This year’s InfoComm has brought out the big guns and this latest mixer from Allen & Heath is not to be sneezed at.

The company are unveiling Qu-32, a 32 fader, 38 in / 28 out digital mixer joining the rackmount Qu-16 and compact Qu-24. Qu-32 shares the Qu series key features, such as total recall of settings (including faders and digitally controlled preamps), Qu-Drive integrated multi-track recorder, dSNAKE for remote I/O and personal monitoring, multi-channel USB streaming, Qu-Pad control app, and the renowned iLive FX Library to deliver class-leading audio quality. It comes with a larger, 7” touchscreen and 33 motorised faders. Sounds impressive.

We like the addition of a dedicated fader per mic input channel whilst retaining a compact footprint and extensive I/O, comprising 32 mic/line inputs, 3 stereo inputs, 24 mix outputs including 2 Stereo Matrix Mix Outputs and 4 Stereo Groups with full processing, patchable AES digital output with a further 2-channel ALT output, dedicated Talkback mic pre input, and 2-Track output.

The deck is equipped with a high resolution full colour 7” Touchscreen featuring the easy to drive ‘Touch Channel’ access to channel processing, the FX racks and all the setup and system management controls. The SuperStrip provides control knobs for a selected channel’s key processing parameters, such as gain, HPF, parametric EQ, gate threshold, compressor threshold and pan.

It also has an integrated 18-channel USB recorder, which can record and playback multi-track and stereo audio .wav files to a USB drive. The handy addition of being allowing a USB device means you’ll also be able to store scene and library data for archiving and for later recall.

The deck can also doubles up as a studio mixer thanks to its 32×32 audio interface for streaming to/from a Mac or PC, and MIDI strips dedicated to control of DAW track levels, selection, mutes and solos.

A&H’s proprietary dSNAKE low latency audio connection enables the mixer to connect over a single 120m Cat5 digital snake to remote audio racks, such as the AR84, AR2412, or upcoming AB168 stagebox. It is also compatible with the ME personal mixing system.

Motorised faders provide total recall of mix levels giving the user full benefit from the scene recall system and ensuring the fader is always in the right position even when swapping between the 2 layers, which allows instant access to all channels and masters or the Graphic EQs. To customise the fader layout to suit certain applications, a third user definable layer is also available. There are also 4 DCA groups for applications where multiple sources need a single level control.

If you own an iPad, you can also use the QuPad app for wireless control of the mixer’s key parameters and settings, enabling the user to tweak the PA, adjust the monitors on stage, and even mix the show from the audience.

The 32 mic/line inputs feature AnaLOGIQ recallable pad-less preamps, optimised for transparency and low harmonic distortion. The mixer is also equipped with a selection of the iLive pro touring series’ FX emulations, including classic reverbs, gated reverbs, delays and modulators.

Finally, Qu’s software allows multiple user profiles with different levels of user access (so the youngins don’t mess with your mix) which can be customised and protected by password to easily cope with multiple users wanting different setups at different times.

“Packed full of features and retaining a dedicated fader per mic channel, the larger Qu-32 complements the rest of the Qu family. The comprehensive array of features, such as copy and paste, soft keys, RTA and PFL options make using and setting up the Qu console easy and flexible,” comments Allen & Heath MD, Glenn Rogers. “The Qu-16 and Qu-24 have been welcomed with great enthusiasm by customers from PA companies to churches, and we look forward to more success with the new addition.”

Qu-32 will start shipping in July at a SRP of £2599 ex VAT (AU$3780), there’s no official word as yet for the price of the mixer in Australia.

Fore more info: www.allen-heath.com

Excerpts from Press release