Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $1,610
High-end/Boutique
$200
$1001+
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Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Allen & Heath QU16". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Allen & Heath QU16 Chrome Edition is a powerhouse in digital mixing, seamlessly merging professional-grade features with user-friendly design. Whether you're in a bustling live venue or a serene studio, this mixer adapts effortlessly to your needs. With 16 high-performance mic preamps featuring AnalogiQ total recall technology, you can capture the rich, nuanced sound of any performance with consistency and precision. The QU16’s Automatic Mic Mixer is a dream come true for those managing multiple microphones, ensuring a balanced and feedback-free mix that prioritizes key inputs.
Navigate through your mix with ease using the 800x480 touchscreen, and enjoy the freedom of wireless control with the Qu-Pad app. This app allows you to roam the venue while adjusting the mix from your iPad, providing flexibility and control like never before. The QU16 doesn't stop at mixing; it offers integrated multitrack recording via the Qu-Drive, letting you capture or playback up to 18 channels of pristine audio directly to a USB drive.
The QU16 is not just about robust features; it's about making those features accessible. Its intuitive design, moving faders, and compatibility with the ME Personal Mixing System make it a versatile choice for both novices and seasoned professionals. With its rugged build and cutting-edge technology, the Allen & Heath QU16 Chrome Edition stands as a reliable partner in any audio setup.
Key Features:
- 16 Mono Inputs (TRS + XLR)
- 3 Stereo Inputs (TRS)
- 4 Stereo FX Returns
- 16 Busses
- 12 Mix Outputs (LR, Mono Mix 1-4, Stereo Mix 1-3)
- 4 FX Engines
- AES Digital Out
- 19" Rack Mountable
- Moving Faders
- Recallable AnalogiQ Preamps
- Qu-Drive direct Multitrack Recording/Playback on USB drives
- 800x480 touchscreen
- iLive FX Library
- dSNAKE Remote Audio Port
- Compatible with ME Personal Mixing System
- Qu-Pad iPad App
- USB Audio Streaming
- DAW MIDI Control
- 4 Mute Groups
- Trim, polarity, HPF, gate, insert, 4-band PEQ, compressor, and delay on all inputs
- Insert, 1/3 octave GEQ, compressor, and delay on Main LR and Mono Mix outputs
- Insert, 4-band PEQ, compressor, and delay on Stereo Mix outputs
- Built-in Signal Generator
Owner's manual
Allen & Heath QU16 User ManualProduct specs
| Brand | Allen & Heath |
| Model | QU-16 16-Channel Digital Mixer |
| Finish | Black |
| Year | 2013 - 2025 |
| Made In | United Kingdom |
| Categories | Audio Mixers, Consoles and Summing Boxes |
FAQs
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How many input channels does the Allen & Heath QU-16 Chrome Edition have?
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The Allen & Heath QU-16 Chrome Edition features 16 mono input channels, making it suitable for a variety of live sound and studio applications.
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What are the standout features of the Allen & Heath QU-16 Chrome Edition?
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The QU-16 Chrome Edition includes features like Automatic Mic Mixing, a built-in Spectrogram, and additional monitor mixes, enhancing its versatility for live and studio environments.
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Can the Allen & Heath QU-16 Chrome Edition record directly to a USB drive?
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Yes, the QU-16 Chrome Edition has a Qu-Drive feature that allows you to record and play back up to 18 channels of 24-bit/48kHz audio directly to and from an external USB drive.
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Is the Allen & Heath QU-16 Chrome Edition suitable for rack mounting?
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Yes, the QU-16 Chrome Edition is designed to be rackmountable, offering flexibility for both studio and live sound setups.
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Does the Allen & Heath QU-16 Chrome Edition support remote mixing via an app?
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The QU-16 Chrome Edition supports remote mixing through the Qu-Pad app, providing wireless control over your mix from an iPad.
Reviews
PROS
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Quick and easy setup with intuitive learning curve
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Responsive touch screen with useful graphical readouts
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Excellent sound quality with clear, crisp audio
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Multitrack recording capability via USB or QU Drive
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Comprehensive channel processing with EQ, compression, and effects
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Ability for band members to control their own monitor mixes via app
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High build quality and rugged design
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Continuous feature updates from Allen & Heath
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Compact design with powerful processing capabilities
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Seamless integration with various DAWs like Logic Pro X and Studio One
CONS
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QU Drive limited to inputs 1-16 and stereo mix
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Direct USB connection required to avoid glitching issues
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Built-in audio interface limited to one stereo input for Windows apps
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Allen & Heath QU16.
Use cases and applications
Build quality
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Users emphasize investing in high-quality USB cables, citing audio issues with standard ones; spending around $35 is recommended.
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User experience
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Owners report that firmware discrepancies can result in setup challenges, especially when following older tutorial videos.
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Users appreciate the SQ-5's customizable layers and find the multiband dynamics particularly valuable in live sound scenarios.
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The QU-16 is positioned to compete with the Behringer X32, though users note its fixed layouts may limit flexibility compared to higher-end models.
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Software and compatibility
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The QU-16 can be set up in Reaper as an audio interface, requiring manual input assignment for each track.
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For Windows, download the Allen & Heath driver to ensure recognition, as default drivers may fail.
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The SQ series supports Dante cards for integration with Dante-enabled devices, providing advanced networking capabilities for complex setups.
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Streaming issues with live mics can be resolved by ensuring mutes are applied globally or by using post-fader routing in Mix 9-10.
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Setup and maintenance
Value and pricing
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The SQ-5 is considered a "workhorse" for its price range, effectively handling a wide range of events from drive-in shows to corporate events.
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Comparisons
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The SQ-5 is noted as a practical upgrade from the QU-16, offering a similar workflow but with improved patching and more channels, making it suitable for larger shows.
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Mods and upgrades
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Owners frequently use DEEP plugin packs with the SQ series for enhanced dynamics and compression capabilities, making the console versatile for various sound environments.
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Features and functionality
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The SQ-5 offers I/O patching capabilities, allowing for more flexible routing and control compared to the QU-16.
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The QU-16 requires setting all mic channels to 0db and routing them post-fader for simultaneous send level control across mixes.
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The QU-16 lacks scribble strips and has fixed outputs, contrasting with the customizable layers found in A&H's GLD, SQ, and DLive series.
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4.5 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 7 Ratings
618
Flexible digital console
The Allen & Heath QU16 is a great digital mixer. The preamps are very solid and the mix routing is superb.
I’ve used this on full band recording sessions, as a multi fx box, a DAW controller and have to say I’ve been impressed with how good it is. I also have the AB168 dSnake expansion, allowing me to remote my preamps to the performance area and expanding routable outputs over a single Cat5 cable.
22 inputs (16 mic pres) all with full channel strip processing of gate, EQ and compression. The FX busses offer a variety of useful and very decent sounding digital effects like reverb, delay, chorus and a few more. Plus a graphic EQ across all outputs.
It’s great value, and extremely well built. The SQ is a step up, but the QU series offers a great feature set for the money.
800
Good mixer at a good price
This mixer can do so much and it has a really good sound. If you are looking for a good rugged digital mixer check this out
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