Professional Mixing Made Simple
The Allen & Heath Qu-5d transforms your worship services and live events with professional digital mixing. This 16-channel compact digital mixer delivers pristine audio quality that churches and venues trust worldwide. Moreover, the intuitive touchscreen interface makes mixing accessible for volunteers and experienced engineers alike. Users consistently praise how this mixer eliminated their frustration with complicated analog consoles.
Complete Control From Your iPad
Take control of your mix from anywhere in the venue using the free Qu-Pad app. Additionally, this wireless mixing capability lets sound engineers hear exactly what the congregation experiences. Churches appreciate walking through their sanctuary while adjusting monitor mixes and main output levels. Furthermore, the app provides the same powerful features as the console’s touchscreen interface.
Record Every Service With Qu-Drive
Capture multitrack recordings directly to USB drive without additional equipment or computers. Consequently, you can archive services, create worship videos, and improve your mix week after week. Many customers highlight how Qu-Drive eliminated their need for expensive recording interfaces and complicated software setups. Simply plug in a USB drive and press record.
Studio-Quality Effects and Processing
The Qu-5d includes professional reverbs, delays, compression, and EQ on every channel. Therefore, your worship team sounds polished and professional without outboard gear purchases. Users love how the built-in effects rival expensive studio processors they previously relied on. Each input channel features four-band parametric EQ and dedicated compression for precise control.
What’s Included in the Box?
- Allen & Heath Qu-5d digital mixer
- Power cable
- Quick start guide
- USB drive with documentation and software
- Rack mounting kit
Built for Demanding Live Environments
This rugged digital mixer withstands the rigors of weekly services and touring productions. The metal chassis and professional-grade components ensure reliable performance when you need it most. Additionally, the compact 19-inch rack-mountable design saves valuable space in equipment racks and tight control booth areas.
FAQ'S
Q: What’s the difference between the Qu-5 and Qu-5D?
A: The only difference is that the Qu-5D includes an integrated 16×16 Dante interface at 48kHz or 96kHz. All other features—processing power, I/O count, effects, and functionality—are identical. The Dante interface cannot be added later, so if you need Dante networking now or anticipate needing it in the future, choose the Qu-5D.
Q: Is the Qu-5D compatible with Allen & Heath’s older Qu-series stage boxes?
A: Yes! The Qu-5D’s SLink port is compatible with both the original 48kHz dSnake expanders (AR2412, AR84, AB168) and the newer 96kHz DX and GX expanders. Additionally, Dante expanders (DT168, DT164-W, DT20/02/22) are compatible with the Qu-5D through the Dante port.
Q: Can I use this mixer for both live sound and studio recording?
A: Absolutely. The 32×32 USB-C audio interface provides high-quality multitrack recording to any DAW, while the 96kHz processing ensures studio-grade audio quality. Many users run the Qu-5D as their primary studio interface while also using it for live performances, making it an excellent dual-purpose solution.
Q: How difficult is this mixer to learn for volunteers or less experienced operators?
A: The Qu-5D is specifically designed with a “walk up and mix” philosophy. The intuitive touchscreen interface, clear visual feedback, and logical layout make it accessible to less experienced operators. The Feedback Assistant and Automatic Mic Mixer further simplify operation. Most church volunteers or venue staff can become proficient within a few services or events.
Q: Does the Qu-5D require a computer for recording?
A: No. While it can function as a 32×32 USB audio interface for DAW recording, it also features standalone recording to SD card (32 channels) and USB thumb drive (stereo). This flexibility means you can record rehearsals, services, or performances without bringing a laptop.
Q: How does the Qu-5D compare to the Behringer X32 or Wing?
A: The Qu-5D offers several key advantages: 96kHz processing vs 48kHz, integrated Dante (no option card needed), superior build quality with Allen & Heath’s legendary durability, and significantly better customer support and dealer network. While Behringer offers more channel count, the Qu-5D focuses on audio quality, reliability, and professional-grade processing. Users consistently report better preamp quality and more transparent sound.
Q: What are DEEP Processing plugins and do I need them?
A: DEEP Processing brings effects and processing from Allen & Heath’s flagship dLive touring systems to the Qu platform as optional add-ons. These include vintage compressor emulations, tube preamp emulation, ADT (Automatic Double Tracking), and specialty reverbs. They’re not required—the Qu-5D includes excellent onboard effects—but they provide additional sonic options for users who want that extra character.
Q: Can I control this mixer wirelessly from an iPad or tablet?
A: Yes! The Qu-MixPad app (available for iPad and Android) provides full remote control of all mixer functions. The Qu-You app allows performers to control their personal monitor mixes from their own devices. Both apps connect via standard WiFi using an external router or the Allen & Heath AR2412 which includes built-in WiFi.
Q: Is rack mounting included or sold separately?
A: Rack ears are sold separately as the AH-QU-5-RK19 Rack Mount Kit. The mixer requires 11U of rack space and needs an open panel on the rear for cable connections. Many users operate the mixer on a stand or table surface without rack mounting.
Q: What sample rate should I use—48kHz or 96kHz?
A: For most applications, 96kHz provides noticeably better audio quality with more detailed highs and improved transient response. However, if you’re connecting to PA systems or broadcast equipment that only supports 48kHz, you can run the Qu-5D at 48kHz. The Dante interface supports both rates, giving you flexibility based on your system requirements.
