Allen & Heath Qu-3D Mesa de mistura digital

Allen & Heath Qu-3D — Compact 96kHz Digital Mixing with Built-In Dante

The Allen & Heath Qu-3D is a compact 36-input 96kHz digital mixer with an XCVI processing core in a desktop-friendly chassis. Built for AV professionals, live engineers, recording studios, podcasters and content creators, this model packs 16 digitally controlled microphone preamps, a 32x32 USB-C audio interface and a 16x16 Dante interface into a workstation-sized footprint.

What Sets This Mixer Apart in the Compact Digital Console Category

Two features carry real weight in this segment. First, the built-in 16x16 48/96 kHz Dante interface on a dedicated locking EtherCon port allows direct integration into AoIP broadcast and installed AV networks, with an optional 32x32 upgrade for larger channel counts. Second, the 128x128 Intelligent SLink port connects the unit to the Everything I/O family of stage boxes and rack expanders, with up to 128x128 channels at 96kHz in GigaACE/GX mode.

I/O Configuration — Built for Hybrid Live and Studio Workflows

Sixteen XLR/Jack combi mic/line sockets accept microphones and line-level instruments, while a stereo line input on dual 6.3 mm TRS jacks handles playback devices and stereo sources. Eight XLR outputs handle main sends, monitor mixes and aux feeds.

• Local Mic/Line Inputs: 16 XLR/Jack combi sockets — phantom power on every channel for condenser mics and active DIs.
• Digital Output: 1 AES3 stereo XLR socket — feeds a digital recorder or broadcast chain without an extra D-A stage.
• Network I/O: 16x16 Dante on locking EtherCon + 128x128 SLink port — covers AoIP installs and stage-box expansion from a single back panel.
• Recording Ports: USB-C 32x32, USB-A stereo, SD card slot (16x16 @ 96 kHz / 32x32 @ 48 kHz) — multitrack capture and redundant recording without a laptop.

Processing Architecture — XCVI Core, DEEP Plug-Ins and Assistive Tools

At the heart of the unit sits the 96 kHz XCVI FPGA core. Latency from local mic input to Main L/R stays under 0.7 ms, which keeps in-ear monitoring tight and lets DEEP Processing run inline on every channel with zero added delay. The 4-band fully parametric channel EQ, gate/expander, insert point and compressor are available on all 32 mono plus 2 stereo input channels.

• Channel EQ: 4-band fully parametric per channel — surgical tone shaping on every input without consuming FX engine slots.
• Internal Effects: 6 Multi-FX engines with dedicated stereo returns — run reverbs, delays and modulation in parallel without sacrificing input channels.
• Assistive Tools: Gain Assistant, Feedback Assistant (up to 16 filters per output), 32-channel Automatic Mic Mixer — automate setup, soundcheck and speech-mic management.
• DEEP Processing: Allen & Heath DEEP models — inserted directly into channels without affecting latency.

Control Surface and Form Factor — Desktop Footprint, Rack-Ready

The control surface is built for fast hands-on operation rather than endless menu diving. Nine 100 mm motorized faders, six customizable channel layers and eight assignable SoftKeys give direct access to inputs, mixes, FX sends, DCAs and MIDI fader banks. A 7-inch capacitive touchscreen rated at 1000 nits stays readable in bright stage light.

• Faders: 9 motorized 100 mm faders across 6 layers — instant access to every input, mix, FX return and group without banking.
• Touchscreen: 7-inch capacitive, 1000-nit brightness — readable outdoors and under harsh stage lighting.
• Footswitch & Headphone: Configurable single/dual footswitch jack, 6.3 mm TRS headphone output — assignable hands-free control during performance.
• Form Factor: 19-inch rack-mountable with optional kit — fits a fly rack, control room desk or compact broadcast booth.

Engineers Who Need Flagship Processing in a Compact Format

This console is the right choice for live sound engineers, AV installers, broadcast operators, podcast producers and recording studios who need extensive processing in a desktop-friendly chassis. Houses of worship, corporate event teams and conference production companies will appreciate the 32-channel Automatic Mic Mixer for panel discussions, while touring bands and small-format live acts benefit from the 16 onboard preamps, 12 mono/stereo mixes and four matrix buses for complex monitor sends. Recording engineers can use DAW Control emulation via USB or TCP/IP, capture multitrack sessions direct to SD card, and route audio over Dante into a larger studio network. Remote control via free apps on iOS, Android, Windows and macOS lets engineers walk the room during soundcheck and lets performers tweak their own monitor mix without touching the front-of-house settings.