Using the Qu Pac to play backing tracks via Qu Drive

[neill00]

As the title suggests I would like to figure out a way to do this if it’s possible to do what I’m envisioning.
First off I have the Qu Pac so there are 32 channels available, if I of from my DAW direct into USB B on the back I can do exactly what I want to do. I assign the tracks to channels 17 through 32 and it leaves 1 – 16 for live instruments plugged into the board.
If I saved tracks to an external HD is it possible to route the those tracks to 17 through 32 as well? If not, I’m not sure I would bother taking this any further.
But since I’m here would I have to try to find an external drive that has a separate power supply? How do you plug an external drive into a USB B port that doesn’t power the drive?
I recognise that it will be finicky preparing the tracks. There has to be 18, they have to be 24 bit 48 kHz and they all have to be the same file size but if it’s doable I’d put in the time.

[Giga]

Looking at the Qu-Pad (in demo mode mind you) input source window it seems one could do what you’re asking. Not sure if it really works out though…

Why don’t you give it a try and let us know the outcome for future reference ?

Giga

[SQuser]

> If I saved tracks to an external HD is it possible to route the those tracks to 17 through 32 as well?
Yes, according to the block diagram it should be possible to switch the USB source globally.
However, you can also see in the image that you will then no longer be using the USB-B connection, but the normal USB-A connection, which makes your other question irrelevant.

Here is also a link to a more detailed description regarding USB on QU:
https://support.allen-heath.com/hc/en-gb/articles/4402944132753-Qu-Understanding-Qu-Drive-and-USB-devices

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[neill00]

IF I manage to have any success getting Qu Drive to read my drive so that I can format it and then get it to recognize my project as valid. Then I’ll report back my findings on routing to channels 17-32. Based on the reply below yours I’m mildly hopeful. Not that it’s possible but that I’ll be able to figure it out…lol

[neill00]

@SQuser
Thanks for the links. It would appear I misinterpreted the literature and Allen and Heath tutorial video (not sure how tutorial it a get in under 3 minutes). From the diagram, and the link to the support article you shared it would appear that USB is really just just for streaming audio to and from a DAW and everything else to do with multitrack playback and recording is done on the QU-Drive USB-A on the front of the device. I did experiment a bit with the USB A but it would seem I don’t have the format down. I guess that’s not in the manual but in the start up guide (according the the support article), so I’ll have to try to look that up. I went out yesterday and bought a new SSD external drive with 1050MB/s transfer rate but the Qu-Drive won’t even read it to allow me to format it. I’ll look at the resource for compatible drives and see if I can exchange it, I just figure something that fast would bring success. Even then maybe I should rethink this, maybe an iPad running Stage Trax 3 (or similar app) streaming into USB B would be easier over all.

[SQuser]

I thought you really wanted to do it with the desk, which also should actually be the best solution in principle.
And I also assume that it is possible and that you would manage it.
But any other solution you have in mind will probably be easier to implement than using this unspeakable integrated “media player” (with dummy tracks if necessary!) from A&H.

[neill00]

I decided to go the Stage Traxx 3 route after all. Trying to get the tracks on a hard drive in the correct format and having to have 18 channels etc. is just too cumbersome. This way I just need a USB C to B cable (purchased on Amazon) and I can access channels 17-32 for the backing tracks. It’s very easy loading the tracks you want into Stage Traxx as well.

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