QU-16 Simultaneous playback while USB streaming into DAW

[Brosco]

Hi all,

Novice here 🙂

Can anyone tell me if it is possible to record multitracks into Protools, then playback those tracks simultaneously while recording extra tracks into same project? If so what settings do I use?

I have been able to record into protools alright and playback those tracks through the QU-16 using usb-b streaming in source menu, but when I arm another track to record, I am unable to playback those tracks already recorded to play along to to record new track…if that makes sense.

[Anonymous]

That is not supported, unfortunately, as stated in https://allen-heath.helpserve.com/Knowledgebase/Article/View/774/273/qu-drive–understanding-qu-drive-and-usb

“QU-DRIVE MODES

Stereo Playback + Stereo Record simultaneously, not supported
Stereo Playback + Multitrack Playback simultaneously, not supported
Stereo Playback + Multitrack Record simultaneously, not supported
Stereo Record + Multitrack Playback simultaneously, not supported
Stereo Record + Multitrack Record simultaneously, not supported
Multitrack Record + Multitrack Playback simultaneously, not supported”

But here is a feature request for that: https://community.allen-heath.com/forums/topic/multitrack-record-multitrack-playback-simultaneously

Vote for it, maybe they find the resources to implement that feature.

[GCumbee]

I think everyone needs to get over the fact that the QU is NOT a DAW. Period..

[Anonymous]

And what if they implement this function? Then you would need to get over the fact that it CAN be used as a DAW? Period?

[Brosco]

thanks GuitarHero, I thought that was referring to the USB hardrive recording not the usb-b streaming….dang.

[Anonymous]

Well, to be more precise, I’m just assuming that it’s the same for the unit to playback/record from/to a harddrive or to stream through usb-b. But the behaviour you described is the same as when using a hard drive. I guess that part of the software is common for qu-drive and for streaming.

[Brosco]

I have been using external hard drive for a dumping ground as such, then exporting to to pc for mixing etc. Then I tried usb-b streaming and recorded fine into protools, but yeah the playback/record while laying another track didn’t work. I selected usb-b streaming in source menu (all) and it played back through desk brilliantly. But looks like a few mods to be upgraded by A&H and it will be awesome.

[GCumbee]

Buy a GS series or vintage console and run PT on a laptop or tower if you want to operate like a studio. I have done that for years.

That was my point. I just really don’t think the QU should be used for more than it’s mission…Period 🙂

[Anonymous]

I understand. The Qu-Drive and four EQ bands are the only thing that made me get a Qu instead of a SiEx1, which has a better usability, if you ask me. But it’s so convenient to be able to record everything and hear it processed during recording. It think it would be a really useful feature to be able to Multitrack Record + Multitrack Playback simultaneously.
For example, a band I play with was doing some demos for it’s website, nothing studio like, but they wanted to re-record one lead vocalist after recording 17 channels with the Qu-16. Not possible. Yes, it’s not the mission of the unit, you say. But it would be really useful to have. The only way to re-record one channel would have been: bring a laptop and an interface, copy everything to the laptop, remake the whole mix with protools (…), re-record one channel using headphones, copy everything back to the Qu-16 so everybody can hear the result. That is a lot more work than would be needed if the Qu16 would be able to do just one more thing.

You state it shouldn’t be used for more than it’s mission. I think it’s mission depends a lot on what is implemented in the software. A digital unit like this is really nothing more or less than a laptop with a 18 channel interface running software, with a hardware controller. So, it’s mostly the software what renders it’s mission, I think.

[Lou]

I have not yet used streaming record to PT but a possible workaround would be to send the analog out from your DAW tracks to a stereo input channel, and record on more tracks. I am sure you would encounter some latency that way, but it could be shifted in the DAW after recording. If anyone tries this, let us know how it works!

[GCumbee]

There are always hardware limitations in any device like this even though it is primarily software controlled..

[Nicola A&H]

thanks GuitarHero, I thought that was referring to the USB hardrive recording not the usb-b streaming

To clarify, the limitations stated above apply to Qu-Drive only. USB B is a 24×22 full-duplex interface, that is, you can record and playback as many channels as you want at the same time.

A couple of examples:
– Adding vocals to backing tracks: record drums, bass and gtr into PT, then play back these tracks to Qu-16 whilst recording the vocals (on separate channels) in PT.
– Adding Qu-16 FX to a PT session: play back your tracks on all channels (1-16 and ST1-3) whilst recording FX returns 1-4 in PT.
– Mixdown on Qu-16: play back your tracks on all channels (1-16 and ST1-3) and mix whilst recording the main LR in PT.

If you are having trouble with this please check your routing settings in PT.

[Lou]

Wow, Thanks Nicola! Full duplex is a good thing, thanks to A&H for thinking that far into it. Now I need to do some experiments – and I assume that when used this way we don’t need to rename the tracks like on Q-drive. Great!
Lou

[Anonymous]

Oh… I’m sorry that I was assuming something wrong and spreading here wrong things 🙁
And I’m happy to hear your clarification, Nicola! Thank you very much!
Now I even more need the USB B streaming for Windows 🙂
Thanks to A&H for the full-duplex, that’s really very nice!

[Brosco]

Awesome, thanks Nicola, I will have to play with the settings in PT’s, I must have got close before.
Ha yes GuitarHero for windows would be good 🙂
GCumbee QU-16 is a DAW PERIOD!

[Author]

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