A&H Qu Mixer Firmware Update

Allen & Heath has released Qu V1.2, a major feature update for the latest generation of Qu digital mixers, introducing expanded Dante networking options, desktop mixing control, and powerful new workflow enhancements for live sound, AV, installation and broadcast applications.

“This update represents an important step forward for the Qu platform,” says Keith Johnson, Senior Product Manager at Allen & Heath. “By introducing features such as DCA Spill, Listen Bus, Offline mode for MixPad, and the optional Dante 32×32 Upgrade, we’re expanding the range of applications Qu can handle while preserving the intuitive, fast workflow it’s known for.”

Headlining the release is an optional Dante 32×32 Upgrade, available for all Dante-enabled Qu mixers. The purchasable Add-On expands Dante capacity from 16×16 to 32×32 channels, enabling larger audio networks and greater integration with DSPs, stage expanders, recording systems and digital splits.

Alongside the Dante upgrade, Qu V1.2 introduces Qu-MixPad for Windows and macOS, giving engineers and installers the ability to control their mixer directly from a computer. The update also adds Offline Mode across all MixPad platforms, allowing shows to be prepared and edited without needing access to a mixer.

The update also adds a new Expander option on input channels, providing a more natural alternative to gating when reducing background noise. Particularly effective on speech, vocals and drums, the Expander delivers smoother and more transparent results in live sound, corporate AV, and broadcast applications.

Listen Bus further enhances monitoring flexibility, allowing PAFL audio to be routed to a dedicated output with independent level control. This can be used to feed control room monitors in studio environments or engineer monitoring systems in live sound applications.

For engineers managing larger channel counts, DCA Spill introduces a faster way to access and control grouped channels. With a single action, users can display all channels assigned to a DCA across the fader strips, improving workflow during demanding live productions.

Qu V1.2 is available as a free firmware update for all current-generation Qu mixers. The Dante 32×32 Upgrade is available separately as a purchasable Add-On for Qu-5D, Qu-6D, and Qu-7D models.