Allen & Heath Qu-3 36-Channel 96kHz Digital Mixer

Desktop Control. Uncompromised Studio Precision.

The Allen & Heath Qu-3 delivers the complete 96 kHz Qu digital mixing engine in an ergonomic, desktop-optimised form factor. Designed for mix engineers, studio producers, broadcast technicians, corporate AV integrators, and touring musicians, the Qu-3 combines 36 mixing channels, 16 studio-grade mic preamps, and 9 motorised faders into a compact unit that sits comfortably alongside your DAW workstation or live console setup. Whether managing multi-mic studio tracking, live venue sound, or complex panel broadcasts, the Qu-3 brings flagship processing power to space-critical production environments.

Flagship 96 kHz XCVI Core Architecture
Powered by Allen & Heath's proprietary 96 kHz XCVI FPGA engine, the Qu-3 delivers pristine audio fidelity with ultra-low latency under 0.7 ms. Upgraded microphone preamps and high-performance 96 kHz AD/DA converters capture every subtle harmonic detail from your sound sources. With 36 input processing channels and DEEP Processing architecture ported from the flagship dLive mixing console, engineers gain access to studio-standard modelled compressors and processing blocks directly embedded within channel strips without adding digital latency.

Intelligent Assistive Mixing Suite
Soundchecks and live mixing operations are streamlined through an array of integrated smart tools. The onboard Gain Assistant quickly evaluates incoming audio levels to establish optimal preamp gain, continuously monitoring inputs to prevent unexpected digital clipping. For speech-heavy applications such as panel discussions and conferences, the latency-free 32-channel Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM) automatically manages multi-microphone gain sharing. Additionally, the Feedback Assistant identifies and eliminates problematic room resonances using up to 16 targeted filters per output mix.

Seamless Multitrack Recording & Everything I/O Expansion
The Qu-3 functions as a complete digital production hub with three independent recording pathways. An integrated 32x32 USB-C interface allows direct multitrack streaming to Mac or Windows DAWs, while an onboard SD card slot supports computer-free multitrack recording (up to 32 channels at 48 kHz or 16 channels at 96 kHz). For background playback and fast reference captures, a top-panel USB-A port handles stereo recording. Remote stage expandability is provided via a 128x128 SLink port, enabling plug-and-play connectivity with Allen & Heath Everything I/O stage boxes, ME personal monitor systems, and companion digital consoles.

Main features:

• 36 inputs to mix comprising 32 mono or linkable channels plus 2 stereo line inputs
• 96 kHz XCVI FPGA processing core delivering sub-0.7 ms system latency
• 16 recallable XLR/jack combi microphone/line preamps with transparent AD/DA conversion
• 9 smooth 100 mm motorised faders arranged across 6 customisable channel strip layers
• 7-inch 1000-nit capacitive touchscreen with dedicated channel displays and chromatic LED level meters
• 12 mix outputs configurable as 6 mono/linkable and 6 stereo aux/group mixes, plus 4 matrix outputs
• 6 multi-FX engines with dedicated stereo return channels
• DEEP Processing ready for dLive-derived studio compressor and FX modelling
• Integrated 32x32 USB-C audio interface for seamless DAW tracking and playback
• Direct SD card multitrack recording and playback without a computer
• Stereo audio recording and playback via top-panel USB-A connection
• Intelligent Gain Assistant and Feedback Assistant for automated level and frequency control
• 32-channel Automatic Mic Mixer for seamless corporate AV and panel speech management
• 128x128 SLink expansion port for Everything I/O stage boxes and console networking
• 8 user-assignable SoftKeys and single/dual footswitch connectivity
• Free remote mixing control via Qu-MixPad for engineers and Qu4You for musician monitor mixes
• Heavy-duty desktop enclosure with optional 19-inch rackmount kit compatibility

Tech Specs:

• Product Type: 96 kHz Desktop Digital Mixing Console
• Mixing Capacity: 36 Inputs to Mix (32 Mono/Linkable, 2 Stereo)
• Processing Core: 96 kHz XCVI FPGA Engine
• System Latency: < 0.7 ms (Local XLR Input to AES Output)
• Local Inputs: 16 x XLR/TRS Combi Mic/Line, 1 x Stereo Line (2 x 1/4" TRS)
• Local Outputs: 8 x XLR Analogue, 1 x AES3 Stereo Digital (XLR)
• Headphone Output: 1 x 1/4" TRS Stereo Jack with Independent Level Control
• Faders: 9 x 100 mm Motorised Faders
• Display: 7-inch 1000-nit Capacitive Touchscreen
• Channel Strip Display: OLED Channel Name/Type Display & Chromatic LED Meter per Strip
• Mix Architecture: 12 Mixes (6 Mono Aux/Group, 6 Stereo Aux/Group), 4 Matrix, Main LR
• FX Engines: 6 x Multi-FX Engines with Dedicated Stereo Returns
• Assistive DSP: Gain Assistant, Feedback Assistant (16 filters/out), 32-ch AMM
• USB-C Interface: 32 x 32 Multichannel Audio Interface (Mac / Windows PC)
• SD Card Recording: Multitrack (32x32 @ 48 kHz / 16x16 @ 96 kHz)
• USB-A Port: Stereo Record/Playback (WAV) & Data Transfer
• Digital Network Expansion: 128 x 128 Intelligent SLink Port (EtherCon)
• Network Control: RJ45 Ethernet Port for TCP/IP, Apps & DAW Control
• Remote Control Apps: Qu-MixPad (Engineer), Qu4You (Personal Monitor)
• SoftKeys & Control: 8 Assignable SoftKeys, 1 x 1/4" Footswitch Input
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 445 x 321 x 170 mm
• Weight: 6.91 kg (Standard Qu-3)
• Power Supply: Internal Worldwide PSU, 100–240V AC, 50/60 Hz (IEC Inlet)
• Rack Mounting: 19-inch Rackmountable (Optional Kit Available)
• Discover Allen & Heath Premium Audio Solutions: https://www.allen-heath.com/hardware/qu/qu-3-qu-3d/