Check www.allen-heath.com for the latest version available
Publication AP9031
Limited One Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
This product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for period of
one year from the date of purchase by the original owner.
To ensure a high level of performance and reliability for which this equipment has been
designed and manufactured, read this User Guide before operating.
In the event of a failure, notify and return the defective unit to the place of purchase. If this
is not possible then please contact the authorised ALLEN & HEATH distributor or agent in
your country as soon as possible for repair under warranty subject to the following
conditions:
Conditions Of Warranty
The equipment has been installed and operated in accordance with the instructions in this
User Guide.
The equipment has not been subject to misuse either intended or accidental, neglect, or
alteration other than as described in the User Guide or Service Manual, or approved by
ALLEN & HEATH.
Any necessary adjustment, alteration or repair has been carried out by an authorised
ALLEN & HEATH distributor or agent.
This warranty does not cover fader wear and tear.
The defective unit is to be returned carriage prepaid to the place of purchase, an
authorised ALLEN & HEATH distributor or agent with proof of purchase. Please discuss
this with the distributor or the agent before shipping.
If the unit is to be repaired in a different country to that of its purchase the repair may take
longer than normal, whilst the warranty is confirmed and parts are sourced.
Units returned should be packed to avoid transit damage.
In certain territories the terms may vary. Check with your ALLEN & HEATH distributor or
agent for any additional warranty which may apply.
If further assistance is required please contact Allen & Heath Ltd.
Qu Series products complies with the European Electromagnetic
Compatibility directives 2004/108/EC and the European Low
Voltage directives 2006/95/EC.
Any changes or modifications to the equipment not approved by Allen &
Heath could void the compliance of the product and therefore the users
authority to operate it.
Allen & Heath Limited, Kernick Industrial Estate, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9LU, UK
Qu-16 User Guide 2 AP9031 iss.2
ALLEN&HEATH
http://www.allen-heath.com
IMPORTANT - Read these instructions before starting:
Safety instructions
Before starting, read the Important Safety Instructionsprinted on the sheets supplied with the
equipment. For your own safety and that of the operator, technical crew and performers, follow
all instructions and heed all warnings printed on the sheet and on the equipment panels.
System operating firmware
The function of the Qu mixer is determined by the firmware (operating software) that runs it.
Firmware is updated regularly as new features are added and improvements made. This guide
relates to Version 1.1 firmware.
The latest firmware can be downloaded from the Allen & Heath website, transferred to USB key
and then loaded into the Qu mixer using the Firmware Update utility.
Check the Allen & Heath website for the latest version of Qu firmware.
Software licence agreement
By using this Allen & Heath product and the software within it you agree to be bound by the
terms of the relevant End User Licence Agreement(EULA), a copy of which can be found on
the Allen & Heath website in the product's pages. You agree to be bound by the terms of the
EULA by installing, copying, or using the software.
Further information
For further information, knowledgebase and technical support please refer to the Allen & Heath
website.
General precautions
To prevent damage to the controls and cosmetics, avoid placing heavy objects on the
control surface, obstructing movement of the motorised faders, scratching the surface or
touch screen with sharp objects, or rough handling and vibration.
Protect the equipment from damage through liquid or dust contamination. Avoid dust or
small objects getting into the fader slots. Cover the mixer when it is not being used for a
long period.
Computer and touch screen technology can be affected by extreme cold. If the
equipment has been stored in sub-zero temperatures allow time for it to reach normal
operating temperature before use at the venue. Recommended operating temperature
for Qu is 5 to 35 degrees Celsius.
Avoid using the equipment in extreme heat and direct sunlight. Make sure the mixer
ventilation slots are not obstructed and that there is adequate air movement around the
equipment.
Transport the Qu using a touring grade, purpose designed flightcase with adequate
foam lining and internal support for protection.
Clean the control surface with a soft brush and dry lint-free cloth. Do not use chemicals,
abrasives or solvents.
It is recommended that servicing is carried out only by an authorised Allen & Heath
agent. Contact details for your local distributor can be found on the Allen & Heath
website. Allen & Heath do not accept liability for damage caused by maintenance, repair
or modification by unauthorised personnel.
Qu-16 User Guide 3 AP9031 iss.2
1. Packed contents
Accessories available
19” Rack Ear Kit
Part: QU-16-RK19
To mount the Qu-16 in a standard 19” rack
or flightcase. These fit over the plastic
trims.
This User Guide refers to Qu-16 firmware version V1.1. A few features are not
supported by this release. Please refer to the Allen & Heath website for the
latest version of firmware and this user guide. For more details read the
Release Notes available with the firmware.
Features not supported by firmware V1.1:
USB key Scene data transfer (Show files can be transferred)
User Libraries for FX and processing
Scene Recall Filters
User Permissions
®
Note– USB streaming is compatible with an Apple
Windows
®
PC is not supported.
Mac computer only.
Qu-16 User Guide 6 AP9031 iss.2
3. Introduction
The Qu-16 is a compact, rack mountable digital audio mixer from Allen & Heath.
Building on the heritage of the GLD and flagship iLive digital consoles the Qu
presents exceptional performance together with an intuitive analogue style user
interface with knobs and touch screen, total recall of its settings, full input, output
and FX processing, USB multitrack recording capability and remote wireless control
using an iPad.
16 mono Mic / Line channels with XLR and TRS jack inputs
3 stereo Line channels
4 built-in FX engines with dedicated stereo FX return channels
Talkback mic input
Provides up to 24 simultaneous sources to the mix
Mono mix and LR processing – Graphic EQ, Compressor, Delay
Stereo mix processing – PEQ, Compressor, Delay
800x480 pixel colour touch screen for quick control
Motorised faders for sends on faders and mix recall
Master strip for quick access to mix levels and processing
AnaLOGIQ™ recallable analogue preamp
Effects ported from the flagship iLive console
4 assignable SoftKeys
Quick copy and reset of settings and scenes
100 Scene memories
Qu-Drive for stereo and 18-track recording/playback to USB hard drive
USB streaming to/from an Apple Mac computer (PC not supported)
USB key transfer of Show (mixer setup and all scenes)
User assignable Custom Layer
Qu-Pad wireless remote app for iPad
dSNAKE port for remote audio connection
Compatible with ME personal mixing system
FX and processing User Libraries (Not supported by V1.1)
User Permissions to restrict operator access (Not supported by V1.1)
Qu-16 User Guide 7 AP9031 iss.2
Talkback
Mic in
ST1 and ST2
stereo line in
4. Connection Overview
The following connections are available on the rear panel of the Qu-16.
AES digital out
Network
USB B streaming
Alt out
2Trk out
dSNAKE remote audio
LR main out Lamp
Analogue Mix out 1-10 Mic and Line inputs 1-16
Power On/Off
Mains power input
Kensington
Lock
Cable
clamp
Mains fuse
4.1 Input Connections
Pin2 = hot
Mono Line Input – Balanced ¼” TRS (Tip, Ring,
Sleeve) jack input for plugging in line level signals such as
multitrack players and radio mic receivers. To work with
unbalanced sources use a mono jack or link ring to sleeve
within the TRS stereo jack.
Use DI boxes plugged into the Mic input for high
impedance, low level sources such as acoustic instrument
pickups.
Microphone Input – Balanced XLR input for plugging
in a low level source such as a microphone or DI box. 48V
can be switched to the socket for condenser mics and active
DI boxes that require phantom power.
Note - To avoid loud thumps, mute the channel before
plugging in cables or switching 48V on or off.
Stereo Line Input – ST1 and ST2 balanced ¼” TRS
(Tip, Ring, Sleeve) jack inputs for plugging in line level
stereo sources such as CD players. The L input normals
(switches) through the R input so that you can work with a
mono source by plugging into just the L/M input.
To work with RCA phono connections use jack to RCA
converter plugs.
Talkback Input – Dedicated balanced XLR input for
plugging in a microphone to route to the mixes for the
engineer to talk to the performers on stage. Phantom power
can be switched to the socket for condenser microphones.
Qu-16 User Guide 8 AP9031 iss.2
4.2 Output Connections
Pin2 = hot
Mix outputs – Balanced XLR line level outputs for the
mono and stereo mixes, for example to feed monitor
amplifiers, fill speaker systems, and external processing
devices. These use low impedance, high quality differential
driver circuits for connection to +4 or 0dBu equipment.
Maximum output is +22dBu.
Professional equipment provides ‘balanced’ connections for
maximum interference rejection over long cable runs. If you
are connecting to ‘unbalanced’ equipment then make sure
the XLR pin 3 (signal cold) is linked to pin 1 (signal ground).
Main LR output – Balanced XLR line level outputs for
the main Left and Right stereo mix. These typically plug into
the FOH speaker processor, amplifier or powered speakers.
AES output – 2-channel digital output using a single
XLR connection and standard mic (2-core screened) audio
cable. It follows the AES (Audio Engineering Society) digital
audio standard and can connect to any equipment fitted
with an AES input socket. The source to this output is
patched using the Setup / Audio / Output Patch screen.
Applications include the feed to a PA speaker processor,
amplifier, stereo broadcast or recording device equipped
with AES input.
4.3 Other Connections
Alt out – Stereo ‘alternative’ output on balanced TRS
jacks for connection to +4 or 0dBu equipment such as zone
feeds, fill speakers, broadcast or local monitor. The source
to this output is patched using the Setup / Audio / Output
Patch screen.
2TRK out – Stereo output on balanced TRS jacks for
connection to +4 or 0dBu equipment such as stereo
recorders. It follows the post master fader main LR mix.
Lamp – Plug in a 4-pin gooseneck lamp to illuminate the
mixer surface. We recommend the Allen & Heath LEDLamp
with built-in thumbwheel dimmer.
USB B – Type B USB connection for multi-channel
bi-directional audio streaming between the mixer and a
computer. Follows the high speed USB 2.0 standard.
Firmware V1.1 supports connection to an Apple Mac only.
Windows PC drivers are currently not available.
Network – Fast Ethernet (100 Mbit/s) port for Cat5 cable
connection to a computer for MIDI over TCP/IP control of
mixer parameters, or to a wireless router (access point) for
live mixing control using the Allen & Heath Qu-Pad app
running on an iPad. The Lnk indicator flashes to indicate
network activity.
dSNAKE – The proprietary Allen & Heath ‘digital snake’
connection for remote audio using an AR2412 or AR84
AudioRack, and for personal monitoring using the ME
Personal Mixing System.
Qu-16 User Guide 9 AP9031 iss.2
4.4 Powering up the mixer
The Qu has an internal universal voltage power supply unit.
This means you can use your mixer in most parts of the
world without the need to modify the unit as long the local
mains supply is within:
Mains Voltage = 100 to 240 V.AC
Mains Frequency = 47 to 63Hz
Important - Before starting, read the Safety Instructions
Sheet packed with the mixer. These can also be
downloaded from the Allen & Heath website.
Also read the safety notes printed on the rear of the mixer.
AC MAINS IN – Standard IEC socket for connecting the
mixer to the local mains supply. Plug in a mains lead with
moulded plug suitable for your territory. A suitable mains
lead is shipped with the mixer.
Note – Do not replace the mains plug or modify the lead in
any way. For your own safety and that of the operator and
performers do not remove or defeat the ground connection.
A cable clamp is provided. You can slot the cable into this
or lock it in place. To lock the cable use a star head Torx
T20 screwdriver to refit the clamp around the cable.
Fuse – Mains input fuse to protect the mixer circuits in the
unlikely event of a failure or excessive power surge. If you
need to replace the fuse always use one of the same type
and rating as printed on the rear panel. If the replacement
fuse blows then refer to your authorised Allen & Heath
service agent for advice.
Power ON/OFF switch – Press to switch the mixer
on. Press again to switch it off.
Switching the mixer on – Press the ON/OFF switch.
The rear panel blue Power indicator lights. The mixer takes
just a few seconds to boot up. It restores its previous
settings. CH1 is selected and its processing shown on the
screen.
Note – To avoid loud thumps, do not switch the mixer on or
off while the PA speakers are powered. Always switch the
amplifiers on last, and switch them off first.
Switching the mixer off – First select the Home
screen. Touch Shut Downto safely complete processes
such as parameter storing and USB data transfer or
recording. Once complete, press the ON/OFF switch to turn
the mixer off.
Qu-16 User Guide 10 AP9031 iss.2
5. Connecting dSNAKE Remote Audio
The Qu-16 mixer provides local sockets on its rear panel for all audio inputs and outputs. It can also work
with remote audio by connecting over a single cable ‘digital snake’ to an Allen & Heath AudioRack, or to
the Allen & Heath ME Personal Mixing System.
5.1 Connecting to a remote AudioRack
The Qu-16 can connect to an Allen & Heath GLD-AR2412 or GLD-AR84 AudioRack so that the audio can
be plugged into a rack on stage and routed to the Qu-16 over a single Cat5 cable ‘digital snake’ plugged
into its dSNAKE port.
dSNAKE carries:
24 remote input signals
12 remote output signals
40 personal mixing sends
Preamp control – Gain, Pad, 48V
The Qu mixer provides a locking Neutrik
EtherCon socket to protect the
connections and ensure suitability for
touring. Use a touring grade cable fitted
with locking EtherCon plugs.
The following remote AudioRacks are available:
AR84 CH 1-8 Mix 1-2, LR dSNAKE link
AR2412 CH1-16, ST1-3 Mix 1-10, LR ME-1 Monitor
The ‘digital snake’ – dSNAKE provides a convenient,
single Cat5 cable alternative to the typical heavy
analogue copper multicore to connect many inputs
and outputs on stage. One cable carries multiple
channels of audio in both directions together with
remote control of the preamps.
Cat5 cable – Use STP (shielded twisted pair) Cat5e or
higher cables. Those with both foil and braided
screens provide shielding from interference and are
generally more rugged. Stranded core cables are less
prone to damage when kinked or repeatedly coiled.
Maximum cable length = 120m (396’)
Remote Inputs - dSNAKE inputs are mapped one-toone to the Qu-16 CH1-16 and ST1-3 input channels.
Note- dSNAKE does not add channels to the Qu-16.
Choose either Local (rear panel) or dSNK (remote)
input for each channel.
Remote Outputs - Qu-16 mix and LR outputs are
mapped to the output sockets on the AR rack. These
duplicate the outputs on the Qu-16 rear panel.
Qu-16 User Guide 11 AP9031 iss.2
5.2 Connecting to the ME Personal Mixing System
The Allen & Heath ME Personal Mixing System can be used with the Qu-16. This provides customisable
personal monitor control for individual musicians and performers on stage.
ME-1 personal mixer – A compact personal mixer
able to work with up to 40 channels. Features built-in
headphones and monitor output. Intuitive and easy to
operate, its 16 select keys can be configured to
provide as much or as little control as the musician
needs.
The 40 ME channels are mapped in order from CH1-6,
ST1-3, LR, FX1-3 returns and Mix1-10 to dSNAKE.
These can be chosen and grouped to ME-1 keys using
the setup function available on the ME-1 mixer.
Multiple ME-1 mixers can be connected in series
(daisy chained) by linking the output of one to the
input of the next. Alternatively, they can be connected
in parallel and powered over their Cat5 cables using a
standard PoE Ethernet switch or the Allen & Heath
ME-U hub. The ME connects directly to a dSNAKE
compatible port using a Cat5 cable.
Connecting ME to the AR2412 AudioRack - ME-1 mixers, a standard Ethernet switch or the ME-U hub
can be plugged into either or both the AR2412 MONITOR and EXPANDER ports.
Daisy chain
Connecting ME to the Qu-16 - ME-1 mixers, a standard Ethernet switch or the ME-U hub can be plugged
directly into the Qu-16 dSNAKE port if you are not using this to connect to an AudioRack. Power can be
provided over the Cat5 by the ME-U or a PoE switch.
Find out more about the ME Personal Mixing System at www.allen-heath.com/me
dSNAKE
Daisy chain other ME-1
MONITOR port
dSNAKE
Power unit
EXPANDER port
Qu-16 User Guide 12 AP9031 iss.2
6. Operational Overview
This section provides an overview of the Qu-16 layout and operation to help you get started quickly.
Fader Flip
Mix assign
Layer select
Fader Strips
SuperStrip
TouchChannel
Channel select Sel key
Touch Screen
Screen select
Qu-Drive
Engineer’s monitor
Copy/Paste/reset
Function key
SoftKeys
Master Strip
Mix select Mix key
6.1 Fader Strips
The Qu-16 has a group of 16 fader strips. These provide access to
the input and master channel levels and processing.
The main channel levels, master levels and all sends to the effects
and mixes can be easily viewed and adjusted using the faders.
The faders can also be used to adjust the Graphic EQ while in
Fader Flip mode.
The faders are motorised and instantly move to show the current
settings when the layer or function is changed.
Layers – There are three Layers. These provide access to 32 strips identified by the labels alongside
the layer select keys. Indicators next to the keys show which layer is active.
Press the lower key to access the 16 mono channels.
Press the upper key to access the 3 stereo channels, FX returns, FX send and Mix masters.
Press both keys together to access the user assignable Custom layer.
Qu-16 User Guide 13 AP9031 iss.2
Mute key – Press to turn off the channel audio signal. This affects the send to
all mixes including LR, effects and stage monitors. The Mute key lights red when
the channel is muted. It flashes when it is muted by a Mute Group master.
Sel (select) key – Press to access the Channel Processing. Parameters can
be adjusted using the SuperStrip controls. The Touch Screen will display the
settings and provide additional controls if either the Processing or Routing screen
is active. The Sel key is also used for:
Assign mix routing – Hold down the ‘Assign’ key and press Sel keys to
assign channels to the mix currently selected in the Master Strip. The Sel
keys light green for channels assigned to the selected mix.
Assign Pre/Post fade sends – Hold down the ‘Pre Fade’ key and press Sel
keys to toggle channel sends pre or post fader for the mix currently selected
in the Master Strip. The Sel keys light green for channels set pre-fade.
Copy channel processing – Hold down the Copy key and press a channel
Sel key to copy its processing settings. Then hold down the Paste key and
press one or more Sel keys to instantly paste those settings to other
channels.
Reset channel processing – Hold down the Reset key and press a channel
Sel key to instantly reset all its processing to factory default.
PAFL key – Press to listen to a channel using headphones and check its level
on the main meters. The meter PAFL indicator lights. Press PAFL again to turn it
off. A SoftKey can be assigned to clear all active PAFL selections.
Options are available in the Setup screen to choose how you want PAFL to work:
Auto-cancel – Listen to one channel at a time.
Additive mode – Listen to more than one channel at a time.
Sel follow PAFL – Link the Sel switch so that pressing PAFL automatically
selects the processing for that channel.
LR to PAFL – Routes the main LR mix to the monitor when there is no PAFL
selected.
Output AFL – This option sets the mix strip PAFL keys to monitor AFL (afterfade listen). With this option turned off these keys monitor PFL (pre-fade
listen). The default is AFL so that you can check mixes after the master fader.
Input AFL – This option sets the input strip PAFL keys to monitor AFL (afterfade listen). With this option turned off these keys monitor PFL (pre-fade
listen). PFL is the usual setting for inputs so that you can check and set their
gain before you bring up the faders.
Channel meter – The strip meters let you keep an eye on signal levels while
you are mixing. These display channel level before the fader and mute control:
Pk – Lights red to warn that the signal is too hot and gain or trim should be
reduced. It turns on 3dB before clipping to warn you before audible
distortion. Pk senses the signal at several points within the channel.
0 – Lights when the signal reaches nominal 0dBu allowing a healthy 18dB
headroom. This is the normal level for mixing.
Sig – Lights to show signal presence. It turns on at -26dBu.
Fader – Controls the level of the input channel, FX or mix master assigned to it.
This can be the main channel fader or a send to an effect or mix depending on
which Mix Select key is active in the Master Strip.
The faders can control the Graphic EQ frequency bands while in GEQ Flip mode
with a mix master Sel key active. The range of frequencies accessed by the faders
is highlighted in the touch screen and labelled at the top of the faders. The centre
0dB flat position is marked on the fader scale.
Qu-16 User Guide 14 AP9031 iss.2
6.2 Channel Processing
The SuperStrip provides familiar, analogue feel, one function per knob control of channel and mix
master processing such as equalisers and dynamics. The Touch Screen displays the parameter values
and provides additional related controls while in the Processing screen. This processing is accessed
using the fader strip Sel keys.
Press a fader strip Sel key. The Processing Block
controls become active for that channel.
Press the Processing key to work with the parameters
on the Touch Screen.
Touch the top part of the Touch Screen to open the
tabs for the available processing blocks.
View values in the lower part of the screen. Touch
screen buttons and use the screen rotary to adjust
parameter values.
Choose either Qu-Drive or USB (affects all channels)
Preamp
An analogue preamplifier (‘head amp’) matches each
connected microphone or line signal to the operating
level of the console before it gets converted to digital
to be processed and mixed with the other channels.
Source lets you choose one of four sources as the
input to the channel:
Local – Mic/Line sockets on the Qu rear panel.
dSNK – Remote preamps via dSNAKE.
Qu-Drv – Playback from USB hard drive.
USB B – Audio streaming from a Mac computer.
Press the Fn key to open the Source Select
screen.
Touch the CH buttons to highlight those you
wish to change. Select the source from the list.
Qu-16 User Guide 15 AP9031 iss.2
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