Allen & Heath AH-QU-5 – Qu-5 Digital Mixer, 16+1 Faders

What is the Allen & Heath AH-QU-5 digital mixer?

The Allen & Heath AH-QU-5 is the compact model in the current Qu-5/6/7 range, a 96kHz digital mixer with 16 onboard mic preamps, 12 XLR line outputs and 16+1 motorised faders. It mixes 38 inputs into 12 mixes, 4 matrices and the main LR, with a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen for setup and processing. The Qu-5 compact digital mixer suits conference rooms, houses of worship, schools and small venues that need professional mixing in a small footprint, with the option to rack mount it.

How does the Allen & Heath AH-QU-5 work?

Each of the 16 combi XLR/jack preamps feeds a fully processed input channel, and the mixer runs at 96kHz with under 0.7ms latency from local mic input to main LR. Six multi-FX engines with dedicated stereo returns bring RackExtra FX from the dLive platform into the Qu range. A 32-channel Automatic Mic Mixer balances microphones for panels, meetings and lectures without an operator riding faders.

For expansion, the 128x128 SLink port connects Allen & Heath stageboxes and Everything I/O, supporting dSnake, DX and gigaACE modes. A USB-C port gives a 32x32 audio interface for recording and streaming, an SD card slot records up to 16 tracks at 96kHz or 32 at 48kHz, and USB-A handles stereo record and playback. Free apps for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android provide remote mixing, and the Qu-5 can be mounted in a 19-inch rack with an optional kit.

What are the key features of the Allen & Heath AH-QU-5?

• 38 inputs to mix — handles 16 local mics plus stereo returns, USB and expansion sources.
• 16+1 faders over 4 layers — keeps a compact surface while giving quick access to every channel.
• 96kHz processing with sub-0.7ms latency — clean, responsive sound for live and spoken word.
• 6 stereo FX engines — RackExtra FX from dLive with dedicated returns.
• 32-channel Automatic Mic Mixer — manages conference and panel microphones automatically.
• 128x128 SLink port — adds remote stageboxes and Everything I/O expanders over Cat cable.
• 32x32 USB-C audio interface — records and streams multitrack audio to a computer.
• SD card multitrack recording — captures 16 tracks at 96kHz or 32 tracks at 48kHz.
• 19-inch rack mountable — optional rack kit for AV racks and fixed installs.

Where is the Allen & Heath AH-QU-5 typically used?

• Conference room
• Boardroom
• House of worship
• Training room
• Multi-purpose room
• Government space

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Qu-5 and Qu-5D?

The Qu-5D adds a built-in 16x16 Dante interface on a dedicated EtherCON port. Otherwise the two mixers share the same channel count, faders and features.

Can I add a stagebox?

Yes. The SLink port connects Allen & Heath remote audio racks such as the AR2412 stage rack in dSnake mode, plus DX and GX expanders.

Does it support personal monitoring?

In dSnake mode the SLink port carries ME outputs for personal mixers such as the AH-ME-1 personal monitor mixer.

Can it be rack mounted?

Yes. The Qu-5 and Qu-5D are the Qu models that accept the optional 19-inch rack kit.

When should I step up to SQ?

If you need more channels, buses or a 48-channel engine, look at the Allen & Heath SQ-5 and the wider Allen & Heath collection.

Can Creation Networks install and support it?

Yes. We design, install and commission Qu systems nationwide, including stageboxes, networking and control, and provide ongoing support.