Allen & Heath have announced a brand-new addition to their QU family of mixers: the QU32. The mixer joins the QU16, which we reviewed in the January 2014 issue of SOS, and the larger QU24. The new model sports 32 faders, 38 inputs and 28 outputs when used as a digital mixer, but can also be used as a 32‑in, 32‑out USB interface with a Mac or PC. The QU32 has 32 mic/line inputs featuring recallable preamps, and also uses the same effects algorithms as the iLive series of mixers. The QU32 also features a large (seven‑inch) touchscreen, and the proprietary 18‑channel QU‑Drive USB recorder, which allows users to record and play back multitrack audio.
In addition, Allen & Heath have unveiled the AB168 portable I/O rack: a stage box with 16 mic preamps (each with phantom power) and eight XLR line outputs. It operates over the proprietary dSNAKE protocol, using a Cat 5 cable, and is compatible with all QU and GLD mixers. The AB168 can be situated up to 120m from the mixer, and either positioned on stage or rackmounted.
Pricing for the QU32 and AB168 was unavailable at the time of writing.
