Allen & Heath AH-SQ-6-PLUS SQ6+ RackUltra FX Enabled 48-channel Digital Mixer with DEEP Processing

Allen & Heath AH-SQ-6-PLUS SQ6+ RackUltra FX Enabled 48-channel Digital Mixer with DEEP Processing

The SQ6+ expands the range with 25 motorised faders, 16 assignable SoftKeys and 4 SoftRotaries giving you more physical control when working with larger, more complex shows. Add 4 built-in RackUltra FX engines and you have a mixer that strikes the perfect balance between hands-on control and portability.

A Bigger, Bolder Interface

SQ+ is centred around a responsive 9” touchscreen with an all-new dark GUI that is fast to navigate and easy to read in any mixing environment. Framed by high-grip illuminated encoders, it delivers an intuitive blend of visual feedback and hands-on control.

Drag-and-Drop Layout

Channels and mixes can be dragged and dropped to any strip, with custom naming and colour coding on the displays, letting you build a mixing environment that works for you.

At-a-Glance Metering

Each strip features our patented Chromatic channel metering system, giving you at-a-glance level indication down to -72dB thanks to LEDs with variable brightness and colour.

Accelerate Your Workflow

All SQ+ mixers feature assignable SoftKeys for quick access to the functions you use the most. The SQ6+ and SQ7+ also include assignable SoftRotaries for even more custom control.

All the Tools for the Perfect Mix

Every input channel comes equipped with HPF, a super-fast gate with sidechain and filter, a freely assignable insert point, a musical 4-band parametric equaliser with RTA, and Peak/RMS compressor for control and shaping of levels and transients. Mixes include both a parametric and 28 band graphic EQ along with compressor as standard, all ready to switch in when required.

Latency Free Emulations

SQ+ supports the latest generation of DEEP processing add-ons – models of classic analogue hardware embedded directly into your channel and mix strips, adding no latency, and available on every channel simultaneously.

Two FX Suites. Twelve FX Engines

SQ+ is equipped with 8 RackExtra FX engines, each with its own dedicated stereo return, giving you access to the acclaimed RackExtra FX suite, featuring emulations of legendary reverbs, gated reverbs, delays, modulators and more.

Four built-in RackUltra FX engines take SQ+ further, each with dedicated stereo sends and returns. First developed for the flagship dLive system, and proven on international tours, the RackUltra FX suite of add-ons brings premium reverbs, vocal tuning and pitch processors, distortion, saturation, and more to SQ+. The 4 engines can also run RackExtra FX for maximum flexibility.

Record. Stream. Mix

SQ+’s built-in USB audio interface enables easy multitrack recording, backing-track playback, livestreaming, and virtual soundcheck at up to 32×32 channels at both 96kHz and 48kHz. Class compliant and compatible with Mac and Windows with ASIO and WDM drivers available. You can also map faders, rotaries, channel keys and SoftKeys to control your favourite DAW using the Allen & Heath MIDI Control app.

Capture. Playback. Virtual Soundcheck

The integrated SQ-Drive makes it quick and easy to capture or playback 16 channels (96kHz), 32 channels (48kHz), or a simple stereo mix, direct to a USB drive. No need for a laptop or DAW – just press record.

Connectivity & Expansion

SQ+ is designed to sit at the centre of whatever system you’re building, and to grow with it.

Audio Networking

A dedicated I/O expansion slot supports optional cards for Dante, MADI, Waves and additional SLink connections, making SQ+ a natural fit for complex multi-format installs, FOH/monitor splits and broadcast setups.

SQ+ MixPad

SQ+ MixPad gives you the freedom to mix from anywhere in the venue, even if that’s not physically close to the mixer’s location. The app is available for free on iOS and Android.

SQ+ 4You

SQ+ 4You allows up to 8 performers to control their own monitor mixes from their Android or iOS devices, freeing the audio engineer to focus on the front-of-house sound.

Automatic Mic Mixing

SQ+’s advanced Automatic Mic Mixers make it a natural choice for mixing conferences, panel discussions, and broadcast applications. Two independent 24 channel AMM’s can run simultaneously for two separate zones or combine into a single 48 channel AMM for larger events.

Built for the Real World The live environment is unforgiving, so SQ+ is built to take it.

A robust all-metal chassis provides the strength and rigidity to handle the rigours of touring and installation alike, while the new carbon-on-graphite finish with black and white knobs and fader caps gives it a sharp, contemporary look that holds up under real-world use. Every SQ+ comes backed by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty as standard.

Features

Audio and Processing

• 96kHz XCVI Core
• 48x Inputs to Mix
• 12x Stereo Aux/Group Mixes + LR
• 6x Mono/Linkable Matrix
• Full Channel and Mix processing (HPF, PEQ/GEQ, Comp, Gate)
• DEEP Processing ready
• 8x Rack Extra FX Engines with dedicated send and return channels
• 4x RackUltra FX Engines with dedicated send and return channels

Digital I/O

• 128×128 Intelligent SLink Port for I/O expansion and connection to other A&H consoles
• 1x I/O Port for option cards (SLink, Dante, Waves and MADI cards available)
• 1x AES3 Stereo Digital Output Socket

USB Recording & Playback

• USB A: 16 Channels @ 96kHz
• USB A: 32 Channels @ 48kHz
• USB B Interface: 32×32 @ 96kHz
• USB B Interface: 32×32 @ 48kHz

Analogue I/O

• 24x XLR Mic/Line Input Sockets
• 14x XLR Output Sockets
• 3x Stereo Line Input Sockets (4x TRS ¼” sockets, 1x 3.5mm TRS socket)
• 1x XLR Talkback Socket
• 2x TRS Output Sockets
• Stereo Headphone Output

Control

• 25x 100mm Motorised Faders
• 16x SoftKeys
• 4x SoftRotaries
• 6x Channel Strip Layers
• 9” Touchscreen with dark GUI
• Configurable single/dual Footswitch Connection
• Remote control via free apps – Windows/MacOS/iOS/Android

Specifications

Inputs

• 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 (With pad engaged)
• Input Impedance: >4kΩ
• THD+N, Unity gain 0dB: 0.0015% -96dB (20Hz-20kHz, AES Direct Out, @0dBu 1kHz)
• THD+N, Mid gain +30dB: 0.003% -91dB (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 / 0dBu
• Trim: +/-24dB
• Maximum Input Level (ST1,ST2 / ST3): +22dBu / +18dBu
• Input Impedance: >6kΩ

Outputs

• XLR Outputs: 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: -91dBu (muted, 20Hz-20kHz)

AES Digital Output

• Balanced XLR 2 channel
• 96kHz sampling rate (Default with SRC Bypassed)
• Switchable output sample rates with SRC, 44.1kHz / 48kHz / 88.2kHz / 96kHz
• 2.5Vpp balanced terminated 110Ω

SLink Connection

• Neutrik EtherCON (RJ45)
• dSnake mode: 40 input 20+40(ME) output channels, 48kHz
• DX mode: 32 input 32 output channels, 96kHz
• GigaACE/GX: 128 input 128 output channels, 96kHz
• Inputs: Fully Patchable
• Outputs: Fully Patchable
• Sync/SRC: Assignable as audio clock source, 48kHz<>96kHz SRC

I/O Port

• Multi-channel I/O option module
• Inputs: Fully Patchable
• Outputs: Fully Patchable
• Sync/SRC: Assignable as audio clock source, SRC on option card

USB Audio 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: 1-16 channel 96kHz, 1-32 channel 48kHz, 24-bit, WAV, fully patchable
• Multitrack Playback: 1-16 channel 96kHz, 1-32 channel 48kHz, 24-bit, WAV, fully patchable

USB Audio Streaming

• USB-B, Core Audio compliant, ASIO/WDM for Windows
• Send (upstream): 32 channel, 48/96kHz, 24-bit
• Return (downstream): 32 channel, 48/96kHz, 24-bit

Control

• Faders: 100mm motorised
• Touch Screen: 9" Capacitive, 1024 x 600 resolution, 24 bit RGB
• SoftKeys: 8 (SQ5+), 16 (SQ6+, SQ7+)
• SoftRotarys: 4 (SQ6+), 8 (SQ7+)
• Mute Groups / DCA Groups: 8 / 8
• Network: TCP/IP Ethernet for Control and MIDI
• MIDI: TCP/IP and USB-B
• Footswitch: Single or Dual, Momentary or Latching

System

• 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 Unity gain faders@0dB: 0.002%, -93dB (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: Chromatic Channel Metering, fully programmable colour/brightness
• Peak Indication: -3dBFS (+19dBu at XLR out), multi-point sensing
• Sampling Rate: 96kHz
• Bit Depth: Uses XCVI core custom bit widths in algorithms, up to 96bits
• Latency: <0.7mS, Local Mic Input to Main L/R Local Output, all processing switched in
• 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 (SQ5+ / SQ6+ / SQ7+): 95W / 105W / 135W

Input Source

• Processing CH1-48: Fully patchable
• USB Global Source: SQ-Drive or USB-B Streaming (Auto Switching)
• Polarity: Normal/Invert
• Trim: -24 to +24dB
• High Pass Filter: 12/18/24dB per octave 20Hz – 2kHz
• Insert (Pre EQ/Comp): Fully Patchable
• Delay: Up to 341ms
• Gate/Expander: Patchable Sidechain
• Sidechain filter: Hi-pass (20-5k), band-pass (120-10k), Lo-pass (120-20k), Q=1
• Threshold / Depth: -72dBu to +18dBu / 0 to 60dB
• Attack / Hold / Release: 50µs to 300ms / 10ms to 5s / 10ms to 1s
• Expander Ratio: 1:1 to 1:20
• PEQ: 4-Band fully parametric, 20-20kHz, +/-15dB
• Band 1, Band 4: Selectable Shelving (Baxandall), Bell, HPF/LPF 12dB/octave
• Band 2, Band 3: Bell
• Bell Width: Variable Q, 1.5 to 1/9th octave
• Compressor: Patchable Sidechain, DEEP options
• 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 -inf to 0dB

Channel Direct Out

• Follow Fader / Mute / Mute Group / DCA (global option)
• Source select: Post Preamp, Post HPF, Post Gate, Post Insert Return, Post PEQ, Post Compressor, Post Delay
• trim: -inf to +10dB per channel

Mix

• Insert (Pre EQ/Comp): Fully Patchable
• Processing Delay: Up to 682ms
• GEQ: 28 bands 31Hz-16kHz, +/-12dB Gain, Constant 1/3 oct, DEEP options
• PEQ: As Input PEQ
• Compressor: As Input Compressor

FX Rack

• FX Engines: 8 x RackFX engine, Send>Return or Inserted (4 dedicated FX sends)
• Types: SMR Reverb, Stereo Tap Delay, Gated Reverb, ADT, Blue Chorus, Symphonic Chorus, Flanger, Phaser (Plus optional Rack FX Add-Ons)
• 8 dedicated Stereo FX returns: Fader, Pan, Mute, Routing to Mix/LR, 4-Band PEQ

RackUltra FX

• FX Engines: 4 x RackFX engine, Send>Return or Inserted (4 dedicated FX sends)
• Types: SMR Reverb, Stereo Tap Delay, Gated Reverb, ADT, Blue Chorus, Symphonic Chorus, Flanger, Phaser (Plus optional Rack FX and RackUltra FX Add-Ons)
• 4 dedicated Stereo FX returns: Fader, Pan, Mute, Routing to Mix/LR, 4-Band PEQ

Audio Tools

• PAFL: PFL or stereo in-place AFL, 0 to -24dB Trim, PAFL Delay Up to 682ms, External Input Option
• Talkback: Dedicated input, Assignable to any mix, Gain, Pad, 48V, 12dB/oct HPF
• Signal Generator: Assignable to any input or mix, Sine/White/Pink/Bandpass Noise
• Metering RTA: 2x 31-Band 1/3 octave (Stereo) or 61-Band 1/6 octave (Mono) 20-20kHz.
• Channel RTA: PAFL/Selected Channel or Fixed Source
• AMMs Configuration: 2x 24ch or 1x 48ch, freely assignable
• Type: Gain Sharing
• Sidechain Filter: HPF / LPF 12dB/octave 20Hz – 5kHz / 120Hz - 20kHz
• Priority: -15dB to +15dB per channel

Add-Ons

• DEEP Preamps: Tube Stage
• DEEP Expanders: Source Expander, Dual Threshold Expander
• DEEP Compressors: Opto, 16T, 16VU, PeakLimiter76, Mighty, OptTronik, Bus, CompStortion
• DEEP GEQ's: Proportional-Q, DiGi-GEQ, Hybrid
• RackFX units: De-Esser, DynEQ4, MultiBD3, MultiBD4, Bucket Brigade, Echo, Hypabass
• RackUltra FX: Spaces Reverb, Plate Reverb, Vocal Tuner, Vocal Gridder, Vocal Shifter, Dual Autokey Harmoniser, Quad Harmoniser, Amp+Cab Distortion, Saturator

Dimensions & Weights

• SQ6+ Unit only: 514.9mm x 638mm x 198.5mm (20.3" x 25.1" x 7.8")
• SQ6+ Packed in shipping box: 705mm x 810mm x 350mm (27.8" x 31.9" x 13.8")
• SQ6+ Unit weight: 15.15kg (33.5lbs)
• SQ6+ Packed weight: 19.69kg (43.4lbs)