Allen & Heath Qu-5 38-channel digital mixing console
Delivery 2-3 Working days
Description
The Allen & Heath Qu-5 is a compact 96kHz digital mixer with the processing power of a console class normally twice its size, and a workflow that stays out of your way.
Key Features
- 38 mixable inputs (32 mono/linkable, 3 stereo incl. USB) give you plenty of channel room for most mid-size productions without external expanders
- 96kHz XCVI Core with DEEP Processing support: load dLive-quality plug-ins directly on the channel or bus, with no external hardware
- Feedback Assistant and Gain Assistant speed up your soundcheck considerably and take the stress out of setup
- Built-in 32x32 USB-C audio interface: record multitrack to your DAW or play back with no extra interfaces
- 32-channel multitrack recording straight to an SD card, even without your laptop on hand
- 4 fully customizable layers with 8 programmable SoftKeys: set up your workflow the way you work, not the way the manufacturer thinks you should
- 19 inch rack-mountable (optional kit) — ideal for installations or fixed FOH racks
Technical Specifications
- Inputs (local): 16x XLR/TRS combi (mic/line), 2x stereo line pair (4x TRS), 1x talkback input
- Outputs (local): 12x XLR, 2x TRS, 1x stereo AES3 (XLR)
- Mix inputs: 38 total — 32 mono/linkable, 3 stereo
- Mixes: 12 mixes (6 mono/linkable aux + 6 stereo aux/group) + stereo LR
- Matrices: 4 mono/linkable
- FX engines: 6x stereo with dedicated return channels
- DCA groups: 8 / Mute groups: 8
- Faders: 17 motorized 100mm faders, 4 layers
- Touchscreen: 7 inch capacitive
- Sample rate: 96kHz
- Latency: <0.7ms
- Preamp gain: 0dB to +60dB in 1dB steps
- Max. input level: +16dBu (XLR) / +30dBu (TRS with pad)
- THD+N (unity gain): 0.002% / -92dB
- Phantom power: +48V
- USB-C audio interface: 32x32 channels
- SD recording: 32-channel multitrack
- USB-A: stereo record/playback
- SLink: up to 128x128 channels at 96kHz (Everything I/O)
- Network connection: for Qu-MixPad and Qu-4You remote apps
- SoftKeys: 8 programmable
- Power supply: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz, max. 70W
- Operating temperature: 0°C to 40°C
- Dimensions: 440 x 476 x 213 mm
- Weight: approx. 10 kg
Ideal For
- Live sound engineers working mid-size stages, theaters, and multi-purpose venues
- Monitor engineers who need fast scene recalls and flexible IEM/wedge routing
- Touring engineers who want a compact yet fully equipped digital console
- Productions that require multitrack recording to SD or DAW
Compatible With / Pairs Perfectly With
- Allen & Heath Everything I/O: AR2412, AR84, AB168, DX168, and other stage boxes/expanders via SLink
- Allen & Heath consoles: direct linking with SQ, dLive, and other Qu models for shared channel patching at 96kHz
Pro Tip: Run the Gain Assistant before soundcheck, then save a "blank" scene as your starting point, so you can always reset quickly to a neutral state if a previous engineer left their own scenes in place. Link the SLink port to an AR2412 stage box for 24 extra preamps at the back of the stage, and you'll push the Qu-5 to its full serious channel capacity.
In the Box
- Allen & Heath Qu-5 digital mixer
- Power cable
- Quick start documentation
FAQ
What's the difference between the Qu-5 and the Qu-5D?
The Qu-5D is identical to the Qu-5 but adds a dedicated 16x16 Dante interface (at 48kHz or 96kHz). If you're working in a fixed Dante network or installation environment, the D variant is the logical choice. For touring and standalone use, the standard Qu-5 is more than sufficient in most cases.
Can I rack-mount the Qu-5 in a 19-inch rack?
Yes, but the rack ear kit is an optional accessory not included as standard. Plan for at least 11U of rack space for proper mounting, including depth.
How many channels can I record simultaneously?
Via the USB-C audio interface, you can record up to 32 channels at once to your DAW. If you'd rather skip the laptop, SD card recording also supports 32 tracks. The USB-A port is limited to stereo recording and playback.
Does the remote app also work over a wired network?
Yes. The network port on the Qu-5 supports both wired and wireless connections. For stable remote control, especially live, a dedicated network or router is strongly recommended over a shared event network.
The Allen & Heath Qu-5 is the mixer that lets you rig smaller today without compromising on routing power, sound quality, or recording capability. Order now at Pro Gear.
