(Allen & Heath Allen & Heath Qu3)
Compact 36-Input Digital Audio Mixer
The Allen & Heath Qu-3 is a compact 36-input, 24-output digital mixing console built around a powerful 96kHz XCVI processing core. Featuring 16 onboard mic/line inputs, nine 100mm motorized faders, a responsive 7-inch touchscreen, and extensive recording and expansion capabilities, this versatile mixer delivers advanced audio control in a space-saving desktop format. Designed for live sound engineers, corporate AV professionals, broadcasters, and recording studios, the Qu-3 combines flexible digital mixing with an intuitive hands-on workflow.
Allen & Heath Qu-3 Competitive Differences
- 96kHz XCVI Processing: High-performance FPGA-based audio processing delivers a 110dB dynamic range and less than 0.7ms system latency.
- 36-Input Mixing Architecture: Supports 32 mono/linkable input channels and two stereo channels, with 12 mixes, four matrix outputs, and stereo main LR.
- Nine 100mm Motorized Faders: Eight assignable channel faders and one dedicated mix fader provide tactile control across six customizable layers.
- 7-Inch Capacitive Touchscreen: Bright 1000-nit display provides convenient access to channel processing, routing, effects, and mixer configuration.
- 32x32 USB-C Audio Interface: Enables bidirectional multichannel audio recording and playback at 48kHz or 96kHz for computer-based production.
- Built-In SD Card Multitrack Recording: Record or play back up to 32 channels at 48kHz or 16 channels at 96kHz without an external computer.
- 128x128 SLink Expansion: Connect compatible remote I/O expanders, personal monitoring systems, and supported digital audio equipment.
- Six Multi-FX Engines: Dedicated stereo FX returns provide flexible processing for reverb, delay, modulation, and other audio effects.
- Integrated Mixing Assistants: Gain Assistant, Feedback Assistant, and a 32-channel Automatic Mic Mixer streamline setup and operation.
- Compact Desktop Design: Space-efficient construction supports tabletop operation or installation in a 19-inch rack with an optional mounting kit.
Allen & Heath Qu-3 Description
The Allen & Heath Qu-3 brings the advanced processing capabilities of the next-generation Qu series into a compact mixing console designed for applications where space and flexibility matter. Its 96kHz XCVI FPGA core supports 36 input sources, 12 configurable mixes, four matrix outputs, and six stereo effects engines. High-performance microphone preamps, detailed channel processing, and a 110dB dynamic range provide the clarity and control required for live music, spoken-word reinforcement, corporate presentations, and recording applications.
The Qu-3 offers a streamlined hands-on mixing experience with nine motorized 100mm faders, six customizable fader layers, eight assignable SoftKeys, and a bright 7-inch capacitive touchscreen. Each fader strip includes dedicated controls and an LCD display, while configurable chromatic channel metering provides clear visual feedback. Input channels feature high-pass filtering, gate/expander processing, four-band parametric EQ, compression, and delay. Integrated Gain Assistant and Feedback Assistant tools help simplify sound checks and system optimization, while the 32-channel Automatic Mic Mixer is particularly useful for conferences, panel discussions, and other multi-microphone applications.
For recording and playback, the mixer includes a 32x32 USB-C audio interface supporting 48kHz and 96kHz operation, allowing direct integration with computer-based recording and production systems. An onboard SD card slot supports multitrack recording and playback of up to 32 channels at 48kHz or 16 channels at 96kHz. A separate USB-A connection provides stereo recording, playback, and data transfer. Six internal multi-effects engines with dedicated stereo returns support creative processing, while optional DEEP Processing add-ons extend the available channel and mix processing capabilities.
Designed for flexible audio system integration, the Qu-3 includes 16 balanced XLR/TRS combo microphone and line inputs, a stereo line input, eight XLR outputs, and a stereo AES3 digital output. Its 128x128 SLink port supports compatible digital I/O expansion and personal monitoring systems, while network connectivity enables remote operation through supported applications. The compact chassis measures just 17.5 inches wide and can be installed in a standard 19-inch equipment rack using an optional rackmount kit. With its combination of audio performance, recording features, flexible routing, and intuitive control, the Qu-3 is suited for live venues, houses of worship, production studios, corporate AV installations, and broadcast environments.
Qu-3 Features
- Compact 36-input, 24-output digital audio mixing console
- 96kHz XCVI FPGA processing core with less than 0.7ms latency
- 32 mono/linkable input channels and two stereo input channels
- 16 onboard balanced XLR/TRS combo mic/line inputs with recallable preamps
- One stereo line input using two balanced 1/4-inch TRS connections
- Eight balanced XLR analog outputs and one stereo AES3 digital output
- Nine 100mm motorized faders with six customizable control layers
- 7-inch, 1000-nit capacitive touchscreen with dedicated rotary control
- Eight assignable SoftKeys for frequently used functions
- Configurable chromatic channel metering and individual fader-strip LCD displays
- 12 configurable mixes, four matrix mixes, and stereo main LR output
- Six multi-effects engines with dedicated stereo returns
- Four-band parametric EQ, high-pass filter, gate/expander, compressor, and delay processing
- Graphic EQ, parametric EQ, compression, delay, and Feedback Assistant for mix processing
- DEEP Processing ready for optional advanced processing add-ons
- 32-channel Automatic Mic Mixer for speech and conference applications
- Integrated Gain Assistant and Feedback Assistant tools
- 32x32 USB-C audio interface supporting 48kHz and 96kHz operation
- SD card multitrack recording and playback with up to 32 channels at 48kHz
- USB-A connection for stereo recording, playback, and data transfer
- 128x128 SLink digital audio expansion connectivity
- Eight DCA groups and eight mute groups
- 300 scene memories per show with recall filters and channel safes
- Remote control through supported Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android applications
- DAW control emulation through USB or TCP/IP
- Configurable single or dual footswitch connection
- 19-inch rackmount capability with optional mounting kit
- Universal AC power supply for worldwide operation
Qu-3 Specifications
- Product Type: Compact Digital Audio Mixing Console
- Mixing Inputs: 36 (32 Mono/Linkable, 2 Stereo)
- Mixing Outputs: 24
- Processing Engine: XCVI FPGA Core
- Sampling Rate: 96kHz
- System Dynamic Range: 110dB
- System Latency: Less Than 0.7ms (Local Mic Input to Main LR)
- Frequency Response: +0/-0.5dB, 20Hz–20kHz
- System Headroom: +18dB
- Mic/Line Inputs: 16 Balanced XLR/TRS Combo Sockets
- Mic Preamp Gain: 0 to +60dB in 1dB Steps
- Phantom Power: +48V, Individually Switchable
- Stereo Line Inputs: 1 Stereo Pair (2 x 1/4-Inch TRS)
- Analog Outputs: 8 Balanced XLR
- Digital Output: 1 Stereo AES3 XLR
- Headphone Output: Stereo 1/4-Inch TRS
- Mix Buses: 12 (6 Mono/Linkable Aux/Group, 6 Stereo Aux/Group)
- Matrix Mixes: 4 Mono/Linkable
- Main Output: Stereo LR
- FX Sends: 4
- FX Engines: 6 Multi-FX Engines with Dedicated Stereo Returns
- Automatic Mic Mixer: 32 Channels
- Faders: 9 x 100mm Motorized
- Fader Layers: 6 Customizable Layers
- Display: 7-Inch Capacitive Touchscreen
- Display Resolution: 800 x 480
- Display Brightness: 1000 Nits
- SoftKeys: 8 Assignable
- DCA Groups: 8
- Mute Groups: 8
- Scene Memories: 300 per Show
- USB-C Audio Interface: 32x32 Channels at 48/96kHz
- USB-A Recording: 2-Channel Stereo WAV at 48/96kHz, 24-Bit
- SD Card Multitrack Recording: 32 Channels at 48kHz or 16 Channels at 96kHz, 24-Bit
- SD Card Format: SDHC
- Digital Audio Expansion: 128x128 SLink Port
- Network Connection: RJ45 Ethernet for Remote Control
- Footswitch Connection: Configurable Single/Dual
- Rackmount Compatibility: 19-Inch Rack (Optional Kit Required)
- Power Requirements: 100–240V AC, 50/60Hz
- Maximum Power Consumption: 67W
- Operating Temperature: 32–104°F (0–40°C)
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 17.5 x 12.7 x 6.7 in (445 x 321 x 170 mm)
- Weight: 15.23 lb (6.91 kg)
What's In The Box
- Allen & Heath Qu-3 Digital Mixer
- IEC Mains Power Cable
- Safety Booklet
