Allen & Heath has introduced the 30-input/24-output Qu-24 to its Qu Series of compact digital mixers, which also includes the rack mountable Qu-16. (Allen & Heath is distributed in the U.S. by American Music And Sound.)
Qu-24 offers total recall of settings (including 25 motorized faders and digitally controlled preamps), an intuitive touchscreen, Qu-Drive integrated multi-track recorder, dSNAKE for remote I/O and personal monitoring, multi-channel USB streaming to Mac, Qu-Pad control app, and iLive’s renowned FX library to deliver class-leading audio quality.
Qu-24 features a dedicated fader per mic input channel, 24 mic/line inputs, 3 stereo inputs, 4 FX engines with 4 dedicated sends and stereo returns, 20 mix outputs including 2 stereo matrix mix outputs and 2 stereo groups with full processing, patchable AES digital output with a further 2-channel ALT output, dedicated talkback mic input, and 2-track output.
The mixer is packed with considerable processing capability. High speed dual core DSPs provide extensive channel and FX processing, with ample room for future processing updates and functionality. Five latest generation ARM core processors run in parallel to efficiently deliver startling performance.
Qu-24 is equipped with a high resolution (800 x 480) full-color touchscreen featuring the easy to drive ‘Touch Channel’ access to channel processing, the FX racks and all the setup and system management controls. In keeping with the iLive user interface, the SuperStrip provides control knobs for a selected channel’s key processing parameters, such as gain, HPF, parametric EQ, gate threshold, compressor threshold and pan.
Qu-Drive, the mixer’s integrated 18-channel USB recorder, works with an external USB drive to record and playback multi-track and stereo audio .wav files. The USB interface can also be used to store scene and library data for archiving and later recall. If using the Qu-24 in the studio, there is also a USB audio 32 x 30 streaming interface for record and playback to Mac DAW systems.
A&H’s proprietary dSNAKE low latency audio connection enables the mixer to connect over a single Cat-5 digital snake to a remote audio rack, such as the AR84 or AR2412, and is compatible with the ME personal mixing system.
Motorized faders provide total recall of mix levels and switching between layers, which allows instant access to all channels and masters or the Graphic EQs. To customize the fader layout to suit certain applications, a third user definable layer is also available.
There is a free QuPad app giving wireless control of the mixer’s key parameters and settings, enabling the user to tweak the PA, adjust the monitors on stage, and even mix the show from the audience. The app connects to the mixer via a Wi-Fi router plugged into the Ethernet control port.
The 24 mic/line inputs feature crystal clear AnaLOGIQ total recall pad-less preamps, optimised for transparency and low harmonic distortion. In keeping with the excellent audio quality, the Qu-24 is equipped with many of the iLive pro touring series’ FX emulations, used by many engineers in place of top-end plug-ins and external FX units, including classic reverbs, gated reverbs, delays and modulators.
Rob Clark, A&H R&D director, states: “Building on the key features of the hugely successful Qu-16, Qu-24 is an exciting follow up. During the design process we aimed to retain a compact format with all mic inputs on one layer, with extra matrix, groups and FX sends to suit larger applications.”
The new Qu-24 ships in February, 2014.
