Allen and Heath Qu-16C Digital Mixer, 16-Channel

A&H packed this rackmount mixer with serious digital console tech. Mix like a pro with ALPS motor faders, a color touchscreen, iPad remote control and more.

Allen and Heath Qu-16 Digital Mixer, 16-Channel

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With 16 analog preamps, a color touchscreen and SuperStrip channel strip with one-knob-per-function design, this A&H digital console is a dream to use.

Well-equipped to handle anything that comes your way, the 16-channel Allen & Heath Qu-16 digital mixer offers integrated USB recording, motorized faders, lots of FX, a highly detailed color touchscreen, and much, much more in an easy-to-use layout.

In the studio, the Qu-16 supplies the tools and the powerful effects engines you need to create polished, professional tracks. During live shows and rehearsals, the Qu-16 lets you record and play back multitrack audio to and from a USB hard drive; it also gives you the flexibility to step away from the unit and adjust your mix from afar with the Qu-Pad app on your iPad. This Allen & Heath digital mixer takes the features and technology of the company's other high-end digital consoles and mixing systems, and packs them into a compact unit that's as versatile as it is affordable.

Intuitive Interface for Easy Mixing

Access all settings in a flash via the rackmountable Qu-16's color touchscreen and dedicated data encoder. User-friendly keys and screen tabs make it easy to navigate what the mixer has to offer, guiding you through meter and RTA views, FX racks, channel processing, USB audio control, scenes, setup menus, and more.

One-Stop Processing Shop

There's no learning curve here. Designed to be intuitive to use, the Qu-16 puts essential controls right where you want them. Processing tools are located on the SuperStrip, which has one function per physical control. You can delve further into the processing parameters by read more touching the onscreen Touch Channel. For Mono and Stereo inputs, you have trim, polarity, HPF, gate, insert, 4-band PEQ, compressor, and delay. Likewise, the main LR and the Mono mixes have controls for Insert, 1/3 octave GEQ, compressor, and delay. The Stereo mixes provide Insert, 4-band PEQ, compressor, delay, and balance control.

Ever-Useful Fader Automation

Quick mixing, here we come. Thanks to the Qu-16's motorized faders, you can work without breaking a sweat, no matter how many monitor mixes you have going on at the same time -- just press a mix key and the faders immediately fly to the send levels for that monitor mix. Overall, the Qu-16 sports 17 motorized ALPS faders; that's 16 faders arranged over 2 layers for immediate access to all channels and masters in a compact space, along with a dedicated master fader that follows the mix selection. You have the option of using a third, Custom layer to make your own kind of user strip layout, where any combination of Inputs, FX Sends, FX Returns, and Mix masters can be assigned.

AnalogiQ Preamps

Sixteen AnalogiQ total recall preamps are onboard the Qu-16, with zero-crossing detection and an advanced padless 1 dB step gain stage that works hand in hand with the DSP to deliver total gain accuracy and audio transparency. Low-latency, high-quality 24-bit A/D/D/A converters capture the audio signal.

Total Recall

What's one of the best parts about digital mixing? Total recall. The Qu-16 makes it easy for you to save and recall scenes with just one touch. Store up to 100 full scenes for recall. No matter what scenes you recall, your channels, mixes, and other settings will remain "safe." If, for example, a microphone or instrument gets swapped out after the sound check, the channel can be made safe to avoid settings being overridden by scene recalls.

You can save custom settings for each EQ, compressor, channel, or FX as Library presets, ensuring that your favorite settings are there when you need them. What's more, you can save libraries, scenes, and even a complete show configuration to a USB key, and take all your settings with you to any show equipped with a Qu-16.

Tour-Worthy iLive FX

The four stereo iLive FX engines feature impressive emulations of legendary classic reverbs, gated reverbs, delays, modulators, flangers, and so forth. If you ever outgrow the current selection of effects, rest assured that the Qu-16's FX library will always grow with future firmware releases. Each Stereo FX Return has a dedicated 4-band PEQ, and for your convenience, effects are returned to the mix on dedicated return channels, so you won't have to tie up your mono and stereo input channels.

Do It All on the Qu-16: Stream, Playback, and Record

Enjoy streaming multitrack audio to your Mac channel 1 to 16, the Main LR mix, and 3 selectable stereo pairs.

Using the Qu-16's integrated multitrack USB recorder, you can record/play back up to 18 channels of 48 kHz/24-bit to your USB hard drive. It's the simple way to get multitrack recordings. In addition, the digital mixer's Qu-Drive provides stereo recording, patchable from any pair of Mix outputs, the Main LR (pre, post, or summed to mono) or even the PAFL bus.

Have an iPad? Use Qu-Pad

When you combine the Qu-16 digital mixer with an iPad loaded with the Qu-Pad app, you get the freedom to adjust the monitors on stage, roam around the venue while fine-tuning the PA, mixing the show from the back of the room, or whatever else you can think to do away from the unit. The Qu-Pad app connects to the mixer over Wi-Fi and gives instant access to all live mixing parameters and settings.

Features:

- 16-Channel digital mixer
- Color touchscreen offers instant access to effects, channel settings, scenes, and more
- iLive effects emulations onboard
- 16 Recallable AnalogiQ preamps
- Moving faders for fast mixing
- USB interface for library date, scene storage, and multitrack recording
- Integrated USB recording -- record up to 18 channels straight to a USB drive
- Stream and play back high-quality audio
- Works with Qu-Pad iPad app for wireless control over your mix
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- 16 Mono Inputs (TRS + XLR)
- 3 Stereo Inputs (TRS)
- 4 Stereo FX Returns
- 16 Busses
- 12 Mix Outputs (LR, Mono Mix 1-4, Stereo Mix 1-3)
- 4 FX Engines
- AES Digital Out
- 19" Rack Mountable
- Moving Faders
- Recallable AnaLOGIQ Preamps
- Qu-Drive direct Multitrack Recording / Playback on USB drives
- 800x480 Touchscreen
- iLive FX Library
- dSNAKE Remote Audio Port
- Compatible with ME Personal Mixing System
- Qu-Pad iPad App
- USB Audio Streaming
- DAW MIDI Control
- 4 Mute Groups
- Trim, polarity, HPF, gate, insert, 4-band PEQ, compressor and delay on all Inputs
- Insert, 1/3 octave GEQ, compressor and delay on Main LR and Mono Mix outputs
- Insert, 4-band PEQ, compressor and delay on Stereo Mix outputs
- Built-in Signal Generator
- RTA with Peak Band indication

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 800-431-2609
Web: https://www.allen-heath.com/support/

Allen and Heath Qu-16 Digital Mixer

The Allen and Heath Qu-16 takes compact digital mixing to a higher level with innovative design and exceptional functionality combining to create a superb professional mixing experience. Bristling with all the features you'd expect from a top of the range digital console and incorporating technologies pioneered on the GLD and iLive digital mixing systems, Qu-16 has the power and pedigree to deliver class-leading audio performance. Whether you're switching from analogue or updating your digital desk, it's time to experience digital with Qu-16.

AnalogiQ Preamps

Qu-16's sixteen AnalogiQ(TM) total recall preamps feature zero crossing detection and an advanced padless 1dB step gain stage, closely allied to the DSP for optimal gain accuracy and audio transparency. The analogue signal is captured by high class, low latency 24bit analogue to digital converters matched to high quality 24bit digital to analogue converters to deliver the required outputs. The AnalogiQ(TM) design has been refined over many months to offer superb transparency, minimal distortion and an ultra-low noise floor, with a warm, musical sound that is missing from some digital consoles.

The Mixing Experience

Having massive processing power and advanced functionality is great, but it counts for nothing if you can't access the controls you need in a heartbeat. Once you start using Qu-16 you'll sense the years of research into ergonomics and the hands-on mixing experience that the team has drawn upon to deliver a wonderfully natural layout and workflow. It's not about recreating an analogue interface, it's about creating an experience that's fluid, comfortable and intuitive for novices, digital natives and old school road warriors alike, making all the benefits of digital mixing technology readily accessible to all.

Touch Control

The 800 x 480, sixteen million color Touchscreen and its dedicated data encoder form the heart of the Qu-16 interface, providing super-fast, easy access to all settings. The user-friendly interface has been designed with clarity in mind. Dedicated keys and screen tabs quickly guide you to meter and RTA views, FX racks, channel processing, USB audio control, scenes, setup menus and much more.

The SuperStrip

All your key processing tools are presented in a clean layout on the SuperStrip, with 1 function per physical control. The SuperStrip is complemented by an onscreen Touch Channel for intuitive access to full processing parameters without clutter or complex menu structures. Processing for Mono and Stereo inputs includes trim, polarity, HPF, gate, insert, 4 band PEQ, compressor and delay. The main LR and the Mono mixes have controls for Insert, 1/3 octave GEQ, compressor and delay. The Stereo mixes provide Insert, 4-band PEQ, compressor, delay and balance control.

Fader Automation

Moving faders started as an expensive option in the studio desks of the 80s, and later became the norm with the advent of digital technology. Nevertheless some entry-level digital mixers lack this precious commodity which is a fundamental part of the Total Recall approach. Fader automation is essential for rapid mixing, especially when you're dealing with multiple monitor mixes -- just press a mix key and the faders immediately fly to the send levels for that mix. Qu-16 features 17 motorized ALPS faders, 16 arranged over 2 layers, allowing instant access to all channels and masters in a compact space, plus a dedicated master fader which dynamically follows the mix selection. A third, Custom layer is available for ad-hoc user strip layout, where any combination of Inputs, FX Sends, FX Returns and Mix masters can be assigned.

iLive FX

Qu-16's dynamics and FX algorithms are derived from the FX used in the iLive pro touring series. Some of the world's most respected audio engineers have chosen to use iLive's FX on tour in preference to top-end plug-ins and external FX units. Qu-16 boasts 4 stereo iLive FX engines, featuring lovingly crafted emulations of legendary classic reverbs, gated reverbs, delays, modulators, flangers and more. The FX library has the ability to grow with future firmware releases. FX are returned to the mix on dedicated return channels, so you're not tying up your mono and stereo input channels. Each Stereo FX Return has a dedicated 4 band PEQ.

Total Recall

True digital mixing is about being able to save and recall scenes (snapshots) at the press of a button. Qu-16 can store up to 100 full Scenes for recall at will. Channels and mixes can be made Safe from Scene recall. For example, if an instrument or mic gets swapped out after the soundcheck, the channel can be made safe to avoid settings being overridden by Scene recalls. Or if a broadcast feed or walk-in iPod is added last-minute before the show kicks off, that mix or channel can be made safe from any scene change. In addition, single parameter updates can be blocked using per scene Recall Filters or a Global Recall Filter. So if you tweak the graphic EQ to reflect the room response when the audience gets in, you can block this to prevent any overwriting at scene change. Custom settings for each EQ, compressor, channel or FX can be saved as Library presets. This lets you store your tried and tested EQ setting for your favorite vocal mic or reverb pattern and apply it to other channels or shows. Libraries, Scenes and the complete Show configuration can be saved to a USB key, so you can carry the show with you, ready to use on another Qu-16.

USB Audio Streaming

Qu-16's built-in interface streams multitrack audio to your Mac channel 1 to 16, the Main LR mix and 3 selectable stereo pairs.

The returns from the Mac can be assigned to the 16 Mono channels plus stereos.
The interface is class-compliant on Mac OS X -- which means it's truly plug-n-play, with no need to install a driver. It will be recognized straightaway by any DAW supporting Core Audio, including Logic, Cubase, Reaper, and Pro Tools.

Standard MIDI control is tunnelled over the USB connection so you can easily map the faders to the tracks of your favorite DAW. Alternatively, a MIDI driver is available for use with the Ethernet port.

Qu-Drive

Forget soundcard drivers and software setup, Qu-16 has an integrated multitrack USB recorder, providing 18 channels of 48kHz 24bit recording and playback straight to / from your USB hard drive. Capturing multitrack recordings of your shows has never been so easy. A selectable stereo pair can be recorded alongside the 16 Mono channels, and multitrack audio can be played back to the 16 Mono channels plus ST1. On top of this, Qu-Drive also provides stereo recording, patchable from any pair of Mix outputs, the Main LR (pre, post, or summed to mono) or even the PAFL bus, with 2- track stereo playback to ST3.

ARMed to the Hilt

Qu-16 is equipped with 5 cores of high efficiency ARM core processing, with dedicated ARM cores running the touchscreen display and surface, USB streaming, Qu-Drive multi-channel USB recording / playback, Ethernet and fader automation. Between them the ARM cores provide state-of-the-art processing, working in parallel to deliver extensive control, instant-on operation, and lightning-fast response. The mixer's DSP farm exploits next generation dual core DSPs, giving 10 DSP cores, with 8 dedicated to the channel and mix processing alone. With so much DSP power under the hood the channel processing is only using a fraction of capacity, so Qu-16 is future-proofed, with ample room for updates and extra functionality. The Qu-16 DSP architecture employs varied bit depths, tailored to specific algorithms, with 48 bits on critical EQ functions and a 56 bit accumulator on the mix bus where it really counts, allowing every nuance of the audio to be captured in the final mix.

The Shape of Things to Come

Made from 18 gauge, cold-rolled Zintec steel, Qu-16's distinctive frame is designed for strength, rigidity and ease of rack mounting. Allen and Heath has done unspeakable things to that chassis in the lab and it's taken everything they've thrown at it -- even being stomped on by their resident ex-tank commander.

Silence is a precious commodity in the live or studio environment, which is why nobody wants those moments of stillness ruined by the whirring of fans coming from the mix position. Qu-16's sleek profile generates optimal airflow through the mixer, eliminating the need for any fans.

The shape has some unexpected benefits too. When they started taking Qu-16 out to gigs they soon found the space beneath it incredibly useful for keeping the USB drive, talkback mic, cue sheet and other clutter tucked out of the way. Allen and Heath even had engineers hanging the mixer from a handy scaffold bar and mixing vertically.

Qu-Pad

Add the Qu-Pad iPad app to your Qu-16 setup and you're free to adjust the monitors on stage, roam around the venue whilst tweaking the PA, and then mix the show from the heart of the audience. Qu-Pad connects to the mixer over Wi-Fi* and gives instant access to all live mixing parameters and settings. Qu-Pad requires the connection of a Wi-Fi router or access point to the Qu-16 Network port.

ME Personal Mixing System

Qu-16 is fully compatible with the ME Personal Mixing System. Any number of ME-1 personal mixers can be chained from the dSNAKE port (or from an AR2412 Stagebox if you've got one connected to the dSNAKE port). Each performer can be given tailored control over their own mix, leaving the engineer free to focus on the audience experience.

dSNAKE

Qu-16 is a self-contained mixer, so if you've already got the analogue cables you're good to go. If you're thinking of trading in the copper multicore for a Cat5 digital snake, Qu-16's dSNAKE port has you future-proofed, allowing connection to a remote AR2412 or AR84 Stagebox. dSNAKE is the proprietary networking solution, boasting a transport latency of only 105us over cable runs of up to 120m / 390". So if you're mixing FoH you can place your I/O on the stage and run a single Cat5 cable back to the Qu-16 in the mix position.

Accessories

- AR2412: 24 inputs, 12 outputs AudioRack with dSNAKE connection and expansion port for personal monitoring.
- AR84: 8 inputs, 4 outputs AudioRack with dSNAKE connection.
- AH7000: 80m drum of Neutrik EtherFlex Cat5 with locking connectors.
- AH8721: 120m drum of Klotz Cat5 with locking connectors.
- LEDLamp: variable brightness 18" gooseneck lamp.
- QU-16-RK19: Rack mounting kit.

Qu-16 Release V1.2

V1.2 introduces many features including MIDI channel strips for DAW control, GEQ and PEQ on all mixes, channel processing Libraries, USB Scene and Library transfer, extended scene Recall Filter, Qu-Pad channel naming and much more.

Firmware update available at www.allen-heath.com

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (1 ratings)
Submitted May 18, 2015 by Chris A

"Great Combo Mixer/Interface"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
I haven't used this board a lot yet, but for the price, I'm very impressed with the onboard processing and preamps. It's not difficult to get a great-sounding mix out of this board - even with inconsistent performers/performances.The Qu-Drive feature is HUGE. Just plug in a hard drive (you'll need to format it through the board, so you'll want a dedicated HDD), and you can record 16 tracks of audio plus the L/R mix. No computer needed for a full recording rig! Also, you can use the board as a 16-in digital interface. I haven't used this feature yet but if it's anything like the rest of the features, it'll work great.

Musical Style:

Rock
4 of 5 people (80%) people found this review helpful. Did you?
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