Edit:
Upon further testing with other machines this does not appear to be foolproof and the problem still occurs on certain systems.
I will endeavour to find the culprit but am beginning to think this may be a waste of time.
Please try the above fix and post your results and detail your system if you have the time.
I am considering moving to another brand as I don’t think this has been addressed within an acceptable time frame.
It’s been many years. I’ve tried everything… sorry haven’t documented every step of the way. Windows 7 and 10, endless operating system tweaks, including related to cpu parking. I think making the qu work as an audio interface in general is a waste of time (and believe me I’ve wasted the time to prove it).
I still love my Qu-SB. It’s the center of my band’s live rig. The ipad app is awesome, reliable, and the dynamics on each channel, along with eq, is very easy to use in realtime (live adjustments) and makes all the difference. But I had to give up on using it to stream VST instrument output over usb due to unrelenting glitches.
I bought a steinberg UR44C, and it is delivering glitch free VST streaming at incredibly low latency with no issues. So now I have the Qu as the audio mixer (don’t use it for audio interface/usb at all) and the UR for audio computer interface, and I’m totally happy. I also use the Qu for recording. The usb thumb drive recording is awesome (although you have to jump through some hoops to make sure the thumb drive is suitable and is formatted correctly).
hope that helps… wish i would have known that the audio interface aspect was useless a couple years before I gave up on it.
My QU-16 arrived today. I haven’t taken it out of the box yet because my Mackie is stuck in my rack with 2 stripped screws… Anyway, I have a Creation Station Windows computer from Sweetwater, and it has both 2.0 and 3.0 USB onboard. I’m surmising that as long as I use the USB 2.0 port, I shouldn’t have this issue right? Or am I missing something?
Hello @Polish Prince,
As these computers are built optimized for real time audio, it should not be a problem.
However, having both USB 2.0 and USB 3.0 onboard, might mean that the internal USB interface connecting to the core will still be 3.0, so even if you connect to a USB 2.0 port there will be some USB 3.0 data transfer at some point. It doesn’t precisely mean you’ll have issues, but just a heads up!
Being windows, you will must likely have the ability of switching USB 3.0 off with XHCI Mode (Disabled), if you find it necessary.
If you encounter any issues, you are welcome to submit a ticket with our support team: https://support.allen-heath.com/
Rafael
Thanks Rafael… I hooked it up last night after I finally got the stripped screws out of my rack… I did get the crackling sound at first, so I simply tried a different USB port, and the crackling is gone… Looks like I’m good to go!
its very easy just open usb and remove dust or something else from usb
Hi, a question for Allen&Heath developers.
Qu series mixer are still in production and sale?
Does the Qu series mixer still have this problem with usb streaming?
Hi, a question for Allen&Heath developers. Qu series mixer are still in production and sale? Does the Qu series mixer still have this problem with usb streaming?
I’m not a A&H developer but in personal experience I have not had any issues with
USB audio output or input via the USB B connection.
Yes they still in production, just got a Qu32 a couple weeks ago for a job.
I’ve had mine for a few months and haven’t had the USB streaming issue either. I hope I didn’t just invite the “f#&k fairy”.
Hello @Mattarellox,
Qu mixers are very much still in production and sale!
It is important to clarify that there isn’t a USB streaming issue within the mixer. With a wide variety of computer systems in the market, some of them might not be optimized for real time audio, and so, in some cases, some adjustments have to be done in the computer system to optimize the transmission of audio through external devices such as the mixers. At the same time, computer systems and computer companies are constantly updating software and hardware, and with these changes (Specially hardware ones) incompatibilities with other devices can be found sometimes.
The assumption that there is a fault or problem with the mixer when encountering streaming issues with a computer is understandable, but it is important to understand that these are two complex devices trying to communicate with each other, so the side of the computer optimization is quite essential.
Also, to clarify a comment above, support for QU and QU users has not been abandoned in any way.
Here’s an article to troubleshoot issues with the USB B interface.
Should this not be enough to solve a potential problem, please get in touch with us through: support@allen-heath.com and we will be happy to give more assistance.
Thank you,
Rafael
Ok, but the first time i’ve heard for this problem is for years ago.
And there is still no solution.
My QU16 work with a system optimized for audio but is very hard to continue to use it.
And there is no real official solution on your part.
From SQ5 reference manual;
«USB 3.0 ports utilising xHCI host controller drivers should be avoided»
In practice, how do I avoid these? Recently received my SQ, and need to upgrade my laptop. Have tried reading through this thread, but parts of it are way too technical for me. I see intel is being mentioned; should I opt for a laptop with a different processor to try and reduce the risk of trouble?
Thanks!
“Here’s an article to troubleshoot issues with the USB B interface.
Should this not be enough to solve a potential problem, please get in touch with us through: support@allen-heath.com and we will be happy to give more assistance.”
Hi,
I have this same “crackling” issue with my QU-32.
I’m a litte bit confused… Where’s the article you refer to?
Customer Service? Where’s the article?
Thanks Rafael
Digital noise can be a frustrating problem when streaming audio via USB-B. It can manifest as static, hissing, or crackling sounds that can disrupt the listening experience and detract from the overall quality of the audio.
There are several potential causes of digital noise when streaming audio via USB-B. One common cause is electrical interference. This can happen when the USB cable is too close to other electronic devices, such as a computer monitor or power supply. Moving the USB cable away from these devices can sometimes help reduce interference.
Another potential cause of digital noise is an issue with the USB port or cable itself. A faulty cable or port can cause intermittent connectivity or poor signal quality, which can lead to digital noise. In this case, replacing the cable or using a different USB port can help resolve the issue.
In some cases, digital noise may be caused by software issues. For example, outdated drivers or settings in the audio playback software can cause digital noise or other audio issues. Updating the software or adjusting the settings can help improve the audio quality.
Overall, digital noise can be a frustrating problem when streaming audio via USB-B. However, there are several potential causes and solutions to consider. By identifying and addressing the underlying issue, it is often possible to improve the quality of the audio and eliminate the digital noise.
I just wanted to report, that I faced the same “digital noise” Issue with a QU 16 and a very old Firmware (1.90) connected to an Apple M2.
After a firmware update it’s gone!
Hello everybody. I’m new here, but I feel so old about this problem that is creating so much problems in my job: I’ll explain from the beginning:
- I’ve bought the mixer, linked to a notebook (Asus TUF Gaming, Intel i7 11800H, 32GB RAM, nVidia 3050) on type-C port: crackling.
- Changed the port: USB 3.1 (the only option): crackling.
- Set the options for the USB power management: crackling.
- Changed the cable with an expensive one: crackling.
- Simply… turn off the WiFi: PROBLEM GONE! When I turned on the WiFi, the problem returned (also if not connected to anything, just activated).
I was so happy and I used it for a whole year without any kind of problem. But I needed WiFi, so I changed the WiFi internal card (AX211) with a Realtek one: crackling.
So I restored the last working card (AX211) but… the crackling sound returned and it didn’t went away, even without the card installed. What a mess, an incredible mess. Thinking now at the problem, I would easily bouth an external router and went with Ethernet, btw…
I decided to build up a new computer, this time not a notebook (on a PC, maybe, I can buy or modify almost everything so…), with the only task to run ASIO driver on the QU-16, a DAW and some VST’s:
Gigabyte UD Z790 - Intel 14700K - 32GB DDR5 - 750W good PSU (no Video Card, used the integrated one). I’ve used a good USB cable, connected to a USB 2.0 port (don’t know if it’s a “real” USB 2.0, but it’s written USB 2.0): after 3 hours of clean stream… CRACKLING SOUND!
I’m so sad: I’ve built a brand new good PC only for this and still having this problem. Any kind of help is appreciated. Sorry for the bad English and thank you.
After 6 months, I hope someone can answer me 
PS: I’ve tried another QU-16 brand new on same hardwares and the problem is still there.