Purchasing Decisions

Qu Qu General Discussions
1

My partner and I are trying to determine best product for our next move. We are both currently CQ users. We are looking at QU-5 vs. SQ-5 vs. SQ rack.

  1. All have libraries per review of instruction manuals - these are similar and as broad or broader than our CQ - meaning starting points for several specific drums and other instruments. Then to override the library selection we select manual or similar operation?
  2. We can assign delay to a second set of speakers?
  3. Is the recently launched SQ Rack feature or tech advanced compared to SQ desks?
  4. Other than additional channels, is there a compelling reason to select one platform over another?
  5. Can we bring our CQ scenes across to QU or SQ platforms? I think the answer is no.
  6. These mixers do NOT include an onboard router, correct?
  7. When using a DX168 expander, I understand the channels come across as 1-16. Does that mean that the additional 16 on the QU board are automatically set as 17-32?
  8. It looks like we have full control of routing channels via Matrix capability, correct?
  9. We would be happy to discuss on the phone with a A&H rep.
  10. Thanks!
2
  1. No, it works different from the CQ. No Quick channels available. Library is providing snapshots of settings.
  2. Yes.
  3. Exactly the same as other SQ models. All have the same core. It just has no faders and a different housing.
  4. That depends… you can add a network expansion card to the SQ.
  5. No.
  6. No.
  7. All in and out are free patchable. It is up to you which socket is feeding which channel.
  8. Input to matrix is not supported on SQ or QU. You can send all bus outputs to all matrix. Avantis and dLive are the way to go if you need that feature.
  9. Look for your local distributor. This is a user forum.
3

The differences between console lines goes far deeper than just the obvious I/O and buss count difference. While those are important, you should also dive much deeper to determine what other differences there are between models. Unfortunately, there is no good way to do this because even the console’s reference guides don’t include all of the information.

Therefore I would highly suggest that you download the “offline” software for both consoles (I honestly don’t know what that looks like for the QU and SQ options. It is probably the Mixpad app at these model levels). Open them up side by side and walk through all the features of the system. Look at the console audio setup options (busses, etc), channel processing screens, buss processing screens, the scene management system, routing screens, the FX that you expect to use regularly, etc. etc. etc.

You are looking for differences between the two systems. The two systems will not offer identical experiences across the board. You’ll need to determine what, if any, of these differences are “deal breakers” for your situation and make your purchasing determination based on these differences.