Allen & Heath SQ Digital Mixer Series

FPGA Core

What sets the SQ mixers apart from other models in their class is what’s powering them under the hood - Allen & Heath’s own XCVI 96kHz processing and mixing engine. This engine was created for the upmarket dLive series and uses a customised FPGA to achieve everything on essentially one chip.

This engine has many advantages, including high-resolution audio, ultra-low 0.7ms latency from input to output (perfect for in-ear monitoring) and an astonishing amount of processing power. In fact, any processing you apply has zero impact on the amount of latency so you can process to your heart’s content. You can also enjoy totally transparent, smear-free sound when applying in-channel & bus processing at the same time.

The SQ series features a top-notch noise spec and can vary the bit depth to boost the headroom when you need it. Because the output busses run at 96-bit, you have access to virtually unlimited headroom - approximately 400dB of dynamic range! You’ll never have to worry about internal clipping again.

Powerful Processing

An advantage of digital mixing desks is that they provide an all-in-one live sound solution, saving you from having to lug around additional outboard gear. This is a huge part of what makes Allen & Heath’s SQ series special, as it’s kitted out with all the onboard processing you need to create your ideal mix.

Each of the 48 channels features a super-fast gate (with filtering & side chain), a HPF, musical 4-band parametric equalisation and a versatile Peak/RMS compressor so you can shape/control levels & transients. For mixes, you have a compressor, parametric EQ and a 28 band graphic EQ at your disposal.

The XCVI core packs so much power, you can run every compressor on its own parallel path without worrying about phase or coherency issues.

Onboard RackExtra FX

Another standout feature of the SQ series is the 8 stereo FX engines, which are based on industry classic modulation, reverb and delay units. The SQ series provides you with 8 virtual effect rack slots and each engine features its own dedicated stereo return, leaving all 48 channels free. In addition, each return has its own parametric EQ and you can route them to mixes like it’s a normal input channel - very useful when setting up foldback mixes.

Tweaking the effects to your liking is straightforward thanks to the clear graphics for each unit and there are plenty of well-designed presets if you need a starting point to work from. If you dial in a setting that you like, you can easily store it into the user preset list to use later.

Premium DEEP Plug-ins

The SQ series features channel processing that’s identical to the ones in dLive consoles, which means you can purchase A&H’s fantastic DEEP plug-ins to use inside your mixer. These plugins can be directly integrated into the mixer’s inputs & mix channels and include faithful recreations of boutique compressors, graphic EQs and preamps.

Aside from their great sound, what’s appealing about these plugins is that they don’t add any system latency as they’re directly embedded into the channel. Plus, you can use your unlocked plugins on every channel and they won’t take up any of your internal effects rack’s slots.

Seamless Design

Allen & Heath are one of the leading names out there when it comes to mixing desks and with good reason. Their designs combine a sleek form factor, effortless workflow and tank-like build quality. The SQ series is no exception, with its array of tactile illuminated encoders that provide you with immediate hands-on control and clear visual feedback via the high-res 7" capacitive touchscreen.

Mixes & channels can be simply dragged and dropped onto any strip and custom naming & colour coding is a breeze. Every strip is equipped with A&H’s patented Chromatic channel metering system and variable LEDs, which allow you to check levels at a glance.

With the SQ series, you can tailor your workflow and mixing environment to however you see fit.

Professional Mixing Solution

There’s no doubt that the SQ digital mixers are premium, professional-level pieces of equipment. The SQ’s sophisticated and classy looks underlie its astounding strength and robustness. Housed in a 3-tier, all-metal chassis with an extruded aluminium light bar, the SQ is a tough companion for any live sound situation

As part of the development process, A&H put the SQ series through its paces in terms of durability. From transport, vibration & fall testing to pouring various liquids that you’d normally find at a gig into them, every aspect of the SQ series has been put through the wringer to make sure it’ll survive practically anything you throw at it.

Easy Recording

Each Allen & Heath SQ digital mixer comes with an integrated SQ-Drive, which makes managing walk-in music incredibly straightforward. This handy feature allows you to easily record a stereo or 96kHz multitrack recording of a gig directly to a USB key or drive. There’s no complicated software setup, extra computer or soundcard driver problems involved. Bands and artists you’re working with will love this feature, as it allows them to experience a high-quality recording of their performance.

The SQ mixer series is also outfitted with a 32x32 96kHz USB audio interface. This interface is both ASIOTM & Core Audio compliant, making it directly compatible with macOS & Windows, and full MIDI & DAW control capabilities. The A&H SQ mixers have you covered when it comes to backing tracks, virtual soundchecks and multitrack recording applications.

Expandable Input Count

One of the best things about Allen & Heath’s SQ mixers is that they pack enough onboard I/O for standalone operation. However, if you’re running a live session that requires additional channels, you can use the built-in SLink port to expand to up to 48 mic inputs. This is achieved by connecting an Allen & Heath rack and stage box expander, which includes the AB168, AR2412, AR84 and DX168. You also have the option to hook up your SQ to a separate SQ or a dLive system.

If you’re mainly working with A&H digital systems, this tight integration gives you a lot more flexibility.

Automatic Mic Mixing

Thanks to its advanced automatic mic mixers (AMM), the SQ is an excellent companion if you’re working at a panel talk, TV show or mixing conference. The two independent 24 AMMs can be used as two zones or, for larger events, merged to create a single 48 channel AMM.

The automatic mic mixers use a state-of-the-art gain-sharing algorithm, which automatically increases or decreases the levels across the inputs that have been assigned to them. This ensures a consistent balance between all mics when managing a multi-mic setup.

What we love about the SQ’s automatic mic mixing is that it’s fully integrated into the mixer, so there’s no extra latency to deal with. This also saves you from having to route the audio to an external plugin system or internal DSP rack - it’s all there within the SQ.

IEM Primed

In-ear monitoring setups are becoming more common in live performance. The Allen & Heath SQ mixers are optimised to run alongside IEM setups, thanks to their super-low latency, per mix parametric & graphic EQ and 12 stereo mixes. If IEMs are an essential part of your rig, we highly recommend pairing them with an A&H SQ mixer. The SQ’s compact form factor & bullet-proof build mean you can take it on the road and work independently from the in-house sound desk.

Audio Network Ready

The SQ features an expansion slot, making it compatible with leading audio network standards such as Dante or Waves. A 96kHz Waves card, a 96kHz Dante expansion or a second SLink card can be connected to the slot. With all this I/O capability, you can provide a digital front-of-house/monitor split, integrate it with an installed system and adapt your SQ digital mixer to any live mixing situation.

ME Personal Mixing System

Allen & Heath’s ME Personal Mixing System is completely compatible with the ME Personal Mixing System, which lets performers decide their own monitor mix. Using the mixer’s SLink port, you can daisy-chain as many ME-1 and ME-500 personal mixers as you need.

Free Companion Apps

Allen & Heath provide two free apps to use with your SQ mixer - SQ MixPad and SQ4You.

The SQ MixPad app untethers you from the desk by giving you remote access to all the main mixing functions. If you’re a sound engineer that likes to get a sense of your mix at different points in the room, this feature is indispensable. This app can also be used for offline editing, allowing you to prepare for a show in advance.

SQ4You is a personal mixing app that is a major hassle-saver, as it lets up to eight performers determine their own monitor mix via their iOS or Android mobile device.