Allen & Heath SQ-5+ digital mixer, 96kHz
SQ-5+
€ 3599,00
Delivery 2-3 Working days
Description
The Allen & Heath SQ-5+ is the compact entry-level model in the new SQ+ series, bringing 48-channel processing on the 96kHz XCVI FPGA core, four dLive-grade RackUltra FX engines, and the latest generation of DEEP add-ons to a 16-fader console that still fits in a flight case.
The upgrades over the original SQ-5 come in three areas. The interface has been thoroughly overhauled: the larger 9" capacitive touchscreen has a redesigned dark GUI that navigates faster and reads better at any light level, with drag-and-drop channel layout and color-coding per strip. The FX section has been significantly expanded: alongside the familiar 8 RackExtra FX-engines, you now get 4 RackUltra FX-engines, each with its own stereo sends and returns, pulled straight from the dLive line and proven on international tours. They run premium reverbs, vocal tuning, pitch processing, and saturation that used to require a far more expensive system. On top of that, the DEEP processing power has been scaled up: add-ons like CompStortion, Source Expander, and Dual Threshold Expander, previously exclusive to dLive and Avantis, are now available on the SQ-5+.
Key features
- 96kHz XCVI FPGA core with under 0.7 ms latency: flagship processing power in a compact 16-fader console.
- 4 RackUltra FX engines (developed for dLive) plus 8 RackExtra FX engines, each with its own stereo return: premium reverbs, vocal tuning, pitch processing, and saturation available right out of the box.
- 9" touchscreen with a fully reworked dark GUI, drag-and-drop channel layout, color-coding, and a Chromatic channel meter per strip down to -72 dBu.
- Latest-generation DEEP processing: latency-free emulations of classic analog hardware on every channel at once, including CompStortion, Source Expander, and Dual Threshold Expander.
- 128x128 SLink port for the full Everything I/O ecosystem expansion, plus an I/O expansion slot for Dante, MADI, or Waves cards.
- 32x32 USB audio interface at 96kHz: multitrack recording, backing track playback, livestreaming, and virtual soundcheck without an external DAW.
- AMM: two independent 24-channel automatic mic mixers running simultaneously, or a combined 48-channel AMM for larger conferences and broadcast applications.
Technical specifications
- Mic/line inputs: 16x XLR balanced (gain up to +60 dB in 1 dB steps, pad -20 dB, +48V phantom)
- Aux inputs: 4x 1/4" TRS (2 stereo pairs, half-normalled) + 1x 3.5mm TRS
- Outputs: 12x XLR balanced + 2x 1/4" TRS balanced
- FX engines: 8x RackExtra + 4x RackUltra (each with stereo send and return)
- EQ parameters: 4-band (±15 dB, 20 Hz-20 kHz; HF and LF switchable shelf/bell)
- AMM: 2x 24-channel (or 1x 48-channel combined)
- I/O expansion slot: compatible with Dante, MADI, Waves, and SLink option cards
- Dimensions: 43.9 x 51.6 x 19.8 cm
- Weight: 11.2 kg
Pro Tip: Register your SQ-5+ right after purchase via the Allen & Heath website to activate the free PlusPack. That bundle adds all the DEEP SQ add-ons (Compressor Models, GEQ, Preamp Models), premium RackExtra FX (De-Esser, Hypabass, Bucket Brigade), and the new dLive/Avantis-exclusive processing modules (CompStortion, Source Expander, Dual Threshold Expander). Skip that step and you miss most of what sets the SQ-5+ apart from its predecessor.
In the box
- Allen & Heath SQ-5+ digital mixer
- Power cable
FAQ
What are the main differences from the original SQ-5?
The 7" touchscreen has been replaced by a 9" screen with a fully reworked dark GUI. The four new RackUltra FX engines bring dLive-grade FX on board that weren't available on the original SQ-5. DEEP processing power has also been expanded with add-ons like CompStortion, Source Expander, and Dual Threshold Expander, previously exclusive to dLive and Avantis.
Do my existing Allen & Heath AR or AB stage boxes still work with the SQ-5+?
Yes. The 128x128 SLink port is fully compatible with the AR series (AR2412, AR84) and the AB168. These stage boxes run at 96kHz and connect to the SQ-5+ without issue via SLink.
How many channels can I record simultaneously?
Via the USB-A port (SQ-Drive, straight to a USB stick) you can record 16 channels at 96kHz or 32 channels at 48kHz. Via the USB-B port as a computer audio interface, you get 32x32 at both 96kHz and 48kHz.
Is the SQ-5+ also suitable for conferences and broadcast?
Definitely. The built-in AMM lets you manage two independent 24-channel zones at once, or a combined 48-channel AMM for larger installations. Paired with a Dante option card, the SQ-5+ also integrates neatly into fixed AV infrastructures.
Compact in size, serious in processing power: the Allen & Heath SQ-5+ plays in a class above its price point. Order now at Pro Gear and get your SQ-5+ as soon as the first batch is available.