Hi all,
Novice here 
Can anyone tell me if it is possible to record multitracks into Protools, then playback those tracks simultaneously while recording extra tracks into same project? If so what settings do I use?
I have been able to record into protools alright and playback those tracks through the QU-16 using usb-b streaming in source menu, but when I arm another track to record, I am unable to playback those tracks already recorded to play along to to record new track…if that makes sense.
That is not supported, unfortunately, as stated in https://allen-heath.helpserve.com/Knowledgebase/Article/View/774/273/qu-drive--understanding-qu-drive-and-usb
"QU-DRIVE MODES
Stereo Playback + Stereo Record simultaneously, not supported
Stereo Playback + Multitrack Playback simultaneously, not supported
Stereo Playback + Multitrack Record simultaneously, not supported
Stereo Record + Multitrack Playback simultaneously, not supported
Stereo Record + Multitrack Record simultaneously, not supported
Multitrack Record + Multitrack Playback simultaneously, not supported"
But here is a feature request for that: Multitrack Record + Multitrack Playback simultaneously - Qu Feature Suggestions - Allen & Heath Digital Community Forums
Vote for it, maybe they find the resources to implement that feature.
I think everyone needs to get over the fact that the QU is NOT a DAW. Period…
And what if they implement this function? Then you would need to get over the fact that it CAN be used as a DAW? Period?
thanks GuitarHero, I thought that was referring to the USB hardrive recording not the usb-b streaming…dang.
Well, to be more precise, I’m just assuming that it’s the same for the unit to playback/record from/to a harddrive or to stream through usb-b. But the behaviour you described is the same as when using a hard drive. I guess that part of the software is common for qu-drive and for streaming.
I have been using external hard drive for a dumping ground as such, then exporting to to pc for mixing etc. Then I tried usb-b streaming and recorded fine into protools, but yeah the playback/record while laying another track didn’t work. I selected usb-b streaming in source menu (all) and it played back through desk brilliantly. But looks like a few mods to be upgraded by A&H and it will be awesome.
Buy a GS series or vintage console and run PT on a laptop or tower if you want to operate like a studio. I have done that for years.
That was my point. I just really don’t think the QU should be used for more than it’s mission…Period
I understand. The Qu-Drive and four EQ bands are the only thing that made me get a Qu instead of a SiEx1, which has a better usability, if you ask me. But it’s so convenient to be able to record everything and hear it processed during recording. It think it would be a really useful feature to be able to Multitrack Record + Multitrack Playback simultaneously.
For example, a band I play with was doing some demos for it’s website, nothing studio like, but they wanted to re-record one lead vocalist after recording 17 channels with the Qu-16. Not possible. Yes, it’s not the mission of the unit, you say. But it would be really useful to have. The only way to re-record one channel would have been: bring a laptop and an interface, copy everything to the laptop, remake the whole mix with protools (…), re-record one channel using headphones, copy everything back to the Qu-16 so everybody can hear the result. That is a lot more work than would be needed if the Qu16 would be able to do just one more thing.
You state it shouldn’t be used for more than it’s mission. I think it’s mission depends a lot on what is implemented in the software. A digital unit like this is really nothing more or less than a laptop with a 18 channel interface running software, with a hardware controller. So, it’s mostly the software what renders it’s mission, I think.
I have not yet used streaming record to PT but a possible workaround would be to send the analog out from your DAW tracks to a stereo input channel, and record on more tracks. I am sure you would encounter some latency that way, but it could be shifted in the DAW after recording. If anyone tries this, let us know how it works!
There are always hardware limitations in any device like this even though it is primarily software controlled…
thanks GuitarHero, I thought that was referring to the USB hardrive recording not the usb-b streaming
To clarify, the limitations stated above apply to Qu-Drive only. USB B is a 24x22 full-duplex interface, that is, you can record and playback as many channels as you want at the same time.
A couple of examples:
If you are having trouble with this please check your routing settings in PT.
Wow, Thanks Nicola! Full duplex is a good thing, thanks to A&H for thinking that far into it. Now I need to do some experiments - and I assume that when used this way we don’t need to rename the tracks like on Q-drive. Great!
Lou
Oh… I’m sorry that I was assuming something wrong and spreading here wrong things 
And I’m happy to hear your clarification, Nicola! Thank you very much!
Now I even more need the USB B streaming for Windows
Thanks to A&H for the full-duplex, that’s really very nice!
Awesome, thanks Nicola, I will have to play with the settings in PT’s, I must have got close before.
Ha yes GuitarHero for windows would be good
GCumbee QU-16 is a DAW PERIOD!
Brosco, actually not. Qu acts as an interface that works with a DAW. The Qu is not a DAW in itself, it is an I/O device.
I do have to say that it took me a few minutes to find the input switch to get the USB streaming into my Qu. I could not find this in the manual: in the Processing screen, press the Fn button, now labeled SOURCE. There you can choose the input source among Local, d-Snake, and USB-B for streaming.
This seems to be one area where the manual is weak. IOf it is more obvious can you point me to it in the Manual, Nicola? On page 26, the Processing screen sction, it does not even show the SOURCE label for the inout select, so I would never have found this in the manual - I had to poke around on the Qu itself to find how to get the playback to show up! The manual needs updating to match the Qu itself in V1.1.
Lou
Hey @Lou
See Page 15 and 16 on the Manual, under the section: “Channel Preamp source” you will find it! I think it is exactly where you should search it in the manual!
Thanks! Right you are. I went to the tpuch screen section instead. On page 28 it does not show the source option on the Fn key - perhaps it is just that image that needs updating.
In any case, I need to read the manual from front to back again to see these things. Thanks, eotsskleet!
Interesting the way people use the @ sign. It isn’t part of my name, and I don’t use those places where @ and # are needed… just an older guy I guess. 
That means that his comments is addressing you, Lou. “@Lou” = “at Lou” = “to Lou”
Any way of fast forwarding / rewinding a recording on the Qu-16? What looks like FF just takes you to the next file…