Allen & Heath is one of the popular choices the people who deal with recording studios, live performances, or any kind of audio mixing. For all of the above cases, the audio mixing desk is essential, and Allen & Heath company produces some of the best audio mixing desks in the audio world.
They make several popular mixing desk series, including SQ, QU, ME, Z, AHM, etc. This short article will deal with allen & heath qu-16 vs sq5 with all their pros and cons.
Key Features of Allen & Heath Qu-16
The company carries the reputation of the classic quality production trends of the United Kingdom because most of the mixing desks are produced in the United Kingdom. The QU-16 is their game-changing series that shape the new way of audio mixing through its extraordinary functions, attractive design, and premium audio quality.
If you want to take your audio mixing quality to the next level, you should try Allen Heath Qu-16 Model. Going for a new Qu-16 Model will be a significant update and modernization of your audio mixing system because q16 is equipped with all sorts of modern facilities and options.
1. Maximum Sold Model
In the last few years, the Allen Heath Qu 16 Model has been sold in maximum number among more than ten models. Within a very short time, the model has gained popularity among the users for its excellent service in audio mixing.
2. Easy Operation
The model’s exemplary interface can be operated simply because of its concise function management on a touchscreen. You will forget the complex usage of some analog mixing desks that has no touchscreen and have complicated options and buttons.
Just put the mixing with the amps and start creating your desired DJs touching the required features on the screen. The usage of Qu-16 is no more rocket science; instead, it is; plug and play.
3. Wireless Control
You do not need to worry about the manual controlling of the qu-16 because there is a wireless controlling feature. All the necessary components can be controlled by apps supported on Windows, Mac, and iOS platforms.
4. Multiple Tracks Streaming Capability
While live streaming, we need to stream multiple tracks simultaneously, including our voice, music, background audio, etc. We need an audio mixing desk capable of straining multiple tracks simultaneously. In this circumstance, the Qu-16 is the perfect solution adaptable to Mac and Windows operating systems.
5. Standard MIDI Control & Connection Facility
The desk is manageable by Allen and Heath midi control application that allows simple automated setup with a HUI emulation facility. In addition, the device supports three other apps: Qu pad, Qu-you, and Qu control.
These free applications have three types of uses: Qu-pad has an EQ control feature, Qu-you has monitor mixes control, and Qu-control has an iOS-based non-technical control interface. Moreover, multiple connection options, such as USB and wireless, enable the device to connect o OS and Mac.
6. Auto Microphone Mixing
Sometimes, we need to use multiple mics for various purposes such as meetings, conferences, music recording, etc. The device can easily handle multiple mics allowing adequate mixing.
This auto microphone mixer does not need much modification by the user instead it is capable of reducing background noise and distortions. You can connect at most 16 mics simultaneously.
Features of Allen & Heath SQ5
The quality of Alen & Heath audio mixing desks is flawless because the two dexterous audio equipment producers, Audiotronix and Electra partners, collaborate in Allen and Heath. Their sq5 series has acquired a wide range of applause from the users for its maximum quality and modern features.
1. 48 Audio Channels
Every product has one or more strong traits by which it attracts buyers; the sq5 has many special features. This audio mixing desk has 48 audio channels that allow users to add numerous audio effects. Very few competitors have distinctive 48 audio channels for the users, making this model a unique audio mixing desk.
2. Channel Ducker & Mic Presets
The Channel ducker system in sq5 is one of the unique features that SQ5 has to add extra value to this model. Channel ducker Technology significantly improves audio mixing quality. Furthermore, This model has multiple mics presets, which can be easily used without creating new combinations each time.
Allen & Heath SQ5 vs QU 16 : Key Differences
We have found out some significant differences between the Sq5 and Qu-15. Lets discuss them elaborately in the following.
Sample Rate
The first and foremost difference we sort out between thse two is in audio sample rate. The QU series has 48 kHz, whereas the sq5 series has a 96kHz sample rate. So, if you want maximum quality audio for recording or streaming, you should go for the SQ series. Neverthless, 48 kHz in Qu series is still a good choice as it is enough to push quality audio.
Special feature
The best feature of Qu-16, admired by my many audio lovers, is the 22 rack mountable ins and the capability of 12 digital mixings. You can easily mount the qu16 on a rack, making its setting easier.
In addition, you can get outstanding audio prepared by the 12 modern outputs. On the other hand, Sq5 has offered more variations in audio results. You will get 36 digital bus mixers capable of delivering multiple audio outcomes.
Audio Mixing Engine
In sq-5, you will get a modern audio mixer whose model is XCVI 96kHz FPGA. This highly efficient and powerful mixer engine can smoothly deliver live concerts and performance audios.
Also, you can record music and broadcast audio to online platforms where the engine provides high-quality latency-free audio. However, the sq5 has an IEM mixer, which is as effective as 12 stereo mixes.
Input and mixes
Both models present exceptional audio quality in stereo and mono levels. However, there is a particular difference in the number of audio outputs and mixes. There are 16 mono inputs and three mono mixes in Qu-16, whereas the sq5 has 32 mono channels.
Again, the qu-15 has 3 mono and stereo mixes with LR; on the other hand, sq 5 has 12 stereo mixes with LR. In addition, the sq5 3 stereo matrix and 8 stereo FX engines.
Preamps
The QU-16 has 16 preamps that are analogiq in nature but are digitally controllable, meaning it can perform analogically but in digital ways. Moreover, they can detect zero crossing and the detection functions in an advanced course.
In contrast, the sq 5 has 5 onboard preamps competent to act refined and digital. Regardless, both devices are designed uniquely and can create distortion and noise-free magnificent sound.
I/O Range Expander
The qu-16 cannot only be controlled by analogue cables but also connect this device with multiple modern sources with I/O range expanders. It has built-in Dsnake ports that can connect the device with remote stage boxes. In contrast, SQ5 has 64 CH I/O ports that connect it to multiple remote machines and boxes.
Power to audio processing and FX
Results of the latest audio engineering technology have been utilized in the Qu-16 audio board that enhances the audio modification efficiency in this model. The company’s most skilled engineers have developed the latest audio tuning technology called rackFX dynamics of Qua’s.
They have also used FX algorithms in creating it that have been made on the idea of audio touring technology facilitating the system of latest plugins and rackFX outputs.
Together, the device can capture and monitor tiny details of audio waves, resulting in robust audio processing. However, the SQ5 has an even more dynamic audio processing System, which has 14 band parameter Equaliser
Self Record Facility
You may think you always need a Laptop or PC to record the audio, but here is good news. The Qu-16 has a built-in recorder that supports a USB recording facility without a computer.
Also, this multitrack recording facility allows you to record more than 18 channels ranging up to 48kHz. Conversely, the SQ5 has a 32×32 96kHz audio recording outline and multiple facilities, including recording, streaming, and mixing.
Final Words
To sum up, Allen Heath sq5 and Qu-16 are two modern audio mixing desks that have many similarities and a few distinctions. Suppose we put them in context of allen heath sq5 vs qu 16.
In that case, the main dissimilarities are in the screen size, audio recording frequency, audio processing in the engine, FX effects, iOS Range Extender, and preamps. However, as the distinctions are insignificant, you can go for any of them by considering the minor differences.
