ALLEN&HEATH QU32
32 channel Rackmountable Digital Mixer
for Live,Studio and Installation
Overview
- With its responsive touchscreen, 33 motor faders and
acclaimed AnalogiQ recallable preamps, ALLEN & HEATH QU-32 combines exceptional ease of use
with class-leading audio performance.
Drawing on the technologies and workflow pioneered on our GLD and iLive touring systems, Qu makes Allen & Heath digital mixing more accessible than ever.
ANALOGIQTM PREAMPS
- Our AnalogiQ 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 design has been refined 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 a Qu you’ll sense the years of research
into ergonomics and the hands-on mixing experience that our 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
- Qu-32′s 7 inch, 800 x 480, sixteen million colour
Touchscreen and its dedicated data encoder form the heart of the Qu 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, Qu-24 and Qu-32 feature 16, 24 and 32 motorized ALPS
faders respectively, 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, Mix masters and MIDI strips can be assigned.
ILIVE FX
- Qu’s dynamics and FX algorithms are derived from the FX used
in our 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. All Qu models boast 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 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 a 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 or channel can be
saved as Library presets. This lets you store your tried and tested setting for
your favourite 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 mixer.
USB AUDIO STREAMING
- Qu’s built-in interface streams multitrack audio to your Mac
or PC via a flexible patching system: all Input channels and the Main LR can be
recorded at the same time, or you may choose to record something different such
as FX returns or a pair of mixes.
- The returns from the computer can be assigned to the
Input channels. The interface is
class-compliant on Mac OS X – and drivers are available for Windows systems.
Either way, it will be recognized straightaway by any DAW supporting ASIO or
Core Audio, including Logic, Cubase, Reaper, and Pro Tools.
QU-DRIVE
- Forget soundcard drivers and software setup, Qu 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. Mixes and FX
returns can be recorded alongside channels, and multitrack audio can be played
back to the mixer for virtual sound-checks.
- An independent set of controls is provided for quick stereo
recording of the main LR or other mix outputs, and a 2-track USB return can be
routed to ST3 for playback of stereo WAV files such as walk-in music.
ARMED TO THE HILT
- Qu mixers are 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. With plenty of DSP power under the hood the channel processing is only
using a fraction of capacity, so Qu is future-proofed, with ample room for
updates and extra functionality.
- The 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’s
distinctive frame is designed for strength and rigidity. We’ve done unspeakable
things to that chassis in the lab and it’s taken everything we’ve thrown at it
– even being stomped on by our 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’s sleek profile generates
optimal airflow through the mixer, eliminating the need for any fans.
- The shape has some unexpected benefits too. When we started
taking Qu out to gigs we soon found the space beneath it incredibly useful for
keeping our USB drive, talkback mic, cue sheet and other clutter tucked out of
the way. We’ve 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 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.
ME PERSONAL MIXING SYSTEM
- Qu mixers are fully compatible with our ME Personal Mixing
System. Any number of ME-1 personal mixers can be chained from the dSNAKE port
(or from an AR2412 / AB168 AudioRack 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 mixers are self-contained, 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’s dSNAKE port has you future-proofed,
allowing connection to a combination of AR2412, AR84 or portable AB168
AudioRacks.
- dSNAKE is our 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 mixer in the mix position.
SOFTKEYS
- Qu-32 packs 10 SoftKeys for more user-assignable functions
such as Mute Groups, Tap Tempo, Scene navigation or PAFL Clear.
THE MATRIX
- Qu-32’s Matrix has 2 further stereo outputs equipped with
full processing to the console’s extensive I/O. It is a ‘mixer within a mixer,’
fed from any combination of Group 1-4, Mix 1-10, and main LR. It can be used to
provide a broadcast feed, a recording mix, or duplicate the main outputs for
delay stacks and fill / zone speakers where independent GEQ and delay is
applied
Features
Front Panel Features:
Rear Panel Features:
Touch Screen Mixing Functions
Specifications:
Inputs
- Mic/Line Inputs...........Balanced, XLR and 1/4" TRS jack, fully
recallable
- Input Sensitivity (XLR / TRS) ................-60 to +5dBu / -50 to +15dBu
- Analogue Gain................................... -5 to +60dB, 1dB steps
- Maximum Input Level
(XLR / TRS) ..........+19dBu / +29dBu
- Input Impedance (XLR / TRS)..................... >5kΩ / >10 kΩ
- THD+N, Unity gain 0dB...................... 0.0005% -89 dBu (20-20kHz, Direct Out
@0dBu 1kHz)
- THD+N, Mid gain +30dB......................... 0.001% -83dBu (20-20kHz, Direct Out
@0dBu 1kHz)
Stereo Line Inputs
- ST1, ST2 connector...................... Balanced, 1/4" TRS jack, half
normalled
- ST3 connector ......................................Unbalanced, stereo 3.5mm Mini Jack
- Input Sensitivity (ST1, ST2 / ST3)......... Nominal +4dBu / 0dBu
- Trim ..........................................................+/-24dB USB
- Maximum Input Level (ST1,ST2 / ST3..............) +22dBu / +18dBu
- Input Impedance........................................ >7kΩ
Outputs
- Mix1-10 and LR Out ............Balanced, XLR
- Group and Matrix Out (Qu-24,32 only)
- Output Impedance.............. <75Ω
- Nominal Output...................... +4dBu = 0dB meter reading
- Maximum Output Level............ +22dBu
- Residual Output Noise .............-90 dBu (muted, 20-20kHz)
- Stereo Alt Out & 2Trk Out ...............Balanced, 1/4" TRS jack
- Source (Alt Output / 2Trk Output).............. Patchable / LR post-fade
- Output Impedance............................ <75Ω
- Nominal Output ...............................+4dBu = 0dB meter reading
- Maximum Output Level................... +22dBu
- Residual Output Noise ....................-90 dBu (muted, 20-20kHz
- AES Digital Output............... 2 channel, 48kHz sampling rate, XLR Band | | 2.5Vpp balanced terminated 110Ω
dSNAKE
- Inputs ............Remote source for CH1-32, ST1, ST2, ST3
- Outputs -............ Patchable from Mix1-10, LR, Grp1-8, MTX1-4 | | Compatible with AudioRacks AR2412, AR84, AB168 | |Compatible with ME personal mixing system
System (Measured balanced XLR in to XLR out, 0dB gain, 0dBu input)
- Dynamic Range.............112 Db
- Frequency Response............. +0/-0.5dB 20Hz to 20kHz
- Headroom ......................+18dB
- Internal operating Level............. 0dBu
- dBFS Alignment.......................... +18dBu = 0dBFS (+22dBu at XLR output)
- Meter Calibration................... 0dB meter = -18dBFS (+4dBu at XLR out)
- Meter Peak indication................. -3dBFS (+19dBu at XLR out),
multi-point sensing
- Meter Signal indication ..................-48dBFS (-26dBu at XLR out)
- Meter Type .............................Fast (peak) response
- Sampling Rate ....................48kHz +/-100PPM
- ADC, DAC ........................24-bit Delta-Sigma
- Latency ................................1.2 ms (local XLR in to XLR out) 0.7 ms (local XLR
in to AES out)
- Operating Temperature Range.......... 0 deg C to 35 deg C (32 deg F to
95 deg F)
- Mains Power .........................100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
- Maximum Power Consumption .............Qu-16= 82W, Qu-24= 120W, Qu-32=
150W
USB Audio
- Qu-Drive ...............USB A
- Device ................Use a USB hard drive (not a USB key)
- Stereo Record.............. 2 channel, WAV, 48kHz, 24-bit, patchable
- Stereo Playback.............. 2 channel, WAV, 44.1 or 48kHz, 16 or 24-bit, to ST3
- Multitrack Record ..............18 channel, WAV, 48kHz, 24-bit, patchable
- Multitrack Playback ................18 channel, WAV, 48kHz, 24-bit
- USB Audio Streaming............... USB B, Core Audio compliant
- Send (upstream) Qu-16/24/32............... 24/32/32 channel, WAV, 48kHz, 24-bit
- Return (downstream) Qu-16/24/32 ............22/30/32 channel, WAV, 48kHz, 24-bit
Control
- Faders.............. 100mm
motorised
- Touch Screen Qu-32 .........7" TFT, 800x480 resolution
- SoftKeys......................... 4 (Qu-16), 10 (Qu-24, 32)
- Mute Groups.......... 4
- DCA Groups ............4
- Network .....................TCP/IP Ethernet for MIDI and iPad app
Input Processing (Source)
- CH1-32..................... Local, dSNAKE,
or USB
- ST1, ST2 ...............Local, dSNAKE, or USB
- ST3.......................... Local, dSNAKE, or USB Stereo
- USB Global Source ............ Qu-Drive
or USB B Streaming
- Stereo Linking ................Odd/even input pairs
- Parameters linked............... EQ, dynamics, insert, delay, assignments,
sends
- Link options....................... Preamp, polarity, sidechains, fader/mute, pan
- Polarity .............................Normal/Reverse
- High Pass Filter ................12dB/octave 20Hz – 2kHz
- Insert ...........................Assign FX1-4 into Input channels
- Delay ..........................Up to 85ms
- Gate ............................Self key Sidechain
- Threshold / Depth .................-72dBu to +18dBu / 0 to 60dB
- Attack / Hold / Release .........50us to 300ms / 10ms to 5s / 10ms to
1s
- PEQ ..........................4-Band fully parametric, 20-20kHz, +/-15dB
- Band 1 ....................Selectable LF Shelving (Baxandall), Bell
- Band 2, Band 3............. Bell
- Band 4 ...................Selectable HF Shelving (Baxandall), Bell
- Bell Width....................... Non-constant Q, variable, 1.5 to 1/9th octave
- Compressor ..................Self key Sidechain
- Threshold / Ratio............... -46dBu to 18dBu / 1:1 to infinity
- Attack / Release............... 300us – 300ms / 100ms - 2s
- Knee ........................Soft/Hard
- Types .....................................Peak Manual, RMS Manual, SlowOpto, PunchBag
- Channel Direct Out to USB .............Follow Fader, follow Mute (global
options)
- Source select (global) .............Post-Preamp, Pre-EQ, Post-EQ,
Post-Delay
Mix Processing
- Insert..................... Assign FX into Mix channels
- Delay .....................Up to 170ms
- GEQ ..................Constant 1/3 oct, 28 bands 31Hz-16kHz, +/-12dB Gain
- PEQ.................. 4-Band fully parametric, 20-20kHz, +/-15dB
- Band 1................... Selectable LF Shelving (Baxandall), Bell
- Band 2, Band 3............... Bell
- Band 4 ..............Selectable HF Shelving (Baxandall), Bell
- Bell Width ...............Non-constant Q, variable, 1.5 to 1/9th octave
- Compressor.............. Self key Sidechain
- Threshold / Ratio -............46dBu to 18dBu / 1:1 to infinity
- Attack / Release .........300us – 300ms / 100ms - 2s
- Knee .......................Soft/Hard
- Types .......................Peak Manual, RMS Manual, SlowOpto, PunchBag
FX
- Internal FX ...................4x RackFX engine, Send>Return or Inserted
- Types ..............................Reverbs, Delays, Gated Reverb, ADT Chorus, Symphonic
Chorus, Phaser, Flanger
- 4 dedicated Stereo FX returns .............Fader, Pan, Mute, Routing to
Mix/LR, 4-Band PEQ
Audio Tools
- PAFL .......................PFL or stereo in-place AFL, 0 to -24dB Trim, 85ms Delay
- Talkback ...................Assignable to any mix, 12dB/oct HPF
- Signal Generator ....................Assignable to any mix, Sine /
White/Pink/Bandpass Noise
- RTA ..............................31-Bands 1/3 octave 20-20kHz, follows PAFL source
Dimensions & Weights
- Desk mounted ...............850 x 500 x 186 mm (33.5"" x
19.7" x 7.4"
- Packed in shipping box........ 1000 x 680 x 350 mm (39.4" x
26.8" x 13.8"
- Unpacked weight ..............20 kg (44 lbs)
- Packed weight ...............24 kg (53 lbs)