or powered floor wedges.
No, the ME-500 is not designed for rack mounting. It is intended to be used as a desktop unit or mounted on a mic stand using the appropriate mounting hardware.
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