Description
The SQ-5 puts Allen & Heath's XCVI FPGA engine in a compact format: 96 kHz, sub-0.7 ms latency and DEEP processing that drops vintage compressor and EQ emulations straight onto the surface. 48 channels, 16+1 motorised faders, a 7-inch touchscreen — one of the most appealing desks in its class for live and studio.
Where to buy
Technical
Specifications
Inputs / Outputs
| Total inputs | 48 |
|---|---|
| Mic inputs | 16 |
| Total outputs | 14 |
| Mic preamps | 16 mic preamps |
| Computer interface | Built-in 32x32 USB audio interface |
Processing
| Mix buses | 12 |
|---|---|
| DCA/VCA groups | 8 |
| Max sample rate | 96 kHz |
| Bit depth | 24 bits |
| Channels | 48 input channels |
| Buses | 12 stereo mixes + LR |
| Processing engine | XCVI FPGA core, 96 kHz |
| Audio performance | Latency < 0.7 ms |
| Channel processing | DEEP processing (compressor and EQ emulations) · Per channel: HPF, fast gate, 4-band PEQ, compressor · Built-in Automatic Mic Mixer |
| Effects and plug-ins | 8 stereo FX engines |
Surface
| Physical faders | 17 |
|---|---|
| Motorized faders | Yes |
| Screens | 1 |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Faders | 16+1 motorised faders, 6 layers |
Recording
| Onboard recording | Yes |
|---|---|
| Recording type | SQ-Drive USB multipiste |
Networking
| Networking & protocols | USB / Dante / AES/EBU |
|---|---|
| Redundant PSU | No |
| Redundant networking | No |
Physical
| Width | 440 mm |
|---|---|
| Depth | 515 mm |
| Height | 198 mm |
| Weight | 14.5 kg |
Power
| Power draw | 75 W |
|---|
Strip & details
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Rotate your phone to landscape for a better view of the strip.
Software
SQ MixPad — mode Offline v1.6.1Download
Other screenshots
Accessories
Stagebox / rack
- Allen & Heath DX168 / AR2412
Stageboxes connected via the SQ's SLink port.
I/O card
- SQ-Dante / SQ-Opt (Waves)
Network option cards for the SQ (Dante, Waves SoundGrid).
Documents
Editorial & artists
Our take
History & design
Launched in 2017, the SQ-5 is the most compact of Allen & Heath's SQ series. It runs on the XCVI FPGA core clocked at 96 kHz, with under 0.7 ms input-to-output latency. The surface offers 16+1 motorised faders across six layers and a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen.
Each of the 48 channels has a high-pass filter, a fast gate with sidechain, a 4-band parametric EQ and a compressor. DEEP processing adds vintage compressor and EQ emulations, joined by eight stereo FX engines. A 32x32 USB audio interface is built in, and the option slot accepts network cards (Dante, Waves, gigaACE). An Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM) is also on board.
Notable users
- MAX
North American autumn tour · two SQ-5s, FOH: Kyle Chirnside
Links
Related consoles
Some merchant links are affiliate links. Purchases may support Digital Mixing at no extra cost.
Documents are archived locally for preservation. Source credited. Takedown requests: [email protected]