Allen & Heath SQ5+

The Allen & Heath SQ5+ is a digital mixer for live, touring, installation and studio applications, featuring XCVI 96kHz cores, 48 processing channels, 4 dedicated RackUltra FX and 8 standard FX engines for a total of 12 simultaneous effects. Multi-track recording can be done to computer via USB-B 32 In/32 Out or to external mass storage via USB-A. The 128x128 SLink port and dedicated expansion slot allow integration with stageboxes and Dante, Waves and MADI protocols, complementing existing connections: 16 In XLR mic/line, 12 Out XLR analog and AES3 stereo digital output.

SQ5+ is a digital mixer designed for professional environments where stability, audio quality and operational immediacy are essential requirements. The platform is based on 96kHz XCVI FPGA cores with variable depth up to 96 bits and latency less than 0.7ms, ensuring phase coherence throughout the audio chain.

The architecture provides 48 fully processed input channels, with routing to 12 configurable mixes, matrices and FX buses. Each channel includes trim, high-pass filter, gate/expander with sidechain, 4-band parametric equalizer, compressor and delay. Mix channels integrate 28-band GEQ, PEQ, compression and delay with fully patchable inserts.

The control surface integrates 17 motorized 100 mm faders distributed over 6 layers, allowing direct access to inputs, aux, groups, FX and DCA returns. The CH to All Mix system allows simultaneous display of sends, enhancing monitor mix management in complex live settings.

The 9" capacitive touchscreen with 1024x600 resolution introduces an updated GUI from the previous generation, optimized for quick control and smooth navigation. Touch-and-turn interaction allows precise adjustments without interrupting the operating flow.

The effects section includes 8 FX engines plus 4 RackUltra FX, with advanced algorithms and dedicated stereo returns. The system also supports DEEP processing, which enables integration of advanced dynamic patterns without impacting latency.

Connectivity includes 16 XLR mic/line inputs with gain up to +60 dB and -20 dB pads, stereo inputs on TRS and mini jacks, 12 XLR and 2 TRS analog outputs, and AES3 digital output. The 128x128 SLink port allows I/O expansion and integration with stageboxes and personal monitoring systems.

The mixer integrates a USB-B 32In 32Out audio interface for multitrack recording and USB-A for recording (stereo or multitrack) directly to external storage. There are advanced features such as Automatic Mic Mixer up to 48 channels, RTA analyzers, signal generator, scene management with 300 memories, and remote control via network.

What are the differences between this SQ+ and the regular SQ?

Compared with the SQ-5 model, the SQ5+ version introduces more processing power, the 4 Rack-FX, advanced graphical user interface and control surface optimization, improving operational efficiency in live settings and installations.