Allen & Heath has announced six new Qu series mixers, bringing 96kHz FPGA and Deep Processing capabilities, Dante options, and a host of workflow and hardware enhancements to the digital mixing platform.
‘Every aspect of the mixer has been rethought, the XCVI core, enhanced I/O capability, all the way to the screen and faders,’ says Senior Product Manager, Keith Johnson. ‘We’ve completely reimagined the UI, keeping the simple layout and workflow that Qu is known and loved for.’
Based on a unified platform, all new Qu mixers deliver 38 inputs (32 mono/linkable, three stereo), 12 mixes, four matrix, six FX engines with dedicated stereo returns, plus SLink port for connection to the Everything I/O ecosystem of remote expanders. All models feature a 32x32 USB-C audio interface for DAW recording, 32-channel multitrack support via SD card, and simple stereo recording and playback with a USB-A port.
The range comprises three frame sizes, each available with or without integrated Dante connectivity: 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 16x16 48/96kHz Dante interface.
The Qu series continues A&H’s ‘walk up and mix’ approach, with this new generation offering four custom fader layers, additioanl assignable SoftKeys, and the option of flexible routing in addition to classic Qu 1:1 channel patching. The user interface has been refreshed to focus on speed of navigation and ease of use, with key mixing functions always readily available, whether via the dedicated hands-on controls, or the new touchscreen.
While the new mixers retain the look and layout of the original Qu series, numerous hardware improvements deliver ‘a modern edge’. Updated mic preamps and high-performance 96kHz converters ensure 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 forthcoming v1.1 firmware offering a suite of optional add-ons from the flagship dLive series, including emulations of ‘legendary’ studio compressors and preamps. In addition, Qu mixers now feature the Feedback and Gain Assistants from the CQ series to improve set-up and soundchecks.
‘Bands and engineers will love the powerful processing, assistive tools and live capture options,’ says Allen & Heath Director of Product, Nic Beretta ‘It’s also a super flexible, all-in-one solution for studios and broadcasting applications, and A/V integrators have been demanding a Dante-enabled Qu.’
More: www.allen-heath.com