Allen & Heath QU-5 38 chan / 16 Fader Digital Audio Mixer

About: Allen & Heath QU-5 38 chan / 16 Fader Digital Audio Mixer

Allen & Heath’s legendary digital mixer is reborn the QU-5, supercharged with a 96kHz XCVI core for DEEP Processing capabilities, increased channel count with fully flexible patching across 4 customisable layers, a completely redesigned user interface, significant hardware upgrades, plus extended connectivity.

Qu-5

• Compact 38in/24out 96kHz Mixer
• 17 100mm Motorised Faders
• 16 XLR/Jack ‘Combi’ Mic/Line Input Sockets
• 12 XLR Output Sockets
• 19” Rack Mountable (optional kit available)

All New Hardware

The new Qu retains the much-loved appearance and form factor of the original Qu series, but with multiple hardware improvements to elevate the sonic performance and mixing experience.

Audio
Updated microphone preamps and high-performance 96kHz AD/DA converters combine to deliver pristine audio to and from the XCVI core, preserving every detail of the source.

Control
Every channel now features a channel display – showing channel name, channel type, or socket number – and a chromatic channel meter for at-a-glance level information, and the new touchscreen accommodates a completely redesigned user interface.

Capture & Playback

Reliable Recording and Playback. Anywhere.

Every Qu model is packed with versatile recording and playback options, with an integrated 32×32 USB-C audio interface, 32-channel multitrack support via SD card, and simple stereo recording and playback through the USB-A port, whatever your application.

Updated Workflow

The original Qu series was well loved for its ease and speed of use, making it the perfect mixer for engineers coming from the analogue world. The new Qu takes this further, maintaining a focus on “walk up and mix” usability while adding 4 fully customisable layers, more assignable SoftKeys for workflow optimisation, and flexible routing options in addition to the classic 1:1 Qu routing, all accessible via a newly developed, fast and responsive, user interface.

Everything I/O Compatible via SLink

Thanks to its SLink port, Qu can be connected to the Everything I/O family of rack and stage box expanders making it a flexible, mix ‘n’ match solution for owners of other Allen & Heath digital systems. It can even be connected directly to other Allen & Heath consoles with up to 128×128 channels of 96kHz audio available for patching.

Qu is now DEEP Processing ready, bringing acclaimed add-ons from our flagship dLive system to the Qu platform for the first time. In addition, Qu now features the Feedback and Gain Assistants from the CQ series to take the stress out of setup and speed up your soundchecks.
 

Faster Setups

Adjusting the gain for each channel might not be the most thrilling task, and it can take up a lot of your setup time when you have multiple channels to manage.

Qu’s Gain Assistant streamlines this process by quickly and precisely setting the ideal gain level for one or more input channels, while continuously monitoring levels during the performance to avoid any unwanted peaks or surprises.

Feedback Assistant
Say Goodbye to Feedback

Qu’s easy to use Feedback Assistant automatically identifies and removes problematic frequencies with up to 16 filters per output, allowing you to mix with confidence and put feedback worries behind you.

Automatic Mic Mixer

Qu’s 32 channel Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM) makes it the perfect choice for mixing conferences, panel talks, and TV shows. It’s fully integrated in the mixer, with no extra latency, so you don’t need to route the audio to an internal DSP rack or external plugin system.

Works with remote apps QU-MixPad and Qu4You

Features

Processing & FX

• 96kHz XCVI Core
• 6 Multi-FX Engines with dedicated Stereo Returns
• DEEP Processing Ready

Mix Architecture

• 38x Inputs to Mix (32x Mono/Linkable, 3x Stereo)
• 12 Mixes (6 Mono/Linkable Aux/Group, 6 Stereo Aux/Group)
• 4 Mono/Linkable Matrix
• Stereo Main LR Output

I/O

• 16 XLR/Jack ‘Combi’ Mic/Line Input Sockets
• 2 Stereo Line Input Sockets (each 2x TRS)
• 12 XLR Output Sockets
• 1 XLR Talkback Socket
• 2 TRS Output Sockets
• 1 AES3 Stereo Digital Output Socket
• 128×128 Intelligent SLink Port for Everything I/O expansion and system connections
• Stereo Headphone Output

Control

• 7” Capacitive Touchscreen
• 17 100mm Motorised Faders
• 4 Channel Strip Layers
• Remote control via free apps – Windows/MacOS/iOS/Android
• 8 SoftKeys
• Configurable single/dual Footswitch Connection

Recording & Playback

• USB-A For stereo audio record/playback and data transfer
• USB-C Audio interface for multichannel record/playback (32×32)
• SD Card Slot for multichannel audio recording or playback (16×16@96kHz, 32×32@48kHz)

Misc

• 19” Rack Mountable (optional kit available) (Qu-5 & Qu-5D only)
• 12V Lamp Socket
• Configurable Chromatic Channel Meter LED’s