Allen & Heath QU-6

The Qu-6 builds on the popular Qu-32 form factor but has been given a major boost – now equipped with a 96 kHz XCVI core enabling DEEP Processing, expanded channel capacity with fully flexible patching across four customizable layers, a completely redesigned user interface, extensive hardware upgrades and improved connectivity – including optional Dante support.

Features:
96kHz FPGA Core
36x inputs to mix (32x mono/linkable, 2x stereo)
Stereo Main LR output
12x mixar (6x mono/länkbara Aux, 6x stereo Aux/Group)
4x matrix outputs (mono/linkable)
24x XLR/Jack 'Combi' mic/line inputs
2x stereo line inputs (each 2x TRS)
1x talkback input
16x XLR outputs
2x TRS outputs
1x AES3 stereo digital output
128x128 intelligent SLink port for Everything I/O expansion and system connections
Stereo headphone output
6x Multi-FX engines with dedicated return channels
7” capacitive touchscreen
25x 100mm motorized bolts
4x channel strip bearings
8x SoftKeys
USB-A for stereo audio recording/playback and data transfer
USB-C audio interface for multi-channel recording/playback (32x32)
SD card slot for multi-channel audio recording/playback (16x16@96kHz, 32x32@48kHz)
12V lamp switch
Configurable single/dual footswitch input
Configurable chromatic channel meter LEDs
19” rack mountable (optional kit available)
IEC mains connection with global power supply
RJ45 network connector
Remote control via free apps – Windows/MacOS/iOS/Android

Brand new hardware
The new Qu series retains the acclaimed look and format of the original, but with several hardware improvements that elevate both sound quality and user experience.

Audio
Updated microphone preamps and high-performance 96 kHz AD/DA converters ensure crystal-clear audio to and from the XCVI core, preserving every detail of the audio source.

Control
Each channel is now equipped with its own display showing channel name, type or connection, as well as a chromatic level meter for quick visual overview. The new touchscreen has a completely redesigned user interface for even better control and accessibility.

Capture & Playback
Reliable recording and playback – wherever you are

Every model in the Qu series is equipped with powerful recording and playback capabilities. You get an integrated 32x32 USB-C audio interface, support for 32-channel multitrack recording directly to SD cards, and easy stereo recording and playback via the USB-A port – no matter the application or work environment.

UI
Updated workflow

The Qu series quickly became popular thanks to its simplicity and fast workflow – perfect for audio engineers with a background in analog mixing consoles. The new Qu builds on this legacy, retaining the intuitive “walk up and mix” concept, while introducing four fully customizable layers, more assignable SoftKeys for workflow optimization, and flexible routing beyond classic 1:1 Qu routing. All of this is accessed via a completely redesigned, fast and responsive user interface.
SLink
Full compatibility with Everything I/O

Thanks to the SLink port, the Qu series can be connected to Allen & Heath's Everything I/O family of stage boxes and I/O expanders, making it a flexible solution for users of other Allen & Heath digital systems. You can also connect Qu directly to other Allen & Heath mixers and access up to 128x128 channels at 96kHz - ready for patching.

Gain Assistant
Faster setup

Adjusting input levels manually channel by channel isn't always the most exciting part – and it can be time-consuming, especially for larger productions.

Qu's Gain Assistant makes the job easier by quickly and accurately setting the optimal gain for one or more inputs, and it continues to monitor signal levels throughout your performance to avoid unexpected peaks and distortion.

Feedback Assistant
Let the tour become a memory

Qu's user-friendly Feedback Assistant automatically identifies and reduces problematic frequencies – up to 16 filters per output – so you can mix with peace of mind and confidence, without worrying about feedback.

AMM – Automatic Mic Mixer
Perfect for speech and broadcast

Qu features a fully integrated 32-channel Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM) , making it ideal for conferences, panel discussions and TV productions. The AMM is fully built into the mixer, with no additional latency or need for an external DSP or plug-in solution – providing smooth operation and professional results right out of the box.

Technical specifications
Inputs Mic/Line Inputs
Balanced Combi XLR/Jack, fully recallable preamp
Input Sensitivity
-60 to +0dBu
TRS Inputs
-20dB Pad (Fixed)
Preamp Gain
0dB to +60dB, 1dB steps
Maximum Input Level (XLR/Jack)
+16dBu Mic input / +30dBu TRS pad input
Input Impedance
>1.5kΩ MIC / >20kΩ TRS
THD+N, Unity gain 0dB
0.002% -92dB (20Hz-20kHz, AES Direct Out, @0dBu 1kHz)
THD+N, Mid gain +30dB
0.004% -88dB (20Hz-20kHz, AES Direct Out, @-30dBu 1kHz)
Phantom Power
+48V (+3V / -2V)
Stereo Line Inputs
Balanced, 2x 1/4" TRS jack
Input Sensitivity Nominal
+4dBu
Trim
+/-24dB
Maximum Input Level
+21dBu
Input Impedance
>6kΩ
Outputs XLR Outputs
Balanced, XLR
Outputs A and B
Balanced 1/4" TRS Jack
Source
Fully patchable
Output Impedance
<75Ω
Nominal Output
+4dBu = 0dB meter reading
Maximum Output Level
+22dBu
Residual Output Noise
-88dBu (muted, 20Hz-20kHz)
AES Digital Output
Balanced XLR 2 channel,
96kHz sampling rate (Default with SRC Bypassed)
Switchable output sample rates, 44.1/48/88.2/96kHz
2.5Vpp balanced terminated 110Ω
SLink Connection
Neutrik EtherCON (RJ45)
dSnake mode 40 input, 20+40(ME) output channels, 48kHz
DX mode 32 input, 32 output channels, 96kHz
GigaACE/GX 128 input, 128 output channels, 96kHz
Inputs Fully patchable
Outputs Fully patchable
Sync/SRC Assignable as audio clock source, 48kHz<>96kHz SRC
Dante (Qu-6D only)
16 input, 16 output channels, 48/96kHz operation
Inputs Fully patchable
Outputs Fully patchable
Sync/SRC Assignable as audio clock source, 48kHz<>96kHz SRC
USB Audio Qu-Drive
USB-A or SD Card, recording or playback
Stereo Record (USB-A) 2 channel, WAV, 48/96kHz, 24-bit, fully patchable
Stereo Playback (USB-A) 1/2 channel, WAV, 44.1/48/96kHz 16/24-bit, fully patchable
Multitrack Record (SDHC) 16 channels 96kHz, 32 channels 48kHz, 24-bit, WAV, fully patchable
Multitrack Playback (SDHC) 16 channels 96kHz, 32 channels 48kHz, 24-bit, WAV, fully patchable
SD Card SDHC, 32GB, UHS-I, Class 10 for maximum channels, 48/96 kHz, 24-bit
USB Audio Streaming
USB-C connection, USB 2.0 Core Audio compliant, ASIO/WDM for Windows
Send (upstream) 32 channels, 48/96kHz, 24-bit
Return (downstream) 32 channels, 48/96kHz, 24-bit
Control Touch Screen
7" Capacitive, 800 x 480 resolution, 24-bit RGB
SoftKeys
8
Mute Groups / DCA Groups
8 / 8
Network
TCP/IP Ethernet for Control and MIDI
MIDI
USB-C and TCP/IP
Footswitch
Single or Dual, Momentary or Latching
System
38 input, 28 bus, XCVI Core Measured balanced XLR in to XLR out, 0dB gain, 0dBu input
Dynamic Range
110 dB
Frequency Response
+0/-0.5dB 20Hz to 20kHz
Headroom
+18dB
Internal operating Level
0dBu
THD+N, Mic/Line routed to Main L/R Out
Unity gain, 0.005%, -87dB (20Hz-20kHz)
dBFS Alignment
+18dBu = 0dBFS (+22dBu at XLR output)
Meter Calibration
0dB meter = -18dBFS (+4dBu at XLR out)
Main Meter Type
2x 12 segment, fast (peak) response, follows PAFL
Channel Meter Type
Chromatic Channel Metering, fully programmable colour/brightness
Peak Indication
-3dBFS (+19dBu at XLR out), Multi-point sensing
Sampling Rate
96kHz
Bit Depth
XCVI custom bit depths, up to 96-bit
Latency
<0.7ms, Local Mic Input to Main L/R
Operating Temperature Range
0 degrees C to 40 degrees C (32 degrees F to 104 degrees F)
Mains Power
100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
Max Power Consumption (Qu-6 / Qu-6D)
90W / 95W
Input Source
Channels 1-32 Fully patchable
ST1 / ST2 / USB Channels Fixed patch, ST1 / ST2 / USB1&2
USB Global Source Qu-Drive or USB-C Streaming (Auto Switching)
Polarity
Normal/Invert
Trim
-24 to +24dB
High Pass Filter
12/18/24dB per octave 20Hz – 2kHz
Insert
Fully Patchable (Digital/Analogue/-10dBV level)
Delay
Up to 341ms
Gate
Patchable Sidechain
Sidechain filter
Hi-pass (20Hz-5kHz), band-pass (120Hz-10kHz, Q=1), Lo-pass (120Hz-20kHz)
Threshold / Depth
-72dBu to +18dBu / 0 to 60dB
Attack / Hold / Release
50µs to 300ms / 10ms to 5s / 10ms to 1s
PEQ
4-Band fully parametric, 20Hz-20kHz, +/-15dB
Band 1, Band 4 Selectable Shelving (Baxandall), Bell, HPF/LPF 12dB/octave
Band 2, Band 3 Bell
Bell Width Variable, 1.5 Q to 1/9th octave
Compressor
Patchable Sidechain, Ducker mode, DEEP options, +18dB Makeup gain
Sidechain filter Hi-pass (20Hz-5kHz), band-pass (120Hz-10kHz, Q=1), Lo-pass (120-20kHz)
Threshold / Ratio -46dBu to 18dBu / 1:1 to infinity
Attack / Release 30µs to 300ms / 50ms to 2s
Knee Soft/Hard
Detector response Peak/RMS switchable
Parallel Path Compression dry/wet -inf to 0dB
Channel Direct Out
Follow Fader/Mute/Mute Group/DCA (Global)
Direct Out Source Post-Preamp, Post-HPF, Post-Gate, Insert Return, Post-PEQ, PostComp, Post-Delay
Direct Out Level trim -inf to 10dB (per channel)
Mix Insert
Fully Patchable (Digital/Analogue/-10dBV level)
Processing Delay Up to 682ms
Feedback Assistant
Automatic feedback suppression, 16 filters per mix, 8 concurrent detectors
Filter Cut 0dB to 18dB
Automatic Filter Width 18 to 116 Q
Manual Filter Width 6 to 640 Q
GEQ
28 bands 31Hz-16kHz, +/-12dB Gain, Constant 1/3 oct, DEEP options
PEQ
As Input PEQ
Compressor
As Input Compressor
FX Internal FX
6x FX engines, Send>Return (4 dedicated FX send) or Inserted (with Wet/Dry)
Types SMR Reverb, Stereo Tap Delay, Gated Reverb, ADT, Blue Chorus Symphonic Chorus, Flanger, Phaser
6x Dedicated Stereo FX returns Fader, Pan, Mute, Routing to LR/Mix, 4-Band PEQ
Audio Tools
PAFL PFL or stereo in-place AFL, 0 to -24dB Trim, PAFL Delay Up to 682ms
Talkback Dedicated input, Assignable to any mix, Preamp/Trim Control, 20Hz20kHz 12dB/oct HPF
Signal Generator Assignable to any input or mix, Sine/White/Pink/Bandpass Noise
RTA 2x 31-Band 1/3 oct (Stereo) or 61-Band 1/6 octave (Mono), 20Hz20kHz
AMM Type 32 Channel, Gain Sharing Algorithm
Sidechain Filter HPF / LPF 250Hz / 5kHz (12dB/octave)
Priority -15dB to +15dB per channel
Dimensions Qu-6 / Qu-6D Width x Depth x Height & Weights
Unit only 609 x 476 x 213 mm (24" x 18.7" x 8.4")
Packed in shipping box 740 x 640 x 310 mm (29.2" x 25.2" x 12.2")
Unpacked weight 13.5 kg (29.8 lbs)
Packed weight 16.5 kg (36.4 lbs)