Qu-16 - nowa konsoleta cyfrowa firmy Allen & Heath

Firma Allen & Heath znana jest z tego, że podczas wydarzeń takich jak targi lubi zaskakiwać swoich klientów. Tym razem na Prolight+Sound we Frankfurcie niespodzianką była najnowsza konsoleta cyfrowa Qu-16. Najnowszy produkt Allen & Heath łączy w sobie kompaktowość, profesjonalne funkcjonalności i dobrą cenę, a to wszystko w stylowym racku 19”.

U “najmłodszego dziecka” należy szukać podobieństw do wcześniejszych stołów Allen & Heath: modeli iLive’a i GLD . Technologicznie, nowy produkt był wzorowany właśnie na tych systemach. Qu-16 jest konsoletą cyfrową z automatyką wszystkich ustawień (włączając 17 zmotoryzowanych tłumików i cyfrowo sterowane przedwzmacniacze mikrofonowe). Qu-16 posiada intuicyjny ekran dotykowy i system bezpośredniego nagrywania wielośladowego na dyski USB – Qu-Drive. Konsoleta umożliwia także podłączenie zdalnych racków i systemu odsłuchu poprzez protokół dSNAKE a także pozwala na wielokanałowe strumieniowanie między komputerami Mac i sterowanie urządzeniem przez aplikację Qu-Pad, jednocześnie pozwalając na używanie efektów audio znanych z platformy iLive. Z 16 wejściami mikrofonowo/liniowymi, trzema wejściami stereo, czterema silnikami efektowymi Qu-16 pozwala na realizację czternastu miksów. Ponadto konsoleta posiada wyjście AES, dwukanałowe wyjście ALT, dedykowane wejście i przedwzmacniacz dla sygnału Talkback oraz wyjście na dwuślad.

Mikser zaopatrzony jest w olbrzymią moc obliczeniową. Pięć dwujądrowych procesorów DSP zapewnia pewną obsługę obróbki kanałów, szyn i efektów. Zapas mocy pozwoli na rozszerzenie funkcjonalności w przyszłości. Pięć nowoczesnych procesorów (200 MHz) w architekturze ARM, pracujących w trybie równoległym, służy do obsługi kolorowego ekranu dotykowego o wysokiej rozdzielczości (800x480). Glenn Rogers, Dyrektor Zarządzający Allen & Heath komentuje:

„Qu-16 to wyjątkowy produkt. Dołożono wszelkich starań, aby w małym racku 19” zmieścić najlepszą możliwą technologię, dzięki czemu Qu dostarcza użytkownikowi wszelkich korzyści profesjonalnej konsolety cyfrowej. Jesteśmy szczególni dumni z jego wydajności, łatwości użytkowania i jakości dźwięku, które mamy nadzieję, uczynią go hitem, o czym może świadczyć fakt, że na targach Prolight+Sound produkt cieszył się ogromną popularnością. Zespół ds. badań i rozwoju wykonał świetną pracę!”

Dzięki innowacji, funkcjonalności i kompaktowej formie Qu-16 podnosi miksowanie cyfrowe na kolejny poziom.

Naszpikowana funkcjami przy zachowaniu najwyższych standardów technologicznych konsola ta dostarcz swym użytkownikiem najwyższą klasę dźwięku.

Dane:

- 16 wejść mono (TRS + XLR),

- 3 wejścia stereo (TRS),

- 4 powroty stereo FX,

- 16 busów,

- 12 wyjść mieszanych (LR, Mono Mix 1-4  , Stereo Mix 1-3),

- 4 Silniki FX,

- cyfrowe wyjście AES,

- rozmiar 19" racka,

- przedwzmacniacze AnaLOGIQ,

- multitrack bezpośredniego nagrywania / odtwarzania na napędach USB,

- ekran dotykowy 800x480,

- biblioteka iLive FX,

- ruchomy port dSNAKE,

- USB Audio Streaming,

- 4 głuche grupy.

INFORMACJE ZE STRONY PRODUCENTA:

Qu-16 takes compact digital mixing to a new level with innovative design and exceptional functionality combining to create a superb professional mixing experience. Bristling with all the features you'd expect from a top of the range digital console and incorporating technologies pioneered on our GLD and iLive digital mixing systems, Qu-16 has the power and pedigree to deliver class-leading audio performance. Whether you're switching from analogue or updating your digital desk, it's time to experience the new digital with Qu-16.

·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

·RTA with Peak Band indication

Please note that USB mixer data transfers, user libraries, scene filters, custom layer, user profiles and dSNAKE access are not supported in V1.0 firmware. These features will be added via firmware updates in Summer 2013.

AnalogiQTM Preamps

Qu-16’s sixteen AnalogiQTM total recall preamps feature zero crossing detection and an advanced padless 1dB step gain stage, closely allied to the DSP for optimal gain accuracy and audio transparency. The analogue signal is captured by high class, low latency 24bit analogue to digital converters matched to high quality 24bit digital to analogue converters to deliver the required outputs. The AnalogiQTM design has been refined over many months to offer superb transparency, minimal distortion and an ultra-low noise floor, with a warm, musical sound that is missing from some digital consoles.

The Mixing Experience

Having massive processing power and advanced functionality is great, but it counts for nothing if you can’t access the controls you need in a heartbeat. Once you start using Qu-16 you’ll sense the years of research into ergonomics and the hands-on mixing experience that our team has drawn upon to deliver a wonderfully natural layout and workflow. It’s not about recreating an analogue interface, it’s about creating an experience that’s fluid, comfortable and intuitive for novices, digital natives and old school road warriors alike, making all the benefits of digital mixing technology readily accessible to all.

Touch Control

The 800 x 480, sixteen million colour Touchscreen and its dedicated data encoder form the heart of the Qu-16 interface, providing super-fast, easy access to all settings. The user-friendly interface has been designed with clarity in mind. Dedicated keys and screen tabs quickly guide you to meter and RTA views, FX racks, channel processing, USB audio control, scenes, setup menus and much more.

The SuperStrip

All your key processing tools are presented in a clean layout on the SuperStrip, with 1 function per physical control. The SuperStrip is complemented by an onscreen Touch Channel for intuitive access to full processing parameters without clutter or complex menu structures. Processing for Mono and Stereo inputs includes trim, polarity, HPF, gate, insert, 4 band PEQ, compressor and delay. The main LR and the Mono mixes have controls for Insert, 1/3 octave GEQ, compressor and delay. The Stereo mixes provide Insert, 4-band PEQ, compressor, delay and balance control.

Fader Automation

Moving faders started as an expensive option in the studio desks of the 80s, and later became the norm with the advent of digital technology. Nevertheless some entry-level digital mixers lack this precious commodity which is a fundamental part of the Total Recall approach. Fader automation is essential for rapid mixing, especially when you’re dealing with multiple monitor mixes – just press a mix key and the faders immediately fly to the send levels for that mix. Qu-16 features 17 motorized ALPS faders, 16 arranged over 2 layers, allowing instant access to all channels and masters in a compact space, plus a dedicated master fader which dynamically follows the mix selection. A third, Custom layer is available for ad-hoc user strip layout, where any combination of Inputs, FX Sends, FX Returns and Mix masters can be assigned.

iLive FX

Qu-16’s dynamics and FX algorithms are derived from the FX used in our iLive pro touring series. Some of the world’s most respected audio engineers have chosen to use iLive’s FX on tour in preference to top-end plug-ins and external FX units. Qu-16 boasts 4 stereo iLive FX engines, featuring lovingly crafted emulations of legendary classic reverbs, gated reverbs, delays, modulators, flangers and more. The FX library has the ability to grow with future firmware releases. FX are returned to the mix on dedicated return channels, so you’re not tying up your mono and stereo input channels. Each Stereo FX Return has a dedicated 4 band PEQ.

Total Recall

True digital mixing is about being able to save and recall scenes (snapshots) at the press of a button. Qu-16 can store up to 100 full Scenes for recall at will. Channels and mixes can be made Safe from Scene recall. For example, if an instrument or mic gets swapped out after the soundcheck, the channel can be made safe to avoid settings being overridden by Scene recalls. Or if a broadcast feed or walk-in iPod is added last-minute before the show kicks off, that mix or channel can be made safe from any scene change. In addition, single parameter updates can be blocked using per scene Recall Filters or a Global Recall Filter. So if you tweak the graphic EQ to reflect the room response when the audience gets in, you can block this to prevent any overwriting at scene change. Custom settings for each EQ, compressor, channel or FX can be saved as Library presets. This lets you store your tried and tested EQ setting for your favourite vocal mic or reverb pattern and apply it to other channels or shows. Libraries, Scenes and the complete Show configuration can be saved to a USB key, so you can carry the show with you, ready to use on another Qu-16.

USB Audio Streaming

Qu-16’s built-in interface streams multitrack audio to your Mac channel 1 to 16, the Main LR mix and 3 selectable stereo pairs.

The returns from the Mac can be assigned to the 16 Mono channels plus stereos.

The interface is class-compliant on Mac OS X – which means it’s truly plug ‘n play, with no need to install a driver. It will be recognized straightaway by any DAW supporting Core Audio, including Logic, Cubase, Reaper, and Pro Tools.

Standard MIDI control is tunnelled over the USB connection so you can easily map the faders to the tracks of your favourite DAW. Alternatively, a MIDI driver is available for use with the Ethernet port.

Qu-Drive

Forget soundcard drivers and software setup, Qu-16 has an integrated multitrack USB recorder, providing 18 channels of 48kHz 24bit recording and playback straight to / from your USB hard drive. Capturing multitrack recordings of your shows has never been so easy. A selectable stereo pair can be recorded alongside the 16 Mono channels, and multitrack audio can be played back to the 16 Mono channels plus ST1. On top of this, Qu-Drive also provides stereo recording, patchable from any pair of Mix outputs, the Main LR (pre, post, or summed to mono) or even the PAFL bus, with 2- track stereo playback to ST3.

ARMed to the Hilt

Qu-16 is equipped with 5 cores of high efficiency ARM core processing, with dedicated ARM cores running the touchscreen display and surface, USB streaming, Qu-Drive multi-channel USB recording / playback, Ethernet and fader automation. Between them the ARM cores provide state-of-the-art processing, working in parallel to deliver extensive control, instant-on operation, and lightning-fast response. The mixer’s DSP farm exploits next generation dual core DSPs, giving 10 DSP cores, with 8 dedicated to the channel and mix processing alone. With so much DSP power under the hood the channel processing is only using a fraction of capacity, so Qu-16 is future-proofed, with ample room for updates and extra functionality. The Qu-16 DSP architecture employs varied bit depths, tailored to specific algorithms, with 48 bits on critical EQ functions and a 56 bit accumulator on the mix bus where it really counts, allowing every nuance of the audio to be captured in the final mix.

The Shape of Things to Come

Made from 18 gauge, cold-rolled Zintec steel, Qu-16’s distinctive frame is designed for strength, rigidity and ease of rack mounting. We’ve done unspeakable things to that chassis in the lab and it’s taken everything we’ve thrown at it – even being stomped on by our resident ex-tank commander.

Silence is a precious commodity in the live or studio environment, which is why nobody wants those moments of stillness ruined by the whirring of fans coming from the mix position. Qu-16’s sleek profile generates optimal airflow through the mixer, eliminating the need for any fans.

The shape has some unexpected benefits too. When we started taking Qu-16 out to gigs we soon found the space beneath it incredibly useful for keeping our USB drive, talkback mic, cue sheet and other clutter tucked out of the way. We’ve even had engineers hanging the mixer from a handy scaffold bar and mixing vertically.

Qu-Pad

Add the Qu-Pad iPad app to your Qu-16 setup and you’re free to adjust the monitors on stage, roam around the venue whilst tweaking the PA, and then mix the show from the heart of the audience. Qu-Pad connects to the mixer over Wi-Fi* and gives instant access to all live mixing parameters and settings. Qu-Pad requires the connection of a Wi-Fi router or access point to the Qu-16 Network port.

ME Personal Mixing System

Qu-16 is fully compatible with our ME Personal Mixing System. Any number of ME-1 personal mixers can be chained from the dSNAKE port (or from an AR2412 Stagebox if you’ve got one connected to the dSNAKE port). Each performer can be given tailored control over their own mix, leaving the engineer free to focus on the audience experience. Find out more at allen-heath.com/ME

dSNAKE

Qu-16 is a self-contained mixer, so if you’ve already got the analogue cables you’re good to go. If you’re thinking of trading in the copper multicore for a Cat5 digital snake, Qu-16’s dSNAKE port has you future-proofed, allowing connection to a remote AR2412 or AR84 Stagebox. dSNAKE is our proprietary networking solution, boasting a transport latency of only 105us over cable runs of up to 120m / 390’. So if you’re mixing FoH you can place your I/O on the stage and run a single Cat5 cable back to the Qu-16 in the mix position.

Accessories

AR2412 – 24 inputs, 12 outputs AudioRack with dSNAKE connection and expansion port for personal monitoring. AR84 – 8 inputs, 4 outputs AudioRack with dSNAKE connection.

AH7000 – 80m drum of Neutrik EtherFlex Cat5 with locking connectors.

AH8721 – 120m drum of Klotz Cat5 with locking connectors.

LEDLamp – variable brightness 18” gooseneck lamp.

QU-16-RK19 – Rack mounting kit.