QSC has long provided quality, reliable, easy-to-use solutions for audio pros. Having used the compact TouchMix-16, I was curious about the new TouchMix-30 Pro.
The TouchMix-30 Pro is bigger on all accounts. Now, with 16 outputs and 32 total mixing channels (24 mic/line, six line inputs and stereo USB playback), the TouchMix-30 Pro offers powerful signal management flexibility. Its 10-inch high-res touchscreen puts more info onto a bright display. Larger than the TouchMix-16, it has plenty of rear panel real estate for I/O connectors, USB and network ports. Yet it maintains a compact footprint and a convenient viewing angle for the touchscreen.
The mixer has 14 configurable and routable aux outputs and dedicated stereo main and control room outs. Two independent real-time analyzers provide instantaneous analysis of channel tonal balance and room response. One RTA monitors the selected channel; the other can be run on an external tablet. Easy to use anti-feedback and room tuning wizards simplify the process of complex equalization tasks.
Every output has 1/3-octave graphic EQ and 6-band parametric EQ, plus limiters, delay and 12-band notch filters, while QSC component wizards guide users through setting up proper gain structuring when using QSC speakers and power amps.
Multiple Apple iOS or Android tablets and smartphones can be associated with the mixer with assignable control access (full or partial) given to each device, affording individual monitor mix control for each musician and full access to the engineer.
On-board recording offers a full 32-channel direct to hard drive recording/playback function without the need for a computer. Or, if desired, the mixer’s USB output can connect to a Mac for tracking to your favorite DAW software.
Inside the Box
The console has 24 Class-A mic preamps with rear-panel XLRs (the last four are combo XLR/TRS jacks). Line inputs to channels 25 to 30 are TRS connectors. Main L/R, Control room L/R and the 14 Aux outputs are balanced XLR, with the last as TRS/headphone out connectors for direct connection to IEM headsets.
Multiple USB connections allow for USB wireless adapters, disk drives for record/playback, and USB connect to a DAW. An RJ-45 connector is provided for connection to a wireless router or venue-wired network for remote mixer control. An IEC AC power input and internal power supply means no wall wart. The top panel has 24 input trim controls, 1/4” headphone jack and a stereo 1/8” music player input. Below the touchscreen are well-labeled buttons and a large rotary encoder. Several buttons are user-configurable for easy recall of desired features.
The heart of the user interface is the bright, 10-inch touchscreen providing display and touch control of mixer functions. The left side of the screen shows the main output and the 14 auxes. Each is color-coded and can be user-named. The top of the touchscreen has a nav strip for fast access to input channels in groups of eight, FX masters, aux outs in groups of eight, subgroups and DCA groups. The screen’s right side shows the main output fader or aux output fader, depending on what’s selected. A dedicated “home” button next to the screen immediately returns the view to the “home” position, for a fast return, should you quickly need to get back.
For example, when a channel group is selected, the screen shows a large, easy-to-touch fader for each channel along with channel input metering, assignments, DSP active, pan, record-armed indicators and channel name, so the operator can quickly check the status of the selected channel group. Touch a color-coded aux on the screen, and the channel faders change color, indicating that you are in “sends on fader mode” for the selected channel group, so you always know where you are. Tapping the “Main Mix” at the top left returns to normal channel fader mode.
All input channels have 4-band parametric EQ, variable 24 dB/octave high-pass and low-pass filters, gate, de-ess and full-function compressor — the latter with individual Threshold, Ratio, Attack and Release controls. Input channels also have input cue priority, AFL, PFL and solo-in-place functions. Also standard are eight subgroups, each with parametric 6-band EQ, variable high/low-pass filters and stereo linkable limiters. Eight DCA groups and eight mute groups are provided for a choice between DCA or traditional subgroup mixing — another nice touch.
The TouchMix-30 doesn’t skimp on FX processing, with six onboard DSP engines offering useable, high-quality effects including reverb, echo, delay, chorus and a pitch corrector algorithm. Effects can be accessed and routed without using Auxes or additional channels.
Inputs, outputs, auxes and groups can be individually labeled and named using the touchscreen as a real QWERTY keyboard. Multiple scenes (with all mix parameters) can be stored internally for instant recall or archived to a FAT32-formatted USB thumb drive. For quick setup, QSC provides “real-life” presets for common instrument and vocal types, a great starting point for building a mix. The mixer can be set for simple or advanced mode operation. Simple mode provides straightforward navigation that’s ideal for less experienced users, while advanced operation offers control of every function and parameter.
Step Away from the Console…
TouchMix-30 Pro can be remotely operated using iOS or Android tablet devices with a free app. Networking the TouchMix-30 Pro is simple. A standalone (ad-hoc) network can easily be created using a USB adapter available from QSC. Off-the-shelf adapters are not supported. For greater remote working distance — the mixer can connect to a standard wireless router or network using the RJ-45 connector.
A remote device’s full or limited access can be granted from the console’s networking screen allowing, for example, musician access only to their individual monitor mixes, with full access to the FOH engineer. Additionally, the console touchscreen can be locked out so unauthorized hands can’t fiddle with the controls while the FOH operator is away from the console.
The tablet operates independently of the console touchscreen and can also be used alongside the touchscreen to expand the visible information. I often mix FOH from a seat in the audience, while monitors are being mixed on the console located backstage, or I might have the tablet display channels 1-8 while the touchscreen shows 17-24 when I’m at the board.
Help, Help, Help
With TouchMix-30 Pro, the manual is in the mixer, right behind the “INFO” button. Press it, and the screen becomes an easily navigable help system, with well-written information on every feature, function, setting and parameter. I found this to be invaluable.
Speaking of help, several built-in wizards can assist setting up the overall system, including a gain-structure wizard for using it with QSC speakers and an Input Trim wizard offering guidance on setting the input trims. But the Anti-feedback wizard that manages the dozen adjustable notch filters (available on all 14 Aux outputs, plus the main L/R output) takes the prize — a real timesaver for quickly and accurately ringing out monitors. Meanwhile, using the built-in RTA and pink noise source with a measurement mic connected to the talkback input, the wizard easily stepped through the room optimization process.
In the Field
The audio quality on the TouchMix-30 Pro preamps and buses is on par with more expensive digital mixers. I use a lot of condenser mics, so having individual phantom power select per channel is a plus. The channel EQ was musical sounding with precise control. The aux section is well-thought-out, providing several ways to get to the send controls with choices to match your way of working. I was pleased with the on-board FX processors, especially the sweet and open-sounding “Lush Verb.” And six on-board FX engines provided opens really creative use of the effects.
Like most digital consoles, QSC offers presets for various instruments and voices — a good starting point to get channel settings up and going. Once I get a certain sound I like (say, kick drum), I can also save that as a user preset for recall later. Another useful feature is the “Omit NAME” on recall for a preset. This way, if I have my channels pre-named, recalling a preset won’t overwrite my desired channel name with the preset’s title.
I do a number of multi-act gigs where the changeover time between acts is short and the console’s scene save/recall function makes it painless. To save time at the venue, I often “pre-build” my console configuration beforehand, using the “always accurate” band stage plots, then save them as individual scenes and recall them at the gig with all the all the “forgot to mention we added a bagpiper” changes. Along with the QSC-supplied factory scenes, I have created some of my own based on the type of gigs I do (Big Band-outdoors, Jazz ensemble-indoors, Basic five-piece rock act w/keys, etc.), which simplifies getting up and running. I keep scenes for acts and venues I do on a recurring basis, and saving these to a USB stick is another plus.
Final Words
QSC has knocked one out of the ballpark with the TouchMix-30 Pro. It has way more features than I could write about in one sitting. Oh, did I mention MIDI control, matrix mixing or extensive Copy and Paste? It does those too! With its intuitive operation, high-quality audio performance and easy network setups, the TouchMix-30 Pro will be a go-to choice for venues and sound companies. The QSC TouchMix-30 Pro has street price of $1,899.
Steve Savanyu operates Buford T. Hedgehog Productions, a soundco in the Cleveland/Akron, OH area.
At a Glance
TouchMix: The Next Generation Grows Up
The new TouchMix-3-Pro expands on QSC’s popular TouchMix series, with more of everything — at an affordable price.
QSC TouchMix-30 Pro
PROS
• Excellent audio quality
• Simple networking
• Easy to Use
• Affordable
CONS
• Trim controls should be more recessed to protect from road handling
• Reboot time is fairly long (my workaround was to power mixer using a computer-style UPS to avoid interruptions)
STATS
- Inputs: 32 mix channels
- Outputs: 16 (14 aux; stereo mains)
- Sampling Rate: 44.1/48 kHz
- Dimensions: 18×18-inch footprint
- Street Price: $1,899
- Manufacturer: QSC
- More Info: www.qsc.com/touchmix-30-pro
