Allen & Heath Qu-3 – Full Qu Power, Desktop Size

The Qu-3 is the most compact member of the new Qu family, and it gives up very little to get there. It runs the same 96 kHz XCVI core as the flagship Qu-7, with 36 inputs to mix, 12 mixes, 4 matrix outputs and 6 FX engines, all driven from nine motorised faders and a 7″ touchscreen. At Soundium we see it as the mixer for desks where a full console simply will not fit.

Key Features

• 96 kHz XCVI core: The same FPGA processing as larger Qu models, so nothing is scaled down sonically
• 36 inputs to mix: 32 mono/linkable channels plus 2 stereo inputs, mixed to 12 mixes and 4 matrix
• 8+1 motorised faders, 6 layers: Customisable layers keep a full show reachable from a small surface
• 7″ 1000-nit touchscreen: Bright capacitive display, angled for seated, desktop operation
• Recording built in: 32×32 USB-C audio interface, multitrack SD recording and stereo USB-A record/playback
• Assistive tools: Gain Assistant, Feedback Assistant with up to 16 filters per output, and a 32-channel Automatic Mic Mixer

Customer Benefits

Small mixers usually mean fewer channels, weaker preamps or a cut-down workflow. The Qu-3 avoids all three: it keeps the Qu preamps and 96 kHz converters, the walk-up-and-mix layout, and the 128×128 SLink port for Everything I/O stageboxes. That makes it easy to start with 16 local inputs on a desk and grow into a networked system later, while the Gain and Feedback assistants and the AMM take the stress out of speech-heavy corporate and conference work.

Quick Specs

• Processing: 96 kHz XCVI FPGA core, DEEP Processing ready
• Mix architecture: 36 inputs, 12 mixes (6 mono/linkable, 6 stereo), 4 matrix, stereo LR
• FX: 6 multi-FX engines with dedicated stereo returns
• Inputs: 16× XLR/jack combo mic/line, 1× stereo line input (2× TRS)
• Outputs: 8× XLR, 1× AES3 stereo digital, stereo headphone
• Control: 9× 100 mm motorised faders, 6 layers, 8 SoftKeys, 7″ touchscreen
• Expansion: 128×128 SLink port at 96 kHz
• Dimensions / weight: 445 × 321 × 170 mm (W × D × H), 6.91 kg

In the Box

• Allen & Heath Qu-3 digital mixer
• IEC mains lead
• Safety booklet

Use Cases / Ideal For

Corporate AV and conference rooms, broadcast and streaming positions, small live rigs, houses of worship, installed audio and home recording setups.

Compatibility

Works as a 32×32 USB audio interface with macOS and Windows DAWs, connects to Everything I/O expanders via SLink, and is controlled remotely with the free Qu-MixPad and Qu4You apps.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• Full Qu processing and 36-input mix engine in a desktop footprint
• USB-C, SD and USB-A recording options without extra hardware
• Gain, Feedback and AMM tools make speech events fast to set up

⚠️ Cons:

• Only 8 local XLR outputs; bigger monitor setups need an SLink expander
• Rack mounting requires the optional rack kit

The Allen & Heath Qu-3 proves a compact desk does not have to mean a compromise. If you want the full Qu experience in the smallest frame, it is the one to look at, and the Soundium team is happy to help you plan the I/O around it.