Allen & Heath AH-SQ-5-PLUS 48-Input 44-Bus Digital Mixer with 16+1 Motorized Faders and RackUltra FX
Building on the success of the original SQ-5, the Allen & Heath SQ5+ is a 48-channel, 44-bus digital mixing console designed for professional audio applications. Featuring enhanced processing capabilities, a larger 9" touchscreen with a redesigned interface, and an updated carbon-on-graphite finish, the SQ5+ delivers powerful mixing performance in a compact format. It is well suited for live sound, corporate AV, recording studios, houses of worship, midsize venues, and touring productions.
The SQ5+ features 17 motorized faders, including 16 channel faders and one master fader, along with 16 professional microphone preamps. Its extensive processing capabilities include eight RackExtra FX engines, four RackUltra FX engines, DEEP processing support, and 12 configurable stereo aux/group mixes. Built-in Automatic Mic Mixing simplifies managing multiple microphones during conferences, panel discussions, and other speech-focused applications.
At the center of the SQ5+ is the 96 kHz XCVI Core FPGA engine, delivering high-resolution audio with less than 0.7 ms latency. Its architecture provides precise audio processing, variable bit depth, sample-accurate mix coherency, and the power required for demanding multichannel mixing and effects workflows.
Audio Processing
- 96 kHz XCVI Core FPGA engine
- 48 input channels
- 12 stereo aux/group mixes plus LR
- 6 mono or linkable matrix mixes
- Full channel and mix processing, including HPF, PEQ/GEQ, compression, and gating
- Support for DEEP processing add-ons
- 8 RackExtra FX engines with dedicated send and return channels
- 4 RackUltra FX engines with dedicated send and return channels
Digital Connectivity
- 128 x 128 Intelligent SLink port for Everything I/O expansion and connectivity with compatible Allen & Heath consoles
- Expansion slot supporting optional SLink, Dante, Waves, and MADI cards
- USB-A connectivity for data transfer and stereo or multichannel recording and playback
- USB-A supports 16 channels at 96 kHz or 32 channels at 48 kHz
- USB-B audio interface supports 32 x 32 channels at both 96 kHz and 48 kHz
- AES3 stereo digital output
Analog Connectivity
- 16 XLR microphone/line inputs
- 12 XLR outputs
- 3 stereo line inputs using four 1/4" TRS connectors and one 3.5mm TRS connector
- 1 XLR talkback input
- 2 TRS outputs
- Stereo headphone output
Intuitive Mixing Controls
- 17 100mm motorized faders
- 8 assignable soft keys
- 6 channel-strip layers
- 9" touchscreen with redesigned dark GUI
- Configurable single or dual footswitch connection
- Remote control through free applications for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
Enhanced 9" Touchscreen Interface
The SQ5+ features a responsive 9" touchscreen with an updated dark graphical interface designed for quick navigation and improved visibility. Illuminated, high-grip encoders provide hands-on control alongside clear visual feedback, creating an efficient mixing experience across different production environments.
Customizable Drag-and-Drop Layout
Channels and mixes can be assigned to individual control strips using a drag-and-drop interface. Custom naming and color coding allow engineers to organize the console around their preferred workflow and quickly identify essential controls.
Chromatic Channel Metering
Allen & Heath's patented Chromatic channel metering system provides immediate visual feedback for each channel. Variable-brightness, color-changing LEDs display signal levels down to -72 dB, making it easier to monitor audio levels at a glance.
Assignable Soft Keys
Eight programmable soft keys provide convenient access to frequently used functions, helping streamline operation and reduce the number of steps required during live mixing.
Professional Channel and Mix Processing
Every input channel includes a high-pass filter, fast gate with side-chain and filter controls, assignable insert point, four-band parametric EQ with RTA, and peak/RMS compressor. These tools provide detailed control over signal levels, dynamics, and tonal characteristics.
Mix buses also feature parametric EQ, 28-band graphic EQ, and compression, providing comprehensive processing options for both input and output signals.
DEEP Processing Integration
The SQ5+ supports the latest DEEP processing add-ons, bringing detailed emulations of classic analog equipment directly into channel and mix processing. These processors can operate across all channels simultaneously without introducing additional latency.
12 Integrated FX Engines
The SQ5+ includes eight RackExtra FX engines, each with a dedicated stereo return. The RackExtra suite provides access to effects modeled after classic reverbs, gated reverbs, delays, modulation processors, and more.
Four additional RackUltra FX engines expand the console's processing capabilities with premium reverbs, vocal tuning, pitch processing, distortion, saturation, and other effects. Originally developed for Allen & Heath's flagship dLive system, RackUltra FX brings advanced processing options to the SQ+ platform. These four engines can also operate RackExtra FX for additional flexibility.
Multitrack Recording and Playback
The integrated USB audio interface supports up to 32 x 32 channels of recording and playback at both 96 kHz and 48 kHz. This makes the SQ5+ suitable for multitrack recording, livestreaming, backing-track playback, and virtual soundcheck applications.
The interface is class-compliant with macOS and supports Windows through separately available ASIO and WDM drivers. Using the Allen & Heath MIDI Control app, users can also assign faders, rotary controls, channel keys, and soft keys to operate compatible DAW functions.
Integrated SQ-Drive Recording
Built-in SQ-Drive functionality enables direct recording and playback through a USB drive without requiring an external computer or DAW. Users can capture up to 16 channels at 96 kHz, 32 channels at 48 kHz, or a stereo mix for convenient recording and virtual soundcheck workflows.
Everything I/O Expansion
The 128 x 128 Intelligent SLink port provides access to Allen & Heath's Everything I/O ecosystem. This allows the SQ5+ to connect with compatible remote stageboxes, I/O expanders, and other Allen & Heath consoles, supporting flexible system configurations.
Advanced Audio Networking
A dedicated expansion slot supports optional Dante, MADI, Waves, and SLink interface cards. These options allow the SQ5+ to integrate into multiformat audio systems, including broadcast installations, front-of-house and monitor splits, and complex production environments.
Automatic Mic Mixing
The SQ5+ includes advanced Automatic Mic Mixing capabilities for conferences, panel discussions, broadcasts, and other applications involving multiple microphones. Two independent 24-channel AMMs can operate simultaneously for separate zones or combine into a single 48-channel AMM for larger productions.
SQ+ MixPad Remote Control
The free SQ+ MixPad application allows engineers to control the console remotely from different locations throughout a venue. Available for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS, the app provides greater flexibility when adjusting mixes away from the physical console.
SQ+4You Personal Monitor Mixing
SQ+4You is a free personal mixing application that allows up to eight performers to manage their own monitor mixes from compatible iOS or Android devices. This gives performers greater control over their monitoring while allowing the audio engineer to concentrate on the front-of-house mix.
Durable Construction for Professional Use
Designed to withstand demanding live production environments, the SQ5+ features a robust all-metal chassis for reliable performance during touring and permanent installations. Its updated carbon-on-graphite finish, complemented by black-and-white knobs and fader caps, provides a clean, modern appearance. The console is backed by a two-year manufacturer's warranty.
PlusPack Processing Offer
Registering the SQ5+ provides a voucher for the complimentary PlusPack processing add-on package. PlusPack includes the DEEP SQ add-ons, such as compressor models, graphic EQs, and preamp models, along with premium RackExtra FX including De-Esser, Hypabass, and Bucket Brigade.
The package also takes advantage of the SQ+'s expanded processing capabilities with Source Expander, Dual Threshold Expander, and CompStortion.
RackUltra FX Essentials Bundle - USA Exclusive
Customers in the United States also receive a coupon code for the RackUltra FX Essentials bundle. This collection includes Essential Saturator, Essential Spaces (Room), Essential Spaces (Hall), Essential Plate (Instrument), and Essential Plate (Vocal), providing additional effects options for professional mixing applications.
