Allen & Heath SQ5 48 Channel 96kHz Digital Mixer 16 Onboard PreAmps

Powered by Allen & Heath’s revolutionary XCVI 96kHz FPGA engine, SQ-5 is built for professionals in the most demanding live sound applications. Delivering class-leading high resolution audio with an ultra-low <0.7ms latency, the SQ-5 gives you unrivalled power and audio fidelity. The mixer has 16 onboard preamps and 8 stereo FX engines with dedicated return channels and access to the acclaimed RackExtra FX library. 12 stereo mixes (configurable as groups or auxes) make SQ the perfect companion for in-ear monitoring setups, whilst Automatic Mic Mixing* takes the strain in multi-mic environments. SQ-5 gives you all the tools to meet any requirement, from AV and corporate events to live productions and houses of worship.

Product Features

96kHz XCVI Core: SQ is a future-proofed, next-generation console, powered by Allen & Heath’s 96kHz XCVI FPGA engine. XCVI delivers class-leading high resolution audio quality, ultra-low latency of <0.7ms, variable bit depth for ultimate precision and noise performance, mix coherency down to the sample, and the sheer power to handle high channel / mix counts and ample FX / processing.
DEEP processing ready: SQ’s DEEP processing architecture allows owners to hand-pick boutique compressor and preamp emulations to suit their style and needs. DEEP plugins can be embedded directly within the mixer’s inputs and mix channels, all without adding system latency or setup hassles.
The Ultimate IEM Mixer: With no less than 12 stereo mixes, super-low latency, and both parametric and graphic EQ on every mix, SQ is the perfect companion for in-ear monitoring setups. SQ’s airline-friendly compactness and rugged build quality mean there’s no reason to gamble on house monitor consoles again.
Expandable up to 48 mics: SQ-5 has all the onboard I/O you need for standalone operation. Thanks to its SLink intelligent port, SQ can also be expanded up to a total of 48 mic inputs via a family of 96kHz and 48kHz rack and stage box expanders (e.g. AB168, AR2412, AR84 and DX168), making it a flexible, mix ‘n’ match solution for owners of other Allen & Heath digital systems. You can also link your SQ directly to another SQ or even a dLive system.
Dante, Waves and more: SQ is the centrepiece of a growing ecosystem of apps, expanders, audio networking, personal mixers and more, allowing you to connect, adapt and expand to your heart’s content. It’s compatible with leading audio networking standards too – add an audio networking card such as Dante or Waves to SQ’s I/O port and you’re ready to integrate with installed systems, provide a digital FoH / Monitor split and more.
Flexible multitrack recording: The integrated SQ-Drive makes it quick and easy to capture a 96kHz multitrack or stereo recording of the show direct to a USB key or drive. No software setup, no soundcard driver issues and no extra laptop to bring to the performance. SQ-Drive is also a smart way to manage walk-in music. Also provided is a built-in 32×32 96kHz audio interface for multitrack recording, backing tracks or virtual soundcheck applications. The interface is Core Audio and ASIO compliant and comes complete with MIDI and DAW control capabilities.
Advanced AMM*: SQ’s advanced automatic mic mixer (AMM) features make it a natural choice for mixing conferences, panel talks and TV shows. It’s fully integrated in the mixer too, with no extra latency, so you don’t need to route the audio to an internal DSP rack or an external plugin system.
Designed for the pro: We know that the live environment can be tough on gear – that’s why we devised our most punishing regime of testing and retesting yet for SQ. From its 3-tier, all metal chassis to its extruded aluminium light bar, SQ has tremendous strength and rigidity underlying its good looks.
The Mixing Experience: With each new design, the Allen & Heath team strives to get closer to the ultimate mixing experience. SQ’s dashboard is centred around a high-res 7” capacitive touchscreen, framed by an array of high-grip, illuminating encoders to create an intuitive, integrated blend of clear visual feedback and immediate, hands-on control. Channels and mixes can be dragged and dropped to any strip, with custom naming and colour coding on the colour strip displays, allowing you to build a mixing environment that mirrors your own workflow. Each strip features our patented Chromatic channel metering system, giving you at-a-glance level indication thanks to LEDs with variable brightness and colour.
SQ MixPad App: The SQ MixPad app is available for free on iOS and Android platforms, providing wireless control of the main mixing functions. This enables the engineer to mix from different listening positions, set up monitor mixes from the stage, or just add extra local control. All you need is an iPad or Android device and a wireless router.
RackExtra FX: Allen & Heath has a well-earned reputation for crafting FX emulations that rival the very best plug-ins, but with none of the associated hassle. SQ is armed with 8 stereo FX engines and features the acclaimed RackExtra library of emulations of legendary classic reverbs, gated reverbs, delays, modulators and more. All FX have dedicated stereo returns so you don’t need to waste input channels.
ME Personal Mixing System: SQ is fully compatible with the ME Personal Mixing System, allowing the performers to take control of their own monitor mixes. Any number of ME-1 and ME-500 personal mixers can be daisy-chained from the mixer’s SLink port, or from a connected remote expander.
96kHz FPGA processing
48 Input Channels
DEEP Processing ready
17 Faders / 6 Layers
12 Stereo mixes + LR
3 Stereo Matrix
8 Stereo FX Engines + dedicated returns
7” capacitive touchscreen
SLink port for remote audio / expansion
64ch I/O Port for audio networking
32×32 USB audio interface
SQ-Drive direct recording to USB
AES output
Chromatic channel metering
Integrated LED illumination
Dedicated physical controls
8 Assignable SoftKeys
Channel LCD displays
19” rack mountable

Product Specifications

General

Mic/Line Inputs: Balanced XLR, fully recallable
- Input Sensitivity: -60 to +0dBu
- Switchable Pad: -20dB
- Analogue Gain: 0dB to +60dB, 1dB steps
- Maximum Input Level: +30dBu
- Input Impedance: >5kΩ
- THD+N, Unity gain 0dB: 0.002% -92dBu (20Hz-20kHz, AES Direct Out, @0dBu 1kHz)
- THD+N, Mid gain +30dB: 0.003% -91dBu (20Hz-20kHz, AES Direct Out, @-30dBu INPUT 1kHz)
- Phantom Power: +48V (+3V / -2V)
Stereo Line Inputs
- ST1, ST2 connectors: Balanced, 1/4″ TRS jack
- ST3 connector: Unbalanced, stereo 3.5mm Mini Jack
- Input Sensitivity (ST1, ST2 / ST3): Nominal +4dBu ST1, ST2 / 0dBu ST3
- Trim: +/-24dB
- Maximum Input Level (ST1,ST2 / ST3): +22dBu / +18dBu
- Input Impedance: >7kΩ
Outputs 1-12: Balanced, XLR
Outputs A and B: Balanced 1/4″ TRS Jack
- Source: Patchable
- Output Impedance: <75Ω
- Nominal Output: +4dBu = 0dB meter reading
- Maximum Output Level: +22dBu
- Residual Output Noise: -90dBu (muted, 20Hz-20kHz)
AES Digital Output:
- Balanced XLR 2 channel, 96kHz sampling rate (Default with SRC Bypassed)
- Switchable output sample rates,44.1kHz/ 48kHz/ 88.2kHz/ (96kHz)
- 2.5Vpp balanced terminated 110Ω
Connection: Neutrik EtherCON (RJ45)
dsnake mode (48kHz devices)*: 64 channels assignable, compatible with AR2412, AR84, AB168, ME
dx mode (96kHz devices): 32 channels assignable*, compatible with DX168
gigaACE (96kHz devices): 128 channels assignable, compatible with dLive, SQ and DXHub*
Inputs: Fully Patchable
Sync/SRC: assignable as master audio sync for all modes, * SRC 64 channel
- Faders: 100mm motorised
- Touch Screen: 7″ Capacitive, 800 x 480 resolution, 24 bit RGB
- SoftKeys: 8
- Mute Groups / DCA Groups: 8 / 8
- Network: TCP/IP Ethernet for MIDI and Control
- MIDI: TCP/IP and USB B
- Footswitch: Single or Dual, Momentary or Latching*
Source
- CH1-48: Fully patchable
- USB Global Source: SQ-Drive or USB B Streaming
Polarity: Normal/Invert
Trim: -24 to +24dB
High Pass Filter: 12dB/octave 20Hz – 2kHz
Insert (Pre EQ/Comp): Fully Patchable
Delay: Up to 341ms
Gate: Patchable Sidechain
- Sidechain filter: Hi-pass (20-5k), band-pass (120-10k), Lo-pass (120-20k)
- Threshold / Depth: -72dBu to +18dBu / 0 to 60dB
- Attack / Hold / Release: 50µs to 300ms / 10ms to 5s / 10ms to 1s
PEQ: 4-Band fully parametric, 20-20kHz, +/-15dB
- Band 1, Band 4: Selectable Shelving (Baxandall), Bell
- Band 2, Band 3: Bell
- Bell Width: Variable Q, 1.5 to 1/9th octave
Compressor: Patchable Sidechain
- Sidechain filter: Hi-pass (20-5k), band-pass (120-10k), Lo-pass (120-20k), Q=1
- Threshold / Ratio: -46dBu to 18dBu / 1:1 to infinity
- Attack / Release: 30µs to 300ms / 50ms to 2s
- Knee: Soft/Hard
- Detector response: Peak/RMS switchable
- Parallel Path Compression: dry/wet -infin to 0dB
Channel Direct Out:
- Follow Fader, Mute, Mute Group, DCA (global all ch)
- Multi-channel IO option module
Inputs: Fully Patchable
Outputs: Fully Patchable
Sync/SRC:
- Assignable as master audio sync
- Measured balanced XLR in to XLR out, 0dB gain, 0dBu input
- Dynamic Range: 112 dB
- Frequency Response: +0/-0.5dB 20Hz to 20kHz
- Headroom: +18dB
- Internal operating Level: 0dBu
- THD+N, Mic/Line routed to Main L/R Out: Unity gain faders@0dB, 0.006%, – 84dBu (20 – 20kHz)
- dBFS Alignment: +18dBu = 0dBFS (+22dBu at XLR output)
- Meter Calibration: 0dB meter = -18dBFS (+4dBu at XLR out)
- Main Meter Type: 2 x 12 segment, fast (peak) response
- Channel Meter Type: Single Point Metering, fully programmable colour/brightness
- Peak Indication: -3dBFS (+19dBu at XLR out), multipoint sensing
- Sampling Rate: 96kHz
- Bit Depth: Uses XCVI core custom bit widths in algorithms, up to 96bits
- Latency: <0.7mS, Local Mic Input routed to Main L/R. (Direct, No EQ/ Effects)
- Operating Temperature Range: 0 deg C to 40 deg C (32 deg F to 104 deg F)
- Mains Power: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
- Max Power Consumption: 75W
- Source select: Post-Preamp, Post-HPF, Post Gate, Insert Return, Post PEQ, Post Comp, Post Delay trim -infin to 10dB per channel
Insert (Pre EQ/Comp): Fully Patchable
Delay: Up to 682ms
GEQ: 28 bands 31Hz-16kHz, +/-12dB Gain, Constant 1/3 oct
PEQ: As Input PEQ
Compressor: As Input Compressor
- Internal FX: 8 x RackFX engine, Send>Return or Inserted (4 dedicated fx bus)
- Types: SMR Reverb, StereoTap Delay, Gated Reverb, ADT, BlueChorus, Symphonic Chorus, Flanger, Phaser
- 8 dedicated Stereo FX returns: Fader, Pan, Mute, Routing to Mix/LR, 4-Band PEQ
PAFL: PFL or stereo in-place AFL, 0 to -24dB Trim, PAFL Delay Up to 682ms
Talkback: dedicated input, Assignable to any mix, Gain, Pad, 48V, 12dB/oct HPF
Signal Generator: Assignable to any mix, Sine/White/Pink/Bandpass Noise
RTA: 31-Bands 1/3 octave 20-20kHz, follows PAFL source
SQ-Drive: USB A
- Stereo Record: 2 channel, WAV, 96kHz, 24-bit, source fully patchable
- Stereo Playback: 1/2 channel, WAV, 44.1, 48, 96kHz 16,24-bit, source fully patchable
- Multitrack Record: 16 channel, WAV, 96kHz, 24-bit, track sources fully patchable
- Multitrack Playback: 16 channel, WAV, 96kHz, 24-bit fully patchable
USB Audio Streaming: USB B, Core Audio compliant, ASIO/WDM for Windows
- Send (upstream): 32 channel, 96kHz, 24-bit
- Return (downstream): 32 channel, 96kHz, 24-bit