For years, Allen&Heath has been a well-respected name in the arena of mixing consoles for live sound. Many may be familiar with the company’s analog boards, but unaware of its digital mixers. If you’re searching for versatile, high-resolution mixing power that won’t consume immense real estate, look seriously at the new SQ-5 and SQ-6 digital mixing systems. With 96 kHz operation, 32-bit A/D converters, built-in effects, scene recall, a touchscreen, and more, they not only provide efficiency and convenience, but pristine resolution, as well.
The mixers offer low latency (less than 0.7 ms), 48 input channels plus an option slot for a Dante or Waves card, and sLink compatibility digital snakes and personal mixers. There are 12 stereo mixes plus a main L+R out, three stereo matrices, eight mute groups, and eight DCA groups. FGPA-based DSP gives you access to eight effects engines for a variety of powerful time-based and dynamics effects. A 7" color touchscreen allows simple navigation and interactivity, and per-channel color LCD scribble strips display channel names and helpful information. All settings can be easily stored and recalled via user scene slots. Preamp and compressor emulations can be used on inputs and mix channels with no additional latency. Plus, a built-in Automatic Mic Mixer (scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2018) allows for effortless handling of speech levels in multi-person configurations such as conferences.
Inputs include XLR, 3.5mm, and 1/4" jacks. The rackmountable SQ-5 has 16 mic preamps and 17 faders, while the SQ-6 has 24 preamps and 25 faders. There are eight assignable SoftKeys on the SQ-5, and the SQ-6 bumps it up to 16 SoftKeys and four Soft Rotaries. On the output side, you’ll find 12 XLR and two 1/4" TRS on the SQ-5 and an additional two XLR outputs on the SQ-6. Both offer a stereo AES out and a dedicated 1/4" TRS headphone output with level control.
Extended functionality includes 16-track/96 kHz multi-track recording via USB flash drive and the ability to use the SQ as a 32x32 96 kHz USB interface with DAW control. Support for dual footswitches is offered, as is wireless control capability and talkback functionality.
For live concerts, multi-track recording, podcasting, or multi-source mixing at conferences or meetings, the SQ-5 and SQ-6 have the versatility to streamline your operations and handle a wide range of duties. Make an appearance at the B&H SuperStore or head to our website to check out the SQ digital mixers!
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