Allen & Heath QU Review: Motor Faders & QU-Drive

Before the SQ arrived, the Allen & Heath QU series (QU-16, QU-24, QU-32) was the brand’s popular digital workhorse — and it remains a favourite, especially on the used market. With motorized faders, A&H sound and built-in multitrack recording, it punches hard for the money. Here’s an honest round-up of what owners actually report.

Where these takes come from

A synthesis of recurring opinions across English-speaking communities (r/livesound, Gearspace, ProSoundWeb, Sound on Sound forums) and long-term QU owners.

What owners love

Motorized faders

A headline advantage owners point out: unlike the newer SQ, the QU has motorized faders, so scene recalls move the surface. For many, that alone makes it more pleasant to mix on.

A&H sound and preamps

The preamps and overall voicing earn the A&H reputation — a clear step up in character from budget rivals.

QU-Drive multitrack recording

Built-in direct-to-USB multitrack recording (and playback) is a beloved feature for capturing gigs without extra gear.

Mature, reliable and great value used

Years of proven service and a strong used market make it one of the smartest second-hand buys in digital mixing.

What owners flag

1. It’s an older platform (48kHz)

The QU runs at 48kHz, not the 96kHz of the newer SQ. In practice it sounds great, but it’s the technical gap people mention.

2. Superseded by the SQ

The SQ brings newer DSP and more processing — some buyers prefer it, accepting its lack of motor faders.

3. Fewer FX and a smaller screen

The FX count and screen are modest next to newer desks; fine for most, limiting for power users.

4. Fixed configuration feel

Less flexible routing/customization than the latest generation.

See mixing consoles on Thomann →

QU vs SQ: the interesting trade-off

It’s a genuine dilemma owners debate: the QU has motorized faders and is cheaper (especially used), while the SQ offers 96kHz sound and more processing but no motor faders. If motorized faders matter to you and budget is tight, the QU is compelling.

My honest take

The QU series is a superb value — especially used — combining motorized faders, A&H sound and built-in recording in a proven package. It’s older (48kHz) and outclassed on paper by the SQ, but for many workflows it’s the smarter buy. Compare with the X32 and see our complete console guide.

Specs and the QU range

The QU line spans the QU-16, QU-24 and QU-32 (plus the surface-free QU-Pac and QU-SB rack units), all running at 48kHz with Allen & Heath’s AnaLOGIQ preamps, motorized faders, a touchscreen and the QU-Drive direct-to-USB multitrack recorder. dSNAKE lets you feed the desk from an AR84/AR2412 stagebox over a single Cat5, and the QU-Pac/QU-SB versions add full app control for those who want a rack format.

Owners describe the QU as the desk that « just works » for houses of worship, function bands and small venues — enough channels and buses for most jobs, motor faders that recall scenes physically, and recording that needs no extra gear. The 48kHz architecture is the one spec-sheet compromise versus the SQ, but in the room owners rarely find it a limitation.

On price, the QU’s real story is the used market: with the SQ now the current range, second-hand QU-16 and QU-24 desks have dropped into genuine bargain territory, which is why owners so often flag it as the smartest value buy in A&H digital. Check firmware and fader condition, and it’s hard to beat for the money.

FAQ

Does the Allen & Heath QU have motorized faders?

Yes — unlike the newer SQ, which is a key reason some buyers still choose the QU.

QU or SQ?

QU for motorized faders and lower cost (especially used); SQ for 96kHz sound and more processing without motor faders.

Can the QU record multitrack?

Yes — QU-Drive records (and plays back) multitrack direct to USB.

Is a used QU a good buy?

One of the best value digital desks on the used market, thanks to A&H sound, motor faders and proven reliability.