Allen & Heath - Qu-32 Chrome Edition

Allen & Heath designed the Qu-32 to take the complexity out of digital interfaces. Each pickup has its own fader, so there are no more layers to manage. If you come from an analogue background, this direct approach will speak to you straight away. The SuperStrip, with its dedicated physical controls, gives you instant access to 4-band EQ, gate, compression, panning, input management and much more. Meanwhile, the colour touchscreen clearly guides you through the advanced functions: effects, scene management, settings, levels... You're there to mix, not dig through menus.

The Allen & Heath Qu-32 lets you record 32 tracks directly to your computer via its built-in USB audio interface. But that's not all: thanks to the Qu-Drive, you can also record up to 18 tracks on a simple USB stick, with no computer nearby. A real relief when the laptop has decided to take a nap at the sound check.

Thanks to its 4 stereo RackFX engines, the Allen & Heath Qu-32 saves you precious time by integrating processing worthy of pro tours, without adding external units. Reverbs, delays, flangers or modulators: the most classic treatments are present, well thought out and above all easy to configure. They return to the mix via stereo returns with 4-band EQ, leaving your input channels free. Even the most fastidious technicians are unlikely to grumble. The effects integrate naturally into your mix without fighting for space.

With its MIDI compatibility, the Allen & Heath Qu-32 is also ideal for musicians and digital content creators. Using a DAW? No problem. The Mackie Control or HUI protocol is easily configured using the dedicated application. Simply map the faders to your favourite software and off you go. Even Ableton and Logic won't know what hit them.

Allen & Heath have not forgotten complex situations such as conferences or round tables where several microphones are left open. The Automix system on board the Qu-32 takes over, balancing up to 16 mics on the fly using the D-Classic algorithm. Each channel is assigned a priority, so your mix stays clean, even when people are cutting each other off (we've all heard that awkward moment). You no longer have to run between faders, the AMM does the job to keep everything intelligible. And what about you? Take a breath.