I am considering using the QU16 or QU-24 console in a recording application, but need a way to get all 16 direct outputs to either analog audio or DANTE.
Based on what I can tell, it appears that the only way to get audio out of the board is via the USB 2.0 connection, which will only interface with a Mac.
Has anyone had any success outputting the channel direct outs in some other fashion?
Nope. And it will work on Windows. You might have to stick with analog.
A truly unfortunate choice on the part of A & H. At least in the world we inhabit, DANTE is quickly becoming the interface of choice for multi-channel audio.
-S
If your application is recording I do not understand why using USB is a problem? Going through Dante only adds cost and requires a different driver, don’t see a benefit if recording is your target.
I did several multichannel recordings on both Mac and Windows (7 and 10) from Qu with additional local QuDrive recording for backup purposes.
USB is fin for multitrack recording on this level. Either via the QuDrive or the USB-B connection at the rear. I just plugged the QU into my Linux box and it worked without issue…
We are considering using this specifically for film production, which means we use a recorder that has specific metadata capability (such as the Sound Devices 970). These recorders do not support USB streaming sources.
Metadata, as in clapper based bookmarks?
Interesting - the default sample rate lends itself to film …
No, a bit more complex than that in our world, unfortunately.
Sample rate clock stability, time code metadata, file naming conventions, track naming metadata, iXML support, etc.
-S
I imagine that for clock stability you need a pretty good external clock (GPS?)
Analogue is likely the best bet unfortunately
Qu can’t be synchronized to external clocks anyway. For this purpose you propably need somewhat more “pro”-gear.
Qu can’t be synchronized to external clocks anyway. For this purpose you propably need somewhat more “pro”-gear.
EXACTLY!
I think more ‘domain specific pro’ gear.
The QU does stuff that would have been considered high end pro mere moments ago…
At least that scenario needs more pro (in terms of integratability, modularity, connectivity) than a Qu is able to offer.
For recording, it’s hard to beat the capability of Presonus gear. Something like the Studiolive AI mixers are great recording interfaces, but they require a Firewire connection, will not work with USB. They have plug-in boards that support various interface protocols such as Dante. Their software runs on PC and well as Mac, and it works great. There is software for recording as well as for operating the console.
For live performance, the QU series is much more functional than the Studiolive AI. That’s why we use one for our church. Because of the simplicity and recording ease of the StudioLive, we use one for our theater group and Community Chorus.
Andreas, please provide more details about the Windows software you use for recording (Reaper?) and if ASIO support is needed.
https://www.allen-heath.com/media/Qu-Windows-driver-Help-V3.20.0.pdf
Reaper works really well with Windows
Some people have used other software and have bi-directional control working.
@DoctorG, yes, for my live recordings I’m using Reaper, basically since it is pretty slim (from a performance view), runs on Windows and Mac with project cross-compatibility and isn’t node-locked (I’m using different systems on road). Sure, I record using the ASIO driver on Windows.
When I hear multi track I think more than 2 channels. are you saying you can do 8 or 16 tracks with the USB drive???
The local QuDrive is able to record stereo or 18 tracks concurrently on an USB drive. Additionally you are able to record 24 (Qu16) resp. 32 (Qu24/32/Pac/SB) channels concurrently via USB on a computer.
Channels being inputs/matrices/groups/mixes/etc.