Allen & Heath Qu-3D

Allen & Heath Qu-3D – Compact 96 kHz Digital Mixer with Built-in Dante and 36 Mix Inputs

The Allen & Heath Qu-3D is a compact digital mixer featuring 36 mix inputs, 24 outputs within its mixing architecture and an integrated 16×16 Dante interface. Powered by the advanced 96 kHz XCVI processing core, it combines flexible signal routing, motorised faders and extensive connectivity for professional live sound, conferences, fixed installations, broadcasting and mobile audio production.

The Qu-3D combines 16 local microphone/line inputs, 8 XLR outputs and a dedicated Dante network interface with a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, 9 motorised 100 mm faders and 6 customisable fader layers. Its compact design delivers comprehensive mixing capabilities in a format suitable for desktop use or rack mounting.

The updated XCVI core operates at a 96 kHz sample rate and provides advanced audio processing with support for Allen & Heath's DEEP Processing technology. The mixer also features 6 internal multi-effects engines, Gain Assistant, Feedback Assistant and an integrated 32-channel automatic microphone mixer.

Recording and playback options include a built-in 32×32 USB-C audio interface, multitrack recording via SD card and stereo recording via USB-A. The intelligent SLink port provides connectivity to Allen & Heath's Everything I/O ecosystem, while the integrated Dante interface enables digital audio distribution between compatible devices over an audio network.

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Features and Applications

Integrated Dante Interface for Networked Audio

One of the Qu-3D's defining features is its built-in Dante interface. Through a dedicated locking etherCON connection, the mixer can transmit and receive 16×16 audio channels at 48 or 96 kHz over a Dante network.

Dante enables integration with compatible digital audio systems, networked stageboxes, recording solutions and other Dante-enabled equipment. This is particularly useful for conference facilities, theatres, permanent installations and broadcast environments where audio needs to be distributed between multiple devices.

Dante input and output channels can be flexibly patched to the mixer's internal signal paths. Network routing between Dante devices is configured using Dante Controller.

The Qu-3D supports expansion of its Dante capacity from 16×16 to 32×32 channels through a separate Dante Upgrade Add-On. This upgrade is not included with the standard mixer.

96 kHz XCVI Core and DEEP Processing

The Qu-3D is built around Allen & Heath's XCVI processing core, operating at a 96 kHz sample rate. Updated microphone preamps and high-performance AD/DA converters deliver detailed, transparent audio reproduction with a dynamic range of 110 dB.

Internal processing uses custom bit depths of up to 96 bits, with latency below 0.7 ms from a local microphone input to the Main LR output.

Each input channel provides comprehensive processing, including a high-pass filter, gate/expander, four-band parametric EQ, compressor and delay. The mix buses offer additional processing options, including graphic EQ, parametric EQ, compression and delay.

Support for DEEP Processing allows the Qu-3D to be expanded with advanced processing models derived from Allen & Heath's dLive technology. DEEP options include Tube Stage, various compressor models and alternative graphic EQ models. Certain features require separate Add-On licences.

7-inch Touchscreen and 9 Motorised Faders

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

The mixer features 9 motorised 100 mm faders, comprising 8 channel faders and one master fader. Six fully customisable fader layers allow channels and functions to be arranged around the requirements of each production.

Each channel has a dedicated display showing its name, channel type or socket number. Configurable colour-coded LED level meters provide clear visual feedback of signal levels.

Eight assignable SoftKeys, 8 DCA groups and 8 mute groups make it easy to manage frequently used functions and multiple channels during live mixing.

36 Mix Inputs and Flexible Routing

The Qu-3D provides 36 mix inputs, comprising 32 mono/linkable input channels and 2 stereo channels. Its mixing architecture includes 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. Local connections, digital audio streams and external expansion devices can be incorporated into a unified workflow.

This makes the Qu-3D suitable for applications ranging from conventional live sound mixing with independent monitor mixes to fixed installations with multiple audio zones and networked audio distribution.

Gain Assistant – Faster Input Level Setup

Gain Assistant helps sound engineers establish appropriate input gain settings for one or multiple channels. It analyses incoming audio signals and simplifies the process of setting initial levels before a production.

Gain Assistant can also monitor signal levels continuously 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 useful for stage monitoring, speech reinforcement and other situations where microphones and loudspeakers are used in close proximity.

32-Channel Automatic Microphone Mixer

The Qu-3D includes an integrated automatic microphone mixer (AMM) supporting up to 32 channels. The AMM uses a gain-sharing algorithm to automatically distribute gain between active microphones.

This helps maintain a controlled mix during conferences, panel discussions, meetings and other productions where several people use microphones simultaneously.

The AMM is integrated directly into the mixer's processing architecture without introducing additional latency.

Six Internal Multi-Effects Engines

The Qu-3D features 6 internal multi-effects engines with dedicated stereo returns. Effects can be configured as send/return effects or inserted directly into signal paths with adjustable wet/dry balance.

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

Each stereo FX return provides independent level, pan, mute and routing controls, together with four-band parametric EQ.

32×32 USB-C Audio Interface for Recording and Virtual Soundchecks

The integrated USB-C audio interface allows 32 audio channels to be transferred in each direction between the Qu-3D and a computer. Audio transmission supports 24-bit resolution at 48 or 96 kHz.

This makes the USB-C connection suitable for multitrack recording, playback from recording software and virtual soundchecks.

The USB-C port also supports MIDI communication. ASIO/WDM drivers are available for Windows, and the connection is USB 2.0 Core Audio compliant.

SD Card and USB-A Recording and Playback

Qu-Drive allows the Qu-3D to record and play back audio without requiring a connected computer.

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

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

SLink and Everything I/O Expansion

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

SLink supports several protocols, including dSnake, DX and gigaACE/GX. Depending on the connection protocol, the port can handle up to 128×128 audio channels at 96 kHz.

This allows inputs and outputs to be positioned on stage or elsewhere within a venue, reducing the need for long analogue cable runs.

SLink and Dante use separate connections on the Qu-3D, allowing Allen & Heath's expansion ecosystem to be combined with Dante networked audio distribution.

Remote Control with Qu-MixPad and Qu4You

The Qu-3D can be remotely controlled using 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 provides Ethernet connectivity for control and MIDI over TCP/IP, along with a configurable connection for a single or dual footswitch.

Compact Design for Desktop Use and Rack Mounting

The Qu-3D combines comprehensive mixing capabilities with a compact footprint. The touchscreen angle is optimised for desktop operation, while the motorised faders provide an efficient workflow even where space is limited.

Measuring 445 mm wide and weighing 7.01 kg, the mixer is suitable for both mobile sound systems and permanent installations.

The Qu-3D can also be installed in a 19-inch rack using an optional rack-mounting kit, sold separately.

Qu-3 vs Qu-3D – Key Differences

The Qu-3 and Qu-3D share the same fundamental mixing architecture, 96 kHz XCVI processing core, number of local microphone inputs and main control features.

The Qu-3D additionally features an integrated 16×16 Dante interface operating at 48 or 96 kHz, together with a dedicated locking etherCON connection. The standard Qu-3 does not include this integrated Dante functionality.

The Qu-3D is therefore particularly suitable for users who want to combine a compact digital mixer with digital audio distribution over a Dante network.

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Technical Specifications

General

• Brand: Allen & Heath
• Model: Qu-3D
• Product type: Digital mixer with integrated Dante interface
• 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: custom bit depths up to 96 bits

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 dedicated Dante etherCON port
• 1 USB-C connection for 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

• Integrated Dante interface: Yes
• Standard capacity: 16 in / 16 out
• Sample rates: 48 or 96 kHz
• Connection: Dedicated locking etherCON port
• Routing: Flexible Dante channel patching
• Network configuration: Dante Controller
• Supports expansion to 32×32 channels through a separate Dante Upgrade Add-On

SLink Expansion

• Connection: Neutrik etherCON (RJ45)
• dSnake: 40 input channels, 20 + 40 ME output channels, 48 kHz
• DX: 32 in / 32 out, 96 kHz
• gigaACE/GX: 128 in / 128 out, 96 kHz
• Assignable audio clock source and sample rate conversion between 48 and 96 kHz

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
• Resolution: 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 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 and 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: 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: 7.01 kg
• Shipping weight: 8.83 kg
• Power supply: 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
• Maximum power consumption: 70 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-3D