Allen & Heath SQ-5 48-Channel Digital Mixing Console

Allen & Heath SQ-5 48-Channel Digital Mixing Console

The Allen & Heath SQ-5 is a 48-channel digital mixing console designed for live sound, monitor mixing, recording, streaming, AV systems and fixed installations.

SQ-5 is built around a 96kHz XCVI FPGA processing core with less than 0.7ms latency. The console provides 48 input channels, 36 buses, 12 stereo Aux or Group mixes, a stereo LR main mix and 3 stereo matrices. Input channel processing includes a high-pass filter, gate with sidechain filtering, 4-band parametric EQ, compressor and channel delay.

Eight stereo FX processors are integrated into the console, each with a dedicated stereo return channel. The RackExtra effects suite includes reverbs, gated reverbs, delays, modulation effects and other processing options. SQ-5 is also ready for optional DEEP processing add-ons that can be inserted directly into input and mix channels.

The control surface combines 17 motorised faders, 6 assignable fader layers, a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen and 8 assignable SoftKeys. Channels and mixes can be freely assigned to the fader strips, while colour-coded channel displays and Chromatic Channel Metering provide clear visual feedback.

Local connectivity includes 16 XLR mic/line inputs, a dedicated XLR talkback input, 3 stereo line inputs, 12 XLR outputs, 2 TRS outputs and an AES digital output. The SLink port supports compatible Allen & Heath remote I/O expanders and personal monitoring systems, while a dedicated I/O slot accepts optional Dante, Waves, MADI or additional SLink cards.

The integrated 32 × 32 USB audio interface supports multitrack recording, playback, virtual soundcheck and live streaming. SQ-Drive can record or play back 16 channels at 96kHz, 32 channels at 48kHz or a stereo recording directly from a compatible USB storage device.

Main Features

• 48 input channels and 36 buses provide flexible signal routing for live sound, monitor systems and fixed installations
• 96kHz XCVI FPGA processing with less than 0.7ms latency is designed for low-latency live audio operation
• 12 stereo Aux or Group mixes and a stereo LR main mix support front-of-house and multiple monitor mixes
• 8 stereo FX processors have dedicated stereo return channels, leaving all 48 input channels available for external sources
• DEEP processing support allows the console to be expanded with optional preamp, compressor and other processing models
• 17 motorised faders and 6 assignable layers provide direct access to channels, mixes, DCA groups and FX returns
• A 7-inch capacitive touchscreen and dedicated channel processing controls provide fast parameter adjustment
• 16 local XLR mic/line inputs allow the console to be used without an additional remote I/O expander
• The SLink port supports Allen & Heath remote I/O expanders and ME personal monitoring systems
• A 32 × 32 USB audio interface supports multitrack recording, playback and virtual soundcheck
• SQ-Drive enables stereo or multichannel recording and playback directly from a USB storage device
• Two 24-channel automatic microphone mixers can operate independently or be combined into a single 48-channel system

Technical Specifications

• Product type: digital mixing console
• Input channels: 48
• Total buses: 36
• Aux or Group mixes: 12 stereo
• Main mix: stereo LR
• Matrices: 3 stereo
• DCA groups: 8
• Mute groups: 8
• FX processors: 8 stereo, with dedicated stereo return channels
• Automatic microphone mixing: 2 × 24 channels or 1 × 48 channels
• Audio processing: 96kHz XCVI FPGA
• Latency: less than 0.7ms, local mic input to main LR output
• Dynamic range: 112dB
• Frequency response: 20Hz–20kHz, +0/−0.5dB
• Local mic/line inputs: 16 × XLR
• Talkback input: 1 × XLR
• Stereo line inputs: 2 × TRS pairs and 1 × 3.5mm TRS
• Local XLR outputs: 12
• Local TRS outputs: 2
• Digital output: stereo AES on XLR
• Headphone output: 6.35mm TRS
• SLink: up to 128 × 128 channels, EtherCON connection
• I/O expansion slot: up to 64 × 64 channels; compatible with optional Dante, Waves, MADI and SLink cards
• USB audio interface: 32 × 32 channels at 96kHz
• SQ-Drive recording and playback: 16 channels at 96kHz, 32 channels at 48kHz or stereo
• Faders: 17 motorised faders
• Fader layers: 6
• Assignable channel strips: 96
• Display: 7-inch capacitive colour touchscreen
• Assignable controls: 8 × SoftKeys
• Scene memory: 300 scenes per Show
• Remote control: SQ-MixPad, SQ4You and SQ-Control apps
• Power requirements: 100–240V AC, 50/60Hz
• Maximum power consumption: 75W
• Operating temperature: 0–40°C
• Dimensions: 440 × 514.9 × 198mm
• Weight: 10.5kg
• Rack mounting: 19-inch, 12U; optional SQ-5-RK19 rack kit required

What’s Included

• Allen & Heath SQ-5 digital mixing console
• IEC mains lead
• QR code card
• Safety booklet

Who Is It For

The Allen & Heath SQ-5 is designed for live sound engineers, touring productions, band monitor systems, theatres, conference and AV systems, streaming, multitrack recording and fixed installations. Its compact format and optional 19-inch rack mounting make it suitable for mobile systems and installations where space is limited.

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