Allen & Heath Qu-5 Digital Mixer
- 96kHz XCVI FPGA processing core with ultra-low latency under 0.7ms
- 38 input channels to mix with 32 mono/linkable and 3 stereo inputs
- 12 configurable mixes plus 4 matrix outputs and 4 FX sends
- 16 premium XLR/TRS combo mic/line inputs with recallable preamps
- 17 motorized 100mm faders with 4 customizable layers
- 7-inch capacitive touchscreen for fast and intuitive operation
- 128×128 SLink port for Everything I/O expansion
- Six Multi-FX engines with dedicated stereo returns
- Built-in Gain Assistant, Feedback Assistant, and Automatic Mic Mixer
- 32×32 USB-C audio interface and SD card multitrack recording
- Remote control via Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android applications
- Rackmountable design for live sound and installed audio applications
The Allen & Heath Qu-5 is a next-generation compact digital mixer that combines professional-grade audio performance, powerful DSP processing, and an intuitive workflow within a streamlined, rackmountable format. Built around Allen & Heath's acclaimed 96kHz XCVI FPGA processing architecture, the Qu-5 delivers exceptional sound quality, flexible connectivity, and advanced mixing tools for live sound, houses of worship, corporate AV, education, theater, and installed audio applications.
96kHz XCVI Processing Engine
At the heart of the Qu-5 is Allen & Heath's XCVI FPGA processing core, operating at 96kHz with variable bit-depth processing up to 96-bit resolution. The system delivers exceptional sonic performance with ultra-low latency of less than 0.7 milliseconds, ensuring pristine audio quality and responsive operation for demanding professional environments.
This powerful processing platform provides the performance and reliability required for both live productions and permanent installations while maintaining the clarity and musicality that Allen & Heath mixers are known for.
Comprehensive Channel Capacity
The Qu-5 supports up to 38 input sources to mix, including 32 mono or stereo-linkable channels and three stereo input channels. This extensive channel capacity allows engineers to manage full bands, worship teams, presentations, theatrical productions, and complex AV events from a single compact console.
The mixer also includes a versatile output architecture featuring stereo main outputs, configurable auxiliary mixes, groups, matrices, and dedicated effects sends to support a broad range of applications.
Professional Hardware Interface
The Qu-5 features a responsive 7-inch capacitive touchscreen that provides quick access to channel processing, routing, effects, scene management, and system configuration. The intuitive graphical user interface is designed for fast operation in both live and installation environments.
Seventeen smooth 100mm motorized faders are arranged across four customizable layers, providing direct access to channels, mixes, effects returns, DCAs, and custom control assignments. Eight programmable SoftKeys further enhance workflow efficiency by allowing instant access to frequently used functions.
Premium Audio Connectivity
The mixer includes 16 XLR/TRS combo mic/line inputs featuring Allen & Heath's renowned digitally controlled mic preamps. Designed for transparency, warmth, and low noise, these preamps deliver exceptional performance for microphones, instruments, and line-level devices.
Additional connectivity includes stereo inputs, multiple XLR outputs, AES digital output, talkback input, headphone monitoring, and comprehensive analogue output options to support a wide variety of production requirements.
Everything I/O Expansion
The integrated SLink port provides access to Allen & Heath's Everything I/O ecosystem, supporting up to 128×128 channels of expansion. Users can connect remote stage boxes, audio expanders, personal monitoring systems, and other compatible Allen & Heath products to easily scale their system.
This flexibility makes the Qu-5 equally suitable for compact productions and larger distributed audio systems.
Advanced Processing and Mixing Tools
Every input channel includes comprehensive processing such as trim, high-pass filtering, gate, parametric EQ, compression, and delay. Outputs benefit from graphic EQ, parametric EQ, compression, feedback suppression, and delay processing for precise system tuning and control.
A built-in 32-channel DEEP Automatic Mic Mixer helps improve speech intelligibility and simplify microphone management during conferences, worship services, and presentations.
Intelligent Gain and Feedback Management
The Qu-5 includes Allen & Heath's Gain Assistant technology, which helps operators quickly establish optimal preamp gain settings while streamlining system setup.
The integrated Feedback Assistant continuously monitors system performance and automatically identifies problematic frequencies, helping reduce feedback while maintaining clear and natural sound reinforcement.
Studio-Grade Effects Processing
Six internal Multi-FX engines provide access to a broad range of professional reverbs, delays, modulation effects, and dynamic processors. Dedicated stereo return channels ensure efficient effects management without consuming valuable input resources.
These high-quality onboard effects eliminate the need for additional external processors in many applications.
Recording and Playback Capabilities
The Qu-5 includes a powerful 32×32 USB-C audio interface that allows multitrack recording and playback directly to a computer. Engineers can easily integrate the mixer into recording, streaming, and virtual soundcheck workflows.
An integrated SD card recorder supports standalone multichannel recording and playback, allowing events and performances to be captured without external hardware.
