Allen & Heath SQ-5 48-Channel / 36-Bus Digital Mixer with 16+1 Motorized Faders

About the Allen & Heath SQ-5 48-Channel / 36-Bus Digital Mixer with 16+1 Motorized Faders

The next generation console, the SQ-5 gives you all the tools to meet any requirement, from AV and corporate events to live productions and houses of worship. In addition to super low latency, the SQ-5 features DEEP processing architecture, parametric and graphic EQ on every mix, 7” touchscreen and flexible multitrack recording. 

SQ Firmware Release V1.3.0 
V1.3.0 is a feature release for SQ mixers. It includes new monitoring functions such as the ‘Listen’ bus, external input to PAFL, tie lines and modes for the master fader. It also introduces full user permissions, new options for Soft Rotary controls and support for the SLink and Waves option cards. Please read the release notes, and the SQ firmware update instructions before installing. 

Powered by Allen & Heath’s revolutionary XCVI 96kHz FPGA engine, SQ-5 is built for professionals in the most demanding live sound applications. Delivering class-leading high resolution audio with an ultra-low <0.7ms latency, the SQ-5 gives you unrivalled power and audio fidelity. The mixer has 16 onboard preamps and 8 stereo FX engines with dedicated return channels and access to the acclaimed RackExtra FX library. 12 stereo mixes (configurable as groups or auxes) make SQ the perfect companion for in-ear monitoring setups, whilst Automatic Mic Mixing * takes the strain in multi-mic environments. SQ-5 gives you all the tools to meet any requirement, from AV and corporate events to live productions and houses of worship. 

Allen and Heath SQ-5 Digital Mixer Features 

• 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
• 32×32 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 

96kHz XCVI Core
SQ is a future-proofed, next-generation console, powered by Allen & Heath’s 96kHz XCVI FPGA engine. XCVI delivers class-leading high resolution audio quality, ultra-low latency of <0.7ms, variable bit depth for ultimate precision and noise performance, mix coherency down to the sample, and the sheer power to handle high channel / mix counts and ample FX / processing. 

DEEP processing ready
SQ’s DEEP processing architecture allows owners 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, all without adding system latency or setup hassles. 

The Ultimate IEM Mixer
With no less than 12 stereo mixes, super-low latency, and both parametric and graphic EQ on every mix, SQ is the perfect companion for in-ear monitoring setups. SQ’s airline-friendly compactness and rugged build quality mean there’s no reason to gamble on house monitor consoles again. 

Expandable up to 48 mics
SQ-5 has all the onboard I/O you need for standalone operation. Thanks to its SLink intelligent port, SQ can also 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), making it a flexible, mix ‘n’ match solution for owners of other Allen & Heath digital systems. You can also link your SQ directly to another SQ or even a dLive system. 

Dante, Waves and more
SQ is the centrepiece of a growing ecosystem of apps, expanders, audio networking, personal mixers and more, allowing you to connect, adapt and expand to your heart’s content. It’s compatible with leading audio networking standards too – add an audio networking card such as Dante or Waves to SQ’s I/O port and you’re ready to integrate with installed systems, provide a digital FoH / Monitor split and more. 

Flexible multitrack recording
The integrated SQ-Drive makes it quick and easy to capture a 96kHz multitrack or stereo recording of the show direct to a USB key or drive. No software setup, no soundcard driver issues and no extra laptop to bring to the performance. SQ-Drive is also a smart way to manage walk-in music. Also provided is a built-in 32×32 96kHz audio interface for multitrack recording, backing tracks or virtual soundcheck applications. The interface is Core Audio and ASIO compliant and comes complete with MIDI and DAW control capabilities. 

Advanced AMM *
SQ’s advanced automatic mic mixer (AMM) features make it a natural choice for mixing conferences, panel talks and TV shows. It’s fully integrated in the mixer too, with no extra latency!

Key Features & Specifications for the Allen & Heath SQ-5 48-Channel / 36-Bus Digital Mixer with 16+1 Motorized Faders:

16 Microphone Preamps

7″ Capacitive Touchscreen

96 kHz FPGA Processing

Eight Stereo FX Engines with Returns

32 x 32 USB Audio Interface
AES Output

12 Stereo Mixes + LR

Channel LCD Displays

8 Assignable SoftKeys

SLink Port for Remote Audio & Expansion