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Allen and Heath QU-16 Chrome Edition 16-Channel Digital Mixer

  • Dale #:

    ALLE-AHQU16C
  • Availability:

    In Stock
  • Available for immediate shipment or pick-up from our Jamaica, NY warehouse. In-store pick-up is available Monday through Friday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Description

Now in a feature-packed new Chrome Edition, Qu-16 reshapes digital mixing with innovative design and exceptional functionality combining to create a superb professional mixing experience. Bristling with all the features you'd expect from a top of the range digital console and incorporating techno... Read More

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Description

Now in a feature-packed new Chrome Edition, Qu-16 reshapes digital mixing with innovative design and exceptional functionality combining to create a superb professional mixing experience. Bristling with all the features you'd expect from a top of the range digital console and incorporating technologies pioneered on our GLD and iLive digital mixing systems, Qu-16 has the power and pedigree to deliver class-leading audio performance. Hot new features include Automatic Mic Mixing and a Spectrogram for feedback-hunting. Qu Chrome Edition models also feature upgraded, high contrast metallic finish controls. Whether you're switching from analogue or updating your digital desk, it's time to experience the new digital with Qu-16.

Features:

  • 16 Mono Inputs (TRS + XLR)
  • 3 Stereo Inputs (TRS)
  • 4 Stereo FX Returns
  • 16 Busses
  • 12 Mix Outputs (LR, Mono Mix 1-4, Stereo Mix 1-3)
  • 4 FX Engines
  • AES Digital Out
  • 19" Rack Mountable
  • Moving Faders
  • Recallable AnaLOGIQTM Preamps
  • Qu-Drive direct Multitrack Recording / Playback on USB drives
  • 800x480 Touchscreen
  • iLive FX Library
  • dSNAKE Remote Audio Port
  • Automatic Mic Mixer*
  • Compatible with ME Personal Mixing System
  • Qu-Pad iPad App
  • Qu-You iPhone / Android personal monitoring app
  • USB Audio Streaming
  • DAW MIDI Control
  • 4 Mute Groups
  • 4 DCA Groups
  • Trim, polarity, HPF, gate, insert, 4-band PEQ, compressor and delay on all Inputs
  • Insert, 1/3 octave GEQ, compressor and delay on Main LR and Mono Mix outputs
  • Insert, 4-band PEQ, compressor and delay on Stereo Mix outputs
  • Built-in Signal Generator
  • RTA with Peak Band indication
  • Spectrogram to aid with feedback elimination and taming room acoustics*
  • High contrast metallic finish controls, matching premium GLD Chrome series

ANALOGIQ PREAMPS
Qu-16's sixteen AnalogiQTM 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 analogue signal is captured by high class, low latency 24bit analogue to digital converters matched to high quality 24bit digital to analogue converters to deliver the required outputs. The AnalogiQTM 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 our team has drawn upon to deliver a wonderfully natural layout and workflow. It's not about recreating an analogue 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 colour 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, where any combination of Inputs, FX Sends, FX Returns and Mix masters can be assigned.

ILIVE FX
Qu-16'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-16 boasts 4 stereo iLive FX engines, featuring lovingly crafted emulations of legendary classic reverbs, gated reverbs, delays, modulators, flangers and more. 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-16 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-16.

USB AUDIO STREAMING
Qu-16's built-in interface streams up to 24 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.

AUTOMATIC MIC MIXER (AMM)
AMM is vital in applications such as conferences, meetings and panel discussions where a number of microphones are open at the same time, reducing background noise and minimising the risk of feedback. The Automatic Microphone Mixer feature helps the engineer to manage the levels of multiple mic inputs, ensuring that each speaker's contribution is heard. Our D-Classic dynamic gain sharing algorithm is inspired by industry standard automixers. Up to 16 microphone sources can be mixed at once, with each channel having a priority setting which determines its 'weight' in the total system gain.

QU-DRIVE
Forget soundcard drivers and software setup, Qu-16 has an integrated multitrack USB recorder, providing 18 channels of 48kHz 24bit recording and playback straight to / from your USB hard drive. Capturing multitrack recordings of your shows has never been so easy. 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.

ARMED TO THE HILT
Qu-16 is equipped with 5 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, giving 10 DSP cores, with 8 dedicated to the channel and mix processing alone. 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.

THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME
Made from 18 gauge, cold-rolled Zintec steel, Qu-16's distinctive frame is designed for strength, rigidity and ease of rack mounting. We've done unspeakable things to that chassis in the lab and it's taken everything we've thrown at it - even being stomped on by our 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-16's sleek profile generates optimal airflow through the mixer, eliminating the need for any fans.

The shape has some unexpected benefits too. When we started taking Qu-16 out to gigs we soon found the space beneath it incredibly useful for keeping our USB drive, talkback mic, cue sheet and other clutter tucked out of the way. We've even had engineers hanging the mixer from a handy scaffold bar and mixing vertically.

QU-PAD MIXING APP
Add the Qu-Pad iPad app to your Qu-16 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.

ME PERSONAL MIXING SYSTEM
Qu-16 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. Find out more at allen-heath.com/ME

DSNAKE
Qu-16 is a self-contained mixer, so if you've already got the analogue cables you're good to go. If you're thinking of trading in the copper multicore for a Cat5 digital snake, Qu-16's dSNAKE port has you future-proofed, allowing connection to a remote AB168, AR2412 or AR84 Stagebox. dSNAKE is our 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-16 in the mix position.

Optional Accessories

AR2412 - 24 inputs, 12 outputs AudioRack with dSNAKE connection and expansion port for personal monitoring.
AR84 - 8 inputs, 4 outputs AudioRack with dSNAKE connection.
AB168 - Portable, rugged 16 inputs, 8 outputs stagebox with dSNAKE connection and expansion port for personal monitoring.
AH9650 - 100m drum of EtherFlex Cat5 with locking Neutrik EtherCon connectors.
AH9981 - 50m drum of EtherFlex Cat5 with locking Neutrik EtherCon connectors

AH9651 - 20m of Neutrik EtherFlex Cat5 with locking Neutrik EtherCon connectors.

LEDLamp - variable brightness 18” gooseneck lamp.

QU-16-RK19 - Rack mounting kit.
AP9262 - Dust cover for Qu-16.
AP9931 - Qu-16 Carry Bag.

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Product Specs

Inputs
Mic/Line Inputs 1-16 Balanced, XLR and 1/4" TRS jack, fully recallable
Input Sensitivity (XLR / TRS) -60 to +10dBu / -50 to +20dBu
Analogue 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 Outputs 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 Output & 2Trk Output 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 -91 dBu (muted, 20-20kHz)
 
AES Digital Output 2 channel, 48kHz sampling rate, XLR
Output 2.5Vpp balanced terminated 110Ω
 
dSNAKE
Inputs Remote source for CH1-16, ST1, ST2, ST3
Outputs Remote outputs for Mix1-10, LR
Compatible with AudioRacks AR2412, AR84
Compatible with ME personal mixing system
 
System
Dynamic Range 112 dB
Frequency Response +0/-0.5dB 20Hz to 20kHz
Headroom +18dB
Internal Operating Level 0dBu
dBFS Alignment +18dBu = 0dBFS (+22dBu at XLR output)
Meter Calibration 0DB meter = -18dBFS (+4dBu at XLR out)
Meter Peak Indication -3dBFS (+19dBu at XLR out), multi-point sensing
Meter Signal Indication -48dBFS (-26dBu at XLR out)
Meter Type Fast (peak) response
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
 
USB Audio
Qu-Drive USB A
Device USB hard drive recommended for recording
USB hard drive must be used for Multitrack
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, CH1-16 + patchable pair
Multitrack Playback 18 channel, WAV, 48kHz, 24-bit, CH1-16, ST1
USB Interface USB B, Core Audio complaint
Send (upstream) Multichannel, WAV, 48kHz, 24-bit
Return (downstream) Multichannel, WAV, 48kHz, 24-bit
 
Control
Faders 100mm motorized
Touch Screen 5" TFT, 800x480 resolution
Softkeys 4
Mute Groups 4
Network TCP/IP Ethernet for iPad app
 
Input Processing
CH1-16 Local, Remote, USB
ST1, ST2 Local, Remote, USB
ST3 Local, Remote, USB
Stereo Linking Odd/even input pairs
Parameters Linked EQ, dynamics, insert, delay, assignments, sends
Link Options Preamp, polarity, sidechains, fader/mute, pan
Polarity Normal/Reverse
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 50us to 300ms / 10ms to 5s / 10ms to 1s
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 (Mix 1-4, LR) Constant 1/3 oct, 28 bands 31Hz-16kHz, +/-12dB Gain
PEQ (Stereo Mix 1-3) 4-Band fully paramteric, 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 & Weights
Desk Mounted 440W x 500D x 186H mm (17.4" x 19.7" x 7.4")
Rack Mounted 11U, 483W x 486D x 190H mm (19" x 19.1" x 7.5")
Packed in Shipping Box 610W x 680D x 380H mm (24" x 27" x 15")
Packed Weight 13.5 kg (30 lbs)
Unpacked Weight 10 kg (22 lbs)

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