Allen & Heath SQ5+ Digital Mixing Console

Allen & Heath SQ5+ Digital Mixing Console

Allen & Heath SQ5+ is a compact 48-channel, 44-bus digital mixing console designed for live sound, recording, streaming, AV applications and fixed installations.

The SQ5+ is powered by a 96kHz XCVI FPGA core, delivering system latency below 0.7ms and variable-precision processing of up to 96 bits. It provides 12 mono or stereo Aux/Group mixes, a stereo LR main bus and six mono or linkable matrix mixes.

The control surface features 17 motorised 100mm faders, six customisable channel-strip layers, eight assignable SoftKeys and a 9-inch capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1024 × 600 pixels. Channels and mixes can be dragged onto any channel strip, while colour LCD displays and configurable Chromatic Channel Metering provide clear information about channel status and signal levels.

Every input channel includes a high-pass filter, gate or expander, four-band parametric equaliser, compressor, delay and freely assignable insert point. The console features eight RackExtra FX engines and four RackUltra FX engines with dedicated stereo return channels. The SQ5+ is also ready for optional DEEP processors, which can be embedded directly into channel and mix strips without adding system latency.

The integrated 32 × 32 USB audio interface supports 48kHz and 96kHz operation. SQ-Drive enables direct recording and playback of up to 16 channels at 96kHz, up to 32 channels at 48kHz or stereo audio files using a USB drive. The 128 × 128 SLink port supports Allen & Heath Everything I/O stageboxes, expanders, ME personal monitoring systems and compatible Allen & Heath consoles.

Main Features

• 48 input processing channels and 44 buses support demanding live sound, monitoring, recording and broadcast systems
• The 96kHz XCVI FPGA core delivers system latency below 0.7ms with all processing enabled
• Seventeen motorised 100mm faders and six customisable layers provide direct access to channels, mixes, FX, DCA groups and MIDI controls
• A 9-inch capacitive touchscreen with a dark graphical interface provides clear parameter visibility in different lighting conditions
• Drag-and-drop channel and mix placement lets users configure the control surface for a specific event or workflow
• Eight RackExtra FX engines and four RackUltra FX engines provide extensive send, return and insert processing options
• DEEP processing support enables optional analogue hardware models to be embedded directly into channel and mix strips without adding latency
• Two independent 24-channel Automatic Mic Mixers can be combined into a single 48-channel system for conferences, panel discussions and broadcast applications
• The 32 × 32 USB audio interface supports multitrack recording, playback, virtual soundchecks and livestreaming
• SQ-Drive records and plays back multichannel audio directly from a USB drive without requiring a computer
• The 128 × 128 SLink port supports system expansion and direct connection to compatible Allen & Heath equipment
• An expansion slot for optional Dante, Waves, MADI and additional SLink cards supports a wide range of digital audio infrastructures

Technical Specifications

• Product type: digital mixing console
• Processing core: 96kHz XCVI FPGA
• Processing precision: variable, up to 96 bits
• Input processing channels: 48
• Total buses: 44
• Mixes: 12 mono or stereo Aux/Group mixes plus stereo LR main
• Matrix mixes: 6 mono or linkable
• DCA groups: 8
• Mute groups: 8
• Automatic Mic Mixing: 2 × 24 channels or 1 × 48 channels
• Local mic/line inputs: 16 × balanced XLR
• Talkback input: 1 × XLR with preamplifier
• Stereo line inputs: 2 stereo pairs on 4 balanced 1/4-inch TRS sockets and 1 unbalanced stereo input on a 3.5mm TRS socket
• Preamp analogue gain: 0–60 dB in 1 dB steps
• Input sensitivity: −60 to 0 dBu
• Input pad: −20 dB
• Phantom power: +48 V, independently switchable for each XLR input
• Maximum mic/line input level: +30 dBu with pad engaged
• Mic/line input impedance: greater than 4 kΩ
• Analogue outputs: 12 × balanced XLR and 2 × balanced 1/4-inch TRS
• Maximum analogue output level: +22 dBu
• Output impedance: less than 75 Ω
• Digital output: 2-channel AES3 on balanced XLR
• AES3 sample rates with SRC: 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 kHz
• SLink port: 128 × 128 channels, Neutrik EtherCON
• I/O expansion slot: 64 × 64 channels; up to 128 × 128 channels with an SLink card
• Supported optional cards: Dante, Waves, MADI and SLink
• USB-B audio interface: 32 × 32 channels, 48 or 96 kHz, 24-bit
• SQ-Drive multitrack recording and playback: up to 16 channels at 96kHz or up to 32 channels at 48kHz, 24-bit WAV
• SQ-Drive stereo recording: 2 channels, 96kHz, 24-bit WAV
• FX engines: 8 × RackExtra FX and 4 × RackUltra FX
• Faders: 17 × motorised, 100mm
• Channel-strip layers: 6 customisable layers
• Touchscreen: 9-inch capacitive, 1024 × 600 pixels, 24-bit RGB
• Assignable controls: 8 × SoftKeys
• Scene memory: 300 scenes per Show file
• System dynamic range: 112 dB
• Frequency response: 20 Hz–20 kHz, +0 / −0.5 dB
• THD+N: 0.002% / −93 dB, mic/line input routed to the main LR output
• System latency: less than 0.7ms from local mic input to local main LR output with all processing enabled
• Network connection: RJ45 for TCP/IP control and MIDI
• Remote control: supported through Windows, macOS, iOS and Android applications
• Footswitch connection: configurable for a single or dual momentary or latching footswitch
• Mains power: 100–240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
• Maximum power consumption: 95 W
• Operating temperature range: 0–40°C
• Dimensions: 514.9 × 440 × 198 mm
• Weight: 11.2 kg
• Rack mounting: compatible with a standard 19-inch rack using the optional rackmount kit

In the Box

• Allen & Heath SQ5+ digital mixing console
• QR code card
• Safety booklet
• IEC mains lead

Who Is It For

Allen & Heath SQ5+ is designed for live sound engineers, touring performers, event production teams, recording and broadcast professionals, and AV system integrators. Its compact chassis, optional 19-inch rack mounting, Automatic Mic Mixing and expandable digital connectivity make it suitable for concerts, theatre productions, conferences, panel discussions, broadcasts, studios and fixed sound installations.

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Contact us: info@stageiq.lt or +370 636 55536.