Allen & Heath QU16C

The Allen & Heath Qu-16C is the Chrome Edition of the Qu-16, a compact, rackmountable digital mixer that packs big-console features into a small footprint. Sixteen recallable AnalogiQ preamps, 16 motorized faders, a touchscreen, four FX engines, and built-in multitrack recording make it a favorite for bands, churches, schools, and small venues.

Highlights

• 16 mono mic/line inputs with recallable AnalogiQ preamps, plus 3 stereo inputs
• 16 motorized 100 mm faders
• 5-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen for metering, RTA, effects, routing, and scenes
• SuperStrip for instant access to gain, HPF, PEQ, gate, compressor, GEQ, and pan
• 7 monitor mixes, 4 FX engines, and 2 dedicated FX sends and returns
• Qu-Drive multitrack recording and playback to USB drive; rackmountable

Allen & Heath Qu-16C: Big Features, Compact Mixer

The Qu-16C gives every mono input its own motorized fader, so you can see and control your whole mix at once, and scene recall moves the faders to the right positions automatically. The SuperStrip puts gain, filters, EQ, dynamics, and pan for the selected channel on physical knobs, so you don’t need to dig through menus to make quick adjustments during a show.

Because it’s rackmountable, the Qu-16C fits neatly into a road rack with amplifiers and wireless receivers, making it easy to transport and quick to set up.

Qu-16C Mixes, Effects, and Recording

Seven monitor mixes cover most bands and worship teams, whether feeding wedges or in-ear systems. Four FX engines provide reverbs, delays, and modulation effects. Qu-Drive records multitrack audio straight to a USB drive and plays it back for virtual soundchecks, with no computer required.

Setting Up the Qu-16C

Connect microphones and instruments to the 16 rear XLR/TRS inputs and set gain using the SuperStrip. Assign monitor mixes to wedges or in-ear transmitters, add effects with the dedicated FX sends, and save the whole setup as a scene so you can recall it next time. Use Qu-Drive to record every show and fine-tune your mix later.

What to Pair With the Qu-16C

Pair the Qu-16C with powered speakers or an amplified PA, stage monitors or in-ear systems, a snake to bring stage inputs to the mixer, and a rack case for transport. The Qu-Pad iPad app adds remote mixing from anywhere in the room.

Why Choose a Digital Mixer?

Digital mixers like the Qu-16C replace racks of outboard gear with built-in processing on every channel: gates, compressors, EQs, and effects. Scene recall saves complete setups for different bands, services, or events, so volunteers and guest engineers can start from a proven mix every time. Built-in recording means every performance can be captured, and remote control lets engineers mix from the audience’s perspective.

Allen & Heath Qu-16C FAQ

What’s the difference between the Qu-16 and the Qu-16C? The Qu-16C is the Chrome Edition with a different cosmetic finish; the features are the same.

Can I record without a computer? Yes. Qu-Drive records multitrack audio directly to a USB drive.

Allen & Heath Qu-16C Specifications at a Glance

• Inputs: 16 mono mic/line (AnalogiQ preamps), 3 stereo
• Faders: 16 motorized, 100 mm
• Display: 5-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen
• Mix outputs: 12, including 7 monitor mixes
• FX: 4 engines, 2 dedicated FX sends/returns
• Outputs: XLR mono and stereo mix outs, TRS 2-track, AES digital
• Recording: Qu-Drive multitrack to USB
• Format: rackmountable

Who Buys the Allen & Heath Qu-16C

• Bands and live performers
• Churches and houses of worship
• Schools and community theaters
• Small venues and rental companies

Why Buy the Allen & Heath Qu-16C From Metro Sound & Lighting

Metro Sound & Lighting isn’t a catalog-only retailer. We design, install, and service sound systems in-house, so our team can build a complete system around the Qu-16C, train your team, and support it after installation. We offer B2B and integrator pricing for churches, schools, and venues.

Browse more options in our Digital Mixers category, or see the full specifications on the official Allen & Heath Qu-16 product page.