The QSC TouchMix-30 Pro delivers the features, capabilities and sound quality of a large-format console in a compact, portable mixing package, small enough to be carry-on luggage. QSC’s recent Version 3.0 Firmware release (a free download), along with its updated companion iOS and Android apps (also free) offer performance enhancements along with major additions to the ability to save, recall and manage settings. The expanded Scene section now includes Snapshots and Cue Lists along with the ability to save them to the tablet, mixer or external USB stick drive. Scenes load faster and snapshots can be recalled on the fly without interrupting the mixer’s audio outputs. Additionally, Scenes, Snapshots and Cues Lists can be created and edited offline without the need for the tablet to be connected via Wi-Fi to the mixer.
Getting Started
For those apprehensive of doing firmware updates, QSC provides detailed instructions for Windows and Mac users on how to prepare the downloaded file and install it on the TouchMix-30 Pro. If the TouchMix-30 Pro is connected to a network with Internet access, the firmware can be downloaded to a formatted stick drive connected to the mixer and updated directly from the mixer’s setup menu.
I downloaded the mixer firmware and updated my TouchMix-30 Pro. The process went smoothly and took about 15 minutes, including backing up and restoring all my scenes and settings. While the mixer was updating, I updated the app on both of my iPads. As 3.0 is a major upgrade, QSC recommends a “hard boot” of the mixer. To do this simply power down the mixer and then unplug it from AC power for a minute. Plug it back in, hit the power button and you’re good to go.
I loaded a scene and dug into the enhancements and improvements offered by the new version. The first thing I noticed was the mixer’s touch screen was more responsive. Fader banks and aux mixes loaded faster when I touched them. On the PEQ screen, the area between the frequency line and baseline is filled in with a highly visible color making it easy to see the EQ curve applied. I often use custom fader banks and now there’s a way to add a “spacer blank” when less than eight channels are needed in a custom bank.
The TouchMix-30 Pro, like most digital consoles, can save settings into scenes for later recall. On a multi-act gig, I save each act’s settings as a scene at the end of their sound check and recall them during set changes. Although the process served me well, it took time to recall a scene and the audio was muted while each new scene loaded.
Scenes, Snapshots and Cue Lists — Oh, My!
With the 3.0 release, QSC takes a novel approach to settings management with the introduction of Scenes, Snapshots and Cue Lists. As with the previous firmware, a Scene is used to store and recall the entire mixer configuration. Scenes are global and have limited ability to specify what is recalled although you can omit recall of levels, outputs and routing, and mark channels “safe” so they don’t recall. Typically, I would use a scene for the baseline settings for a given show.
Snapshots are more granular than a Scene, allowing selected settings for designated channels to be saved and recalled without affecting other mixer settings. Now for a multi-act show, during each band’s sound check, I create a band snapshot along with a generic starting point snapshot for last-minute additions. During the show, loading a band’s snapshot recalls only specific changes made for that band. Snapshot changes happen almost instantaneously as the mixer is only recalling specific changed items as opposed to reloading the entire system configuration.
Another key difference between a scene and snapshot is the audio output is not muted during a snapshot change. Thus, during a changeover, I can quickly call up the snapshot for the incoming band while the MC is talking or break music is playing back.
Finally, Cue Lists are used to select and arrange Scenes, Snapshots, and audio files stored on a USB drive connected to the TouchMix-30 Pro into a predetermined sequence for recall during a show. Ideal for theater and showcase applications, Cue Lists allow a simple “Go” button to recall changes that take place over time and can be repeatable night after night. To build a Cue List, select the desired assets (Scenes, Snapshots, Audio files) and add them to the Cue List. Once added, items can be moved and reordered as desired. Additionally, items can be linked so that both are recalled simultaneously. For example, a sound effect audio file might play while a snapshot unmuting a group of actors’ wireless micros is loaded. The “Go” button can be assigned to a user button or to a MIDI control point for a MIDI USB device, such as a footswitch.
I do a weekly concert series with different types of acts and would pre-build my weekly show scene in advance. This required setting up the mixer in my shop to build the show scene. Offline editing in the 3.0 release lets users create and edit scenes and snapshots on the tablet without connecting it to the mixer. Simply open the TouchMix-30 Pro app, touch “Menu” and select Mixer/Offline. In Offline mode, I can choose a factory preset scene or one that I have saved to the tablet, create a new scene, or snapshot and save it to the tablet’s storage. While in Offline mode, all mixer parameters can be configured, and channel presets stored on the tablet can be recalled as needed.
To push the new scene or snapshot to the mixer, simply close and restart the app to exit Offline mode. When the app restarts and connects to the mixer, touch Menu/Scenes and copy the newly created scene or snapshot to the Mixer’s internal storage and recall it. Scenes and Snapshots can also be saved to a USB stick connected to the Mixer.
With the 3.0 firmware update and control app release, the TouchMix-30 Pro is a formidable contender going beyond basic mixing by offering robust networking, built-in presets, setup Wizards and other helpful tools that enable seasoned pros and novices alike to quickly get great results.
The Price is Right
QSC’s Version 3.0 firmware update for its TouchMix-30 Pro Digital Console adds sophisticated features typically found on much more high-end consoles — all for the cost of a quick, free download.
QSC TouchMix-30 Pro Firmware v3.0
PROS
- Offline editing
- Snapshots don’t mute audio when they recall
- Faster overall response on screen and tablet
CONS
- Would like a way to visually see which snapshot is loaded
- Word “Cue” used for Solo might be confusing to some users
- Mute buttons at bottom of tablet screen can be touched by accident
Stats
- Inputs: 32 mix channels
- Outputs: 16 (14 aux + stereo mains)
- Sampling Rate: 44.1/48 kHz
- Dimensions: 18×18-inch footprint
- Street Price: $2,399
Manufacturer QSC
More Info www.qsc.com
