Allen & Heath Qu-3D – Compact Qu Mixer with Dante

The Qu-3D is the Dante-equipped version of the most compact Qu mixer. Alongside a built-in 16×16 Dante interface, it runs the same 96 kHz XCVI core as the flagship Qu-7, with 36 inputs to mix, 12 mixes, 4 matrix outputs and 6 FX engines, all driven from nine motorised faders and a 7″ touchscreen. At Soundium we see it as the natural choice for networked installs and broadcast desks where space is tight.

Key Features

• 96 kHz XCVI core: The same FPGA processing as larger Qu models, so nothing is scaled down sonically
• 36 inputs to mix: 32 mono/linkable channels plus 2 stereo inputs, mixed to 12 mixes and 4 matrix
• 8+1 motorised faders, 6 layers: Customisable layers keep a full show reachable from a small surface
• 7″ 1000-nit touchscreen: Bright capacitive display, angled for seated, desktop operation
• 16×16 Dante built in: 48/96 kHz Dante on a locking etherCON port, upgradeable to 32×32 with an optional Add-On
• Recording built in: 32×32 USB-C audio interface, multitrack SD recording and stereo USB-A record/playback
• Assistive tools: Gain and Feedback Assistants plus a 32-channel Automatic Mic Mixer for speech

Customer Benefits

Small mixers usually mean fewer channels, weaker preamps or a cut-down workflow. The Qu-3D avoids all three: it keeps the Qu preamps and 96 kHz converters, the walk-up-and-mix layout, and the 128×128 SLink port for Everything I/O stageboxes, then adds Dante so it drops straight into an existing audio network. Conference rooms, broadcast suites and installs can share sources with other Dante devices without extra converters, while the Gain and Feedback assistants and the AMM take the stress out of speech-heavy corporate and conference work.

Quick Specs

• Processing: 96 kHz XCVI FPGA core, DEEP Processing ready
• Mix architecture: 36 inputs, 12 mixes (6 mono/linkable, 6 stereo), 4 matrix, stereo LR
• FX: 6 multi-FX engines with dedicated stereo returns
• Inputs: 16× XLR/jack combo mic/line, 1× stereo line input (2× TRS)
• Outputs: 8× XLR, 1× AES3 stereo digital, stereo headphone
• Control: 9× 100 mm motorised faders, 6 layers, 8 SoftKeys, 7″ touchscreen
• Networking: 16×16 Dante at 48/96 kHz on locking etherCON, 32×32 upgrade optional
• Expansion: 128×128 SLink port at 96 kHz
• Dimensions / weight: 445 × 321 × 170 mm (W × D × H), 7.01 kg

In the Box

• Allen & Heath Qu-3D digital mixer
• IEC mains lead
• Safety booklet

Use Cases / Ideal For

Corporate AV and conference rooms, broadcast and streaming positions, small live rigs, houses of worship, installed audio and home recording setups.

Compatibility

Works as a 32×32 USB audio interface with macOS and Windows DAWs, joins Dante networks via its etherCON port, connects to Everything I/O expanders via SLink, and is controlled remotely with the free Qu-MixPad and Qu4You apps.

Pros & Cons

✅ Pros:

• Dante on board, so it fits networked installs straight away
• Full Qu processing and 36-input mix engine in a desktop footprint
• USB-C, SD and USB-A recording options without extra hardware

⚠️ Cons:

• Only 8 local XLR outputs; bigger monitor setups need an SLink expander
• 32×32 Dante requires a paid Add-On

The Allen & Heath Qu-3D brings full Qu mixing and Dante networking to a desktop-sized frame. For AV and broadcast work where the network matters, it is the compact Qu to choose, and the Soundium team is happy to help you plan the I/O around it.