The Sound of Speed

Allen & Heath SQ mixers set a new standard for compact digital mixers, offering the fastest workflow in the industry. They provide 12 stereo mixes + LR for ample IEM capability and comprehensive audio networking, remote I/O, and recording options. Built on the latest generation 96kHz FPGA XCVI core, SQ delivers pristine high-resolution audio quality, an ultra-low latency of <0.7ms, variable bit depth for optimized dynamic range, and the power to embed acclaimed DEEP plugins into all 48 input channels and all mixes.

Don't get left behind. Discover SQ.

• 48 Input Channels
• SLink 64x64 Remote Audio I/O Port
• 36 Stereo Mixes
• 12 Stereo Mixes + LR
• 8 Stereo FX Engines + dedicated returns
• 3 Stereo Matrix
• AES Digital Out
• 96kHz Processing
• <0.7ms Latency
• DEEP Processing
• AMM (Automatic Mic Mixer)
• SQ-Drive Multitrack Recording
• ME Personal Mixing
• 7" Capacitive Touchscreen

The Mixing Experience

Allen & Heath designed SQ mixers to let users decide how the mixer operates. Channels and mixes can be individually dragged and dropped to any strip, with custom naming and color coding on the displays for full control of the layout. All models feature assignable SoftKeys, and SQ-6 and SQ-7 offer Soft Rotaries with LCD displays for quick access to desired functions. Each strip features patented Chromatic Channel Metering for at-a-glance level indication using variable brightness and color. A 'channel to all' mix button instantly accesses all send levels and assignments for the selected channel.

Flexible Multitrack Recording

The integrated SQ-Drive makes it quick and easy to capture a 96kHz multitrack or stereo recording of the show directly to a USB key or drive, without software setup, soundcard driver issues, or the need for an extra laptop. SQ-Drive is also useful for managing walk-in music.

Additionally, SQ features a built-in 32x32 96kHz audio interface for multitrack recording, backing tracks, or virtual soundcheck applications. This interface is Core Audio and ASIO compliant and supports DAW Control capabilities.

DEEP Processing

SQ's DEEP processing architecture allows users to hand-pick boutique compressor and preamp emulations to suit their style and needs. DEEP plugins can be embedded directly within the mixer's inputs and mix channels without adding system latency or setup hassles. Browse the available DEEP plugins at: shop.allen-heath.com.

[Visual description: A graphic showing the "Tube Stage" DEEP plugin with controls for Pentode, Triode, Warm Pentode, Dual Pentode, Pentode Triode, Hi Drive, Fine Adj., and Level.]

RackExtra FX

Allen & Heath is renowned for crafting FX emulations that rival the best plug-ins. SQ is equipped with 8 stereo FX engines and features the acclaimed RackExtra library of emulations of legendary classic reverbs, gated reverbs, delays, modulators, and more. All FX have dedicated stereo returns, eliminating the need to use input channels.

[Visual description: A collection of colorful FX units, including ADT Classic Chorus, Chorus Bright, Gated Snare, 12 Stage Phaser, EMT 250, Electric Flange, 2tap delay, and Symphonic Chorus.]

Expandable up to 48 mics

Thanks to its SLink intelligent port, SQ can be expanded up to a total of 48 mic inputs via a family of 96kHz and 48kHz rack and stage box expanders (e.g., AB168, AR2412, AR84, and DX168). This makes it a flexible solution for owners of other Allen & Heath digital systems. Users can also connect to another SQ, Qu, or dLive system for two-way audio patching.

[Visual description: Images of Allen & Heath expander units: AR2412 Audio Rack, AB168 Audio Rack, and DX168 Stage Box.]

Advanced AMM

SQ's advanced automatic mic mixers (AMMs) are ideal for mixing conferences, panel talks, and TV shows. They are fully integrated into the mixer with no extra latency, eliminating the need to route audio to an internal DSP rack or an external plugin system. Two fully independent 24-channel AMMs can be utilized for separate zones or combined into a single 48-channel AMM for larger events.

[Visual description: A close-up image of several microphones.]

Connections

[Visual description: The rear panel of an Allen & Heath SQ mixer, showing various connection ports including XLR inputs/outputs, TRS outputs, AES out, SLink, USB 2.0, Network, Power, Footswitch, and Talkback.]

I/O Port

The I/O port accommodates SQ option cards, including Dante, Waves, and SLink, enabling applications such as multitrack recording, broadcast feeds, and FoH/Monitor splits. It also future-proofs the SQ mixer against fast-changing AoIP standards.

USB Interface

A built-in 32x32 interface streams 96kHz multitrack audio to and from the core of the SQ, allowing access to high-quality preamps and processing without adding extra stages of AD/DA conversion. ASIO and Core Audio compliant, and with support for the DAW Control Driver, SQ handles various recording and playback responsibilities.

Network

The Ethernet network port enables SQ to send and receive control messages over a network connection. Connect an external router or access point for wired or wireless mixing control via an app, or use MIDI over TCP/IP for automation and system integration.

SLink

SQ's intelligent SLink port supports multiple protocols, allowing expansion via 96kHz and 48kHz remote audio units. It enables direct connection of ME-1 and ME-500 personal mixers (via the ME-U hub), another SLink port, a Qu mixer, or a gigaACE option card in a dLive system.

DX Hub

The DX Hub features four 32x32 channel DX ports for connecting remote DX expanders and a 128x128 channel GigaACE port for a single connection to the SQ. It allows connection of up to eight DX168s, enabling sourcing of up to 48 inputs from a selection of up to 128 remote sockets with a single cable between FoH and stage.

Application Diagrams

[Diagram description: System configuration showing SQ expanded using AR2412 + AB168, providing 40 remote inputs + 20 remote outputs + ME system.]

[Diagram description: System configuration showing SQ to SQ direct 96kHz connection using gigaACE, enabling send and receive of all assignable I/O.]

[Diagram description: System configuration showing SQ expanded with 3x DX168s connected to a DX-Hub for full 96kHz operation, providing 48 remote inputs and 24 remote outputs.]

SQ-7

32 onboard preamps. 33 faders.

• 96kHz FPGA processing
• 48 Input Channels
• DEEP Processing ready
• 33 Faders / 6 Layers
• 12 Stereo mixes + LR
• 3 Stereo Matrix
• 8 Stereo FX Engines + dedicated returns
• 7" capacitive touchscreen
• SLink port for remote audio / expansion
• 64ch I/O Port for audio networking
• 32x32 USB audio interface
• SQ-Drive direct recording to USB
• AES output
• Chromatic channel metering
• Integrated LED illumination
• Dedicated physical controls
• 16 Assignable SoftKeys
• 8 Assignable Soft Rotaries
• Channel LCD displays

SQ-5

16 onboard preamps. 17 faders.

• 96kHz FPGA processing
• 48 Input Channels
• DEEP Processing ready
• 17 Faders / 6 Layers
• 12 Stereo Mixes + LR
• 3 Stereo Matrix
• 8 Stereo FX Engines + dedicated returns
• 7" capacitive touchscreen
• SLink port for remote audio / expansion
• 64ch I/O Port for audio networking
• 32x32 USB audio interface
• SQ-Drive direct recording to USB
• AES output
• Chromatic channel metering
• Integrated LED illumination
• Dedicated physical controls
• 8 Assignable SoftKeys
• Channel LCD displays
• 19" rack mountable

SQ-6

24 onboard preamps. 25 faders.

• 96kHz FPGA processing
• 48 Input Channels
• DEEP Processing ready
• 25 Faders / 6 Layers
• 12 Stereo Mixes + LR
• 3 Stereo Matrix
• 8 Stereo FX Engines + dedicated returns
• 7" capacitive touchscreen
• SLink port for remote audio / expansion
• 64ch I/O Port for audio networking
• 32x32 USB audio interface
• SQ-Drive direct recording to USB
• AES output
• Chromatic channel metering
• Integrated LED illumination
• Dedicated physical controls
• 16 Assignable SoftKeys
• 4 Assignable Soft Rotaries
• Channel LCD displays

Accessories

• Tablet Shelf - SQ-BRACKETX
• SQ-5 Rack Mounting Kit - SQ-5-RK19X
• SQ-5 Dust Cover - AP11332
• SQ-6 Dust Cover - AP11333
• SQ-7 Dust Cover - AP11334