Allen & Heath Qu-3 32-channel Digital Mixer

Small and Supercharged - The Allen & Heath Qu-3 32-channel Digital Mixer

Allen & Heath’s legendary digital mixer is reborn, smaller than ever, and supercharged with a 96kHz XCVI core for DEEP Processing capabilities, increased channel count with fully flexible patching across 6 customisable layers, a completely redesigned user interface, significant hardware upgrades, plus extended connectivity.

• 96kHz XCVI Core
• 6 Multi-FX Engines with dedicated Stereo Returns
• DEEP Processing Ready
• 36x Inputs to Mix (32x Mono/Linkable, 2x Stereo)
• 12 Mixes (6 Mono/Linkable Aux/Group, 6 Stereo Aux/Group)
• 4 Mono/Linkable Matrix
• Stereo Main LR Output
• 16 XLR/Jack ‘Combi’ Mic/Line Input Sockets
• 1 Stereo Line Input Socket (2x TRS)
• 8 XLR Output Sockets
• 1 AES3 Stereo Digital Output Socket
• 128×128 Intelligent SLink Port for Everything I/O expansion and system connections
• Stereo Headphone Output
• 7” 1000nits Capacitive Touchscreen
• 9 100mm Motorised Faders
• 6 Channel Strip Layers
• Remote control via free apps – Windows/MacOS/iOS/Android
• 8 SoftKeys
• Configurable single/dual Footswitch Connection
• 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)
• Configurable Chromatic Channel Meter LED’s
• Screen angle optimised for desktop use
• 19” Rack Mountable (optional kit available)

All New Hardware

The Qu-3 takes the next generation appearance of the new Qu series, packed with multiple hardware improvements to elevate the sonic performance and mixing experience, and repackage it for desktop use.

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 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.

DEEP Processing. Assistive Tools.

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

Reliable Recording and Playback. Anywhere.

Every Qu model is packed with versatile recording and playback options, with an integrated 32x32 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 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

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 128x128 channels of 96kHz audio available for patching.

Gain Assistant - 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, and can continuously monitor 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.

Remote Apps

Control the mixer from (almost) anywhere with free apps for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. Qu-MixPad gives the engineer complete control anywhere in the room and Qu4You allows the performer to adjust only their mix and hear exactly what they need to.

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.

Take Your Mix to the Next Level

Proven on countless world-tours with international artists, DEEP Processing and RackExtra FX from our award-winning dLive digital mixing system are now available within your Qu.

SPECIFICATIONS

Inputs

• Mic/Line Inputs: Balanced Combi XLR/Jack, fully recallable preamp
• Input Sensitivity: -60 to +0dBu
• TRS Inputs: -20dB Pad (Fixed)
• Preamp Gain: 0dB to +60dB, 1dB steps
• Maximum Input Level (XLR/Jack): +16dBu Mic input / +30dBu TRS pad input
• Input Impedance: >1.5kΩ MIC / >20kΩ TRS
• THD+N, Unity Gain 0dB: 0.002% -92dB (20Hz-20kHz, AES Direct Out, @0dBu 1kHz)
• THD+N, Mid Gain +30dB: 0.004% -88dB (20Hz-20kHz, AES Direct Out, @-30dBu 1kHz)
• Phantom Power: +48V (+3V / -2V)

Stereo Line Inputs

• Connection: Balanced, 2x 1/4" TRS jack
• Input Sensitivity: Nominal +4dBu
• Trim: +/-24dB
• Maximum Input Level: +21dBu
• Input Impedance: >6kΩ

Outputs

• XLR Outputs: Balanced, XLR
• Source: Fully patchable
• Output Impedance: <75Ω
• Nominal Output: +4dBu = 0dB meter reading
• Maximum Output Level: +22dBu
• Residual Output Noise: -91dBu (muted, 20Hz-20kHz)

AES Digital Output

• Connection: Balanced XLR 2 channel
• Sampling Rate: 96kHz (Default with SRC Bypassed)
• Switchable Output Sample Rates: 44.1/48/88.2/96kHz
• Level: 2.5Vpp balanced terminated 110Ω

SLink Connection

• Connection: Neutrik EtherCON (RJ45)
• dSnake Mode: 40 input, 20+40(ME) output channels, 48kHz
• DX Mode: 32 input, 32 output channels, 96kHz
• GigaACE/GX: 128 input, 128 output channels, 96kHz
• Inputs: Fully patchable
• Outputs: Fully patchable
• Sync/SRC: Assignable as audio clock source, 48kHz<>96kHz SRC

USB Audio Qu-Drive

• Connection: USB-A or SD Card, recording or playback
• Stereo Record (USB-A): 2 channel, WAV, 48/96kHz, 24-bit, fully patchable
• Stereo Playback (USB-A): 1/2 channel, WAV, 44.1/48/96kHz 16/24-bit, fully patchable
• Multitrack Record (SDHC): 16 channels 96kHz, 32 channels 48kHz, 24-bit, WAV, fully patchable
• Multitrack Playback (SDHC): 16 channels 96kHz, 32 channels 48kHz, 24-bit, WAV, fully patchable
• SD Card: SDHC, 32GB, UHS-I, Class 10 for maximum channels, 48/96 kHz, 24-bit

USB Audio Streaming

• Connection: USB-C connection, USB 2.0 Core Audio compliant, ASIO/WDM for Windows
• Send (Upstream): 32 channels, 48/96kHz, 24-bit
• Return (Downstream): 32 channels, 48/96kHz, 24-bit

Control

• Touch Screen: 7" Capacitive, 800 x 480 resolution, 24-bit RGB, 1000 nits
• SoftKeys: 8
• Mute Groups / DCA Groups: 8 / 8
• Network: TCP/IP Ethernet for Control and MIDI
• MIDI: USB-C and TCP/IP
• Footswitch: Single or Dual, Momentary or Latching

System

• Input / Bus Configuration: 38 input, 28 bus
• XCVI Core: Measured balanced XLR in to XLR out, 0dB gain, 0dBu input
• Dynamic Range: 110 dB
• Frequency Response: +0/-0.5dB 20Hz to 20kHz
• Headroom: +18dB
• Internal Operating Level: 0dBu
• THD+N, Mic/Line Routed to Main L/R Out Unity Gain: 0.003%, -91dB (20Hz-20kHz)
• dBFS Alignment: +18dBu = 0dBFS (+22dBu at XLR output)
• Meter Calibration: 0dB meter = -18dBFS (+4dBu at XLR out)
• Main Meter Type: 2x 12 segment, fast (peak) response, follows PAFL
• Channel Meter Type: Chromatic Channel Metering, fully programmable colour/brightness
• Peak Indication: -3dBFS (+19dBu at XLR out), Multi-point sensing
• Sampling Rate: 96kHz
• Bit Depth: XCVI custom bit depths, up to 96-bit
• Latency: <0.7ms, Local Mic Input to Main L/R
• Operating Temperature Range: 0 deg C to 40 deg C (32 deg F to 104 deg F)
• Mains Power: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
• Max Power Consumption: 67W

Input Source

• Processing Channels 1-32: Fully patchable
• ST1 / USB Channels: Fixed patch, ST IN / USB1&2
• USB Global Source: Qu-Drive or USB-C Streaming (Auto Switching)

Input Processing

• Polarity: Normal/Invert
• Trim: -24 to +24dB
• High Pass Filter: 12/18/24dB per octave 20Hz – 2kHz
• Insert: Fully Patchable (Digital/Analogue/-10dBV level)
• Delay: Up to 341ms
• Gate/Expander: Patchable Sidechain
• Sidechain Filter: Hi-pass (20-5k), band-pass (120-10k), Lo-pass (120-20k), Q=1
• Threshold / Depth: -72dBu to +18dBu / 0 to 60dB
• Attack / Hold / Release: 50μs to 300ms / 10ms to 5s / 10ms to 1s
• Expander Ratios: 1:2, 1:3, 1:4
• PEQ: 4-Band fully parametric, 20Hz-20kHz, +/-15dB
• Band 1, Band 4: Selectable Shelving (Baxandall), Bell, HPF/LPF 12dB/octave
• Band 2, Band 3: Bell
• Bell Width: Variable, 1.5 Q to 1/9th octave
• Compressor: Patchable Sidechain, Ducker mode, DEEP options, +18dB Makeup gain
• Sidechain Filter: Hi-pass (20Hz-5kHz), band-pass (120Hz-10kHz, Q=1), Lo-pass (120-20kHz)
• Threshold / Ratio: -46dBu to 18dBu / 1:1 to infinity
• Attack / Release: 30μs to 300ms / 50ms to 2s
• Knee: Soft/Hard
• Detector Response: Peak/RMS switchable
• Parallel Path Compression: Dry/wet -inf to 0dB
• Channel Direct Out: Follow Fader/Mute/Mute Group/DCA (Global)
• Direct Out Source: Post-Preamp, Post-HPF, Post-Gate, Insert Return, Post-PEQ, Post-Comp, Post-Delay
• Direct Out Level Trim: -inf to 10dB (per channel)

Mix Processing

• Mix Insert: Fully Patchable (Digital/Analogue/-10dBV level)
• Processing Delay: Up to 682ms
• Feedback Assistant: Automatic feedback suppression, 16 filters per mix, 8 concurrent detectors
• Filter Cut: 0dB to 18dB
• Automatic Filter Width: 18 to 116 Q
• Manual Filter Width: 6 to 640 Q
• GEQ: 28 bands 31Hz-16kHz, +/-12dB Gain, Constant 1/3 oct, DEEP options
• PEQ: As Input PEQ
• Compressor: As Input Compressor

FX

• Internal FX: 6x FX engines, Send>Return (4 dedicated FX send) or Inserted (with Wet/Dry)
• Types: SMR Reverb, Stereo Tap Delay, Gated Reverb, ADT, Blue Chorus, Symphonic Chorus, Flanger, Phaser
• Dedicated Stereo FX Returns: 6 Dedicated Stereo FX returns Fader, Pan, Mute, Routing to LR/Mix, 4-Band PEQ

Audio Tools

• PAFL: PFL or stereo in-place AFL, 0 to -24dB Trim, PAFL Delay Up to 682ms
• Talkback: Dedicated input, Assignable to any mix, Preamp/Trim Control, 20Hz-20kHz 12dB/oct HPF
• Signal Generator: Assignable to any input or mix, Sine/White/Pink/Bandpass Noise
• RTA: 2x 31-Band 1/3 oct (Stereo) or 61-Band 1/6 octave (Mono), 20Hz-20kHz
• AMM Type: 32 Channel, Gain Sharing Algorithm
• Sidechain Filter: HPF / LPF 250Hz / 5kHz (12dB/octave)
• Priority: -15dB to +15dB per channel

Add-Ons

• DEEP Preamps: Tube Stage
• DEEP Compressors: Opto, 16T, 16VU, PeakLimiter76, Mighty, OptTronik, Bus
• DEEP GEQs: Proportional-Q, DiGi-GEQ, Hybrid
• RackFX Units: De-Esser, DynEQ4, MultiBD3, MultiBD4, Bucket Brigade, Echo, Hypabass

Dimensions & Weights

• Unit Dimensions (W x D x H): 445 x 321 x 170 mm (17.5" x 12.7" x 6.7")
• Packed Dimensions (W x D x H): 430 x 269 x 585 mm (16.9" x 12.5" x 23")
• Unpacked Weight: 6.91 kg (15.23 lbs)
• Packed Weight: 8.73 kg (19.25 lbs)

Manufacturer: Allen & Heath
Model: AH-QU-3
SKU: I950948-N-5-WHXX
EAN: 5056756903183

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