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With large, responsive color touchscreens, motorized faders and acclaimed AnalogiQ recallable preamps, Qu mixers are the perfect amalgam of ease of use and class-leading audio performance. A logical outgrowth of the technologies and workflow developed for their GLD and iLive touring systems, the Qu series, from Allen & Heath, change the equation for compact, accessible digital mixing.
Live Sound Has A New Shape
AnalogiQ Preamps
AnalogiQ total recall preamp's zero-crossing detection and an advanced padless 1dB-step gain stage ally closely to the internal DSP for optimal gain accuracy and audio transparency. With matched high-class, low-latency 24-bit ADA conversion, AnalogiQ design has been refined to offer superior transparency with minimal distortion and an ultra-low noise floor, for a warm, musical sound that stands unique among digital consoles.
The Mixing Experience
Having massive processing power and advanced functionality is great, but it's meaningless if you can't access the controls you need in a heartbeat. Once you start using a Qu you'll sense the years of A&H research into ergonomics and the hands-on mixing experience that have gone into developing and delivering a natural layout and workflow. That research creates a mixing experience that's fluid, comfortable and intuitive for novices, digital natives and old school road warriors alike, making all the benefits of digital mixing technology readily accessible to every user.
The SuperStrip
Qu's SuperStrip provides all key processing tools in an extraordinarily clean layout, with one function per physical control and an onscreen Touch Channel which provides intuitive access to full processing parameters without clutter or complex menu structures. Mono and stereo processing includes trim, polarity, HPF, gate, insert, 4-band PEQ, compression and delay. The main LR and the mono mixes have controls for insert, 1/3 octave GEQ, compressor and delay. The stereo mixes provide Insert, 4-band PEQ, compressor, delay and balance control.
Touch Control
A color touchscreen combines with a dedicated data encoder to form the heart of the Qu interface, for quick, easy access to settings. The UI has been designed with clarity in mind, with dedicated keys and screen tabs to quickly guide you to meter and RTA views, FX racks, channel processing, USB audio control, scenes, setup menus and much more.
Fader Automation
Moving faders, once an expensive option, have become the norm on studio consoles and are a fundamental part of the Total Recall approach. Fader automation is essential for rapid mixing, especially when managing multiple monitor mixes. All Qu mixers feature motorized ALPS faders, arranged over 2 layers, allowing instant access to all channels and masters in a compact space, plus a dedicated master fader which dynamically follows the mix selection. A third, Custom layer is available for ad-hoc user strip layout, where any combination of Inputs, FX Sends, FX Returns, mix masters and MIDI strips can be assigned.
iLive FX
Derived from the FX used in A&H's iLive pro touring series, Qu's dynamics and FX algorithms have been chosen by some of the world's most respected audio engineers to use on tour in preference to top-end plug-ins and external FX units. All three Qu models boast 4 stereo iLive FX engines, featuring lovingly crafted emulations of legendary classic reverbs, gated reverbs, delays, modulators, flangers and more. The FX library has the ability to grow with future firmware releases. FX are returned to the mix on dedicated return channels, freeing up mono and stereo input channels for other purposes. Each Stereo FX Return also has a dedicated 4- band PEQ.
Total Recall
The ability to instantaneously save and/or recall the state of a mix at the press of a button changed the face of mixing forever. Qu mixers can store up to 100 full Scenes for recall at will. For added flexibility, channels and mixes can be protected from Scene recall so that changes made for a specific venue or mix session can't be accidentally overwritten. In addition, single parameter updates can be blocked using a Recall Filter. So if you tweak the graphic EQ to reflect the room response when the audience gets in, you can block this to prevent any overwriting at scene change. Custom settings for each EQ, compressor or channel can be saved as Library presets. This lets you store your tried and tested setting for your favorite vocal mic or reverb pattern and apply it to other channels or shows. Libraries, scenes and the complete show configuration can be saved to a USB key, so you can carry the show with you, ready to use on another Qu mixer.
USB Audio Streaming
Qu's built-in interface streams multitrack audio to your Mac or PC via a flexible patching system: all input channels and the main LR can be recorded at the same time, or you may choose to record something different such as FX returns or a pair of mixes. The returns from the computer can be assigned to the input channels. The interface is class-compliant on Mac OS X—and drivers are available for Windows systems. Either way, it will be recognized straightaway by any DAW supporting ASIO or Core Audio, including Logic, Cubase, Reaper, and Pro Tools.
Qu-Drive
Qu has an integrated multitrack USB recorder, providing 18 channels of 24-bit4/8kHz recording and playback straight to/from your USB hard drive. Capturing multitrack recordings of shows has never been easier. Mixes and FX returns can be recorded alongside channels, and multitrack audio can be played back to the mixer for virtual soundchecks. An independent set of controls is provided for quick stereo recording of the main LR or other mix outputs, and a 2-track USB return can be routed to ST3 for playback of stereo WAV files such as walk-in music.
ARMed to the Hilt
With 5 cores of high efficiency ARM core processing, including dedicated ARM cores running the touchscreen display and surface, USB streaming, Qu-Drive multi-channel USB recording/playback, Ethernet and fader automation, Qu has state-of-the-art processing, working in parallel to deliver extensive control, instant-on operation, and lightning-fast response. The mixer's DSP farm exploits next generation dual core DSPs, and, with the channel processing only using a fraction of capacity, Qu is future-proofed, with ample room for updates and extra functionality. The DSP architecture employs varied bit depths, tailored to specific algorithms, with 48 bits on critical EQ functions and a 56-bit accumulator on the mix bus where it really counts, allowing every nuance of the audio to be faithfully captured.
The Shape of Things to Come
Made from 18 gauge, cold-rolled Zintec steel, Qu's distinctive frame is designed for strength and rigidity, as well as passive cooling, so there's no noisy cooling fan needed. Extensive in-house durability testing at Allen & Heath's labs have proven out their concept of sturdy, lightweight construction. As a side benefit, the space beneath it incredibly useful for keeping your USB drive, talkback mic, cue sheet and other clutter tucked out of the way.
Specifications
- Available in 16-, 24- and 32-channel versions
- Motorized faders for every input channel plus master
- 3 Stereo Inputs (TRS)
- 4 Stereo FX Returns
- 16 Busses
- 12, 20 or 24 Mix Outputs
- 4 FX Engines
- AES Digital Out
- 19" Rack Mountable [Qu-16]
- Moving Faders
- Recallable AnalogiQ™ Preamps
- Qu-Drive direct Multitrack Recording / Playback on USB drives
- 800×480 Touchscreen
- iLive FX Library
- dSNAKE Remote Audio Port
- Compatible with ME Personal Mixing System
- Qu-Pad iPad App
- USB Audio Streaming
- DAW MIDI Control
- 4 Mute Groups
- 4 DCA Groups
- Trim, polarity, HPF, gate, insert, 4-band PEQ, compressor and delay on all Inputs
- Insert, 1/3 octave GEQ, compressor and delay on Main LR and Mono Mix outputs
- Insert, 4-band PEQ, compressor and delay on Stereo Mix outputs
- Built-in Signal Generator
- RTA with Peak Band indication
Key Features
- "No asterisk" processing—everything is available everywhere, all the time
- 4-band full parametric EQ and variable high-pass filter on all input channels
- Gate and compressor on all input channels
- 4 premium stereo DSP's with a full selection of professional digital effects
- 8 DCA and 8 Mute groups
- 1/3 octave graphic EQ, notch filters, limiters and delay on Main and Aux outputs, DCA's and mute groups
- Professional-grade microphone preamps and pristine audio throughout
- Channel-selectable phantom power
- Multitrack direct-to-disk recording/playback via external USB hard drive (not included) with no PC required
