Products
What’s New With Allen & Heath’s SQ+?
May
Allen & Heath has officially announced the SQ+ series, a major expansion of its popular SQ digital mixer range.
The new SQ+ lineup—featuring the SQ5+, SQ6+, and SQ7+—adds expanded DEEP processing power, four dedicated RackUltra FX engines, a larger 9-inch touchscreen, and a refined carbon-on-graphite hardware design. If you loved the original SQ, the SQ+ builds on the same 48-input, 96kHz XCVI core while adding more processing headroom and a more modern mixing interface.
Here is everything you need to know about the new Allen & Heath SQ+ series.
SQ vs. SQ+: What’s Actually New?
At its core, the SQ+ retains the stellar 96kHz XCVI FPGA engine, boasting an ultra-low latency. However, Allen & Heath overhauled the hardware interface and internal processing headroom.
1. Bigger, Better Screen
- The Old SQ: Featured a 7-inch touchscreen.
- The New SQ+: Upgrades to a massive 9-inch touchscreen.
2. Redesigned User Interface
The screen is not just bigger; it is sharper. The SQ+ introduces a high-clarity “dark” user interface. This sleek GUI is much easier on the eyes in dark venues and backstage environments.
3. “Carbon-on-Graphite” Aesthetic
The physical console gets a premium facelift. A clean “carbon-on-graphite” color theme covers the entire surface artwork and control layout, giving it a high-end, modern look.
4. RackUltra FX Engines
The biggest internal upgrade is the addition of four dedicated RackUltra FX engines, each with dedicated stereo sends and returns. First developed for Allen & Heath’s flagship dLive system, RackUltra FX brings premium reverbs, vocal tuning, pitch processing, distortion, saturation, and more to the SQ+ platform. These four engines are in addition to the original eight RackExtra FX engines, giving engineers more flexibility without tying up their standard FX slots.
Exploring the New SQ+ Range
The SQ+ series offers three distinct frame sizes to fit different space and channel requirements. All models share the same 48-channel capacity and 128×128 SLink digital expansion port.
- SQ5+ (The Compact Workhorse): Features 17 motorized faders and 16 local XLR inputs. It is the perfect size for tight spaces and includes an optional 19-inch rackmount kit.
- SQ6+ (The Balanced Sweet Spot): Offers 25 motorized faders, 24 local XLR inputs, 16 assignable SoftKeys, and 4 SoftRotary encoders for fast tactile control.
- SQ7+ (The Full Flagship Surface): Gives you maximum hands-on control with 33 motorized faders, 32 local XLR inputs, 16 SoftKeys, and 8 SoftRotaries.
Who is the SQ+ For?
The SQ+ series bridges the gap between mid-tier mixing and elite tour-grade processing. It is specifically designed for:
- House of Worship Tech Teams: The new, larger 9-inch screen and intuitive dark UI make it easier than ever for volunteer operators to navigate complex worship services.
- Regional Sound Companies: With dLive-grade RackUltra FX built-in, production companies can deliver high-end vocal tuning and pristine reverbs without bringing expensive external hardware racks.
- Touring Engineers: The compact footprint of the SQ5+ and SQ6+, combined with 96kHz processing and massive digital expansion, makes it the ultimate lightweight, fly-ready touring rig.
Whether you’re upgrading your current audio console or designing a brand-new sound system, Springtree is here to help. We offer incredible pricing, friendly service, and expert guidance on Allen & Heath digital mixers—so you can choose the right model with confidence.