Allen & Heath SQ Mixer Firmware Version 1.6.0 Release Notes

Overview

V1.6.0 is a feature firmware release for the SQ series of digital audio mixers. For the latest information, refer to the Allen & Heath website (www.allen-heath.com) for SQ Series products and the Allen & Heath support Knowledgebase.

Firmware files are included as *.bin files. Ensure you have the correct file for your SQ model:

• SQ-5: SQ-5UPG_1_6_0r4812.bin
• SQ-6: SQ-6UPG_1_6_0r4812.bin
• SQ-7: SQ-7UPG_1_6_0r4812.bin
• SQ-Rack: SQ-RUPG_1_6_0r4812.bin

Format your USB device using the SQ mixer format utility. Not all USB devices are compatible. Use the device solely for the SQ mixer after formatting and confirming correct operation.

The SQ features a main and back-up image for stability. Updating firmware overwrites the alternate image.

Ensure the first two numbers of the firmware and app versions match when using SQ-MixPad, SQ4You, or SQ-Control apps. For example, SQ firmware V1.5.0 is compatible with SQ MixPad V1.5.2, but V1.3.2 is not compatible with V1.4.2.

As of V1.3 for iOS and V1.5.4 for Android, SQ-MixPad and SQ4You apps are 64-bit only. For wireless control with older 32-bit devices, firmware should not be updated beyond V1.2.* for iOS and V1.5.* for Android.

Scenes and shows created with earlier firmware versions can be recalled on newer firmware, but not vice-versa.

USB streaming is compatible with Mac (Core Audio compliant with macOS 10.12 or later) and Windows PC computers. Windows ASIO™/WDM drivers must be installed. Refer to www.allen-heath.com for the latest drivers and installation guide.

SQ-Drive audio recording and multitrack playback require USB storage devices with high sustained transfer rates. External HDDs or SSDs are recommended over USB 'stick' drives for best performance.

Firmware V1.2.0 introduced optional add-ons. Check the SQ ‘Utility > General > Add-ons’ screen for availability. Add-ons can be purchased from shop.allen-heath.com and are permanent once installed.

V1.6.0 Additional Features

• New Add-ons: OptTronik Compressor, Bus Compressor.
• New Add-on bundles: 'All V1.6', 'Compressor Pack 2'.
• Support for SQ-Rack.
• Support for SQ-Control app.
• Stereo Matrices can now be split into two Mono Matrices.
• New Cue Lists & Cue List Editor.
• Support for MIDI Show Control GO, TIMED GO, LOAD and RESET messages.
• Scene Crossfades functionality.
• Finer granularity of Processing Scene Filters and SoftKeys / Soft Rotaries.
• Simultaneous use of USB A and USB B for both 48kHz and 96kHz.
• Output Polarity Switches on the I/O page.
• Input & Mix Channels Meter Source Points.
• Stereo States of Input and Mix Channels are now stored and recalled in Scenes.
• Channel Strip Select SoftKey.
• Ch To All Mix SoftKey.
• Support for Active Sense MIDI.
• Date and Time received from MixPad to timestamp files stored to USB.
• SQ-MixPad additions: New Add-ons, Matrix updates, Cue List, Crossfades, Scene filter updates, Scene ‘Current' and 'Next' displayed, SQ-Drive control, Offline Insert and AMM setup, Use SQ Layers in place of Custom Layers.

V1.6.0 Improvements

• ID-1940: USB system overhaul.
• ID-1511: Lower latency USB streaming.
• ID-1812: SQ-Drive Progress bar is now accurate for large recordings.
• ID-2114: SQ-Drive load metering more accurate.
• ID-2107: Copy/Paste/Reset supported with Processing and Routing screens.
• ID-1231: Copy/Paste/Reset now works on Mix Select button when in GEQ Fader Flip.
• ID-1964: Library key illuminates when Library is available for current screen.
• ID-1967: 'Processing Screen Follows Surface' responds to PEQ Band Select buttons.
• ID-1966: 'Processing Screen Follows Surface' ignores HPF when in PEQ screen.
• ID-1063: Scene Name displayed on User Login.
• ID-1479: Trim control on Bank View displayed when 'Preamp On Surface' turned Off.
• ID-2057: Added Text for Mix External Input.
• ID-2126: North toolbar layout changes to include selected channel and mix.
• ID-1790: Added Acquiring DHCP IP Address indication on the Diagnostic Screen.
• ID-1903: Users are now returned to the Login Screen when declining User Scene Recall.
• ID-1823: 'FX Follow Sel' preference now applies to Mix Return Channels.
• ID-1764: Improved visibility of DCA Member list.
• ID-1810: Decoupled Preamp from Patch filters.
• ID-1819: Increased Storage Timeouts to prevent USB faults.
• ID-1370: Compressor Parallel Path values are now hidden when turned Off.
• ID-1963: Improved gearing for the Opto Compressor.
• ID-1845: Improved SQ remote app connection stability across different network conditions.

Issues Fixed

• ID-1998: Fixed issue where I/O Page could report incorrect patches.
• ID-1946: Fixed Scene navigation SoftKeys could bypass User Scene Range.
• ID-1858: Fixed issue with applying FX Unit Mix->Return to Insert change.
• ID-1854: Fixed issue where invalid FX Return Channels are shown on Bank View.
• ID-1818: Fixed footswitch Cancel clearing previous value.
• ID-1982: Fixed issue where some received MIDI messages are echoed back to the Sender.
• ID-1969: Fixed issue where incorrect MIDI can be sent on a Scene Change.
• ID-1805: Fixed issue where the USB Library list updates incorrectly.
• ID-1877: Fixed MIDI Control Port not correctly released after Network Change.
• ID-1883: Fixed potential issue caused by interrupting Fader Firmware update.
• ID-1838: Fixed issue where the end of multitrack playback can cause audio spikes.
• ID-1941: Fixed FX Screen following channel selection for invalid Inserts.
• ID-1822: Fixed possible freeze on boot due to network loop.
• ID-1956: Fixed FX Send and Return channels accessible when FX is inserted.
• ID-1999: Fixed PAFL not deactivating when changing FX Unit routing.
• ID-1981: Fixed an issue where Gated Verb FX could cause crash.
• ID-1851: Fixed an issue where Tap Delay could cause crash.
• ID-1938: Fixed issue with high number of Playback Files.
• ID-1864: Fixed issue where the MultiBD3 HF band displays the wrong level.
• ID-1840: Fixed Firmware Update issue for DX164/DX012 connected to GX4816.
• ID-1259: Fixed "In Use (Stereo)" display issue after USB-A formatting.
• ID-1839: Fixed issue where noise was produced at beginning of SQ-Drive Stereo Playback.
• ID-2257: Fixed issue where Soft Rotaries could change value on boot.
• ID-2254: Fixed an issue when connecting 8 DX Devices via DX-Hub.

Known Issues

• SQ-Drive: Loss of power or unplugging a device during multi-track or stereo record may result in the current recording being lost.
• Audio not passing when attempting to load an unavailable add-on: When loading a show with an unavailable add-on, a default unit is loaded, but audio will not pass until processing is switched out. This can occur when a show saved on newer firmware is loaded into an SQ running older firmware.
• Incorrect sync with MixPad when Mixer Config is changed: Adjusting the Mixer Config on the desk can cause issues in the SQ-MixPad I/O Patch screen until the app is disconnected and reconnected. Connect SQ-MixPad only after Mixer Config settings have been applied at the desk.
• Loaded MixPad Offline show not copied when updating on PC/Mac: When updating the SQ MixPad app on PC or Mac, the offline show is not automatically copied. Store the current show before updating, then install the new version of MixPad and recall the show before uninstalling the older version.
• Copying firmware files to a drive using macOS: There is an issue with macOS Sonoma or later copying firmware files to a USB drive, preventing the file from being found by the mixer. To avoid this, use Windows, Bootcamp, Parallels, or another device (tablet/phone) to copy the file. Renaming the file manually before copying is also an option. See https://support.allen-heath.com/hc/en-gb/articles/27372432963729-Issues-when-copying-firmware-files-to-a-USB-drive-using-macOS for more information. This issue affects units running firmware V1.5.11 or earlier.
• Limited MIDI messaging: Due to a lack of crosspoint addresses, remote NRPN MIDI control of send levels and assignments to Matrices 4-6 is not currently possible.

Previous Versions

V1.5.11 Maintenance release

• ID-1980: Support for LiveTrax auto track naming feature.
• ID-1986: Support new channel display hardware.
• ID-1951: Original channel displays with no ID now illuminate correctly.

V1.5.10 Maintenance release

• ID-1916: Support for DX88-P added.
• ID-1936: Support for Dante V3 option card following component changes.
• ID-1902: Support for SLink option card following component changes.
• ID-1914: I/O Screen now indicates correct number of sockets for V3 Dante cards.
• ID-1879: Disconnecting DX Hub whilst powered on could cause DC noise on inputs.

V1.5.9 Maintenance release

• ID-1904: Support for latest SQ hardware following component changes.
• ID-1884: Touch screen occasionally unresponsive on boot.

V1.5.8 Maintenance release

• ID-1896: Support for Dante V3 option card.

V1.5.7 Maintenance release

• ID-1887: Support for DX168 following component changes.
• ID-1890: Support for latest SQ hardware following component changes.

V1.5.6 Maintenance release

• ID-1843: Support for DX012 following component changes.
• ID-1866, ID-1867, ID-1868: Support for latest SQ hardware following component changes.

V1.5.5 Maintenance release

• ID-1841: Support for AR2412, AR84 and AB168 following component changes.
• ID-1842: Support for DX164W following component changes.
• ID-1847: Support for DX-32 following component changes.

V1.5.4 Maintenance release

• Support for GX4816 and DX168 hardware following component changes.
• ID-1833: Input channels assigned to AMM when muted now display meter correctly.
• ID-1763: AMM fader positions display correctly after switching overview sections.
• ID-1762: Correct number of slots shown when using MixPad to switch number of AMM's.
• ID-1765: On-screen keyboard no longer closes on multi-touch.
• ID-1817: Copy/Paste/Reset on Scene list respects User Permissions.

V1.5.3 Maintenance release

• Support for latest SQ hardware following component changes.

V1.5.2 Maintenance release

• Support for SQ MADI option card.
• ID-1807: 'Loading' text added to SQ-Drive multitrack screen.
• ID-1814: Potential control layer freeze when simultaneously viewing RTA on PEQ, using SQ-Drive and introducing lots of control messaging.
• ID-1816: Incorrect labelling of FX Return channels after re-patching.
• ID-1820: SQ-Drive recording FX Return files not created after re-patching.

V1.5.1 Maintenance release

• ID-1782: Display may freeze when viewing RTA on PEQ whilst using SQ-Drive.
• ID-1779: Noises on local input sockets presenting on small number of units.
• ID-1804: Multitrack recording to SQ-Drive could stall in some circumstances.
• ID-1793: Talkback output to ME unlabelled resulting in incorrect auto assignment.
• ID-1794: 'Socket used' indication incorrect in I/O screen when patching Direct Outs to ME.
• ID-1792: NRPN fader law not recalled correctly on system reboot.
• ID-1778: SQ-Drive stereo record meters incorrectly labelled.
• ID-1596: DT preamp control can be lost when soft rebooting Dante V2 option card.

V1.5.0 Feature release

• New add-ons available: Bucket Brigade Delay, Echo, Hypabass.
• 'Channel RTA' added for PEQ and GEQ.
• 48kHz USB option (USB-B and SQ-Drive).
• Record/playback up to 32 channels to/from SQ-Drive.
• Record only patched channels to SQ-Drive.
• USB Meters screen.
• DCA Spill function including 'Spill On Sel' option.
• Additional DCA options for Global and Scene recall filters.
• HPF/LPF options on PEQ.
• Input channel HPF slope options.
• 'Safe' Patching switch option.
• 1-to-1 block patching on I/O screen.
• Show channel delay in Milliseconds, Samples, Meters or Feet (with air temperature variable).
• Higher resolution control for channel delays.
• FX Screen follow Sel option.
• Current Mix/DCA Spill displayed on-screen.
• NRPN Fader Law 'Audio Taper' option.
• Auto network IP address assignment.
• Support for V2 Dante Option Card.
• SQ-MixPad additions – Full RTA support, 3 instances, New Routing screen, Online AMM control, Online insert setup, Online scene management, Safe patching, Offline Scene and Library management, Offline 'share' function, 'URL Hook' added.
• New soft control additions – DCA Spill (SoftKey, Soft Rotary Key, Footswitch), SQ-Drive Arm/Rec/Stop, FX Mute (Soft Rotary Key).
• ID-1577: Updates to De-Esser add-on including new filters.
• ID-1546: Patchable talkback output (post 'Talk' key).
• ID-1497: Default name added to factory libraries.
• ID-1696: Soft Control option lists sorted alphabetically.
• ID-1033: SQ-Drive - store recorded channel name in file metadata.
• ID-1011: Indication of used socket in I/O screen.
• ID-954: Use reset key with pan control for L-C-R switching.
• ID-1394: I/O screen local AES output socket control enabled.
• ID-1758: 'Next Scene:' persistent through mix config change.
• ID-1675: SQ-Drive - Current track remains selected after 'Play Single'.
• ID-1655: Soft Rotary Keys set to mute now indicate Mute Group/DCA muting.
• ID-1654: Soft Rotarys set to FX parameter correctly illuminate when available.
• ID-1564: Tie Lines patched to ME now contain identifiers.
• ID-1498: PAFL and Talkback settings included in Role resets.
• ID-1550: DynEQ/MultiBD – removed possibility to control a non-visible parameter.
• ID-1527: Pending ganging changes discarded on any change to mixer config.
• SQ4You-190: Group wheel indicator added when a channel is muted.
• SQ4You-192: Channels can be controlled whilst muted.
• ID-1749: Unused FX Sends removed from CH to All Mix.
• ID-1661: SoftKey SQ-Drive controls disabled when USB-B mode is active.
• ID-1620: MIDI NRPN's using MSB/LSB equal to 0x7F respond correctly.
• ID-1569: Incorrect name could be displayed in USB scene delete pop-up.
• ID-1555: 'Add-on unavailable' pop-up displays correctly when using SQ-MixPad ‘Push'.
• ID-1535: SLink option card displays 'I/O card fitted' icon correctly on initial boot.
• ID-1595: Shutdown process could trigger SQ-Drive playback if paused.
• ID-1563: I/O screen channel name correct after channel library recall.
• ID-710: Changing playback files could generate audio artefacts in recording.

V1.4.4 Maintenance release

• ID-1501: Factory reset could cause incorrect marking of scene storage location states.

V1.4.3 Maintenance release

• ID-1558: Channel Name and Colour now update throughout system on library item recall.
• ID-1552: Members no longer removed from gang after MixPad push and scene recall.
• ID-1559: Surface Master fader correctly linked to MixPad when in GEQ Fader Flip.
• ID-1553: 'Hall Choral HF' FX Preset 'Ref Detail' value corrected.
• ID-1562: Fixed V1.4.2 FPGA image which caused unwanted noise on some units.

V1.4.2 Maintenance release

• ID-1528: Added labelling to MultiBD4 LM band.
• ID-1543: Multiple DAW methods added to SysEx naming via DAW Control Driver.
• ID-1532: CH to All Mix now works on ganged channels.
• ID-1529: MultiBD 'Link' and 'Rel' functions fixed.
• ID-1540: DynEQ4, and MultiBD metering corrected.
• ID-1526: PEQ Library HPF recall corrected.
• ID-1525: Subnet mask for static address can be edited.
• ID-1523: Input gangs now function with 12 members.

V1.4.1 Maintenance release

• ID-1504: Insert state correctly translated from previous firmware revisions.
• ID-1508: USB libraries can be transferred when there is no stored user library on console.
• ID-1492: DynEQ master trim meter level corrected.
• ID-1493: MultiBD3 and MultiBD4 master trim meter corrected.
• ID-1426: SoftKey and Footswitch Scene Recall scene list updates correctly.

V1.4.0 Feature release

• New add-ons available: DeEsser, Multiband Compressors (MultiBD3/MultiBD4), Dynamic EQ (DynEQ4).
• Ganging.
• Per-scene recall filters.
• USB Scene and Library archiving.
• Copy Paste Reset of Scenes and Per-scene recall filters.
• IO Page socket control.
• Sync Mode for SQ-MixPad connection.
• MIDI NRPN control of Levels, Panning/Balance, Mutes, Assignments, SoftKeys.
• Mono matrix option.
• Preamp on surface option.
• Processing screen follows surface option.
• PEQ band follows screen option.
• Name/Colour options in channel library.
• HPF option in PEQ library.
• New soft control additions – MIDI program changes, note on/off, Listen Level.
• SQ-MixPad additions – Offline mode, follow SQ channel/mix options, PAFL setup, channel routing screen.
• Support for DX32 modular expander added.
• Global recall filters re-organised and extended.
• SQ-Drive performance metering.
• RTA peak band indication in GEQ Fader Flip.
• Socket number displays on channel LCD display.
• Channel and strip numbers added to strip assign.
• Touch scrolling added to all on-screen lists.
• ID-1201: Channel ms delay control improved.
• ID-1227: Compressor parallel path Dry/Wet control improved.
• ID-819: Channel mute time when engaging/disengaging PAD reduced.
• ID-620: Fader calibration process no longer requires rebooting.
• ID-720: Removed persistent metering when dSnake unit is disconnected.
• ID-1008: Mixer shutdown gracefully closes SQ-Drive recording.
• ID-1149: Reset Mix Settings button blocked correctly using user permissions.
• ID-1044: Input patch filtered when preamp recall blocked.
• ID-1266: SQ-Drive seek bar appears correctly on first launch of screen.
• ID-1276: SQ-Drive recording to maximum length no longer lists two recordings in playback.
• ID-565: Stereo insert left disconnects correctly when right send is repatched elsewhere.
• ID-1390: Corrected issue with incorrect output patching when switching mix stereo/mono.
• ID-894: Insert LED correctly displays status on scene recall.
• ID-807: FX Library items now contain Dry/Wet levels when stored as insert.
• ID-563: Insert point In/Out status persists when creating or editing.
• ID-1307: Correction to stereo flag when sending mix channels to a ME system.
• ID-364: Preamp surface control does not affect trim when Mix Ext In has no preamp available.
• ID-1339: AR84 Tie Line patching now persistent after power cycle.
• ID-1271: Routing screen now displays from LHS on opening.
• ID-1287: Fixed inconsistency in AFL/PFL on LR when switching output AFL setting.

V1.3.2 Maintenance release

• ID-1280: Incorrect skins displayed for the two units of DEEP compressor 'Peak Limiter 76'.

V1.3.1 Maintenance release

• SQ-MixPad additions – Control of DEEP compressor and GEQ plug-ins.
• ID-955: Fixed intermittent distortion on USB-B streaming on known systems with issues.
• ID-351: Reduced chance of dropout on USB-B streaming when using xHCl controllers.
• ID-730: Improved network buffer behaviour to better deal with bad connections to devices.
• ID-749: Reduced chance of desk freeze due to bad device connection on network.
• ID-1256: SQ-Drive – Multitrack and stereo playback meters display only on the relevant SQ-Drive playback window.
• ID-1247: SQ-Drive – Fixes for intermittent distortion on multitrack recordings.
• ID-1254: SQ-Drive – Loading a multitrack for playback no longer causes issues with stereo playback.
• ID-1255: SQ-Drive – Fixed issue where multitrack recording could stop seconds before the end of the file.
• ID-1203: DEEP Tube Stage Preamp metering now displays correctly when switching between stereo and mono channels.
• ID-1238: Solved issue with GUI layers being displayed out of sequence on screen.
• ID-1244: Solved issue where channels strips could display incorrectly when selecting mixes.
• ID-1252: Solved issue where channel name could be applied to incorrect channel when switching layers.

V1.3.0 Feature release

• Support of SLink and Waves cards added.
• Support for DX164-W added.
• New add-ons available: DEEP 16T, 16VU, Mighty, Opto and Peak Limiter 76 compressors. Proportional, DiGi and Hybrid GEQ's.
• New Listen bus with patchable outputs.
• Master fader 'Listen Level' mode.
• Reset Mix Settings roles.
• Tie Line patching.
• Input Patch Libraries.
• External In to PAFL.
• Patchable PAFL output.
• User permissions.
• Compressor 'Ducker Mode' added.
• Extra Soft Rotary options including MIDI, assignable Soft Rotary key functions, plus the addition of displayed values and display using the 'View' key.
• Touch and drag control of PEQ.
• SQ-MixPad additions – User permissions, I/O Patching, FX parameter and SigGen control.
• ID-1002: USB drives with file systems other than FAT can now be formatted by the SQ mixer.
• ID-831: SQ-Drive - extended file type support for .wav files.
• ID-1007: SQ-Drive – added error reporting for drive faults and invalid formats.
• ID-222: Improved/increased touch areas for on-screen buttons and parameters.
• ID-914: AMM strip colour matches channel colour.
• ID-384: SQ-Drive – faster show storage.
• ID-930: AMM Scene Safe icon could be incorrect after reboot.
• ID-932: Audio present on left side of a stereo output when setting output balance to hard right.
• ID-925: Scale and acceleration of Soft Rotary controls improved.
• ID-919: Stereo playback from SQ Drive could occasionally become distorted after a Show recall or power cycle.
• ID-454: PAFL Follow Mix behaviour corrected when changing the setting after selecting a mix to PAFL.
• ID-1108: Signal on SLink channels 17-24 could have reduced level when in dSnake mode.
• ID-1114: SQ-Drive – corrected stop button and seek position behaviour when stopped.
• ID-1035: SQ-Drive – corrected seek position behaviour during playback.
• ID-1021: SQ-Drive – correctly display elapsed and remaining times whilst paused.
• ID-1032: SQ-Drive – continue track playback whilst a new track is selected.
• ID-466: SQ-Drive – multiple improvements including wrap-around (play all) behaviour, current track display, and appearance of controls.
• ID-772: USB source now correctly stored with show.
• ID-606: Soft Rotary displays now correctly update when changing names.
• ID-479: LF and HF Width rotary control now updates illumination correctly to show when shelf mode has been engaged or disengaged.
• ID-641: Corrected Soft Rotary key illumination when used for Pad or Polarity.
• ID-921: Soft Rotary set to main level has persistent display when no channel is selected.

V1.2.2 Maintenance release

• Support for SQ Dante card added.

V1.2.0 Feature release

• D-Classic Automatic Mic Mixing added.
• Support for DX-Hub.
• 'Chorus' and 'Noo Phaser' FX units added.
• Assignable Channel Colours.
• Factory Processing Libraries added.
• Input to PAFL source point selection added.
• ID-839: Fix UDP port numbers to allow port forwarding.
• ID-784: Match Frequency and Width values on PEQ screen to hardware.
• ID-739: Add categories to FX Library.
• ID-447: Enable selection of 'Processing' or 'Routing' screen key before selecting channel.
• ID-852: Channel settings recalled incorrectly when changing channel stereo status.
• ID-812: Stereo width changes can cause issues when switching channels back to mono.
• ID-804: AR/AB units can dropout or enter update mode.
• ID-803: Static IP settings not updating correctly.
• ID-723: Changing gate sidechain source from 'self' on SLink input channel mutes audio.
• ID-726: Selecting PAFL on SQ-MixPad changes 'Sel' on surface.
• ID-721: 'PAFL Follow Mix' does not work in 'Fader Flip' mode.
• ID-468: Master fader does not update when level changed on SoftRotary.
• ID-437: Next scene does not update after scene name change.
• ID-634: Surface can freeze with bad connection to SQ-MixPad app.

V1.1.0 Feature release

• 'Tube Stage' DEEP Preamp model added.
• Support for SQ-MixPad app added.
• ID-536: Library closes on recall.
• ID-478: Unassign button added to Insert screen.
• ID-626: PAFL of mix channels sourced pre-delay.
• ID-702: Group routings non-persistent.
• ID-686: AR84 supported as only connected device.
• ID-713: Fix for DX preamp control.
• ID-290: Secondary Remote Audio Units enumerated correctly.
• ID-616: Provision of firmware updates to AR Remote Audio Units.
• ID-722: I/O patching now shows 'live' patching to non-preamp connections.
• ID-714: Input fader now updates correctly when mixing to group.

V1.0.1 Maintenance release

• ID-704: I/O screen updates to improve usability.
• ID-537: Confirmation before deleting or overwriting libraries added.
• ID-626: PAFL of mix channels now sourced pre-delay.
• ID-619: Open stereo channel routed to GEQ caused noise on boot.
• ID-486: Corrected preamp control logic when switching mono to stereo or stereo to mono.
• ID-567: Resetting Main LR routing caused fader/audio mismatch.
• ID-461: Channel names now updated on stereo SQ-Drive screen.

V1.0.0 Initial firmware release for SQ mixers.