Description
The SQ-6 brings Allen & Heath's 96 kHz XCVI core into a compact 24+1 fader console. You get very low latency, full processing across 48 channels and direct multitrack recording to a USB drive via SQ-Drive. The SLink port opens onto the whole family of A&H stageboxes, while an optional Dante or Waves card drops it into a larger system. A logical stepping stone toward dLive and Avantis.
Where to buy
Technical
Specifications
Inputs / Outputs
| Total inputs | 48 |
|---|---|
| Mic inputs | 24 |
| Mic preamps | 24 local mic preamps (XLR) + 2 TRS stereo inputs + 1 3.5mm stereo input |
| Outputs | 16 assignable local outputs (14 XLR + 2 TRS) + AES digital output |
| Expansion cards | I/O port for option card (Dante, Waves and other third-party protocols) |
Processing
| Mix buses | 12 |
|---|---|
| Matrices | 3 |
| DCA/VCA groups | 8 |
| Max sample rate | 96 kHz |
| Processing resolution | 96 bits |
| Channels | 48 processed input channels |
| Buses | 36 total buses: 12 stereo mixes (aux or groups) + LR + PAFL |
| Processing engine | 96 kHz XCVI FPGA core, ultra-low latency |
| Effects and plug-ins | 8 stereo FX (RackFX suite) with dedicated returns, DEEP processing, automatic mic mixing |
Surface
| Physical faders | 25 |
|---|---|
| Motorized faders | Yes |
| Screens | 1 |
| Touchscreen | Yes |
| Faders | 24+1 motorized faders, 6 layers (144 assignable strips), per-strip LCD displays |
| Screens (details) | 7" colour touchscreen, 16 SoftKeys, 4 Soft Rotaries |
| Scenes and recall | 300 scene memories per show, 8 DCAs, 8 mute groups |
Recording
| Onboard recording | Yes |
|---|---|
| Recording type | SQ-Drive USB (16 tracks at 96 kHz / 32 tracks at 48 kHz) |
| Recording | SQ-Drive: stereo and multitrack record/playback to USB drive; 32x32 USB streaming to Mac/PC |
Networking
| Networking & protocols | Dante / MADI / ADAT / USB / Network / SoundGrid |
|---|---|
| Redundant PSU | No |
| Redundant networking | No |
| Audio networking | SLink EtherCON port (dSnake/ME, DX or GigaACE/GX) up to 128x128 channels |
Physical
| Width | 638 mm |
|---|---|
| Depth | 515 mm |
| Height | 198 mm |
| Weight | 14.5 kg |
Power
| Power draw | 90 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 MixPadFull-control iPad remote for the SQ: mixing, processing edits and wireless navigation over the network.Download
SQ4YouPersonal monitor-mixing app for performers: each musician adjusts their own mix from a phone.Download
SQ MixPad (mode Offline)Download
Other screenshots
Accessories
Stagebox / rack
- DX168
Rugged 96 kHz stagebox, 16 mic in / 8 out, connected over SLink (DX).
- AB168
Portable 16-in / 8-out dSnake stagebox, SQ-compatible over SLink.
I/O card
- SQ Dante card
Audinate Dante option card for the SQ I/O port (network integration).
Documents
Editorial & artists
Our take
History & design
The Allen & Heath SQ-6 is a compact digital mixing console launched in 2018, built around the XCVI FPGA core clocked at 96 kHz. It processes 48 input channels into 12 stereo mixes, the LR bus and PAFL, for 36 buses total. Local I/O includes 24 XLR mic preamps, two TRS stereo inputs, a 3.5mm input, 16 assignable outputs (14 XLR + 2 TRS) and an AES digital output.
The surface carries 24+1 motorized faders across 6 layers (144 assignable strips), a 7-inch colour touchscreen, 16 SoftKeys and 4 Soft Rotaries. Each channel offers trim, HPF, gate, parametric EQ and compressor; DEEP processing adds advanced amp and compressor models. Eight stereo FX engines draw on the RackFX suite. The SLink port connects AB, AR and DX stageboxes (up to 128x128 channels) and the option port takes a Dante or Waves card. SQ-Drive records 96 kHz multitrack straight to a USB drive.
Notable users
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]