Technical Datasheet
Overview
- Rack-mountable Digital Mixer for Live, Studio and Installation
- 48 Input Channels
- 16 Local Mic Inputs (XLR)
- 2 1/4" Stereo Inputs (TRS)
- 1 3.5mm Stereo Input
- 36 Total Busses
- 12 Stereo Mix (Aux or Group) + Main
- PAFL Bus
- 14 Assignable Local Outputs (12 XLR + 2 1/4" TRS)
- AES Digital Output
- Dedicated Talkback mic input (XLR)
- 1/4" TRS Headphone out with dedicated control
- SLink EtherCON connection for remote audio using dSnake, DX or gigaACE protocol (64x64 channels)
- I/O Port for Option Card (including 3rd party protocols - Dante/Waves)
- 8 Mute Groups
- 8 DCA Groups
- 8 Stereo FX with dedicated FX Returns
- DEEP Processing Ready
- RackFX Effects suite
- 7" colour touchscreen
- 8 Assignable SoftKeys
- Dedicated physical controls for channel processing (Gain, HPF Frequency, Gate Threshold, Compressor Threshold, Pan, EQ Gain/Frequency/Width)
- 16+1 Faders with 6 Layers for 96 assignable Channel Strips
- Motorised faders for sends on faders, GEQ fader flip and mix recall
- 16 Backlit LCD Channel Strip displays
- Single Point Metering
- Integrated Surface Illumination
- Single/Dual Footswitch Control
- Input channel linking for stereo sources
- Patchable Insert points
- Input processing: Preamp, HPF, Gate, PEQ, Compressor, Delay
- Output processing: PEQ, Graphic EQ, Compressor, Delay
- Automatic Mic Mixing
- 31 Band Real Time Analyser
- Quick copy/paste/reset for parameters
- User Permissions to restrict operator access
- 300 Scene memories per show
- Channel Safes, Global and per Scene Recall Filters
- FX, processing and channel Libraries
- SQ-Drive for stereo and multitrack recording/playback direct to USB drive
- USB transfer of Scenes, Libraries, Shows
- 32x32 channel USB streaming to/from Mac/PC
- DAW Control driver for MIDI control via USB or TCP/IP
- Wireless remote mixing apps for iPad and Android
- Compatible with ME personal monitoring range
Front Panel Layout
The front panel of the Allen & Heath SQ-5 features a comprehensive control surface. Dominating the top is a 7-inch capacitive colour touchscreen. Below the screen are dedicated physical controls for channel processing, including rotary encoders and buttons for Gain, HPF, Gate, Compressor, and EQ parameters. The surface includes 16+1 motorized faders, arranged in 6 layers, providing access to 96 assignable channel strips. Each fader strip is equipped with dedicated PAFL, Select, and Mute buttons, a variable LED meter, a peak indicator LED, and a backlit LCD display showing channel information. Additional controls include assignable SoftKeys, transport controls, and navigation buttons for accessing various functions like Preamp, Processing, Routing, Meters, FX, Scenes, Setup, Utility, and I/O.
The rear panel includes a variety of input and output connectors: 16 local mic inputs (XLR), 2 stereo line inputs (1/4" TRS), 1 stereo 3.5mm input, 14 assignable local outputs (12 XLR and 2 1/4" TRS), an AES Digital Output, a dedicated talkback mic input (XLR), and a 1/4" TRS headphone output. It also features an SLink EtherCON port for remote audio expansion, an I/O Port for optional cards (e.g., Dante, Waves), a USB Type-A port for SQ-Drive, and a USB Type-B port for computer connectivity. Power is supplied via an IEC connector, with a power switch nearby.
A&E Specifications
The Allen & Heath SQ-5 is a compact, rack-mountable digital mixer built around a 96kHz XCVI FPGA core, offering 48 input channels and mixing to LR and 12 stereo mix outputs. The control surface features 17 moving faders across 6 layers, providing easy access to channels, mixes, FX sends, FX returns, DCA masters, and MIDI control. Each fader strip includes dedicated PAFL, Select, and Mute buttons with indicators, a variable LED meter, a peak indicator LED, and a backlit LCD display. Dedicated physical controls allow for adjustment of key processing parameters, following the selected channel. The fader and rotary controls are designed with high contrast for visibility in low light, and rotary controls are illuminated to indicate function. Send levels are displayed and adjusted using the faders, and surface illumination is integrated into the mixer's bodywork.
Dimensions
| Description | Dimensions (mm / inches) |
|---|---|
| SQ-5 Desk mounted (Width x Depth x Height) | 440 x 514.9 x 198 mm / 17.3" x 20.3" x 7.8" |
| SQ-5 Packed in shipping box (Width x Depth x Height) | 610 x 680 x 360 mm / 24" x 26.8" x 14.2" |
| SQ-5 Unpacked weight | 10.5 kg / 23.1 lbs |
| SQ-5 Packed weight | 14 kg / 30.9 lbs |
| SQ-6 Desk mounted (Width x Depth x Height) | 638 x 514.9 x 198 mm / 25.1" x 20.3" x 7.8" |
| SQ-6 Packed in shipping box (Width x Depth x Height) | 820 x 680 x 360 mm / 32.3" x 26.8" x 14.2" |
| SQ-6 Unpacked weight | 13.3 kg / 29.3 lbs |
| SQ-6 Packed weight | 17.3 kg / 38.1 lbs |
SQ System Block Diagram
The SQ System Block Diagram illustrates the internal architecture of the SQ-5 mixer, highlighting a 48-input channel x 36-bus Mix Engine. The signal path begins with MIC/LINE inputs, which pass through Gain, Pad, and a -20dB Pad before reaching the ADC. Stereo inputs (ST1/2, ST3) are also processed. The core of the mixer is the Input Channel processing, which is configurable for mono or stereo and includes routing options for MAIN, GRP, AUX/FX, and DIRECT OUT. Input processing stages include Polarity, Trim, Insert, HPF, Gate, PEQ, Compressor, and Delay, with flexible routing and sidechain capabilities. The diagram shows multiple output options, including SLink and DX expanders, AES3 inputs, and USB B for streaming. The Mix Master section handles GRP, AUX, MAIN, and MATRIX mixes, incorporating GEQ, PEQ, Compressor, and Delay. FX Send and Return paths are clearly delineated, with 8 RackFX engines available. The system also features Talkback and a Signal Generator. Metering includes strip meters, PAFL monitoring, and RTA. Connectivity options like USB A (SQ-Drive), I/O Port, and SLink are shown connecting to external devices and systems.
Mixer Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Mic/Line Inputs | Balanced XLR, fully recallable; Input Sensitivity: -60 to +0dBu; Switchable Pad: -20dB; Analogue Gain: 0dB to +60dB (1dB steps); Max Input Level: +30dBu; Input Impedance: >5kΩ; THD+N (Unity Gain): 0.002% (-92dBu); THD+N (Mid Gain): 0.003% (-91dBu) |
| Phantom Power | +48V (+3V / -2V) |
| Stereo Line Inputs | ST1, ST2: Balanced 1/4" TRS jack; ST3: Unbalanced 3.5mm Mini Jack; Input Sensitivity: Nominal +4dBu (ST1, ST2) / 0dBu (ST3); Max Input Level: +22dBu (ST1, ST2) / +18dBu (ST3); Input Impedance: >7kΩ |
| Outputs 1-12 (SQ-5) / 1-14 (SQ-6) | Balanced XLR |
| Outputs A and B | Balanced 1/4" TRS Jack |
| Source (Outputs A/B) | Patchable |
| Output Impedance | <75Ω |
| Nominal Output | +4dBu |
| Maximum Output Level | +22dBu |
| Residual Output Noise | -90dBu (muted, 20Hz-20kHz) |
| AES Digital Output | Balanced XLR 2 channel, 96kHz sampling rate (switchable rates: 44.1/48/88.2/96kHz); 2.5Vpp balanced terminated 110Ω |
| Connection (dSNAKE) | Neutrik EtherCON (RJ45); 64 channels assignable, compatible with AR2412, AR84, AB168, ME |
| Connection (d-live) | dx mode (96kHz devices): 32 channels assignable*, compatible with DX168 |
| Connection (gigaACE) | 128 channels assignable, compatible with dLive, SQ and DXHub* |
| Inputs (General) | Fully Patchable |
| Outputs (General) | Fully Patchable |
| Sync/SRC | Assignable as master audio sync for all modes; SRC 64 channel |
| Faders | 100mm motorised |
| Touch Screen | 7" Capacitive, 800 x 480 resolution, 24 bit RGB |
| SoftKeys | 8 (SQ-5), 16 (SQ-6) |
| Mute Groups / DCA Groups | 8 / 8 |
| Network | TCP/IP Ethernet for MIDI and Control |
| MIDI | TCP/IP and USB B |
| Footswitch | Single or Dual, Momentary or Latching* |
| Source (CH1-48) | Fully patchable |
| USB Global Source | SQ-Drive or USB B Streaming |
| Polarity | Normal/Invert |
| Trim | -24 to +24dB |
| High Pass Filter | 12dB/octave 20Hz – 2kHz |
| Insert (Pre EQ/Comp) | Fully Patchable |
| Delay | Up to 341ms |
| Gate | Patchable Sidechain; Filter: Hi-pass (20-5k), band-pass (120-10k), Lo-pass (120-20k) |
| Gate Threshold/Depth | -72dBu to +18dBu / 0 to 60dB |
| Gate Attack/Hold/Release | 50µs to 300ms / 10ms to 5s / 10ms to 1s |
| PEQ | 4-Band fully parametric, 20-20kHz, +/-15dB; Selectable Shelving (Baxandall), Bell; Band 1, Band 4: Bell; Band 2, Band 3: Bell; Bell Width: Variable Q, 1.5 to 1/9th octave |
| Compressor | Patchable Sidechain; Filter: Hi-pass (20-5k), band-pass (120-10k), Lo-pass (120-20k), Q=1 |
| Compressor Threshold/Ratio | -46dBu to 18dBu / 1:1 to infinity |
| Compressor Attack/Release | 30µs to 300ms / 50ms to 2s |
| Compressor Knee | Soft/Hard |
| Compressor Detector response | Peak/RMS switchable |
| Parallel Path Compression | dry/wet -infin to 0dB |
| Channel Direct Out | Follow Fader, Mute, Mute Group, DCA (global all ch) |
| Source select (for processing) | Post-Preamp, Post-HPF, Post Gate, Insert Return, Post PEQ, Post Comp, Post Delay |
| Insert (Pre EQ/Comp) | trim -infin to 10dB per channel |
| Delay | Fully Patchable |
| GEQ | Up to 682ms; 28 bands 31Hz-16kHz, +/-12dB Gain, Constant 1/3 oct |
| PEQ (FX) | As Input PEQ |
| Compressor (FX) | As Input Compressor |
| Internal FX | 8 x RackFX engine, Send>Return or Inserted (4 dedicated fx bus); Types: SMR Reverb, StereoTap Delay, Gated Reverb, ADT, BlueChorus, Symphonic Chorus, Flanger, Phaser |
| 8 dedicated Stereo FX returns | Fader, Pan, Mute, Routing to Mix/LR, 4-Band PEQ |
| PAFL | PFL or stereo in-place AFL, 0 to -24dB Trim, PAFL Delay Up to 682ms |
| Talkback | Dedicated input, Assignable to any mix, Gain, Pad, 48V, 12dB/oct HPF |
| Signal Generator | Assignable to any mix, Sine/White/Pink/Bandpass Noise |
| RTA | 31-Bands 1/3 octave 20-20kHz, follows PAFL source |
| SQ-Drive (USB A) | Stereo Record: 2 channel, WAV, 96kHz, 24-bit, source fully patchable; Stereo Playback: 1/2 channel, WAV, 44.1, 48, 96kHz 16,24-bit, source fully patchable; Multitrack Record: 16 channel, WAV, 96kHz, 24-bit, track sources fully patchable; Multitrack Playback: 16 channel, WAV, 96kHz, 24-bit fully patchable |
| USB Audio Streaming (USB B) | USB B, Core Audio compliant, ASIO/WDM for Windows; Send (upstream): 32 channel, 96kHz, 24-bit; Return (downstream): 32 channel, 96kHz, 24-bit |
| Dynamic Range | Measured balanced XLR in to XLR out, 0dB gain, 0dBu input: 112 dB |
| Frequency Response | +0/-0.5dB 20Hz to 20kHz |
| Headroom | +18dB |
| Internal operating Level | 0dBu |
| THD+N, Mic/Line routed to Main L/R Out | Unity gain faders@0dB, 0.006%, -84dBu (20 - 20kHz) |
| dBFS Alignment | +18dBu = 0dBFS (+22dBu at XLR output) |
| Meter Calibration | 0dB meter = -18dBFS (+4dBu at XLR out) |
| Main Meter Type | 2 x 12 segment, fast (peak) response |
| Channel Meter Type | Single Point Metering, fully programmable colour/brightness |
| Peak Indication | -3dBFS (+19dBu at XLR out), multi-point sensing |
| Sampling Rate | 96kHz |
| Bit Depth | Uses XCVI core custom bit widths in algorithms, up to 96bits |
| Latency | <0.7mS, Local Mic Input routed to Main L/R (Direct, No EQ/Effects) |
| Operating Temperature Range | 0 deg C to 40 deg C (32 deg F to 104 deg F) |
| Mains Power | 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz |
| Max Power Consumption (SQ-5/SQ-6) | 75W / 90W |
