The interface is class-compliant on Mac OS X, 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 tunneled 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-16 has an integrated multitrack USB recorder, providing 18 channels of 48 kHz, 24-bit recording and playback straight to/from a USB hard drive. 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.
Qu-16 is equipped with five 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 very 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.
Made from 18 gauge, cold-rolled Zintec steel, Qu-16’s frame is designed for strength, rigidity and ease of rack mounting. The mixer’s sleek profile generates optimal airflow through the mixer, eliminating the need for any fans.
The shape has some unexpected benefits too. The space beneath it is useful for keeping a USB drive, a talkback mic, a cue sheet and other clutter tucked out of the way.
The Qu-Pad iPad app allows adjustment of monitors on stage, as well as roaming around the venue while tweaking the PA, and then mixing a 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. It requires the connection of a Wi-Fi router or access point to the Qu-16 Network port.
The Qu-16 is fully compatible with the Allen & Heath 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.
If you’re thinking of trading in the copper multicore for a Cat-5 digital snake, Qu-16’s dSNAKE port provides a solution, allowing connection to a remote AR2412 or AR84 Stagebox. dSNAKE is Allen & Heath’s proprietary networking solution, boasting a transport latency of just 105us over cable runs of up to 120 meters/390 feet.
Allen & Heath
American Music & Sound