Allen & Heath Launches Next Generation Qu Mixers

Exciting news in professional audio, as Allen & Heath has launched six new digital mixers in its Qu series, now enabling 24-bit/96kHz FPGA processing and the ability to run DEEP plugins, while adding Dante connectivity options and a host of workflow and hardware enhancements. The company’s renowned digital mixing platform was redesigned from the core up for an easier user interface, flexible routing, while keeping the brand’s iconic “walk up and mix” feel.
 

The evolution of digital mixers has been frankly not very exciting for a few years since DiGiCo set the industry standards of what a modern digital mixing platform is able to achieve, and established the workflow that is now familiar to all live sound engineers. But DiGiCo now is part of the Audiotonix group that owns Allen & Heath, Calrec, and Solid State Logic, just to mention brands of digital mixers. All those brands have been evolving in their own right, expanding market share in specific segments, with Allen & Heath conquering the extremely competitive segment of medium and small-scale live shows, corporate events, clubs with live acts, small touring acts, and bands.

As an affordable choice for digital mixing that doesn’t compromise in terms of technology and features, the British company has been consolidating its digital platform to serve the needs of a very demanding user base, that apart from live sound mixing also expects to be able to record performances at the highest level, without compromises. With the new Qu series, Allen & Heath removes the last barriers with a high-quality 24/96 engine and the ability to run high-quality DEEP plugins, even at this more affordable price.

Based on this unified platform, all new Qu mixers deliver 38 inputs (32 mono/linkable, 3 stereo), 12 mixes, 4 matrix, 6 FX engines with dedicated stereo returns, plus SLink port for connection to the Everything I/O ecosystem of remote expanders. All models feature a 32×32 USB-C audio interface for DAW recording, 32-channel multitrack support via SD card, and simple stereo recording and playback through the USB-A port.

 

As Keith Johnson, Senior Product Manager, explains, “Every aspect of the mixer has been rethought, from the XCVI core, enhanced I/O capability, all the way to the screen and faders. We’ve completely reimagined the UI, keeping the simple layout and workflow that Qu is known and loved for.”

The range comprises three frame sizes, each available with or without integrated Dante connectivity, ensuring there is a Qu to fit every application: the compact Qu-5 and Qu-5D offer 17 faders, 16 XLR inputs, and 12 XLR outputs; the Qu-6 and Qu-6D expand that to 25 faders, 24 XLR inputs, and 16 XLR outputs; and the larger Qu-7 and Qu-7D provide 33 faders, 32 XLR inputs, and 20 XLR outputs. The three Dante variants include an integrated 16×16 48kHz/96kHz Dante interface.

Long praised for its approachable workflow, the Qu series continues to deliver on its “walk up and mix” ethos. The new generation expands on this with four custom fader layers, more assignable SoftKeys, and the option of flexible routing in addition to classic Qu 1:1 channel patching. The user interface has been refreshed with a focus on speed of navigation and ease of use, with key mixing functions always under your fingertips, whether that’s via the dedicated hands-on controls or the new touchscreen.

 

While the new mixers retain the recognizable look and layout of the original Qu series (limited to 48kHz), numerous hardware improvements deliver a modern edge. Updated mic preamps and high-performance 96kHz converters ensure pristine signal integrity from input to output. Every channel now includes a display and a chromatic meter for quick visual feedback, and the new touchscreen offers improved clarity and responsiveness.

All new Qu mixers are DEEP Processing ready, with the upcoming V1.1 firmware offering a suite of optional add-ons from the flagship dLive series, including acclaimed emulations of legendary studio compressors and preamps. In addition, the Qu series now features the Feedback and Gain Assistants from the CQ series to take the stress out of setup and speed up soundchecks.

Nic Beretta, Allen & Heath’s Director of Product, adds: “Bands and engineers will love the powerful processing, assistive tools, and live capture options. It’s also a super flexible, all-in-one solution for studios and broadcasting applications, and AV integrators have been demanding a Dante-enabled Qu.”

Prices for the mixers in the updated Qu series start at USD $1,999 for the Allen & Heath Qu-5, all the way up to USD $4,599 for the Allen & Heath Qu-7D 36-channel model with Dante. Considering everything these mixers already offer these days, this is as good as it gets for these channel counts.

www.allen-heath.com