Allen & Heath Unveils the New Qu-3 and Qu-3D: Professional 96kHz Digital Mixing in an Ultra-Compact Format

November 4, 2026 | Audio Stage Gear | Pro Audio News

Allen & Heath has officially expanded its next-generation Qu digital mixer lineup with the launch of the Qu-3 and Qu-3D, two compact digital mixing consoles that deliver professional-grade processing, extensive connectivity, and impressive flexibility in a remarkably small footprint.

Announced on November 4, 2026, these new mixers bring the same powerful 96kHz XCVI processing engine found in the larger Qu series into an 8+1 fader desktop format.

For live sound engineers, AV production companies, event professionals, and venues looking for a powerful yet portable digital mixer, the Qu-3 could be one of the most interesting compact consoles of the year.

Big Mixing Power, Small Footprint

The new Qu-3 and Qu-3D may be compact, but Allen & Heath hasn't compromised on processing capabilities.

Both consoles feature a 36-input, 24-output mixing architecture, powered by Allen & Heath's advanced 96kHz XCVI FPGA processing engine.

Key specifications include:

• 36 input channels: 32 mono/linkable and 2 stereo
• 96kHz XCVI processing engine
• 9 motorized 100mm faders with 6 customizable layers
• 7-inch high-brightness capacitive touchscreen
• 16 onboard XLR/TRS combo mic/line inputs
• 8 XLR outputs
• 12 mixes and 4 matrix outputs
• 6 stereo FX engines with dedicated returns
• 32×32 USB-C audio interface
• 128×128 SLink connectivity for remote I/O expansion
• Optional DEEP Processing add-ons from Allen & Heath's flagship dLive ecosystem

The result is a console that delivers the processing flexibility of a much larger mixer while remaining compact enough for desktop operation or installation in a 19-inch rack with an optional mounting kit.

Professional Multitrack Recording Built In

One of the biggest advantages of the new Qu-3 is its integrated recording functionality.

The console provides three recording and playback options, allowing engineers to capture performances without necessarily relying on an external recording system.

USB-C multichannel audio interface

A built-in 32×32 USB-C interface allows multichannel recording directly into a compatible computer and digital audio workstation.

SD card multitrack recording

The integrated SD card recorder supports:

• 16 channels at 96kHz
• 32 channels at 48kHz
• 24-bit audio recording

USB-A stereo recording

For simple stereo recording and playback, the onboard USB-A port provides an additional convenient option.

These features make the Qu-3 particularly attractive for live events, DJ performances, corporate productions, and recording applications where capturing high-quality audio is essential.

Qu-3 vs. Qu-3D: What's the Difference?

Allen & Heath offers two versions of its new compact console.

The standard Qu-3 provides the complete 96kHz mixing platform, onboard recording, USB audio, and SLink expansion.

The Qu-3D adds a built-in 16×16 Dante audio interface supporting both 48kHz and 96kHz operation.

For larger networked audio systems, the Qu-3D also supports an optional upgrade to 32×32 Dante channels.

This additional functionality makes the Dante-enabled model especially appealing for corporate AV installations, broadcast environments, and production systems requiring digital audio distribution over Ethernet networks.

Smart Tools for Faster Setup

The Qu-3 includes several intelligent tools designed to simplify the mixing process and reduce setup time.

Feedback Assistant helps engineers identify and suppress problematic frequencies, particularly useful for microphones and live sound reinforcement.

Gain Assistant simplifies input gain configuration, helping operators establish appropriate signal levels.

32-channel Automatic Microphone Mixer provides automatic microphone management for conferences, panel discussions, and presentations involving multiple speakers.

The console also supports DEEP Processing add-ons derived from Allen & Heath's flagship dLive platform, giving engineers access to additional professional processing options.

Combined with eight assignable SoftKeys, six customizable fader layers, chromatic channel metering, and remote mixing applications, these features provide a sophisticated workflow in an exceptionally compact console.

Why the Qu-3 Matters for Live Event Production

At Audio Stage Gear, we work with professional audio systems across live music events, DJ performances, festivals, and corporate productions.

One of the ongoing challenges in live sound is finding the right balance between performance, portability, connectivity, and ease of operation.

The Qu-3 addresses several of these challenges.

Its compact design makes it an interesting option for productions where space is limited, including DJ booth installations, small front-of-house positions, and secondary mixing locations.

The combination of SLink expansion and flexible routing also means the console can grow beyond its physical onboard connections when additional inputs or outputs are required.

For production teams managing multiple performance areas, compact consoles like the Qu-3 offer the potential to simplify transportation, reduce equipment footprint, and maintain professional audio control.

The addition of onboard multitrack recording is particularly valuable for events requiring live performance archives, post-production recordings, or content creation.

How Does It Compare to the Qu-5?

The Qu-3 shares much of its core technology with the larger next-generation Qu-5, including the XCVI processing engine, digital connectivity, FX architecture, and multitrack capabilities.

The main difference is the physical control surface and onboard connectivity.

The Qu-5 offers 16+1 faders and more physical outputs, while the Qu-3 reduces the control surface to 8+1 faders with six layers.

For engineers who prefer immediate physical access to more channels, the Qu-5 may remain the better choice.

For compact productions where portability and available workspace are priorities, the Qu-3 offers an attractive alternative without sacrificing the core processing architecture.

A Promising Addition to the Allen & Heath Family

With the Qu-3 and Qu-3D, Allen & Heath continues to bridge the gap between compact digital mixers and full-featured professional mixing consoles.

The combination of 96kHz processing, flexible channel routing, multitrack recording, advanced processing tools, and optional Dante networking makes these new models compelling options for a wide range of professional audio applications.

For event production companies, sound engineers, and venues looking to maximize capability without increasing equipment size, the Qu-3 deserves serious consideration.

At Audio Stage Gear, we're always following the latest developments in professional audio technology to deliver reliable, high-performance sound solutions for events of every scale.

Whether you're planning an intimate corporate gathering or a large-scale music production, our team can help design and deploy the right professional audio system for your event.

Explore our services at AudioStageGear.com.

Source: Allen & Heath official Qu-3 and Qu-3D product announcement, November 4, 2026.