REVIEWED
REVIEWED: Q-Audio QSD 3-PRO
The heart of any silent system is the transmitter, and this is where Q-Audio has clearly listened to feedback from regular users. While many entry-level transmitters rely solely on consumer-grade RCA inputs, the version of the QSD-3PRO TX I tested is a properly engineered bit of kit. It uses a stereo line input, keeping setup simple and reliable with DJ equipment and playback sources.
Coverage from the QSD-3PRO TX proved reliable in real-world use, holding a stable signal across large venues and spaces. Beyond the physical connections, there is also Bluetooth functionality which acts as the ultimate safety net. If a laptop freezes or a cable fails, you can be back up and running with a backup playlist from a smartphone in seconds.
Even better, you have the flexibility of battery power. Outdoor events from garden parties to beach barbecues spring to mind.
Moving on to the headsets, the first consideration when unboxing new units is how many rentals they will survive. In the world of dry hire, equipment isn’t just used; it is tested to its absolute limit by the public. The QSD-3PRO headsets feel light enough for long sessions yet robust enough for a festival. The plastics are high impact, the folding hinges feel reinforced with a smooth yet firm action, and the headband tension provides a secure fit without the clamping sensation that leads to user fatigue. One of the most impressive parts is the ear cushions. The synthetic leather feels high-quality, and the practical benefit of this is the ease of cleaning between hires. These are easy to wipe down, which is an absolute must in our business.
Power management is another area built for the long haul. Battery life is the lifeblood of any rental business, and the QSD-3PRO headsets come with a rechargeable LiPo battery that offers 8-10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. This is more than enough for any wedding or all-day conference. When it comes to the reset, the headsets charge via USB-C, which has become the modern standard we all expect. A full charge from empty takes approximately three hours. For those managing larger fleets, the system is fully compatible with the Q-Audio 20-way and 48-way charging racks, which turn a logistical nightmare into a simple task of plugging in and forgetting about them until the next job.
For the readers of Pro Mobile, the QSD-3PRO represents a key that unlocks multiple revenue streams beyond the standard evening disco. Because the build quality is so high, these units are perfect for the dry-hire side of a business, whether you are renting them out to other DJs who have landed a silent gig or providing them direct to customers for their own private parties. Having a reliable fleet that is easy to sanitise, and recharge makes the logistics of hire far less of a headache, allowing the kit to pay for itself in just a few outings.
Beyond hire, the versatility of the system allows a working DJ to tackle jobs that would otherwise be impossible. With the transmitter being battery powered along with detachable antennas, you can set up a professional party anywhere from a secluded beach to a client’s back garden without worrying about noise complaints or power cables. They are equally adept at handling daytime corporate conferences, providing a front-row audio experience for every attendee. The three-channel system even allows for simultaneous breakout sessions in the same room without any audio bleed, turning a standard hall into a multi-functional event space.
After putting the Q-Audio QSD-3PRO system through a series of tests, I found that this is a professional-grade solution for a demanding market. Q-Audio has managed to bridge the gap between affordable and industrial equipment. For the event professional, this gear offers a fantastic return on investment because it is built to survive the dry-hire cycle, it sounds brilliant, and the transmitter’s flexibility, specifically its simple line connectivity, Bluetooth backup, and battery powered options, simplifies the setup for almost any conceivable event. If you are looking to expand your services or refresh your stock, the QSD-3PRO system should be at the very top of your list.
In use, the passive noise isolation provided by the over-ear design is excellent. Once these are on, the outside world truly disappears, allowing the user to be fully immersed in what they’re listening to.
The logic behind the channels and the visual feedback is just as intuitive. The QSD-3PRO utilises a clear, three-channel system that operates on the license-free CH70 UHF spectrum between 863 and 865MHz. The headsets feature vibrant RGB LED indicators that instantly tell the DJ and the rest of the crowd what each person is listening to.
Channel one shows as blue, channel two as red, and channel three as green. This visual feedback is more than just a novelty; it allows a DJ to read the room and adjust their set based on which colour is dominating the dancefloor at any given time.
Sound-wise, the QSD-3PRO delivers a punchy, well-balanced output that is a huge improvement on the tinny sound associated with older wireless systems. The low end has enough weight to keep energy in the room, while speech and vocals remain clear for corporate and conference use. Crucially, these headsets can go loud. The integrated volume control on each headset allows the user to customise their experience, and at sensible listening levels the audio stays clean and controlled, without the brittle edge that cheaper systems can develop. Equally important for spoken word, the system stays quiet between phrases, avoiding the background hiss that often gives budget silent disco rigs away.
Coverage from the QSD-3PRO TX proved reliable in real-world use, holding a stable signal across large venues and spaces. Beyond the physical connections, there is also Bluetooth functionality which acts as the ultimate safety net. If a laptop freezes or a cable fails, you can be back up and running with a backup playlist from a smartphone in seconds.
Even better, you have the flexibility of battery power. Outdoor events from garden parties to beach barbecues spring to mind.
Moving on to the headsets, the first consideration when unboxing new units is how many rentals they will survive. In the world of dry hire, equipment isn’t just used; it is tested to its absolute limit by the public. The QSD-3PRO headsets feel light enough for long sessions yet robust enough for a festival. The plastics are high impact, the folding hinges feel reinforced with a smooth yet firm action, and the headband tension provides a secure fit without the clamping sensation that leads to user fatigue. One of the most impressive parts is the ear cushions. The synthetic leather feels high-quality, and the practical benefit of this is the ease of cleaning between hires. These are easy to wipe down, which is an absolute must in our business.
Power management is another area built for the long haul. Battery life is the lifeblood of any rental business, and the QSD-3PRO headsets come with a rechargeable LiPo battery that offers 8-10 hours of continuous playback on a single charge. This is more than enough for any wedding or all-day conference. When it comes to the reset, the headsets charge via USB-C, which has become the modern standard we all expect. A full charge from empty takes approximately three hours. For those managing larger fleets, the system is fully compatible with the Q-Audio 20-way and 48-way charging racks, which turn a logistical nightmare into a simple task of plugging in and forgetting about them until the next job.
For the readers of Pro Mobile, the QSD-3PRO represents a key that unlocks multiple revenue streams beyond the standard evening disco. Because the build quality is so high, these units are perfect for the dry-hire side of a business, whether you are renting them out to other DJs who have landed a silent gig or providing them direct to customers for their own private parties. Having a reliable fleet that is easy to sanitise, and recharge makes the logistics of hire far less of a headache, allowing the kit to pay for itself in just a few outings.
Beyond hire, the versatility of the system allows a working DJ to tackle jobs that would otherwise be impossible. With the transmitter being battery powered along with detachable antennas, you can set up a professional party anywhere from a secluded beach to a client’s back garden without worrying about noise complaints or power cables. They are equally adept at handling daytime corporate conferences, providing a front-row audio experience for every attendee. The three-channel system even allows for simultaneous breakout sessions in the same room without any audio bleed, turning a standard hall into a multi-functional event space.
After putting the Q-Audio QSD-3PRO system through a series of tests, I found that this is a professional-grade solution for a demanding market. Q-Audio has managed to bridge the gap between affordable and industrial equipment. For the event professional, this gear offers a fantastic return on investment because it is built to survive the dry-hire cycle, it sounds brilliant, and the transmitter’s flexibility, specifically its simple line connectivity, Bluetooth backup, and battery powered options, simplifies the setup for almost any conceivable event. If you are looking to expand your services or refresh your stock, the QSD-3PRO system should be at the very top of your list.
In use, the passive noise isolation provided by the over-ear design is excellent. Once these are on, the outside world truly disappears, allowing the user to be fully immersed in what they’re listening to.
The logic behind the channels and the visual feedback is just as intuitive. The QSD-3PRO utilises a clear, three-channel system that operates on the license-free CH70 UHF spectrum between 863 and 865MHz. The headsets feature vibrant RGB LED indicators that instantly tell the DJ and the rest of the crowd what each person is listening to.
Channel one shows as blue, channel two as red, and channel three as green. This visual feedback is more than just a novelty; it allows a DJ to read the room and adjust their set based on which colour is dominating the dancefloor at any given time.
Sound-wise, the QSD-3PRO delivers a punchy, well-balanced output that is a huge improvement on the tinny sound associated with older wireless systems. The low end has enough weight to keep energy in the room, while speech and vocals remain clear for corporate and conference use. Crucially, these headsets can go loud. The integrated volume control on each headset allows the user to customise their experience, and at sensible listening levels the audio stays clean and controlled, without the brittle edge that cheaper systems can develop. Equally important for spoken word, the system stays quiet between phrases, avoiding the background hiss that often gives budget silent disco rigs away.
