Introduction
Allen & Heath relaunched Qu last year with the Qu-5, Qu-6 and Qu-7. Now the range gets its smallest frame. Qu-3 and the Dante-equipped Qu-3D run the same platform as the flagship Qu-7, just with nine faders across six layers and a footprint of 445 × 321 mm.
That matters because small mixers usually cut somewhere: fewer channels, simpler preamps, no recording. Here the 16 mic preamps and 96 kHz converters are the same as the rest of the Qu family, and you still get a 32×32 USB-C interface, SD multitrack recording and a 128×128 SLink port for Everything I/O stageboxes.
Allen & Heath aim it at corporate AV, broadcast, installs, small live rigs and home recording. Seated operation is the point: the screen angle is set for a desk, not a stage.
Watch It in Action
Allen & Heath's official introduction to Qu-3 and Qu-3D:
Key Features & Benefits
- No scaled-down engine: 96 kHz XCVI core with 36 inputs to mix, 12 mixes, 4 matrix and 6 FX engines with stereo returns.
- A show on nine faders: 8+1 motorised 100 mm faders, six customisable layers and 8 SoftKeys.
- Record without extra boxes: 32×32 USB-C audio interface, multitrack SD recording and stereo USB-A record/playback.
- Faster soundchecks: Gain Assistant and Feedback Assistant (up to 16 filters per output) come from the CQ series.
- Built for speech: a 32-channel Automatic Mic Mixer handles panels and conferences inside the mixer, with no extra latency.
- Room to grow: SLink connects Everything I/O expanders, and the Qu-3D adds 16×16 Dante, upgradeable to 32×32.
Real-World Reactions
“The mic preamps and conversion are the exact same standard as the rest of the Qu series, so smaller doesn’t mean a step down in quality.”
Stefan Wyeth, Gearnews
“I’ve used a QU16 every day for ten years. It sounds fantastic, it’s easy to use, well spec’d, built like a tank, worth every penny.”
Reader comment, Gearnews
That second quote is the real context. The original Qu range earned its reputation in churches, corporate rooms and small venues. Qu-3 is the first time that workflow fits on a desk without dropping to a cut-down mixer.
Gallery
Click any shot to open it full size.
Who It's For
- Corporate AV and conference rooms that need speech tools, recording and app control in one box.
- Broadcast and streaming positions, especially the Qu-3D on an existing Dante network.
- Small bands, churches and venues moving up from an analogue desk.
- Home studios that want a hands-on mixer that also works as a 32-channel interface.
Who should look elsewhere:
- Anyone who needs more than 8 local outputs or more faders in front of them. The Allen & Heath Qu-5 has 16+1 faders and 12 line outputs.
- Bigger stages with lots of monitor mixes. Look at the Qu-6 or Qu-7, or the whole Qu series.
Quick Specs
- Processing: 96 kHz XCVI FPGA core, DEEP Processing ready
- Mix: 36 inputs (32 mono/linkable, 2 stereo), 12 mixes, 4 matrix, stereo LR
- FX: 6 multi-FX engines with dedicated stereo returns
- Inputs: 16× XLR/jack combo mic/line, 1× stereo line (2× TRS)
- Outputs: 8× XLR, 1× AES3 stereo digital, stereo headphone
- Control: 9× 100 mm motorised faders, 6 layers, 8 SoftKeys, 7″ 1000-nit touchscreen
- Recording: USB-C 32×32, SD card (16×16 at 96 kHz, 32×32 at 48 kHz), USB-A stereo
- Network: 128×128 SLink; Qu-3D adds 16×16 Dante at 48/96 kHz (32×32 optional)
- Size / weight: 445 × 321 × 170 mm; 6.91 kg (Qu-3), 7.01 kg (Qu-3D)
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros:
- Full Qu processing and mix engine in a desktop frame
- Three recording paths built in
- Gain, Feedback and AMM tools make speech events quick to run
- Dante on the Qu-3D without an add-on card
⚠️ Cons:
- Only 8 local XLR outputs
- Rack mounting needs an optional kit; 32×32 Dante is a paid upgrade
Where to Buy
Both models are in the Soundium catalogue: Qu-3 at €1,849 and Qu-3D at €2,199. Pre-order now and use code EARLY5 to save 5%; first units are expected in December 2026.
- Free pickup shipping on orders over €149
- Free courier shipping on orders over €299
- 3-year warranty
- Support from people who actually know the gear
Pre-order the Allen & Heath Qu-3: €1,849 · Pre-order the Qu-3D: €2,199 · Qu series at Soundium
Final Thoughts
Qu-3 is not a cheaper Qu with corners cut. It is the same mixer with fewer faders and outputs, and for desks, conference rooms and small rigs that is exactly the right trade. If your setup is networked, the extra €350 for the Qu-3D is easy to justify.
Still Unsure?
Tell us how many inputs, outputs and monitor mixes you need, and we will tell you honestly whether Qu-3, Qu-5 or a stagebox setup fits better. Reach out to our team.
