Allen & Heath QU-5 16-channel digital mixer

Introducing the Allen & Heath QU-5 16-channel digital mixer

The latest generation of Allen & Heath's Qu mixers brings powerful performance and refined usability to a compact digital format, making it ideal for live sound, broadcast, and installed applications. Powered by a 96kHz XCVI core, the Qu series supports DEEP Processing, extended channel counts, fully flexible patching across four customisable fader layers, and a completely redesigned user interface. With upgraded hardware, expanded I/O, and advanced connectivity options, the new Qu series represents the next generation for Allen & Heath’s renowned digital mixing platforms.

Built on a unified architecture, the new Qu lineup is available in three frame sizes to suit different scale requirements. The Qu-5 is a compact, rack-mountable model with 16 mic/line inputs and 17 motorised faders, ideal for portable and space-conscious setups. Stepping up, the Qu-6 offers 24 inputs and 25 faders, while the flagship Qu-7 expands to 32 inputs and 33 faders for full-scale productions. Each model features the same processing engine, interface, and SLink connectivity, ensuring seamless integration with Allen & Heath’s I/O ecosystem and effortless compatibility across systems.

Next-gen digital mixing

Redesigned from the ground up while retaining the beloved "walk-up-and-mix" simplicity of the original Qu series, the new generation features a sleek 7” capacitive touchscreen, faster navigation, and four fully customisable fader layers. The workflow is intuitive and responsive, making it easy for engineers of all backgrounds to get mixing quickly and effectively.

Pro-grade audio & processing

All Qu models feature upgraded microphone preamps and high-quality 96kHz AD/DA converters, feeding into Allen & Heath’s XCVI core for ultra-low latency and pristine sound. DEEP Processing support allows engineers to run boutique-style channel strips and dynamic processors from the dLive ecosystem, with six built-in FX engines and studio-quality RackExtra FX rounding out the onboard DSP power.

Total I/O flexibility

Each mixer is equipped with XLR/TRS ‘combi’ mic/line inputs—16 on the Qu-5, 24 on the Qu-6, and 32 on the Qu-7. XLR outputs increase accordingly: 12, 16, and 20 respectively. All models include additional stereo line inputs, dedicated outputs for monitors and talkback, a stereo headphone output, an AES3 digital output, and a powerful SLink port for seamless integration with the Everything I/O ecosystem and other Allen & Heath digital mixers.

Multitrack recording & playback

Multitrack capture is simple and flexible with a 32×32 USB-C audio interface, ideal for recording directly to a DAW. An onboard SD card slot supports up to 32×32 recording at 48kHz or 16×16 at 96kHz, while the USB-A port handles quick stereo recording and playback. Whether you're tracking, running virtual soundchecks, or logging live shows, the Qu has you covered.

Smart assistants & built-in tools

Qu mixers now feature a Gain Assistant that automatically sets and continuously adjusts input gains to prevent peaks and distortion. The Feedback Assistant actively detects and suppresses problem frequencies using up to 16 filters per output. A built-in 32-channel Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM) ensures clean, balanced dialogue in panel discussions, conferences, and broadcast settings—all without extra latency or external processing.

Remote control apps

With Qu-MixPad, engineers can mix wirelessly via iOS, Android, Mac, or Windows devices. Performers and musicians can take control of their own monitor mixes through the user-friendly Qu-You app, available for both iOS and Android platforms.

Ideal for any scale of operation

Whether you’re outfitting a touring rack, managing a church setup, or building a front-of-house rig for a larger venue, the Qu-5, Qu-6, and Qu-7 offer scalable, professional-grade digital mixing in a format tailored to your needs—with zero compromise on sound quality, usability, or flexibility.