Allen & Heath Unveils New Compact SQ Series
British Mixer Company, Allen & Heath has introduced its new SQ series of digital mixers with
XCVI 96kHz FPGA engine, for live sound, AV and installation. The SQ-5 and SQ-6 mixers
deliver class-leading high resolution audio with a latency of <0.7ms.
Product Features
SQ-5 has 16 onboard preamps and 17 faders and is 19” rack mountable, while the SQ-6 provides
24 preamps and 25 faders. Both consoles can be expanded up to 48 inputs via a family of
remote expanders and feature an audio networking slot for optional Dante, Waves and other
card formats, expanding the scope for system integration, FoH / monitor splits and
multitrack recording.
A built-in SQ-Drive makes it easy to capture high resolution 96kHz stereo and multitrack
recordings direct to a USB drive. SQ can also be hooked up to a PC or Mac via USB to
become a plug ‘n play, Core Audio or ASIO compliant 32x32 audio interfaces, with MIDI
and DAW Control capabilities. Allen & Heath’s DEEP processing plug-in architecture allows
boutique compressor and preamp emulations to be added to the SQ mixer and embedded directly
within its inputs and mix channels without adding system latency or setup hassles. SQ also
features a fully integrated Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM), handling conferences, panel talks
and TV shows.
“SQ is such a great solution for AV, corporate, rental and installation scenarios,” commented
Allen & Heath’s Product Manager, Keith Johnson. “It’s compact, connected, great sounding,
and capable of mixing anything from a panel discussion to a full live band, all with
incredibly low latency and pristine 96kHz audio. The console is DEEP processing ready,
so when users register their SQ they’ll be able to get stunning tube preamp emulation
worth $149 for free, and we’re planning to offer many more boutique processing models
in the future.”
The SQ user interface marries a capacitive touchscreen with an accompanying set of
illuminating rotary controls. Channel and mix layouts can be configured to fit the
audio professional’s own workflow, with colour displays and custom naming on all strips.
SQ-5 features 8 softkeys, allowing further customization, while SQ-6 has four assignable
rotary controls and displays in addition to its 16 softkeys.
SQ is the centrepiece of a wraparound ecosystem of apps, remote I/O expanders, audio
networking cards and personal mixers, multiplying the system’s expansion and integration
possibilities. The SLink intelligent port allows connection of Allen & Heath’s 96kHz and
48kHz expanders and can link to another SQ, or even to a dLive system.