Allen & Heath QU Mixers

We at Springtree have been huge fans of Allen & Heath for over a decade, and their Qu Mixer Series has been a staple for live sound professionals and studios alike, but the Qu Series was due for a major update. With the recent unveiling of the next generation of Qu mixers, Allen & Heath has not disappointed, delivering a transformative overhaul that exceeds our expectations with cutting-edge features and enhancements. From a powerful 96kHz XCVI core to Dante connectivity options and a reimagined user interface, the new Qu-5, Qu-6, and Qu-7 models promise unparalleled performance and flexibility. In this blog post, we dive into the exciting updates that make this revamped Qu Series a game-changer for engineers, bands, and churches seeking professional-grade solutions in a compact, user-friendly package.

Six Options

The revamped Allen & Heath Qu Mixer Series includes three models: the Qu-5 with 17 faders and 16 XLR inputs, the Qu-6 with 25 faders and 24 XLR inputs, and the Qu-7 with 33 faders and 32 XLR inputs. Each model also offers a Dante-enabled version—Qu-5D, Qu-6D, and Qu-7D—for networked audio integration.

What We Love

We Love How Good They Sound!
The revamped Allen & Heath Qu Mixer Series, now boasting double the processing power with its 96kHz XCVI core, delivers pristine audio clarity, enhanced dynamic range, and ultra-low latency, capturing every performance nuance with precision. The redesigned preamps offer clean, transparent gain, while the six stereo FX engines provide rich, studio-grade effects without compromising fidelity, making these mixers a top choice for stunning sound in any live or studio setup.

We Love How Intuitive They Are!
The revamped Allen & Heath Qu Mixer Series shines with its user-friendly design, making it a breeze for both seasoned engineers and newcomers to navigate. The reimagined touchscreen interface, paired with tactile faders and customizable softkeys, streamlines workflow, allowing for quick access to critical functions like EQ, dynamics, and routing. Features like the Qu-Control app enable wireless mixing from anywhere in the venue, while the intuitive layout ensures fast setup and real-time adjustments. Whether you’re fine-tuning a mix on the fly or managing complex sessions, the Qu Series’ seamless, hands-on control keeps the focus on creativity, not complexity.

We Love Their Compatibility!
Unlike the previous Qu Series, which was confined to its own ecosystem with limited stagebox options, the revamped Allen & Heath Qu Mixer Series embraces the Everything I/O ecosystem for unparalleled flexibility. Thanks to its SLink port, the Qu-5, Qu-6, and Qu-7 can connect to the Everything I/O family of rack and stagebox expanders, such as the AR2412, AR84, and AB168, making them a versatile, mix-and-match solution for owners of other Allen & Heath digital systems.

We Love the Price!
We’re thrilled that the revamped Allen & Heath Qu Mixer Series offers all its upgraded features, like the 96kHz XCVI core and enhanced I/O compatibility, at the same price as the previous Qu Series models were going for. This unbeatable value delivers cutting-edge performance without breaking the bank. The Dante-enabled versions (Qu-5D, Qu-6D, Qu-7D) are slightly more expensive due to their advanced networking capabilities, but they’re well worth it for setups requiring Dante integration, making the entire Qu Series a cost-effective choice for professional audio needs.

Dante Compatible

The Dante-enabled models feature a 16×16 Dante interface at 48/96kHz, perfect for setups already using Dante devices or Dante-compatible systems like Shure’s ULX-D. They enable seamless, high-resolution audio routing over a single Ethernet cable, replacing bulky analog multicore cables.

Important Note: The Dante interface is a hardware add-on that cannot be retrofitted later, so if you anticipate needing it, opt for the Dante-enabled Qu-5D, Qu-6D, or Qu-7D at purchase.

Who They’re For

The revamped Allen & Heath Qu Mixer Series is an ideal solution for a variety of settings, offering the perfect blend of power, portability, and versatility. Small to medium-sized churches will appreciate the intuitive interface and robust audio quality for clear, impactful services, with Dante variants simplifying networked audio for larger setups. Bands on tour or in the studio benefit from the compact design, studio-grade FX, and flexible I/O for dynamic live performances or recordings. Schools find the user-friendly controls and durability perfect for educational events and music programs. Theaters, with their complex audio demands, will love the Qu Series’ precise mixing, Dante compatibility, and stagebox expandability.

In Conclusion

At Springtree, we’re beyond excited about these mixers, as they exceed expectations and set a new standard for what’s possible in live and studio audio. Ready to experience them for yourself? Call us at 615-599-1505 to learn more about the Qu Series and take your audio to the next level!

Thanks for reading!