Allen & heath QU-3

The Allen & Heath Qu-3 is a compact, 96 kHz digital mixing console designed for live sound, audiovisual installations, conferences, and multitrack recording. It features the XCVI engine from the new Qu series with 36 mixing channels, in a desktop format equipped with 9 motorized faders and 6 customizable layers. This architecture allows for the management of complex audio setups while maintaining a compact control surface.

Key Features

• 96 kHz XCVI engine with 32 mono and 2 stereo channels, 12 auxiliary/group mixes, 4 matrices, and 6 built-in effects engines.
• 9 motorized 100 mm faders distributed across 6 customizable layers, providing access to different channels without increasing the number of physical controls.
• 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, channel displays, and chromatic VU meters to identify sources and monitor their levels.
• Built-in Gain Assistant and Feedback Assistant to simplify preamp setup and detect frequencies causing feedback.
• 32-input/32-output USB-C audio interface, multitrack recording to SD card, and stereo recording to USB-A storage.
• Everything I/O-compatible SLink port to extend connections and expand connectivity options with compatible Allen & Heath equipment.

Mixing Architecture and Audio Processing

The Qu-3 is powered by the XCVI digital engine operating at 96 kHz, combined with next-generation microphone preamps and A/D and D/A converters. Its 32 mono channels—which can be linked in stereo—and 2 stereo channels allow you to manage multiple sources simultaneously. Customizable routing makes it easy to assign them to different mixes and outputs.

The console features 12 auxiliary/group mixes, 4 linkable mono matrices, and a stereo main bus. Its 6 effects engines with dedicated stereo returns allow for direct integration of processing into the mix. Compatible with DEEP Processing technology from the dLive systems, it can also accommodate additional RackExtra preamp, compressor, and effect models, available as optional plug-ins.

Control Surface and Navigation

With its 8 motorized channel faders and master fader, the Qu-3 provides physical control over levels in a particularly compact format. The 6 fully customizable layers allow you to organize channels, returns, and controls according to the needs of each performance. The 8 assignable SoftKeys provide direct access to frequently used functions.

The 7-inch touchscreen provides access to processing, parameters, and routing. Individual displays show the name, type, or connection number of each channel, while color-coded VU meters make it easy to monitor levels while mixing.

Gain and Feedback Suppression Assistants

The Gain Assistant automates the initial setup of compatible preamps, either individually or across multiple channels. Its Auto Gain feature can then monitor input levels and gradually reduce gain when a signal becomes too high, to minimize the risk of clipping. This assistant is particularly useful for mixes involving multiple microphones.

The Feedback Assistant detects feedback frequencies and applies narrow-band filters to attenuate problematic resonances. Up to 16 filters can be used per mix, with modes tailored for system setup and monitoring during a performance.

For conferences, panel discussions, and events with multiple speakers, the 32-channel AMM automatic microphone mixer adjusts the contribution of the various vocal sources. It makes it easier to manage speaking turns and limit the accumulation of open microphones.

Audio Connections and SLink Expansion

The Qu-3 features 16 mic/line inputs via combined XLR/6.35 mm jack connectors, as well as a stereo line input via two TRS jacks. Its 8 XLR outputs allow you to connect PA systems, monitor speakers, or other audio equipment depending on the selected routing. A stereo AES3 digital output via XLR and a headphone output round out the local connections.

The SLink port provides connectivity to stage boxes and expansion units from the Allen & Heath Everything I/O series. Depending on the equipment and protocol used, it supports configurations of up to 128 input channels and 128 output channels at 96 kHz. This makes it possible to route audio inputs to the stage or connect the console to other compatible Allen & Heath systems without increasing the number of internal processing channels.

This standard Qu-3 does not have a built-in Dante interface. For native connection to a Dante network, the Qu-3D version features a dedicated port supporting 16 audio inputs and 16 outputs at 48 or 96 kHz, with a 32x32 expansion module available separately.

Multitrack Recording and Playback

The Qu-3 features a 32x32 bidirectional USB-C audio interface that allows for the transfer of multiple channels between the console and a computer. It can thus be used with recording software to capture a performance in multitrack format or retrieve audio tracks for mixing.

Its SD card reader allows you to record and play back up to 32 tracks at 48 kHz or 16 tracks at 96 kHz without a computer. The USB-A port is dedicated to stereo recording and playback, as well as data transfer. These various capabilities allow you to tailor the recording method to the needs of each production.

Remote Control and Setup

The Qu-3 works with the free Allen & Heath Qu-MixPad and Qu4You apps. Qu-MixPad allows the engineer to control key mixing parameters from a network-connected device, particularly when adjustments need to be made from the performance space. Qu4You gives musicians the ability to adjust their own monitor mix without affecting other users’ mixes. Wireless control requires a router or an external network access point.

Its compact chassis and tilting screen are designed for use on a table or in a control room. The Qu-3 can also be mounted in a 19-inch rack using an optional mounting kit for integration into a fixed or mobile AV system.