Allen and Heath QU16 anyone using one?

[Wiz]

I am wondering if anyone is using the Allen and Heath QU16 and what they think of.

Seems a handy piece of kit for recording live gigs, and then mixing back at home....

thoughts


cheers

Wiz

[gigpiglet]

i havnt specifically used the 16
but have used the (slightly older) range in the larger formats TU range (from memory)
though they look like the same layout/ vibe. not sure what has changed inside.

my thoughts on those were "fine"
not good, not bad, not noisy, but not nice.
they totally got the job done every time i needed to use them
the eq worked etc etc

if its utility you are after - i see no problem

[Wiz]

i havnt specifically used the 16
but have used the (slightly older) range in the larger formats TU range (from memory)
though they look like the same layout/ vibe. not sure what has changed inside.

my thoughts on those were "fine"
not good, not bad, not noisy, but not nice.
they totally got the job done every time i needed to use them
the eq worked etc etc

if its utility you are after - i see no problem

It's more that I could easily record each gig and the perhaps mix those and end up with a live cd for the band(s). Everything else is sort of cumbersome (splitters, computers etc) in theory with this I could plug in a USB drive and hit record and get multitracks direct to the drive no comp

I did track down a recording done on one and it sounded pretty good

Cheers

[gigpiglet]

yeah i hear you.
it will get the job done.
it won't be the best sounding recording of all time.
but often - the solution outweighs the need for excellence - so if the method/ ease/ budget works for you - id say just do it!

a nicer solution (and still very affordable) would be one of the midas venice F series consoles
with the firewire connection, and a laptop.
that way you get nice midas pre amps…

but that has its issues too. i would never record a show to a DAW on a workstation only if i was worried about losing the show. (i.e. if i was being paid to do it) I've seen them fall over too many times.

having said that - the avid profile i was recording from last night (via MADI) fell over mid set last night… white noise out every output. so….

[Wiz]

yeah i hear you.
it will get the job done.
it won't be the best sounding recording of all time.
but often - the solution outweighs the need for excellence - so if the method/ ease/ budget works for you - id say just do it!

a nicer solution (and still very affordable) would be one of the midas venice F series consoles
with the firewire connection, and a laptop.
that way you get nice midas pre amps…

but that has its issues too. i would never record a show to a DAW on a workstation only if i was worried about losing the show. (i.e. if i was being paid to do it) I've seen them fall over too many times.

having said that - the avid profile i was recording from last night (via MADI) fell over mid set last night… white noise out every output. so….

yes its an issue, stability. Add to that if you are performing, which I will be, and I want something I can just press start and stop on.

My biggest issue, is I know Its gonna be a consumable, I swore black and blue I wouldn't buy something like this again (expensive, digital, and interface type technology) unless its a money making exercise, I have wasted (as no doubt we all have) too much on stuff that a couple of years later is worth nothing or a upgrade or interface change away from useless ness,

need to think more, less coveting.


8)

[andygriffiths]

I have used one a few times. It does everything I needed it to do. I never recorded anything with it though. I think it's a good little console for the price

[The Mill]

There's also a 24 channel version of that console now too... the QU24. Had a bit of a look at one the other day. From memory it has a few more features than the 16, but can't remember what they are exactly now. That might be worth looking at too perhaps. Allen and Heath do good consoles. Are the Midas preamps still sounding cool now that they're made in the be!@#$%^& super-factory?

[simonstav]

Sorry, just seen this post. I added a sound cloud file to the FB GLD/QU users group of a 2 track desk mix of one of the supports we did on the Bon Jovi tour last year. Its not a multitrack but will give you an idea of the sound coming off the desk. For the price it costs and the features it provides I don't think you can go wrong.

Disclaimer; yes I am a A&H dealer and end user but will still pull out one of my Midas Heritages to mix on given half the chance

[Wiz]

thanks everyone

I just had a listen to that post on the Fbook page Simon, and replied there...


cheers

Wiz

[ftdrummer]

Having gone from a Mix Wizard with outboard, to a Presonus 16.4.2, to a QU-16, I would definitely take the latter. The MIx Wizard always records well, but with the QU-16 you can simultaneously (although I haven't done this yet) record straight to HD and to a DAW. I like how Venice F records and sounds, but WAY too cumbersome to cart around with outboard - especially if you're playing in the band too.

The iPad app with the ability to connect the router straight to the QU-16 tops it all off, and don't forget the ability to add a digital core and stage box.