Allen & Heath Qu-24 24-Channel Digital Mixer

Compact digital mixer with 24 mic and 3 stereo ins, 20 mix outs, 25 motor faders, 4 FX engines, and so much more.
With its responsive touchscreen, 25 motor faders and acclaimed AnalogiQ recallable preamps, Qu-24 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 and more compact than ever.

AnalogIQ Preamps
Qu-24’s twenty-four 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 analog signal is captured by high-class, low-latency 24-bit analog to digital converters matched to high-quality 24-bit digital to analog converters to deliver the required outputs. The AnalogiQ design has been refined over many months 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 Qu-24, you’ll sense the years of research into ergonomics and the hands-on mixing experience that the Allen & Heath team has drawn upon to deliver a wonderfully natural layout and workflow. It’s not about recreating an analog 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
The 800 x 480, sixteen-million color 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 one 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-24 features 25 motorized ALPS faders, 24 arranged over two 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 and Mix masters can be assigned.

iLive FX
Qu-24’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. Qu-24 boasts four 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-24 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 per scene Recall Filters or a Global 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, channel or FX can be saved as Library presets. This lets you store your tried and tested SM58 EQ 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-24’s built-in interface streams up to 32 selectable tracks to your Mac or PC. The returns from the Mac or PC can be easily assigned to the Input channels. The interface is class-compliant on Mac OS X – truly plug ‘n play. It will be recognized straightaway by any DAW supporting Core Audio, including Logic, Cubase, Reaper, and Pro Tools. An ASIO and WDM compatible driver is available for Windows computers.
Standard MIDI control is tunnelled over the USB connection so you can easily map the faders to the tracks of your favourite DAW. A DAW Control driver is available for easy setup and emulation of HUI or Mackie Control protocols on Mac OS X systems.

Qu-Drive
Forget soundcard drivers and software setup, Qu-24 has an integrated multitrack USB recorder, providing 18 channels of 48kHz/24-bit recording and playback straight to / from your USB hard drive. Capturing stereo or multitrack recordings of your shows has never been so easy. Multitrack audio can be played back to Mono channels 1-18. Stereo files from your hard disk can be played back to ST3.

Armed to the Hilt
Qu-24 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 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-24 is future-proofed, with ample room for updates and extra functionality. The Qu 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-24’s distinctive frame is designed for strength and rigidity. Allen & Heath have done unspeakable things to that chassis in the lab and it’s taken everything thrown at it – even being stomped on by their 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.

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. Qu-Pad requires the connection of a Wi-Fi router or access point to the Qu-24 Network port.

Me Personal Mixing Station
Qu-24 is 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 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.

DSNAKE
Qu-24 is a self-contained mixer, so if you’ve already got the analog cables you’re good to go. If you’re thinking of trading in the copper multicore for a Cat5 digital snake, Qu-24’s dSNAKE port has you future-proofed, allowing connection to a remote AR2412 or AR84 Stagebox. dSNAKE is Allen & Heath 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-24 in the mix position.

Softkeys
Qu-24 packs 10 SoftKeys for more user-assignable functions such as Mute Groups, Tap Tempo, Scene navigation or PAFL Clear.

4 Groups
Groups 1-4 are typically used as subgroups to LR for level masters and/or processing, for example to compress a drum kit or to tame multiple lavalier microphones with a single graphic equalizer.

The Matrix
Qu-24’s Matrix adds two 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

24 mono Mic/Line channels
3 stereo Line channels
32 sources to the mix
12 mixes (4 mono, 3 stereo, LR)
4 FX with 4 FX send buses
10 assignable SoftKeys
4 Mute Groups
32 out, 30 in USB streaming
2 stereo Groups
2 stereo Matrix
Extra stereo outputs – AES digital, Alt Out, 2TRK out
Talkback mic input
dSNAKE for remote audio using an AR2412 or AR84 AudioRack
AnaLOGIQ total recall analogue preamps
Effects ported from the flagship iLive console
Dedicated stereo FX return channels
Master strip for quick access to mix levels and processing
Input channel linking for stereo sources
Input processing – Preamp, HPF, Gate, PEQ, Compressor, Delay
Output processing – PEQ, Graphic EQ, Compressor, Delay
800x480 pixel colour touchscreen for quick control
Motorised faders for sends on faders, GEQ fader flip and mix recall
Quick copy and reset of settings and scenes
100 Scene memories
Channel Safes, Global and per Scene Recall Filters
Channel processing User Libraries
Qu-Drive for stereo and 18-track recording/playback to USB hard drive
USB streaming to/from an Apple Mac or Windows PC computer
MIDI DAW Control driver for Mac (converts to HUI or Mackie Control)
USB transfer of Scenes, Libraries, Shows
User-assignable Custom Layer
Qu-Pad wireless remote app for iPad
Compatible with the Allen & Heath ME personal mixing system
User Permissions to restrict operator access




Call or click to order this unique mixer today.




SPECIFICATIONS


Qu-24 24-Channel Digital Mixer


Inputs

Mic/Line Inputs 1-24: Balanced, XLR and 1/4" TRS jack, fully recallable
Input Sensitivity (XLR / TRS): -60 to +10dBu / -50 to +20dBu
Analog Gain: -10 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, 3.5mm Mini Jack
Input Sensitivity (ST1, ST2 / ST3): Nominal +4dBu / 0dBu
Trim: +/-24dB
Maximum Input Level (ST1,ST2 / ST3): +22dBu / +18dBu
Input Impedance: >7kΩ


Outputs

Mix1-10 and LR Out: Balanced, XLR
Output Impedance: <75Ω
Nominal Output: +4dBu = 0dB meter reading
Maximum Output Level: +22dBu
Residual Output Noise: -91 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
2.5Vpp balanced terminated 110Ω

dSNAKE

Inputs
Remote source for CH1-24, ST1, ST2, ST3
Outputs
Remote outputs for Mix1-10, LR
Compatible with AudioRacks AR2412, AR84
Compatible with ME personal mixing system
Measured balanced XLR in to XLR out, 0dB gain, 0dBu input

System

Dynamic Range: 112dB
Frequency Response: +0/-0.5dB 20Hz to 20kHz
Headroom: +18dB
Internal operating level: 0dBu
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, 82W max (Qu-16), 120W (Qu-24)

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): 32 channel, WAV, 48kHz, 24-bit
Return (downstream): 30 channel, WAV, 48kHz, 24-bit
Control
Faders: 100mm motorised
Touchscreen: 5" TFT, 800x480 resolution
SoftKeys: 10
Mute Groups: 4
Network: TCP/IP Ethernet for MIDI and iPad app

Input Processing

Source
CH1-24: Local, dSNAKE, or USB
ST1, ST2: Local, dSNAKE, or USB
ST3: Local, dSNAKE, or USB
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, fade/mute, pan

Polarity: Normal/Revers
High Pass Filter: 12dB/octave 20Hz-2kHz
Insert: Assign FX into input channels
Delay: Up to 85ms
Gate: Self-key sidechain

Threshold/Depth: -72dBu to +18dBu / 0 to 60dB
Attack/Hold/Release

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:

Desk mounted: 632mm x 500mm x 186mm (24.9" x 19.7" x 7.4")
Weight 14kg (31lb.)


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