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Qu Series Reference Guide V1.7 For firmware Check www.allen-heath.com for the latest firmware available Publication AP9372...
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Limited One Year Manufacturer’s Warranty Allen & Heath warrants the Allen &Heath -branded hardware product and accessories contained in the original packaging ("Allen & Heath Product”) against defects in materials and workmanship when used in accordance with Allen & Heath's user manuals, technical specifications and other Allen & Heath product published guidelines for a period of ONE (1) YEAR from the date of original purchase by the end-user purchaser ("Warranty Period").
IMPORTANT - Read these instructions before starting: Safety instructions Before starting, read the Important Safety Instructions printed on the sheets supplied with the equipment. For your own safety and that of the operator, technical crew and performers, follow all instructions and heed all warnings printed on the sheet and on the equipment panels. System operating firmware The function of the Qu mixer is determined by the firmware (operating software) that runs it.
19” Rack Ear Kit for Qu-16 To mount the Qu-16 in a standard 19” rack or Soft cover flightcase. These fit over the plastic trims. AP9262 Qu-16 Part: QU-16-RK19 AP9458 Qu-24 AP9639 Qu-32 Polyester carry bag Cat5 cables Qu-16 AP9931 For use with dSNAKE remote...
2. Contents Packed contents ..........................4 Contents ............................5 Introduction............................7 Overview and Features ......................7 System Architecture and Processing ..................8 Differences between the Qu models ..................9 Connection Overview ........................12 Local Input Connections ....................... 12 Local Output Connections ....................13 Other Connections ........................
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Qu-Pac System Block Diagram ..................... 82 15.6 System Specifications ......................83 About this guide This is the Reference Guide for the Allen & Heath Qu-16, Qu-24, Qu-32 and Qu-Pac digital mixers. Please Note V1.7 This guide refers to Qu firmware .
Qu-16 – Compact, rack mountable mixer with 16 mic and 3 stereo line input channels. Qu-24 – Larger model with 24 mic and 3 stereo inputs. Adds stereo Groups, Matrix and more SoftKeys. Qu-32 – Largest model with 32 mic and 3 stereo inputs. Adds 2 more stereo Groups.
3.2 System Architecture and Processing The following diagrams show the Qu-16, Qu-24 and Qu-32, and the Qu-Pac I/O (inputs and outputs), audio architecture and processing available. The difference between the models and the routing capability of each processing section is illustrated. Refer also to the more detailed System Block Diagrams at the rear of this guide.
3.3 Differences between the Qu models All four models operate in the same way and have a similar touch screen menu structure. The larger models add Groups and Matrix. Other differences are shown here: Qu-16 Qu-24 4 SoftKeys Shelf for iPad 2 Group masters...
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Qu-32 4 Group masters Larger Touch Screen 2 Matrix masters 4 DCA Group masters 32 fader strips Extra 2 Group Mix selects Qu-Pac Qu-Pac is the mix engine of the Qu-32 in a compact rack mountable format. It has the same local connections as the Qu-16 and can be expanded to use the additional Qu-32 channels and outputs by adding dSNAKE AudioRacks.
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Qu-Drive recordings are compatible. USB B audio streaming is compatible, but note that the Qu-16 is 24out/22in, the Qu-24 is 32out/30in, and the Qu-32 and Qu-Pac are 32out/32in. Firmware - Different firmware is needed for each model. Choose either the Qu-16, Qu-24, Qu-32 or Qu-Pac file when downloading firmware from the Allen &...
4. Connection Overview The following connections are available on the rear panel of the Qu mixer. The Qu-16 is shown here. AES digital out Alt out Lamp 2Trk out LR main out Analogue Mix outputs Mic and Line inputs Talkback Mic in ST1 and ST2 Kensington...
4.2 Local Output Connections Group, Mix, Matrix outputs – Balanced XLR line level outputs for the mono and stereo mixes, for example to feed monitor amplifiers, external processing devices, delay fill speaker systems and recording devices. These use low impedance, high quality differential driver circuits for connection to +4 or 0dBu equipment.
4.4 Powering up the mixer The Qu mixer has an internal universal voltage power supply unit. This means you can use your mixer in most parts of the world without the need to modify the unit as long the local mains supply is within the range: Mains Voltage = 100 to 240 V.AC...
5. Connecting dSNAKE Remote Audio The Qu mixer provides local sockets on its rear panel for all audio inputs and outputs. It can also work with remote audio by connecting over a single cable ‘digital snake’ to an Allen & Heath AudioRack, or to the Allen &...
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Available AudioRacks: AB168 16 Mic/Line in, 8 Line out - Floor, shelf or rack mount The AB168 AudioRack can be used as a stage box on the floor or a surface, or mounted in a 19” rack using the optional rack ears. EXPANDER –...
Out1-8 CH1-16 Out1-8 7-16 = unused Out9-16 AB168 AB168 EXPANDER Qu-24 Qu-24+AR84 – 8 remote inputs. Qu-24+AR2412 – Access all 24 – All inputs and outputs Provides 4 outputs mic inputs near the stage. are available locally. Qu-24 Qu-24 Qu-24...
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Qu-32 Qu-32+AR84 – 8 remote inputs. Qu-32+AR2412 – Access to 24 – All inputs and outputs Provides 4 outputs mic inputs near the stage. are available locally. Qu-32 Qu-32 Qu-32 dSNAKE dSNAKE Qu-Pac – Same engine as CH1-24 Out1-12 Qu-32 but has 16 inputs and same outputs as Qu-16 available CH1-8 Out1-4...
5.3 The ME Personal Mixing System The Allen & Heath ME Personal Mixing System can be used with the Qu mixer. This provides customisable personal monitor control for individual musicians and performers on stage. ME-1 personal mixer – A compact personal mixer able to work with up to 40 channels.
6. Qu-16, 24, 32 Operational Overview This section provides an overview of the Qu fader mixer layout and operation to help you get started quickly. The Qu-16 mixer is shown here. Similar applies to the Qu-24 and Qu-32. Touch Screen...
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Mute key – Press to turn off the channel audio signal. This affects the send to all mixes including LR, groups, effects and stage monitors. The key lights red when muted. It flashes when muted by a Mute or DCA Group master. Sel key (select) –...
LR mix. This is the normal selection for mixing the FOH (main PA) sound. sets the strip to control the FX internal effects send master. The Qu-16 has 2 FX buses. The Qu-24 and Qu-32 have 4 FX buses. Mix, Grp sets the strip to control one of the mono or stereo mix or Group masters.
The Sel keys light when set to Pre-fade. To toggle individual sends pre or post, press the channel Qu-24 and 32 keys while holding Pre Fade. It is typical to use Pre-fade for monitor sends and Post-fade for effects sends.
7. Qu-Pac Operational Overview This section provides an overview of the Qu-Pac faderless mixer layout and operation to help you get started quickly. The Qu-16 mixer is shown here. Similar applies to the Qu-24 and Qu-32 SoftKeys Touch Screen Live mixing screens...
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System screens - These screens provide access to the mixer setup, Qu-Drive recording and memories: Home – Pages of housekeeping functions including safe Shut Down, Lock Surface, change and set up User Profile, view Meters and RTA, and work with Qu-Drive stereo and multitrack recording and playback.
8. Processing and Mix Functions 8.1 Channel Naming Qu channels, FX, mixes and groups can be named using the screen keypad. The following can be named: Mono input channels Stereo input channels FX Returns FX Sends Groups Matrix Mute Groups DCA Groups Channel names The name is displayed at the top left of the...
8.2 Channel Processing The SuperStrip provides familiar, analogue feel, one function per knob control of channel and mix master processing such as equalisers and dynamics. The Touch Screen displays the parameter values and provides additional related controls while in the Processing screen.
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Preamp An analogue preamplifier (‘head amp’) matches each connected microphone or line signal to the operating level of the console before it gets converted to digital to be processed and mixed with the other channels. Source lets you choose one of four sources as the input to the channel.
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The panel USB Select key in the SuperStrip switches between the current Preamp source (Local or dSNAKE) and the current USB source (Qu-Drive or USB B). This key is not available on Qu-Pac. Phantom Power Turn on 48V if the connected device requires phantom power, for example a condenser microphone or active DI box.
Ducker Touch Ducker Setup to open the settings page: Single – Single channel ducking. The trigger and settings apply to just this channel. Gang – Multiple channel ducking. The same trigger and settings apply to all channels set to Gang mode. Trigger Input –...
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Gate The Noise Gate can be switched in to dynamically turn off the audio when it drops below a certain level. For example, to reduce resonant decay of a kick drum or floor tom, or hiss of a noisy keyboard. Use the In key or screen button to switch the Gate in or out.
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Compressor The Compressor is a powerful tool for controlling the dynamics of the sound, for example to smooth out a bass guitar or to narrow the dynamic range of a vocal to make it more intelligible in a busy mix. At its extreme setting the compressor can be used as a limiter to prevent the signal exceeding a preset maximum level.
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Insert switches an internal FX in or out if one has been Group (not available on Qu-16) patched into the mix. The button is disabled when the insert is not patched. The FX is inserted at the start of the processing before the EQ. Use the FX / Back panel screen to choose and assign...
8.5 Processing Libraries Processing block settings can be stored as Libraries: Gate Comp Channel (Preamp, Gate, PEQ, Comp, Delay) You can store up to 128 library items including all types. Press the key on the related Processing screen to open the...
8.6 List of Factory Libraries :Bell Flat - 4 bell @ 0.5 octave Channel :Mic Vocal or instrument mic :Shelf Flat - Shelving LF and HF :Line Line level source Banjo Banjo pickup or mic :DI 48V With 48V on for DI box Bass:A Acoustic (upright) bass Bass:A...
Qu-Pac The rotary Pan control becomes active when an input channel key is active. Its function depends on Qu-16, Qu-24, Qu-32 currently selected Master Strip mix: LR = Channel main pan FX send = Disabled Group (not Qu-16) = Channel main pan...
FX / Back panel screen. Channel Audio Group Assign screen The Qu-24 includes two stereo Group mixes, and the Qu-32 and Qu-Pac have four. Groups are not available on the Qu-16. This screen lets you assign one channel to all groups.
Choose Post-All processing for FX sends. Mix to Matrix Sends The Qu-24, Qu-32 and Qu-Pac include two stereo Matrix mixes. These are not available on the Qu-16. The Groups, Mixes and LR can be sent to the Matrix. The sends to the matrix can be set Pre or Post the send master fader.
8.11 Mute and DCA Groups The Qu mixer provides 4 Mute Groups and 4 DCA Groups. These let you control the levels of groups of channels or mixes. Mute Group – Provides a single master Mute key to mute or unmute all channels assigned to the group.
To assign Mute Groups - Select the Mute Group Assign tab, then touch the tab for the Mute Group you wish to assign. To assign DCA Groups - Select the DCA Group Assign tab, then touch the tab for the DCA Group you wish to assign.
8.13 Using DCA Groups There are 6 ways to access the DCA Groups: 1. All Qu mixers provide DCA master controls in the Routing screen Mute/DCA view Masters tab. Press key to open this view. Touch a Mute button to mute or unmute a DCA group. Touch a DCA Level box and use the screen rotary to adjust its level.
9. Touch Screen Mixing Functions The Qu features an 800x480 pixel, colour touch screen for quick and intuitive setup and control of the mix. The Qu-16, Qu-24 and Qu-Pac have 5” screens. The Qu-32 has a larger 7” screen. screens...
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Status Bar – This lower screen toolbar shows useful system information and is always visible. key function - for example to show that the key is available to select a Library or Options page. Scene information – Shows the number and name of the current (Curr:) and next (Next:) scenes.
9.1 Copy, Paste, Reset keys You can copy, paste and reset blocks of processing, mix parameters or scenes and their filters. Copy – While holding down the Copy key, press or touch the item you wish to copy. Next, while holding down the Paste key, press or touch the destination you wish to copy to.
9.2 The screens – Processing and Routing Processing Screen – When selected this screen presents the processing including Preamp, Gate, EQ, Compressor for the channel or master currently selected using its strip key. Touch the top part of the screen to select the processing block you wish to view or adjust, for example Preamp or PEQ.
9.4 Home Screen – User Three User Profiles are available to protect selected functions and restrict user access, for example for volunteer operators in houses of worship, or guest engineers visiting venues. The Admin user has access to all functions and can set permissions and allocate passwords if required for the other users. This screen lets you log in as one of 3 Users with different permissions: ...
Increase levels if the meter readings are consistently low. The Qu-24 meters screen is shown here. Qu-32 provides two pages of meters. The Qu-16 does not include Group and Matrix meters.
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Patch the source to be recorded using the Setup / Output Patch / USB Audio screen. Touch the track 17 box and turn the rotary to select the left source. Press the ‘+1’ key to increment the right source to track 18, or use the rotary to select an unrelated source.
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Qu-Drive Multitrack page – This screen presents the controls for multitrack recording to and playback from a USB storage device plugged into the top panel Qu-Drive port. The blue Stop button lights if the USB device is recognised by the mixer. The controls are disabled if not plugged in or recognised.
9.8 The FX Qu features 4 internal stereo FX (effects) processors. Each can be loaded from a library of different effects types and presets. These are the same as found in the flagship Allen & Heath iLive digital mix system and are based on emulations of popular industry standard effects.
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Symphonic Chorus - A faithful emulation of the 80’s classic chorus effect. Simple to use and frequently requested. The unit has just two controls, Frequency and Depth controlling the rate and delay range of the stereo modulator. The unit produces a rich, lively and wide chorus sound with a suggestion of very mild phasing / flanging.
9.9 Working with FX – Adding vocal reverb: Press the FX key to open the screen. Touch to select FX1. Press the key to open the Library page. Touch ‘Factory’. Recall a Reverb into the FX1 slot if one is not already loaded. Open the Back Panel view and check that FX1 is set for Mix>Return with FX1 as its input.
9.10 Scene Memories Qu provides 100 Scene memories. These store and recall a snapshot of all live mixing parameters. Scenes have many applications. They can be used to store settings for bands during sound check for recall before they take to the stage during the show. Scenes can also be used for cue recall during theatre shows, or to provide a known starting point for different events or users in a multi-purpose venue.
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Routing and sends to all the mixes Mute and DCA Group assignments Mix Safes – Make any combination of the mixes safe – Mix1-10, FX Sends1-2, LR. The Qu-24 includes Safes for its Groups and Matrix mixes. Protects: Master processing, ...
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Master Names Routing Audio Groups (Assign) Mix sends (Lev/Pan/Assign/Pre) FX sends (Lev/Assign/Pre) Matrix sends (Qu-24 only) Mute/DCA Groups (Assign) Other Mute/DCA Group Masters and Names Custom Layer (Assign) SoftKeys (Assign) ...
10. Touch Screen Setup Functions Press the Setup key next to the Touch Screen to open the Setup screens. Touch the top tabs to access the different categories of setup function. Touch the tabs below to open up the related options available. Dimmer –...
10.2 Audio Setup - Talkback Set up and assign Talkback to talk to the musicians via their monitors, or make announcements via the house (PA) mix: HPF – Dial in the High Pass Filter to remove low frequency pops and resonance while talking. Factory default is 120Hz.
10.4 Control Setup – Custom Layer The Qu-16, Qu-24 and Qu-32 mixers provide a custom fader layer. The Qu-Pac does not have faders and provides a custom Select key layer (see below). The Custom Layer can have any combination of channel, FX , master and MIDI strips assigned to its faders.
10.5 Control Setup - SoftKeys Qu-16 provides 4 SoftKeys. The Qu-24 and Qu-32 Qu-24 shown provide 10 SoftKeys. These are called ‘Soft’ because they can be assigned to different functions by the user. Function – Touch the box to open and choose from the list of available functions.
Unit Name – Enter a name with up to 15 characters to identify the Qu mixer on the network. The default name is the model number, for example, ‘Qu-16’ or ‘Qu-24’. 10.7 Control Setup - MIDI The Qu mixer can send and receive MIDI messages for remote control of many of its functions. It also provides MMC transport control from this page, or assigned to SoftKeys.
10.8 Control Setup - Preferences This screen presents user preferences for the control surface. Set these according to how you prefer to work. These settings are stored with Show files. They are not stored in Scenes. PEQ Graph Fill – When turned On, the processing screen PEQ graph displays a colour fill.
10.9 USB Data – Scene Transfer Individual Scenes can be transferred between Qu mixers via a USB device (key or drive) plugged into the Qu-Drive port. This provides a quick way to transfer settings without overwriting the current scenes and preferences.
10.11 USB Data – Show transfer Qu mixer settings can be stored to a USB device (key or drive) plugged into the Qu-Drive port. Data can be archived to computer and transferred between Qu mixers. A ‘Show’ stores all the Qu mixer settings and memories.
Touch Apply to confirm changes. The reset default for the Qu-16, Qu-24 and Qu-32 models is one-to-one mapping of sockets to channels. The reset default for the Qu-Pac is: CH1-16 = dSNAKE 1-16,...
ST3 R FX3ret R Mix8 R CH15 Main L Mix1 Mix9 L CH16 Main R Mix2 Mix10 R Qu-24 Reset Default Monitor Patch Qu out Qu out Qu out Qu out Qu out CH17 ST1 L Grp1 L CH10 CH18...
This includes the Qu-Drive Stereo, Qu-Drive Multitrack and the USB B audio streaming. Note - The Qu-16 provides 24 patchable USB outputs. The Qu-24 and Qu-32 provide 32 USB outputs. Qu-Drive and USB B streaming share the same block of patchable tracks: ...
10.17 Utility - Calibration Use the routines here to calibrate the touch accuracy of the Touch Screen and positional accuracy of the Motor Faders. Follow the on-screen instructions. 10.18 Utility – Qu-Drive This screen lets you check and format a USB device (key or hard drive) for use with Qu-Drive.
Touch the Update button. The update will start immediately. The screen goes blank during the update. For Qu-16, Qu-24 and Qu-32 models the Pan control indicators flash in sequence, and for the Qu- Pac the SoftKey indicators flash in sequence while the update is running.
11. Working with Audio Streaming and a DAW The Qu mixer can stream audio and send MIDI messages to and from an Apple ® Mac or Windows ® computer via the rear panel USB B port. This lets you work with a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) running on your computer.
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2.20.5 onwards this audio returns to the 1 and 2. You can change this manually on the Mac, Qu-16 and Qu-24 ST3 channel, or to CH31- and use the latest version of the Qu Windows Driver on 32 for the Qu-32. Download the latest driver the PC.
12.Qu-Pac Qu-Control Screen Qu-Control is a custom assignable screen available on the Qu-Pac model only. It lets you present just the few controls needed for basic operation. For example, to control background music source and level within a music bar. It can be associated with the Qu ‘Basic User’ with permissions set by the ‘Admin’ user so that only this screen is available for non-technical bar staff to adjust the background music.
13. iOS Apps for Wireless Control Two Qu apps are available from the Apple Store: Qu-Pad - Engineer’s live mixing control Qu-You - Musician’s personal monitor control Qu-Pad is an engineer's mixing tool giving you the freedom to walk the room or stage and control the sound right where it is needed.
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Qu mixer in the list if it is recognised on the wireless network. Select this and touch Connect. The app detects the Qu mixer model – Qu-16, Qu-24, Qu-32 or Qu-Pac. Some settings such as Qu-Pad Custom layers and Qu-You Group names and assignments are stored locally and remembered when the app is started.
Setting up the Qu wireless network The app sends and receives control data over a wireless (Wi-Fi) network. This requires a wireless router (wireless access point) connected to the Qu mixer Network port. iOS device Qu mixer Wireless router Qu Network port Cat5 cable Choosing a wireless router - For best performance we recommend you use a dual band (2.4 and 5GHz) wireless router (wireless access point) with auto channel selection.
Qu-16 FX = EMT250, Delay channel send. Qu-24, 32 = EMT250, Hall480, Dly, ADT The Mix master faders are turned up ready to hear Audio Groups unassigned (not Qu-16) sound when you raise a channel send.
14.2 System Hard Reset A power up reset is available if you need to fully reset the Qu mixer settings and memories. This could be done to clear the system out before sending the mixer to a client, or if you suspect a system problem. To reset mix parameters before starting a show or sound check, use a Scene or the Reset Mix Setting function described earlier in this guide.
15.Specifications 15.1 Installing Qu-16, Qu-24, Qu-32 The following provides information for mixer installation. The Qu mixer can be operated on a flat surface or fitted into a flightcase. The Qu-16 can be mounted in a 19” equipment rack or plinth.
15.2 Installing Qu-Pac Free Standing - For operating while on a desk, shelf or other flat surface. Make sure the 4 rubber feet are fitted. Allow space at the sides and rear for ventilation. The mixer can be transported in a purpose designed padded bag or flight case.
Parameters linked EQ, dynamics, insert, delay, assignments, sends Outputs Mix1-10 and LR Out Balanced, XLR Link options Preamp, polarity, sidechains, fader/mute, pan Group and Matrix Out (Qu-24,32 only) Output Impedance <75Ω Polarity Normal/Reverse Nominal Output High Pass Filter +4dBu = 0dB meter reading 12dB/octave 20Hz –...
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