Allen & Heath Qu-5D – Compact 38-Channel Digital Mixer with Dante Networking

The Qu-5D brings premium live and studio mixing into a portable, half-rack package. It combines 96 kHz XCVI FPGA processing, motorized faders, a capacitive touchscreen, multitrack recording, and a built-in 16×16 Dante interface—offering professional mixing with agile flexibility and reliable connectivity.

Key Features

• XCVI 96 kHz processing core: Delivers clean audio with ultra-low latency and high channel density
• 38 inputs (32 mono, 2 stereo, USB return): Comprehensive coverage for live or studio setups
• 16 combo mic/line inputs with phantom power: Rugged and versatile input stage for mics or line-level devices
• Built-in 16×16 Dante interface: Streamline AoIP routing and integration over a locked EtherCon port
• 17 motorized 100 mm faders: Seamless control over 4 customizable layers plus assignable SoftKeys
• 7″ capacitive touchscreen: Clear navigation with channel labels, meters, and intuitive routing control
• Multi-track I/O: 32×32 USB-C audio interface, SD card recording/playback, and USB-A stereo workflow support
• Everything I/O compatibility: Expand via SLink to add up to 128×128 channels with remote I/O modules
• DEEP Processing ready: Upgrade with tools from the dLive series, including Gain and Feedback Assistants

Customer Benefits

The Qu-5D offers unmatched flexibility for today's hybrid workflows. Whether running a compact live rig, powering an AV installation, or tracking in studio space, its Dante integration and high-resolution routing change the game. Engineers get hands-on control, expandable I/O, and seamless recall—all in a road-tough, intuitive package.

Quick Specs

• Inputs: 16× XLR combo, 2× stereo TRS line, USB return
• Outputs: 12× XLR mix, 2× TRS auxiliary, 1× AES3 digital, headphone jack
• Recording & Playback: SD slot, USB-A (stereo), USB-C multitrack I/O
• FX Engines: Six stereo with dedicated returns
• Routing: 12 mixes, 4 matrixes, LR stereo bus
• Networking: 16×16 Dante and 128×128 SLink compatibility
• Control Interface: Touchscreen, motorized faders, SoftKeys, APP control (iOS, Android, Mac, Windows)
• Form Factor: Half-rack width, optional rack ears, weighs ~10 kg

What’s in the Box

• Allen & Heath Qu-5D mixer
• Power supply
• Quick start guide
  

Use Cases / Ideal For

Perfect for live sound engineers, broadcast producers, and AV professionals needing high-channel mixing, Dante AoIP, and tracking in a portable form. Ideal for touring, houses of worship, and hybrid live/studio workflows.

Compatibility

Acts as a 32-channel USB audio interface across Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android. Fully Dante-ready for AoIP networks and integrates with Allen & Heath’s Everything I/O ecosystem and remote control apps.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• Compact footprint with extensive I/O and network connectivity
• Motorized faders, touchscreen, and tactile control for fast workflow
• Expandable Dante & SLink make it future-proofed and flexible

⚠️ Cons:

• Half-rack size might require custom rackspace
• Advanced features like DEEP Processing may need additional licensing

The Allen & Heath Qu-5D redefines mobile digital mixing with Dante networking, full-featured control, and expandable architecture—ideal for professionals demanding flexibility, fidelity, and instinctive performance.