A Popular Mixing Platform Takes a Big Leap Forward
QSC has a long history of excellence from its earliest days as an amplifier-only manufacturer. And when the company first branched out into building loudspeakers, it did so methodically and waited until its new offerings were rock solid before launching them onto the world.
Over the years, QSC has used this successful approach in a variety of new technology expansions. These have ranged from DSP integration starting back in the 1980’s, to networking and QSControl in the mid-1990’s, to its foray into the loudspeaker market, from the popular K-Series portable systems to its high-tech WideLine line arrays.
Given that lineage, it was no surprise that QSC took its time on its entry into the console market, beginning with the TouchMix-8 and TouchMix-16 products that debuted at Winter NAMM 2014. Also collaborating with QSC on the project was the 2016 Parnelli Audio Innovator Greg Mackie and former Trident Audio designer Peter Watts. Offering touch screen and Wi-Fi tablet control, ample aux sends for monitor or IEM mixes, direct recording flexibility, onboard DSP and more — in compact, affordable packages — the TouchMix consoles were a hit. But with just 12 or 20 inputs, many users wanted more. QSC unveiled its response to those requests last month at the Los Angeles AES show with the TouchMix-30 Pro.
Enter the TouchMix-30 Pro
Now, with 32 total mixing channels (24 mic/line, six line inputs and stereo USB playback) and 16 outputs, the TouchMix-30 Pro offers powerful signal management flexibility for a wide range of applications. However, this new entry goes beyond simply adding more channels, as the TouchMix-30 Pro adds a host of new “pro” features that set it apart from the smaller TouchMix-8 and TouchMix-16, yet keeps the new console within a compact 18 by 18-inch footprint.
Front to Back
Perhaps most noticeable aspect of the TouchMix-30 Pro is its large 10-inch high-res, color touch screen, which provides more onscreen information, while also affording greater hands-on control. All I/O connections — except for the 1/4-inch headphone jack and 1/8-inch music player input jack — are moved to the rear panel for a cleaner look, while the input channel trims are retained on the top panel for fast access. Another appreciated touch is the internal power supply (no wall warts!) with a standard IEC power socket on the back panel.
The rear panel is cleanly laid out with 20 XLR and four combo XLR/TRS mic/line inputs for the first 24 channels, and six TRS jacks for channels 15 through 30. A dedicated XLR mic input (with switchable phantom power) is provided for assignable talkback functions. A back panel Ethernet jack offers hard-wired connectivity to the TouchMix-30 Pro’s Wi-Fi router for wireless remote control via iOS and Android tablets/smartphones. There are 14 XLR aux outputs, along with stereo XLR main and monitor outs, and USB ports for multi-track recording/playback and playing MP3’s.
Speaking of recording, the TouchMix-30 Pro features 32-channel direct-to-hard drive recording/playback, for capturing/recalling performances without the need for an external computer. Attach a USB 3.0 hard disk and you’re ready to capture tracks in standard 48 kHz (or 44.1 kHz) WAV format. Alternatively, the USB connections also provide a 32-channel DAW interface with Apple computers for bi-directional I/O with popular workstation software.
Under the Hood
The TouchMix-30 Pro sports 24 Class-A microphone preamps. Also included are more than 120 live instrument, microphone and other audio source presets created in live environments to provide mix-ready channel settings, allowing for fast setups, especially in those “sorry, no sound check” situations. All input channels have 4-band fully parametric EQ, variable 24 dB/octave high-pass and low-pass filters, as well as a gate, de-essing and full-function compressor — that latter with individual control of Threshold, Ratio, Attack time and Release time times. Input channels also have input cue priority, AFL, PFL and solo-in-place functions.
A touch-and-route patch matrix allows easy “multing” and rearrangement of input signals. Also standard are eight subgroups, each with fully parametric 6-band EQ, variable high-pass/low-pass filters and stereo linkable limiters.
Six onboard DSP engines offer pro effects, including reverb, echo, delay, chorus and a pitch corrector algorithm, with the latter assignable to any single mono input channel. Effects can be accessed without using auxes or additional channels.
Channels (inputs, outputs, auxes or groups) can be individually labeled and named, and scenes — including all mixer parameters — can be stored internally (for immediate recall) or archived onto a FAT32-formatted USB stick.
The output side is well equipped. Two onboard real-time analyzers (RTAs) provide instantaneous analysis of channel tonal balance and room response. One of the RTA’s monitors the currently selected channel, while the other can be run on an external tablet. Anti-feedback and room tuning wizards simplify the process of complex equalization tasks. All outputs have 1/3-octave graphic EQ and 6-band parametric EQ, plus limiters, delay and 12-band notch filters. Fourteen mono mixes can be paired for stereo while two pairs of auxes can directly drive wired in-ear monitors. Eight DCA groups (each with mutes) and eight mute groups are also standard.
Moving Forward
“The TouchMix-30 Pro offers more of the results-oriented capabilities that set TouchMix Series apart from other mixer alternatives adding new, advanced capabilities typically found in products at a far higher price,” says QSC’s Ray van Straten. “Customer response from our extensive global field-testing and as measured by pre-release orders has been incredible. Clearly, this is the right product at the right time for the market and we’re confident that the TouchMix-30 Pro will exceed customer expectations in every way.”
The QSC TouchMix-30 Pro is shipping now in select markets worldwide, with a list price of $2,359.99 and an estimated U.S. street price of $1,899.99.
At a Glance
The TouchMix Grows Up
The new TouchMix-3-Pro expands on the popular TouchMix series, with more of everything — at an affordable price.
QSC TouchMix-30 Pro
STATS
- Inputs: 32 mix channels (24 mic/line, six line inputs, stereo USB playback)
- Outputs: 16 (14 XLR aux outs, stereo XLR mains)
- Sampling Rate: 44.1/48 kHz
- Dimensions: 18” x 18” footprint
- Street Price: $1,899.99
- Manufacturer: QSC
- More Info: www.qsc.com/touchmix-30-pro
