Allen & heath QU-3D

The Allen & Heath Qu-3D is a compact, 96 kHz digital mixing console designed for live sound, audiovisual installations, conferences, and production environments that use networked audio. It combines the XCVI engine, 36 mixing channels, and 9 motorized faders with a built-in 16x16 Dante interface. Its desktop form factor and 6 customizable layers allow you to manage complex audio setups without an overwhelming number of physical controls.

Key Features

• Integrated 16-input/16-output Dante interface at 48 or 96 kHz, featuring a dedicated etherCON port, for exchanging audio signals with compatible equipment over a Dante network.
• XCVI 96 kHz 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 spread across 6 customizable layers, for accessing channels and organizing controls according to each performance.
• 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, channel displays, and color-coded VU meters to identify sources and monitor their levels.
• Built-in Gain Assistant and Feedback Assistant to simplify gain adjustments and attenuate frequencies that cause feedback.
• 32x32 USB-C audio interface, multitrack recording to SD card, and SLink port compatible with Allen & Heath Everything I/O expansions.

Mixing Architecture and Audio Processing

The Qu-3D is powered by the XCVI digital engine operating at 96 kHz, combined with next-generation mic preamps and A/D and D/A converters. It offers 32 mono channels that can be linked in stereo and 2 stereo channels, with flexible routing to assign different sources to mixes and outputs.

Its 12 auxiliary/group mixes, 4 linkable mono matrices, and stereo main bus allow you to build multiple broadcast or monitor loops. The 6 effects engines with dedicated stereo returns provide access to internal processing without the need for external equipment. The console is also compatible with the DEEP Processing and RackExtra FX modules from the dLive series, available as optional extensions.

Dante Interface and Network Integration

The Qu-3D’s standout feature is its built-in Dante interface, capable of transmitting and receiving 16 audio channels at 48 or 96 kHz. Its dedicated etherCON port allows it to connect to a Dante network or directly to compatible equipment. This allows signals to flow between the console, stage boxes, audio processors, and other Dante-compatible equipment without requiring as many individual analog connections.

This connectivity is particularly well-suited for audiovisual installations, conferences, and production control rooms that use multiple networked audio devices. Routing between devices is configured using the Dante Controller software. A Dante 32x32 expansion module, available separately, doubles the number of audio channels transmitted and received by this interface. The Qu-3D therefore comes with Dante built-in, unlike the standard Qu-3.

Control Surface and Navigation

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

The 7-inch touchscreen provides access to processing, settings, and routing. Each channel strip features a display showing the channel name, type, or connection number. Color-coded VU meters allow you to quickly identify levels and monitor source activity while mixing.

Gain and Feedback Suppression Assistants

The Gain Assistant simplifies the initial setup of compatible preamps on one or more channels. Its automatic monitoring function can then adjust the gain when input levels become too high. This assistance helps you set up a configuration with multiple sources more quickly, especially during sound checks.

The Feedback Assistant identifies frequencies likely to cause feedback and applies targeted filters to attenuate them. Up to 16 filters can be used per output, facilitating system setup and the management of acoustic feedback issues during a performance.

For conferences and panel discussions, the 32-channel AMM automatic microphone mixer adjusts the level of the various vocal sources. Integrated into the console’s processing, it simplifies the management of speakers and minimizes the number of open microphones.

Audio Connections and SLink Expansion

The Qu-3D offers 16 mic/line inputs via combined XLR/6.35 mm jack connectors and a stereo line input via two TRS jacks. Its 8 XLR outputs allow for connection to PA systems, monitor systems, or other audio equipment. A stereo AES3 digital output via XLR and a headphone output round out the local connections.

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

The SLink port and the Dante interface have separate connections, allowing compatible Allen & Heath extensions to be combined with a Dante audio network.

Multitrack Recording and Playback

The Qu-3D 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 to record a performance multitrack in audio software or to retrieve tracks from the computer for mixing on the console.

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 supports stereo recording and playback as well as data transfer. These various options allow you to choose between standalone recording, a direct connection to a computer, and a Dante audio network.

Remote Control and Setup

The Qu-3D works with the free Allen & Heath Qu-MixPad and Qu4You apps. Qu-MixPad allows the sound engineer to control key parameters from a network-connected device, particularly for making adjustments 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 tilted screen are designed for use on a table or in a control room. The Qu-3D can also be mounted in a 19-inch rack using an optional mounting kit for integration into a fixed or mobile AV system.