QSC vs. Crestron: Which AV Control System Is Best for Your Conference Room?

When designing or upgrading your conference rooms, selecting the right AV control system is crucial. At AV Planners, we often get asked: Should I go with QSC or Crestron? Both are industry leaders, but each excels in different ways. Here's a breakdown to help you make the right choice for your organization.

Crestron: The Industry Giant for Room Control

Crestron has long been the gold standard in AV control. Their systems power everything from small meeting rooms to large-scale enterprise deployments.

Key Advantages of Crestron:

• Custom User Interfaces
  Crestron offers virtually unlimited customization. Whether you need a unique touch panel interface or complex control logic, their platform can handle it.

• Unified Ecosystem
  From room scheduling and lighting to HVAC and shading, Crestron’s hardware and software integrate seamlessly across building systems.

• Enterprise-Level Management
  Tools like XiO Cloud allow centralized monitoring, remote updates, and scalable deployments—perfect for IT departments managing dozens (or hundreds) of rooms.

• Long-Term Reliability
  With decades of market presence, Crestron is a trusted choice for high-stakes environments, such as corporate boardrooms, government buildings, and universities.

When to Choose Crestron:

Consider Crestron if your project requires deep customization, full building integration, or if you’re already standardized on their ecosystem.

QSC (Q-SYS): A Modern, IT-Friendly AV Control Platform

QSC’s Q-SYS platform is rapidly becoming a favorite for AV integrators and IT teams alike. Why? It merges audio, video, and control into a single, software-based ecosystem that’s scalable, efficient, and powerful.

Key Advantages of QSC:

• Audio, Video & Control—All in One
  Q-SYS systems combine DSP, camera switching, and room control under a single Core processor. No need to buy separate processors for each function.

• Built on IT Standards
  Q-SYS uses standard network protocols and Intel-based processing, making it easier to deploy and support in modern IT environments.

• Plugin-Based Integration
  With a growing library of plugins and open API support, Q-SYS can easily integrate with third-party AV gear and control systems.

• Scalable for Small to Large Rooms
  Whether it’s a small huddle room or a multi-zone divisible space, Q-SYS scales without the complexity of traditional control architectures.

When to Choose QSC Q-SYS:

Opt for Q-SYS when you're already using QSC audio products, want a software-based control solution, or prefer a more IT-centric approach to room automation.

Crestron vs. QSC: Side-by-Side Comparison

Which One Is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. At AV Planners, we work closely with clients to evaluate their goals, infrastructure, and budget before recommending the best-fit system.

• If your project involves full room automation, custom UIs, or enterprise-level scalability, Crestron is likely the better fit.

• If you’re seeking simplicity, software-driven control, and streamlined AV integration, QSC Q-SYS could be the right move.

Talk to AV Planners: Your AV Integration Experts in Los Angeles

As a leading AV integrator in Los Angeles, AV Planners specializes in designing and deploying Crestron and QSC solutions for conference rooms, huddle spaces, executive boardrooms, and beyond.

Whether you're renovating one room or planning a campus-wide rollout, our team can guide you from design to deployment, ensuring you get a system that’s scalable, intuitive, and future-ready.