Allen & Heath Qu-3

Allen & Heath Qu-3 – Compact 96 kHz Digital Mixer with 36 Inputs, XCVI Processing and Motorised Faders

The Allen & Heath Qu-3 is a compact digital mixer offering 36 inputs, 24 outputs in its mixing architecture and a powerful 96 kHz XCVI processing core. Part of the next generation of the Qu series, it combines flexible signal routing, advanced audio processing and a completely redesigned user interface in a compact format suitable for live sound, installations, conferences and production environments.

With 16 local microphone/line inputs, 8 XLR outputs, 9 motorised 100 mm faders and a bright 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, the Qu-3 provides extensive hands-on control without requiring a large mixing surface. It also features 6 fully customisable fader layers, 8 assignable SoftKeys, individual channel displays and colour-coded LED level meters.

The updated XCVI core operates at a 96 kHz sample rate and provides advanced signal processing, including support for Allen & Heath DEEP Processing. The Qu-3 also incorporates Gain Assistant and Feedback Assistant, a built-in 32-channel automatic microphone mixer and 6 internal multi-effects engines.

Recording and playback options include an integrated 32×32 USB-C audio interface, multitrack recording to SD card and stereo recording via USB-A. The SLink port provides connectivity to Allen & Heath's Everything I/O ecosystem, allowing the system to be expanded with compatible remote audio interfaces and stageboxes.

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Features and Applications

96 kHz XCVI Core and DEEP Processing

At the heart of the Qu-3 is Allen & Heath's XCVI processing core, operating at a 96 kHz sample rate. Combined with updated microphone preamps and high-performance AD/DA converters, it delivers detailed audio reproduction with a dynamic range of 110 dB and latency below 0.7 ms from a local microphone input to the Main LR output.

The mixer offers comprehensive channel processing, including high-pass filters, gate/expander, four-band parametric EQ, compression and delay. Additional processing is available on the mix buses, including graphic EQ, parametric EQ, compression and delay.

The Qu-3 supports DEEP Processing, allowing additional processing models derived from Allen & Heath's dLive technology to be used. DEEP compressors, alternative graphic EQ models and RackExtra effects are available as optional additions and may require separate Add-On licences.

Intuitive Control with Touchscreen and Motorised Faders

The 7-inch capacitive touchscreen offers a resolution of 800 × 480 pixels and a brightness of 1,000 nits. Its redesigned interface provides quick access to channel settings, processing, routing and system functions.

The 9 motorised 100 mm faders comprise 8 channel faders and a master fader. Six customisable fader layers allow channels to be organised around the requirements of each production, while 8 assignable SoftKeys provide immediate access to frequently used functions.

Each channel has its own display showing the channel name, type or socket number. Configurable colour-coded LED meters make it easier to identify channels and monitor signal levels during mixing.

Flexible Mixing Architecture and Signal Routing

The Qu-3 supports 36 mix inputs, comprising 32 mono/linkable channels and 2 stereo channels. Its mixing architecture provides 12 mix buses, 4 mono/linkable matrices and a stereo Main LR bus.

Flexible patching allows input sources and outputs to be assigned according to system requirements rather than being restricted to conventional 1:1 routing. This is particularly useful for live productions, complex monitor configurations and installations with multiple audio zones.

The mixer also provides 8 DCA groups and 8 mute groups for convenient control of multiple channels.

Gain Assistant – Faster Input Level Setup

Gain Assistant helps establish appropriate input gain settings for individual channels or multiple inputs simultaneously. By analysing incoming audio signals, it simplifies the gain-setting process and helps reduce setup time during soundchecks and productions involving numerous microphones.

Gain Assistant can also monitor signal levels during operation, helping to manage unexpected changes in input levels.

Feedback Assistant – Automatic Feedback Suppression

Feedback Assistant identifies problematic frequencies that cause acoustic feedback and applies automatic filters to reduce them. The system provides up to 16 filters per mix and 8 simultaneous detectors.

This makes it a useful tool for stage monitoring, speech reinforcement and other applications where microphones and loudspeakers operate in close proximity.

Integrated 32-Channel Automatic Microphone Mixer

The built-in automatic microphone mixer (AMM) supports up to 32 channels using a gain-sharing algorithm. It automatically distributes gain between active microphones, helping maintain a controlled and consistent mix when several people are speaking.

The AMM is particularly useful for conferences, panel discussions, corporate events, broadcasting and other speech-based productions. It operates within the mixer's internal processing architecture without introducing additional latency.

Six Internal Multi-Effects Engines

The Qu-3 includes 6 internal multi-effects engines with dedicated stereo returns. Effects can be configured using send/return routing or inserted directly into a signal path with adjustable wet/dry balance.

Available effect types include SMR Reverb, Stereo Tap Delay, Gated Reverb, ADT, Blue Chorus, Symphonic Chorus, Flanger and Phaser.

All 6 stereo FX returns provide individual level, pan, mute and routing controls, together with four-band parametric EQ.

32×32 USB-C Audio Interface for Multitrack Recording

The integrated USB-C audio interface supports 32 channels of audio in each direction between the Qu-3 and a computer. It operates at 48 or 96 kHz and can be used for multitrack recording, virtual soundchecks and playback from recording software.

The USB connection also supports MIDI communication and DAW control through control protocol emulation.

SD Card and USB-A Recording and Playback

Qu-Drive provides several options for recording and playback without requiring a computer.

• USB-A: stereo recording in 24-bit WAV format at 48 or 96 kHz.
• USB-A: stereo playback of 16-bit or 24-bit WAV files.
• SD card: up to 16 channels at 96 kHz.
• SD card: up to 32 channels at 48 kHz.
• SD card multitrack recording and playback use 24-bit WAV format.

The SD card slot supports SDHC media. For the maximum channel count, UHS-I Class 10 cards with a capacity of up to 32 GB are specified.

SLink and Everything I/O Expansion

The intelligent SLink port allows the Qu-3 to connect to compatible rack and stagebox expanders from Allen & Heath's Everything I/O ecosystem.

The port supports several Allen & Heath protocols, including dSnake, DX and gigaACE/GX, with capacity up to 128×128 channels at 96 kHz depending on the protocol and system configuration.

This allows audio connections to be positioned remotely on stage, reduces the need for long analogue cable runs and makes it possible to integrate the Qu-3 into larger Allen & Heath systems.

Remote Control and Personal Monitor Mixing

The Qu-3 supports remote control through free applications for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. Qu-MixPad allows sound engineers to control the mixer from different positions within a venue, while Qu4You enables performers to adjust their own monitor mixes.

The mixer also includes an Ethernet connection for control and MIDI over TCP/IP, together with a configurable input for a single or dual footswitch.

Compact Desktop Design and Rack Mounting

The Qu-3 combines advanced digital mixing capabilities with a compact physical footprint. The touchscreen angle is optimised for desktop operation, while its relatively low weight makes the mixer suitable for portable sound systems and mobile production applications.

The mixer can also be installed in a 19-inch rack using an optional rack-mounting kit, sold separately.

Qu-3 vs Qu-3D – Understanding the Difference

The Qu-3 and Qu-3D share the same fundamental mixing architecture, XCVI processing core and main control features. The key difference is that the Qu-3D also includes an integrated 16×16 Dante interface operating at 48 or 96 kHz, with an optional Add-On upgrade providing up to 32×32 channels.

This product is the standard Qu-3 model without integrated Dante connectivity. For systems requiring built-in Dante networking, the Qu-3D is available as a separate model.

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Technical Specifications

General

• Brand: Allen & Heath
• Model: Qu-3
• Product type: Digital mixer
• Mixing capacity: 36 inputs / 24 outputs
• Processing core: XCVI Core
• Sample rate: 96 kHz
• Dynamic range: 110 dB
• Frequency response: +0/-0.5 dB, 20 Hz–20 kHz
• Headroom: +18 dB
• Latency: less than 0.7 ms, local microphone input to Main LR
• Internal processing: variable bit depths up to 96-bit

Mixing Architecture

• 36 mix inputs: 32 mono/linkable and 2 stereo
• 12 mix buses: 6 mono/linkable aux/group and 6 stereo aux/group
• 4 mono/linkable matrices
• Stereo Main LR
• 8 DCA groups
• 8 mute groups
• 6 internal multi-effects engines
• 6 dedicated stereo FX returns
• 32-channel automatic microphone mixer (AMM)

Analogue and Digital Connections

• 16 balanced XLR/TRS combo microphone/line inputs
• 1 stereo line input with 2 balanced TRS connections
• 8 balanced XLR outputs
• 1 AES3 digital stereo output via XLR
• 1 stereo headphone output
• 1 SLink etherCON port for Everything I/O expansion
• 1 USB-C connection for 32×32 audio and MIDI
• 1 USB-A connection for Qu-Drive and data transfer
• 1 SDHC card slot
• 1 RJ45 Ethernet connection for control
• Configurable single or dual footswitch connection
• Dante: Not included on the Qu-3

Microphone Preamps

• Input sensitivity: -60 to 0 dBu
• Preamp gain: 0 to +60 dB in 1 dB steps
• Maximum XLR input level: +16 dBu
• Maximum TRS input level: +30 dBu
• Phantom power: +48 V
• Input impedance: greater than 1.5 kΩ microphone / greater than 20 kΩ TRS

Controls and Display

• Touchscreen: 7-inch capacitive, 800 × 480 pixels
• Brightness: 1,000 nits
• Motorised faders: 9 × 100 mm
• Fader layers: 6 customisable
• SoftKeys: 8 assignable
• Individual channel displays
• Configurable colour-coded LED channel meters
• Remote control: Windows, macOS, iOS and Android

Signal Processing and Effects

• High-pass filter: 20 Hz–2 kHz, 12/18/24 dB per octave
• Gate/expander with configurable sidechain
• Four-band fully parametric EQ: 20 Hz–20 kHz, ±15 dB
• Compressor with sidechain, ducker mode and parallel compression
• Channel delay: up to 341 ms
• Mix delay: up to 682 ms
• Graphic EQ: 28 bands, 31 Hz–16 kHz
• Feedback Assistant: 16 filters per mix, 8 simultaneous detectors
• Gain Assistant
• DEEP Processing: support for optional Add-Ons
• Real-time analyser: 31-band stereo or 61-band mono

Recording and Playback

• USB-C audio interface: 32 in / 32 out
• USB-C sample rates: 48/96 kHz
• USB-C resolution: up to 24-bit
• USB-A stereo recording: 24-bit, 48/96 kHz WAV
• USB-A stereo playback: WAV, 44.1/48/96 kHz
• SD card recording: 16 channels at 96 kHz or 32 channels at 48 kHz
• SD card playback: 16 channels at 96 kHz or 32 channels at 48 kHz
• SD card format: SDHC, up to 32 GB, UHS-I Class 10

Dimensions, Weight and Power

• Width: 445 mm
• Depth: 321 mm
• Height: 170 mm
• Net weight: 6.91 kg
• Shipping weight: 8.73 kg
• Power supply: 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
• Maximum power consumption: 67 W
• Operating temperature: 0–40 °C
• Rack mounting: 19-inch with optional rack-mounting kit, sold separately

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Allen & Heath Qu-3