Allen & Heath Qu-Pac Getting Started Guide

Safety instructions

Before starting, read the Important Safety Instructions provided with the equipment. For your safety and that of the operator, technical crew, and performers, follow all instructions and heed all warnings printed on the sheet and equipment panels.

System operating firmware

The mixer's functionality is determined by its firmware. Firmware is updated regularly to add features and improvements. The latest firmware can be downloaded from the Allen & Heath website, transferred to a USB key, and loaded into the Qu mixer using the Firmware Update utility. Always read the Release Notes accompanying the firmware.

Check the Allen & Heath website for the latest version of Qu-Pac firmware.

Software licence agreement

By using this product and its software, you agree to be bound by the terms of the End User Licence Agreement (EULA), available at www.allen-heath.com/legal. You accept these terms by installing, copying, or using the software.

Further information

Refer to the Allen & Heath website for additional information, knowledgebase, and technical support. Join the Allen & Heath Digital Community to share knowledge with other Qu users.

• Check for the latest version of this Getting Started Guide.
• Download the Qu Series Reference Guide AP9372.

General precautions

• To prevent damage, avoid placing heavy objects on the control surface, scratching the surface or touch screen with sharp objects, or rough handling and vibration.
• Protect the equipment from liquid or dust contamination. Cover the mixer when not in use for extended periods.
• Computer and touch screen technology can be affected by extreme cold. Allow equipment stored in sub-zero temperatures to reach normal operating temperature before use. Recommended operating temperature is 5 to 35 degrees Celsius.
• Avoid extreme heat and direct sunlight. Ensure ventilation slots are unobstructed for adequate air movement.
• Clean the surface with a soft brush and dry lint-free cloth. Do not use chemicals, abrasives, or solvents.
• Servicing should only be carried out by an authorized Allen & Heath agent. Contact details for local distributors are on the Allen & Heath website. Allen & Heath is not liable for damage caused by unauthorized maintenance, repair, or modification.

Free Standing

For operation on a desk, shelf, or other flat surface, ensure the 4 rubber feet are fitted. Allow space at the sides and rear for ventilation. The mixer can be transported in a purpose-designed padded bag or flight case. An optional polyester Qu-Pac padded carry bag (AP9931) is available.

Rack Cased

For operation within a standard 19" equipment rack or flight case, choose a case with an internal depth of at least 200mm (8") for easy access to rear connectors. The mixer's front panel is angled upwards for better control access when racked.

Qu-Pac includes a rack ear kit for conversion from free-standing to rack operation. To fit the rack ears:

• Attach the ears to the case using 2x M4x8 screws per side.
• Secure the Qu-Pac into the rack using 2x M6x16 screws (AB0344) and plastic cups (AB0345) per side.

If necessary, remove the 4 rubber feet by prying the central plastic grommet out with a small flat-bladed screwdriver.

Ventilation: Ensure adequate airflow around the rear ventilation slots and through the inside of the case. Do not block the sides.

Dimensions: Shown in millimetres (inches): 440mm (17.32") width (free standing), 177mm (6.97") 4U rack space height, 181mm (7.13") depth, with 274mm (10.8") clearance needed at the rear for connections. The front panel has a 17-degree angle.

5.1 Connecting and powering up the mixer

To connect a remote AudioRack, use a shielded twisted pair (STP) Cat5e or higher specification Cat5 cable, up to 100m (330') long. Cables with foil and braided screens offer better shielding. Stranded core cables are less prone to damage. Plug into the dSNAKE port. For a second AudioRack, connect it to the EXPANDER port of the first.

When an AudioRack is recognized, the dSNAKE icon appears in the screen toolbar.

? Important: Before starting, read the Safety Instructions Sheet. To avoid loud thumps, do not switch the mixer on or off while PA speakers are powered. Always switch amplifiers on last and off first.

Switching the mixer on: Press the ON/OFF switch. The mixer boots up in a few seconds, restoring previous settings. The LR mix is selected by default.

Switching the mixer off: From the Home screen, touch 'Shut Down' to safely complete processes like parameter storing and USB data transfer. Then, press the ON/OFF switch.

9.1 Things to check before starting:

• Mixer firmware version: Check the current version on the Home screen and compare it with the latest available on the Allen & Heath website. Update if necessary via Setup / Utility / Firmware.
• App versions: Ensure Qu-Pad, Qu-Control, and Qu-You app versions are compatible with the mixer firmware.
• Network and Wi-Fi settings: Connect a router to the Qu Network port. Verify DHCP is enabled in Setup / Control / Network. Ensure the router has a password set. The Qu wireless network should be separate from other networks.
• Current User: Check the logged-in user profile (Admin, Standard, Basic) on the Home screen. Passwords can be set for each.
• Calibration: Recalibrate the touch screen accuracy via Setup / Utility / Calibration if needed.
• Dimmer: Adjust screen and key brightness by holding the Setup key and turning the rotary control.

9.2 Set a known starting point:

To reset the mixer to a known state:

• System Hard Reset: A power-up reset that clears all memories (Scenes, User Libraries, User Profiles, passwords) and resets all settings to factory default. Perform only if necessary. Turn off all system components first. To initiate, press and hold the touch screen Reset and Setup keys together while powering up the mixer for at least 5 seconds.
• Reset Mix Settings: Found in the Scenes screen, this resets all mixing parameters, including processing, mixes, and patching, to factory default. It does not affect stored scenes or libraries. It does reset the Global Filter and clears channel Safes. Touch and hold the button for 1 second to confirm.

You can also create and save a template Scene on a USB key as a preferred starting point.

9.3 Prepare the mixer for your session:

• Name channels and masters: Use the Processing screens to enter names (up to 6 characters) via the keypad or the Qu-Pad app.
• Choose sources for channels: Select sources from Local sockets, dSNAKE, or USB playback. Default for CH1-16 is Local; CH17-32 is dSNAKE. Use the Input Processing screen (Fn key Source) to change sources. For dSNAKE, use Setup / I/O Patch / dSNAKE In to remap sockets.
• Set Global USB Source: Choose Qu-Drive or USB B streaming for playback via the button on the screen.
• Check Mix routing and pre/post fade: Configure mixes (1-10) as pre or post fader, assign channels, and set send points. The default is pre-fade, post-EQ sends, suitable for monitor sends. Change to post-fade, post-Delay for effects sends.
• Set up Groups: Configure groups as subgroups or additional stereo mixes. Ensure subgroup assignments to LR are turned off if used as subgroups.
• Set up Matrix sends: Use the Matrix Routing screen (Fn key Matrix View) for send levels and routing.
• Set up FX: Configure the 4 internal FX units via the FX screen. Use the Fn key Library page to select FX types and presets. Check FX patching via the Back Panel view. FX can be inserted into channels or mixes.
• Set up Mute and DCA Groups: Access masters on the Channel screen. Use the Routing screen (Fn key Mute/DCA) to name and assign groups. Group mutes can be assigned to SoftKeys for quick access.
• Patching: The default patch maps local sockets to channels and outputs for typical PA applications. Flexible patching allows routing signals anywhere. Many patching screens use the Fn key for '+1' increment.
• Patch Alt Out and AES outputs: Use Setup / I/O Patch / Surface to assign sources to these rear panel sockets.
• Patch dSNAKE remote outputs: Use Setup / I/O Patch / SNAKE Out to assign Qu outputs to AudioRack sockets.
• Choose Direct Output application: Set source preferences in the Routing screen for USB recording, ME-1 monitoring, or channel ducking.
• Patching to ME-1: Use Setup / I/O Patch / Monitor to patch Qu outputs to the 40 ME-1 sends. Recommended direct out setting is post delay, pre fader, post mute.
• Patch USB outputs: Use Setup / I/O Patch / USB Audio to patch outputs to Qu-Drive multitrack and USB B streaming. USB streaming uses all 32 outputs; Qu-Drive uses the first 18 (stereo uses 17-18). Live multitrack recording often uses Insert Sends to avoid affecting live mixing.
• Assign SoftKeys: User-assignable keys for functions like mute, tap tempo, scenes, Qu-Drive transport. Assign via Setup / Control / SoftKeys.
• Assign Custom Layer: User-assignable Sel keys for quick access to channels, FX, mixes, and DCAs. Assign via Setup / Control / Custom Layer.
• Assign Qu-Pad app Custom Layers: For iPad app users, assign up to 3 custom layers for fader strips and SoftKeys.

9.4 Set a starting point for processing and mix parameters:

• Linking: Use the Processing screen Preamp page Linking button to link parameters for stereo channel pairs (e.g., keyboards). Adjusting Pan on one channel sets the width for the pair.
• Processing Libraries: Access libraries via the Processing screen Fn key. Factory Libraries offer presets; User Libraries can be stored and edited.
• Channel Library: Recalls all processing (Gate, PEQ, Comp, Delay) for an input channel, optionally including preamp settings.
• Copy/Paste/Reset: Powerful tools for setting up processing. Hold the key, then press/touch the target item. Actions apply to related processing (Sel key, Channel Select box), specific blocks (Processing 'In' button, screen top), or preamp gain. Reset reverts parameters to factory defaults. Copy/Paste allows quick settings transfer between channels or mixes.
• Qu-Pad app: Can also be used for naming channels, setting linking, and recalling Libraries.

9.5 Save the settings:

• Scene memories: Save current mix settings as a scene via the Scenes screen. Up to 100 scenes can be stored. Scenes can be copied using the Copy/Paste keys.
• Reset Mix Settings: Resets mixing parameters to factory default, useful for starting a new session. It does not affect existing scenes or libraries.
• Scene Safes: Protects selected channel or mix parameters from being overwritten when a scene is recalled.
• Global Scene Filter: Protects selected parameters across all channels/mixes from scene recall overwrites.
• Per Scene Filter: Protects parameters for a specific scene recall only.
• Show memories: Store all settings, including scenes and libraries, directly to a USB drive. Do not edit file names or locations on the USB key.
• Archiving and transferring data via USB: Format a USB device on the mixer first. Use Setup / Utility / Qu-Drive for formatting. Transfer Scenes, User Libraries, and Shows via Setup / USB Data. Do not edit Qu data on a computer.

9.6 Mixing with Qu-Pac:

Wireless mixing:

• Qu-Pad app: Enables wireless mixing via iPad. Connect up to two iPads.
• Qu-You app: Allows musicians to control personal monitor mixes via iOS or Android devices. Connect up to 8 iOS devices. Password protection is available.
• Customization: Use Qu-Pad Custom Layer and Qu-You assignable group wheels to tailor the interface.

Qu-Pac front panel mixing:

• The mixer provides full front panel access for mixing without an iPad, serving as a backup.
• Assignable SoftKeys offer quick access to important functions.
• Custom Select Layer provides quick access to chosen channels, FX, mixes, and DCAs.
• The Channel screen is the main mixing interface, featuring a virtual fader strip. It allows selection of channels, masters, DCA, and Mute Groups.
• Mix Select: Touch to change the current mix being viewed. Adjust sends to that mix. Remember to return to the LR mix after adjusting others.
• Channel controls: Touch to name channels, select mix masters, adjust faders and pan using the rotary control, and toggle Mute, routing On/Off, and PAFL.
• The lower toolbar displays Scenes, Qu-Drive, and system status.

9.7 The Qu-Control screen

Qu-Control is a customisable screen for basic operation, ideal for non-technical users controlling background music or paging. It can be associated with the 'Basic User' profile, with access restricted by the 'Admin' user.

• Operation: Press to open the screen, which displays configured buttons and level controls. Tabs allow access to up to 5 custom screens. Touch buttons to toggle state; touch level controls and use the rotary to adjust.
• Setup: The Admin user configures controls, positions, and functions (mutes, levels, assignments). Controls can be assigned to a 3x5 grid. 'Send On/Off Radio' allows interlocked button operation.

Qu-Control settings are stored to USB as part of the Show file, not Scene memories.

9.8 Security and user access

Qu features functions to protect the system from unauthorized access and restrict operator control:

• Lock Surface: Protects surface controls when unattended. Requires password entry/exit if set.
• User Permissions: Three profiles exist:
  • Admin: Full access, configures mixer, permissions, passwords, Qu-Control.
  • Standard: Controls live mix, locked out of system setup.
  • Basic: Controls faders/mutes only, or locked out of everything except Qu-Control.
• Passwords: Can be set for each user profile and for app logins (Qu-Pad, Qu-You, Qu-Control). A scene range and login scene can be set for Standard and Basic users.

9.9 USB recording and playback:

• USB B Streaming: Connect a Mac or PC to the rear USB B port for bidirectional audio (up to 32 channels) and MIDI messages. DAW Control drivers are available for Mac (HUI/Mackie Control), and Windows drivers for standard MIDI. Set MIDI channel via Setup / Control / MIDI.
• Qu-Drive recording: Record stereo or 18-track multitrack audio directly to a USB storage device plugged into the front panel Qu-Drive port. Ensure the USB device supports high sustained transfer rates. Use the USB storage device only with the Qu mixer.
• Formatting USB: Format the USB device via Setup / Utility / Qu-Drive before recording to create the correct directory structure.
• Patching sources: Use Setup / I/O Patch / USB Audio to assign sources to tracks. Use the Fn key for '+1' increment through tracks. Sources can be Insert Sends or Direct Out. Stereo recording uses sources from CH17/18.
• Recording/Playback: Use the Home / Qu-Drive screen for stereo or multitrack recording (WAV files). Do not edit files on the USB device. Reformat the device on the mixer before subsequent sessions if files were copied or deleted via a computer. Playback via the Processing screen Preamp page Fn key view, selecting 'USB' as the source and 'Qu-Drive' as the Global USB Source.
• SoftKeys for transport control: Assign recording/playback transport controls to SoftKeys for convenient operation.

9.10 A few more functions

• Signal Generator: Use to test speakers. Connect PA, turn system on in sequence (mixer first, then amplifiers/speakers). Select Pink Noise in Setup / Audio / SigGen and adjust level to test speakers and check phasing/polarity.
• Inserted FX: Insert internal FX (reverb, delay, modulation) into channels or mix masters. Balance dry/wet signals using the D/W control.
• Channel Ducker: Insert a ducker into channels or groups to automatically attenuate other channels when a trigger signal (e.g., paging mic) is active. Adjust attack, hold, depth, and release.
• Automatic Mic Mixing (AMM): Useful for speech applications with multiple microphones. AMM automatically adjusts mic levels to improve clarity and reduce feedback. Set up via Setup / Audio / AMM. Use a DCA or audio Group as a master fader for speech mics.
• Ringing out the monitors: Use the Qu-Pad app to adjust monitor mixes. Select the monitor mix's Master strip, open the GEQ tab, and use PAFL to send the signal to the RTA. Adjust channel send faders and use the GEQ to identify and reduce feedback frequencies. Avoid excessive EQ adjustments to maintain overall tone.

10.1 Reset Mix Settings – A starting point for mixing

This button, located in the Scenes screen, instantly resets mixing parameters, mixes, and patching to a factory default state. It's useful for starting a new session or after another user has finished. It does not affect existing scenes or libraries but does reset the Global Filter and clear channel Safes. Save current settings as a Scene before resetting if needed. Touch and hold the button for 1 second to confirm.

You can create your own starting settings by resetting and then configuring patching, levels, and parameters, saving it as a Scene (e.g., "Reset Board").

10.2 System Hard Reset – Clear everything

This power-up reset fully resets the Qu mixer settings and memories. It's used to clear the system before sending it to a client or if a system problem is suspected. It resets all current settings to factory default, clearing all Scenes, User Libraries, User Permissions, and passwords.

Procedure: Turn off the system (including amplifiers and speakers). Press and hold the touch screen Reset and Setup keys together, then power up the mixer. Keep the keys pressed for at least 5 seconds while the mixer boots. Release the keys.

Refer to the Qu Mixer Reference Guide for more information on reset functions and other operational features.