Allen & Heath Qu-24C 30-In/24-Out Digital Mixer (Chrome Edition)

Allen & Heath Qu-24C — 30-In/24-Out Digital Mixer, Chrome Edition

The Allen & Heath Qu-24C is the Chrome Edition of the Qu-24 digital mixing console, combining 24 AnalogiQ microphone preamps with a 5-core ARM processing architecture to deliver a compact, full-featured digital mixer suited to live sound production, house of worship, recording studio, and touring applications. The Chrome Edition distinguishes itself with high-contrast chrome rotary and fader knobs that improve legibility and tactile precision under stage and low-light conditions, alongside all firmware enhancements introduced in V1.8 and V1.9. The console operates as a self-contained 30-input, 24-output digital mixer with a built-in 18-channel USB multitrack recorder and a 5-inch touchscreen interface, supported by the Qu-Pad iPad app for remote wireless mixing.

Product Description

The Qu-24C's 24 AnalogiQ preamps feature zero-crossing detection and padless 1 dB-step gain control closely integrated with the DSP for accurate, transparent gain staging. Each preamp feeds 24-bit analog-to-digital converters matched to corresponding DACs, delivering a 112 dB analog dynamic range with a noise floor of -90 dBu and THD+N of 0.0005% at unity gain. All 24 mono channels and the available stereo channels receive full processing chains including a high-pass filter (20 Hz–20 kHz, 12 dB/oct), gate, 4-band parametric EQ with shelf-or-bell selectable HF and LF bands, compressor, and up to 170 ms of audio delay.

The 25 motorized ALPS faders — 24 across two layers plus a dedicated master fader — provide instant recall of level positions when switching between mix layers or loading scenes. A third custom layer allows any combination of input channels, FX sends, FX returns, and mix masters to be arranged to the engineer's preference. Four iLive-derived stereo FX engines process reverbs, gated reverbs, delays, modulators, flangers, and chorus effects returned on dedicated FX return channels with independent 4-band parametric EQs, keeping main input channels free for additional sources.

The Qu-Drive integrated recorder captures 18 channels (16 mono + one selectable stereo pair) directly to a USB hard drive at 48 kHz/24-bit without requiring a computer — essential for archival recording at venues where a dedicated recording laptop is impractical. Simultaneously, the USB interface streams up to 18 channels of multitrack audio to a Mac running any Core Audio-compatible DAW. Standard MIDI over USB and Ethernet enables DAW control mapping. The dSNAKE port accommodates Allen & Heath AR2412 or AR84 stageboxes over a single CAT5 cable with 105 µs transport latency over runs up to 120 m. Up to 100 scenes with per-channel Recall Filters support complex touring and theatrical applications where scene management is critical.

Key Features

• 24 AnalogiQ Preamps — Padless 1 dB-step gain with zero-crossing detection, individually switchable 48V phantom power, and 24-bit AD/DA conversion deliver transparent, low-noise microphone amplification with total recall.
• Chrome Edition Hardware — High-contrast chrome rotary encoders and fader knobs improve visibility under stage lighting and low-light conditions compared to the standard black finish.
• 5-Inch Touchscreen Interface — 800x480 color touchscreen with dedicated data encoder provides direct access to EQ, dynamics, FX, scene management, metering, and RTA without complex menu navigation.
• 25 Motorized ALPS Faders — Three fader layers (two fixed, one custom) with motorized automation for instant level recall across all mix buses and channels without physical readjustment.
• 4 iLive FX Engines — Stereo effects engines derived from Allen & Heath's iLive touring series process reverbs, delays, modulators, and more on dedicated return channels preserving all input channel slots.
• Qu-Drive Multitrack Recorder — 18-channel direct-to-USB recording at 48 kHz/24-bit requires no computer and no driver configuration — connect a USB hard drive and record.
• USB Multitrack Streaming — Class-compliant Mac interface streams up to 18 tracks to any Core Audio DAW (Logic, Cubase, Reaper, Pro Tools) with MIDI over USB for DAW control mapping.
• dSNAKE Digital Stage Connection — Single CAT5 cable to AR2412 or AR84 stagebox replaces analog multicore for stage-to-FOH runs up to 120 m with 105 µs latency.
• ME Personal Mixing System Compatible — ME-1 personal mixers chain directly from the dSNAKE port, giving performers independent control of their own monitor mixes.
• 100 Scene Total Recall — Full scene storage and recall with per-channel recall filters and global recall filters protect critical settings during multi-act events and touring productions.
• Qu-Pad iPad App — Wireless remote control of all mixing parameters from anywhere in the venue via Wi-Fi router connected to the Qu-24C's network port.
• Fanless Operation — Passive airflow design through the steel chassis eliminates fan noise at the mix position.

Typical Applications

• Live Sound Production — Motorized faders, dSNAKE connectivity, and scene recall suit touring, theater, and fixed-venue live sound where rapid setup and multitrack archival recording are priorities.
• House of Worship — Total recall scenes, ME personal monitoring, and Qu-Pad remote mixing support complex Sunday service setups with multiple performers and broadcast feeds.
• Recording Studio — Qu-Drive multitrack recording and USB DAW interface allow the Qu-24C to serve as a live-to-multitrack recording console in project studios and tracking rooms.
• Conference Room — Scene management, talkback, and matrix routing support AV conference room installations requiring predictable, repeatable audio configurations for recurring events.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Qu-24C Chrome Edition and the standard Qu-24?

The Chrome Edition adds high-contrast chrome rotary and fader knobs for improved visibility under stage lighting, and includes all V1.8 and V1.9 firmware enhancements including Pro Factory Mic Presets co-developed with Shure, Sennheiser, and Audio-Technica, a Windows DAW Control app, and updated Qu-Pad app functionality.

Can the Qu-24C record multitrack audio without a computer?

Yes. The Qu-Drive function records 18 channels (16 mono + 1 selectable stereo pair) directly to a formatted USB hard drive at 48 kHz/24-bit without requiring a connected computer, driver installation, or recording software.

Is the Qu-24C compatible with Allen & Heath AR stagebox units?

Yes. The dSNAKE port connects to the AR2412 (24-in/12-out) or AR84 (8-in/4-out) stageboxes over a single CAT5 or better cable run. Up to two ME-1 chains can also be connected via the dSNAKE port for performer personal monitoring.

Does the USB interface work with Windows DAWs?

The Qu-24C streams multitrack audio to Mac via class-compliant Core Audio — plug-and-play with no driver installation required. Windows DAW streaming requires the Allen & Heath Qu Windows ASIO driver available from the Allen & Heath website. MIDI over USB and Ethernet is available for DAW control mapping on both platforms.

How many scene memories does the Qu-24C support?

The Qu-24C stores up to 100 full scenes. Channels and mixes can be individually safed from scene recall, and per-scene Recall Filters and a Global Recall Filter allow selective parameter protection across scene changes.

What wireless access points are compatible with Qu-Pad?

Qu-Pad requires a Wi-Fi router or access point (sold separately) connected to the Qu-24C's RJ45 network port. Any standard 802.11n or better router operating in access point mode is compatible. Allen & Heath publishes a recommended router list on their support pages.

Is the Qu-24C covered under warranty?

Allen & Heath digital consoles purchased through authorized dealers carry a limited warranty. Contact Creation Networks at the time of purchase for current warranty terms and how to register the product.