Qu Firmware Update delivers Dante Network Expansion And Desktop Control
Allen & Heath has released Qu V1.2, a major firmware update for its latest generation of Qu digital mixer range, adding expanded Dante networking, desktop-based mixer control and several workflow tools aimed at live sound, AV, installation and broadcast users.
According to Keith Johnson, Senior Product Manager at Allen & Heath, the update is designed to broaden the application scope of the Qu platform while maintaining its established ease of use through features such as DCA Spill, Listen Bus, Offline mode for MixPad, and an optional Dante 32×32 Upgrade.
Dante Upgrade expands Network Channel Capacity
At the center of the Qu V1.2 release is the optional Dante 32×32 Upgrade for Dante-enabled Qu mixers. This purchasable Add-On increases Dante channel capacity from 16×16 to 32×32, enabling larger audio networks and more extensive integration with third-party systems.
By doubling Dante input and output counts, the upgrade supports more complex routing requirements and multi-room or distributed systems commonly found in corporate, education, house-of-worship and performance environments. Allen & Heath highlights that the additional Dante capacity facilitates integration with:
- DSP system
- stage expander hardware
- recording system
- digital split configuration
The Dante 32×32 Upgrade is offered as a separate Add-On for Qu-5D, Qu-6D and Qu-7D models, enabling customers to scale their networked audio capabilities as project requirements grow.
Desktop Control arrives With Qu-MixPad For Windows And macOS
Qu V1.2 also introduces Qu-MixPad for Windows and macOS, extending control options beyond tablet devices. With the new desktop application, engineers and system integrators can operate Qu mixers directly from a computer, which can be especially useful in fixed installations, broadcast suites and control rooms where laptops and workstations are standard.
The firmware adds Offline mode across all MixPad platforms, enabling users to build show files, configure routing and adjust processing without needing a physical connection to a Qu console. This allows engineers to prepare events in advance and make changes between shows, simplifying production planning for touring, rental and installed systems.
Channel Expander improves Noise Management
Addressing everyday challenges in speech and music reinforcement, Qu V1.2 adds a new Expander option on input channels. The processing tool provides an alternative to traditional gating when reducing background noise and bleed between sources.
The Expander is designed to deliver smoother and more transparent control of low-level signals, particularly on speech, vocals and drums. For applications in corporate AV, live sound and broadcast, the feature helps maintain intelligibility and clarity without the abrupt artefacts that can occur with harder gates.
Listen Bus enhances Monitoring Flexibility
Monitoring capabilities are extended in Qu V1.2 with the addition of Listen Bus. This function allows PAFL audio to be routed to a dedicated output with its own independent level control.
By separating PAFL monitoring from main outputs or other buses, Listen Bus can be used to feed control room loudspeakers in a production or recording environment, or to provide tailored monitoring for engineers in live sound scenarios. The approach supports clearer communication and more precise listening during complex productions.
DCA Spill streamlines Control Of Larger Channel Count
For productions with higher channel counts, Allen & Heath has implemented DCA Spill to speed up access to grouped sources. With a single action, all channels assigned to a given DCA can be displayed together across the fader strips.
This focused view helps engineers quickly balance and troubleshoot groups such as drums, backing vocals or presenter microphones without scrolling through multiple layers. In high-pressure live events and broadcast mixes, DCA Spill can translate into faster responses and more efficient workflows.
Availability And Platform Coverage
Qu V1.2 is available as a free firmware update for all current-generation Qu mixer models, ensuring existing users can adopt the new features without additional cost.
The Dante 32×32 Upgrade is sold separately as a paid Add-On for Qu-5D, Qu-6D and Qu-7D versions equipped with Dante, allowing customers to selectively expand their network channel count when required.
With the introduction of expanded Dante networking, desktop control via Qu-MixPad, and workflow tools including Expander, Listen Bus and DCA Spill, Allen & Heath is positioning the Qu series as a more flexible option for a wide range of live sound, installation and broadcast environments.
