Allen & Heath has refined their popular Qu series of digital mixers with Chrome Edition enhancements to both functionality and appearance, while still maintaining the already well-known layout found on the Qu Series. The Chrome Edition firmware update includes features such as Automatic Mic Mixing and a Spectrogram for hunting down problematic frequencies to prevent feedback. Chrome Edition models also feature upgraded, high contrast metallic finish controls. Whether you're upgrading from an analog desk, or updating your digital desk, the Qu Series packs plenty of power for whatever application you might need it for.
AnalogiQ™ Preamps
Qu-16’s sixteen AnalogiQ total recall preamps feature zero crossing detection and an advanced padless 1 dB 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-16 you’ll sense the years of research into ergonomics and the hands-on mixing experience that Allen & Heath's 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. High contrast metallic finish controls complete the picture, offering excellent low light visibility and enhanced tactile control.
Touch Control
The 800 x 480, sixteen million color touchscreen and its dedicated data encoder form the heart of the Qu-16 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 1 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-16 features 17 motorized ALPS faders, 16 arranged over 2 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, wher
