Allen & Heath QU-5D

The QU-5D sets a new standard in compact digital mixing consoles, designed to deliver unprecedented audio performance and flexibility. Building on the renowned QU series, the QU-5D features the 96 kHz XCVI FPGA processor, opening the door to DEEP Processing previously reserved for high-end SQ, Avantis and dLive systems. Capable of handling up to 38 inputs and 24 outputs, the QU-5D features a redesigned touchscreen interface for even more intuitive navigation, complemented by a host of advanced mixing tools to assist the sound engineer in any situation. With its extensive connectivity options, including Dante integration, the QU-5D is ready to integrate into a wide range of applications, offering Allen & Heath's renowned quality and reliability in a compact format.

A true powerhouse
The QU-5D benefits from numerous technological advances made by the brand and applied to the CQ, SQ, Avantis and dLive ranges to give it a fresh new look. Its new 96 kHz XCVI FPGA processor, previously used in much more expensive systems, guarantees exceptional audio quality with very low latency and ten times the processing power, giving it access to DEEP Processing, which allows studio-quality compressor and equaliser emulations to be integrated directly into the channels without adding latency. This onboard processing offers advanced mixing flexibility, allowing you to sculpt your sound with the precision and richness worthy of the biggest productions.

Work with surgical precision
The QU-5D retains the familiar aesthetics of the original QU series, while incorporating significant hardware improvements. It features 17 motorised 100mm faders for precise tactile control. The preamps have been updated for even more faithful audio capture, and high-performance 96 kHz AD/DA converters ensure seamless conversion to and from the XCVI processor, preserving every detail of your audio source. Physical connectivity includes 16 mic/line inputs on XLR/Jack combo connectors and 12 outputs on XLR connectors. Each channel now features a dedicated display showing key information such as channel name and type, complemented by a colour-coded level indicator for instant visualisation of levels.

Mix with confidence
To simplify setup and speed up your mixes, the QU-5D incorporates intelligent assistance tools found on the CQ series. The Gain Assistant quickly and accurately adjusts the optimal gain levels for your inputs, while the Feedback Assistant automatically identifies and eliminates problematic frequencies with up to 16 filters per output. For easy mixing of conferences and TV broadcasts, the QU-5D features a powerful 32-channel automatic microphone mixer (AMM) with zero latency. The workflow, already appreciated for its ?walk up and mix' simplicity, is further optimised with 4 fully customisable layers, more assignable SoftKeys and flexible routing options, in addition to classic 1:1 routing.

A powerful and intuitive interface
The QU-5D user experience has been redesigned around its 7-inch touchscreen. This new interface has been designed to be fast, responsive and intuitive, simplifying navigation and mixing even in the most dynamic environments. It provides direct and seamless access to all essential functions, making the console easy to learn for engineers accustomed to the analogue world while offering the depth of control expected from a modern digital system.

The nerve centre of your sound
The QU-5D features extensive connectivity for professional integration, including a 16x16 Dante interface, compatible with 48 or 96 kHz, with a dedicated, secure EtherCon port, allowing easy integration into professional Dante-based audio networks. In addition, it is equipped with the intelligent SLink port for connection to Allen & Heath's Everything I/O expander ecosystem, providing a modular and scalable solution. For recording and playback, the console features a built-in 32x32 USB-C audio interface, 32-channel multitrack support via SD card (16x16 at 96kHz, 32x32 at 48kHz), and simple stereo recording/playback options via the USB-A port. Free Qu-MixPad and Qu4You remote control apps for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS allow the console to be managed from anywhere in the room and give musicians control over their own mix without having to ask the sound engineer.

Features:

- 96kHz XCVI processor
- 38 inputs (32 Mono/Linkable, 3 Stereo)
- Main stereo LR output
- 12 Mixes (6 Mono/Linkable Aux, 6 Stereo Aux/Group)
- 2 Stereo Matrix
- 16 XLR/Jack ?Combo' mic/line inputs
- 2 TRS stereo line inputs
- 1 Talkback
- 12 XLR outputs
- 2 TRS outputs
- 1 AES3 stereo digital output
- 128x128 intelligent SLink I/O port
- 16x16 48/96 kHz Dante interface
- Stereo headphone output
- 6 Multi-FX engines with dedicated send and return channels
- 7-inch touchscreen
- 17 motorised 100 mm faders
- 4 channel layers
- 8 SoftKeys software keys
- 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 socket
- Configurable connection for single/dual footswitch
- Configurable chromatic channel meter LED
- 19' rack mountable (optional kit available)
- IEC mains connection with international power supply unit
- RJ45 network socket
- Remote control via free Qu-MixPad and Qu4You apps, compatible with Windows/MacOS/iOS/Android
- Weight and dimensions: 10 kg, 440 x 476 x 213 mm