Allen & Heath Qu Series - Ducker
A guide to Qu Ducker feature and setup instructions
A ducker is a dynamic tool for reducing the level of other channels when a priority channel is in use, for example when a person wishes to speak over background music without increasing overall output volume, or where a chairperson must be heard above others in a conference.
You can either select individual channels to be ducked or a number of channels can be ganged for simultaneous ducking by the Trigger Input.
First, set up all of the channels you require to be ducked by the Trigger Input.
In the channel Processing / preamp tab you will see an on-screen switch for FX and Ducker Insert.
Select Ducker Insert to enable Setup options and press the on-screen IN button to activate.
In the Ducker Setup, there are options for ducking individual or ganged channels, trigger select, input threshold and depth, and attack, hold, release controls for dynamic response.
Select the Trigger channel. This is the channel being given priority over other inputs.
Channels which have been ganged in the ducker will automatically select the same Trigger.
Set the Threshold so that ducking starts when the Trigger Input reaches an adequate level.
Next set Depth to give the required level of reduction to the ducked channels.
Attack, Hold and Release change how quickly ducking reaches maximum reduction, how long reduction is held and how fast level returns to normal.
Settings are fast, medium and slow for simple setup and operation.
Experiment with these for different applications.