48-channel/36-bus Digital Mixer

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 unrivaled 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.

Specific SQ-5 features:
16 onboard preamps. 17 faders. 8 SoftKeys. Rack-mountable 19-inch.

All SQ models feature:
• 96kHz XCVI FPGA core
• <0.7ms Latency with all processing enabled
• 48 Input channels
• 12 Stereo mixes + LR
• 3 Stereo Matrix
• Access to DEEP plug-ins
• Automatic Mic Mixing
• 8 Stereo FX engines + dedicated returns
• 7" capacitive touchscreen
• SLink port for remote audio / expansion
• I/O Port for expansion and system compatibility
• 32×32 USB audio interface
• SQ-Drive direct recording to USB
• AES output
• Wireless control
• Chromatic channel metering
• Integrated LED illumination
• Dedicated physical controls
• Channel LCD displays
• 6 Layers of faders

The Mixing Experience
With each new design, the Allen & Heath team strives to get closer to the ultimate mixing experience. SQ’s dashboard is centered around a high-res 7" capacitive touchscreen, framed by an array of high-grip, illuminating encoders to create an intuitive, integrated blend of clear visual feedback and immediate, hands-on control. Channels and mixes can be dragged and dropped to any strip, with custom naming and color coding on the color strip displays, allowing you to build a mixing environment that mirrors your own workflow. Each strip features our patented Chromatic channel metering system, giving you at-a-glance level indication thanks to LEDs with variable brightness and color.

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 sound card 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 ASIOTM compliant and comes complete with MIDI and DAW control capabilities.

Powerful Processing
SQ comes equipped with all the processing you need to craft the perfect mix. Every one of the 48 inputs has HPF, a super-fast gate with side chain and filter, a musical 4-band parametric equalizer, and Peak/RMS compressor for control and shaping of levels and transients. Mixes have both a parametric and 28 band graphic EQ along with compressor as standard, all ready to switch in when required. The XCVI core even allows for every compressor in SQ to have its own parallel path, without phase or coherency worries.

DEEP Plug-Ins
SQ’s DEEP processing architecture allows owners to hand-pick boutique compressor and preamp emulations to suit their style and needs. DEEP plug-ins can be embedded directly within the mixer’s inputs and mix channels, all without adding system latency or setup hassles.

RackExtra FX
SQ is armed with 8 stereo FX engines and comes complete with the acclaimed RackExtra library, featuring emulations of legendary classic reverbs, gated reverbs, delays, modulators and more. Every engine has its own dedicated stereo return too, so you don’t need to use up any of your 48 input channels.

Dante, Waves, MADI and more
SQ is the centerpiece 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, MADI 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.

Designed for the Pro
We know that the live environment can be tough on gear – that’s why we devised our most punishing regime of testing and retesting yet for SQ. From its 3-tier, all metal chassis to its extruded aluminum light bar, SQ has tremendous strength and rigidity underlying its good looks.