Allen & Heath QU-5

Allen & Heath Qu-5 is the compact digital mixer from the new Qu generation, which inherits the beloved design of the original series and reimagines it with high performance, a modern interface, and advanced tools for professional sound reinforcement.

At the heart of the system is the 96kHz XCVI FPGA engine, designed to deliver exceptional sound quality with low latency, wide dynamics, and compatibility with optional DEEP Processing effects, taken directly from the dLive series. The I/O configuration includes 32 mono inputs (linkable), 3 stereo channels, 12 total mixes (6 mono, 6 stereo), 4 matrices, and 6 effects engines with dedicated returns, all on a platform common to the Qu-5, Qu-6, and Qu-7 models.

The control surface offers 17 motorized 100 mm faders, organized in 4 customizable layers, accompanied by 8 assignable SoftKeys for a tailored workflow. Each channel has an individual display and color LED meter to show name, source, and level at a glance, while the new 7” capacitive touchscreen allows for smooth navigation with a clear, fast, and accessible graphical interface, even for those coming from the analog world.

In terms of connectivity, the Qu-5 integrates a complete 32x32 USB-C audio interface for multichannel recording and playback, an SD slot for multitracking up to 32 channels at 48kHz or 16 at 96kHz, and a USB-A port for stereo recording or data backup. Expansion is guaranteed by the SLink port, which allows connection to Allen & Heath dSnake series remote stageboxes at 48kHz or GX/DX at 96kHz, or to other Allen & Heath mixers for more complex systems.

Assistive tools include Gain Assistant for quick setup of input levels and Feedback Assistant for eliminating critical frequencies during soundcheck. The mixer also incorporates a 32-channel Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM), ideal for conferences, presentations, and broadcast environments.

The Qu-5 is compatible with the free MixPad remote apps (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS) for complete remote control, and Qu-You for musicians who want to manage their own personal mix. With a compact form factor and rack-mountability (optional kit), it is an excellent choice for professionals looking for versatility, sound quality, and ease of use in a single machine.