Allen & Heath is announcing six new additions to their line of live-oriented digital mixers. Taking the ever-popular Qu form factor of the Qu-16, Qu-24, and Qu-32, and adding powerful FPGA-based 96 kHz XCVI processing, new FX engines, and an Slink port for Everything I/O connectivity, the new Qu-5, Qu-6, and Qu-7 offer different form factors, fader counts, and connectivity for a range of pro audio applications.
All the new Qu mixers feature a 96 kHz FPGA Core with 32-channel audio mixing capabilities and 36 max inputs to mix (32 mono or linkable channels, two stereo). Each mixer also offers six multi-FX engines with dedicated return channels. These mixers have also received a new, larger 7” capacitive touchscreen, new channel strip displays, customizable layers, extra SoftKeys, and SD card recording.
All the new Qu mixer models have the same core and channel count. They differ only in size, number of faders, number of preamps, and number of XLR input and output connectors. All the new Qu mixers sport 12 total available mixes, eight SoftKeys, a Talkback socket, USB-A and USB-C connectivity, and the 128x128 Slink port for Everything I/O expansion and system connections.
The Qu-5, Qu-6, and Qu-7 feature the following differences in specs:
Qu-5 / Qu-5D
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16 x XLR-1/4” combo mic/line inputs
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12 x XLR output connectors
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17 x 100mm motorized faders
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19” rack mountable with optional rackmount kit
Qu-6 / Qu-6D
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24 x XLR-1/4” combo mic/line inputs
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16 x XLR output connectors
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25 x 100mm motorized faders
Qu-7 / Qu-7D
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32 x XLR-1/4” combo mic/line inputs
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20 x XLR output connectors
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33 x 100mm motorized faders
Each mixer also comes in an alternative version: the Qu-5D, Qu-6D, and Qu-7D. These versions are identical to the “non-D” versions except for an integrated 16x16 48 / 96 kHz Dante port for connectivity with other Dante gear.
Finally, the new range of Qu mixers are all compatible with a range of I/O expanders. The 48 kHz dSnake expanders (AR2412, AR84, and AB168) are supported by the new Qu-5, Qu-6, and Qu-7 mixers, just like the older Qu models. This makes transitioning from old to new an easy process. All 96 kHz DX and GX expanders are also compatible with the new range. The DT168, DT164-W, and DT20/02/22 Dante expanders are all compatible with the Qu-5D, Qu-6D, and Qu-7D only.
For more information about the new Allen & Heath Qu mixers, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out their detailed product pages.
