Preorder the Qu-3 →Preorder the Qu-3D →
Studio desks, livestream rigs, and production workspaces fill up fast. Allen & Heath's new Qu-3 and Qu-3D bring the processing power of its latest Qu mixers to a compact desktop format, with motorized faders, flexible routing, and multitrack recording built in.
Both models share the 96kHz XCVI core found in the larger Qu-5, Qu-6, and Qu-7, with a screen angle and control layout designed for desktop use. The Qu-3D adds built-in Dante connectivity, giving engineers and AV teams another way to integrate the mixer into a larger system.
HANDS-ON CONTROL, RIGHT WHERE YOU NEED IT
The Qu-3 and Qu-3D pair nine 100mm motorized faders with a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen. Channel displays and configurable color meters help you keep track of what's on the surface, while six customizable layers let you arrange inputs, mixes, effects returns, and DCAs around the way you work.
Eight assignable SoftKeys provide quick access to frequently used functions. Both models can also fit into a 19-inch rack with an optional rack-mount kit.
For control away from the console, the free Qu-MixPad app lets you adjust the mix over a network, while Qu4You gives performers control of their own monitor mixes.
COMPACT CONSOLE, FLEXIBLE CONNECTIONS
Each mixer includes 16 onboard XLR/TRS combo mic/line inputs, a stereo line input, eight XLR outputs, and an AES3 stereo digital output.
The processing engine supports 32 mono/linkable input channels plus two stereo inputs. You also get 12 aux/group mixes, four mono/linkable matrix mixes, and the main stereo mix, giving you options for monitor sends, recording feeds, and different speaker zones.
Both models include an SLink port for connecting compatible Allen & Heath stageboxes and I/O expanders. That gives you flexibility in where you place your connections, whether you're bringing microphones in from the stage or building the mixer into an installed system.
HELPFUL TOOLS FOR SETUP AND SHOWTIME
Gain Assistant helps set input gain and can continue monitoring levels during a performance. Feedback Assistant identifies and reduces problem frequencies, helping you get through setup and soundcheck with fewer interruptions.
For conferences, panel discussions, and other spoken-word applications, the built-in 32-channel Automatic Mic Mixer helps manage multiple microphones without adding latency.
Six onboard multi-FX engines with dedicated stereo returns cover effects duties. Optional DEEP processing and RackExtra FX add-ons bring additional processing choices from Allen & Heath's dLive platform to the Qu range.
THREE WAYS TO RECORD AND PLAY BACK
Both mixers offer recording options for computer-based and standalone workflows:
- USB-C: A 32x32 audio interface at 48 or 96kHz for multichannel recording and playback with a computer.
- SD card: Standalone multitrack recording or playback, with up to 32 channels at 48kHz or 16 channels at 96kHz.
- USB-A: Stereo recording and playback for a straightforward way to capture a mix or play audio.
Whether you're tracking a session, recording a rehearsal, or capturing an event, you can choose the workflow that suits the job.
QU-3 OR QU-3D: WHICH ONE FITS YOUR SYSTEM?
The key difference is Dante. Both models offer the same core mixing, processing, and recording capabilities, along with onboard analog connections and SLink expansion.
The Qu-3D adds a built-in 16x16 Dante interface operating at 48 or 96kHz, with an optional software upgrade to 32x32 Dante channels. For studios, broadcast setups, and AV installations already using Dante, that connection makes the Qu-3D a natural fit.
FIND YOUR QU AT CHUCK LEVIN'S
The Qu-3 and Qu-3D bring a lot of flexibility to a small workspace, with physical faders under your hands and room to adapt the routing, recording, and connections to your needs.
Have questions about which model fits your setup? Talk with the pro audio team at Chuck Levin's Washington Music Center. We'll help you work through the inputs, monitoring, recording, and connectivity your system needs.