Allen & Heath SQ Plus: 3 Updated Models with More Processing Power
The SQ Series gets updated with three new models.
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Allen & Heath SQ Plus: 3 Updated Models with More Processing Power · Source: Allen & Heath
The Allen & Heath SQ Plus series brings three new models, the SQ5+, SQ6+, and SQ7+, with feature enhancements like RackUltra FX and DEEP processing.
Table of Contents
The three new options in the SQ+ series include 16-input / 17-fader, 24-input / 25-fader, and 32-input / 33-fader versions, all with 96kHz XCVI FPGA internal processing engines.
Allen & Heath SQ Plus
Operation is made easy with the 9-inch touchscreen with a refined dark-themed GUI, and you can also make adjustments via the free SQ+ MixPad app for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS platforms. All models also now have four RackUltra FX processing engines, and each of these engines has a dedicated set of sends and returns for flexible routing.
The RackUltra FX platform was originally created for A&H’s flagship dLive series and provides a range of processing effects such as amp sims, reverb, saturation, vocal tuning, and pitch processing with a selection of Add-Ons to expand at any stage. With newly added processing power, the SQ+ series can also now make use of DEEP Add-Ons that were only available on the dLive and Avantis consoles before.
This includes the CompStortion, Source Expander, and Dual Threshold Expander. Upon registering your SQ+ and signing up for the A&H newsletter, you qualify for the PlusPack, which is a full bundle of DEEP and standard FX Add-Ons. On all models, you get connectivity such as a 128×128 Intelligent SLink port and dual USB ports for audio interface use and multitrack recording.
Meanwhile, the I/O expansion slot provides support for Dante, MADI, Waves, and SLink cards, so you can customize your SQ+ to fit your preferred system. Overall, this new update adds more value than ever, making features available that were previously premium in a more affordable and scalable console with motorized faders.
Pricing and Availability:
Allen & Heath SQ Plus is currently available for pre-order. Get it at Thomann.*
The Allen & Heath SQ V1.6 Firmware Update brings in Requested Features
[26 Feb, 2025] With the latest V1.6 Firmware, the Allen & Heath SQ series has a range of add-ons and improvements, including some user-requested features.
Allen & Heath SQ V1.6 Firmware Update
For added versatility, you can now split each stereo matrix into up to six mono matrices. This offers new potential for using speaker fills in your sound system configuration, as well as managing installations in multi-room environments.
In addition, the Cue List now has the ability to build customized scene lists that can be quickly edited. Furthermore, with the new Scene Crossfade feature you get instant smooth transitions between scenes.
What’s more, with firmware V1.6, the SQ series is capable of recording to a USB storage device and your computer simultaneously, which is a useful addition.
Finally, the SQ series now offers two new compressor Add-ons, including the DEEP OptTronik and Bus compressors from the dLive series. Remember, these updates are for the entire SQ series, including the new SQ Rack, which adds more value for users.
I’m thrilled that with V1.6, we’ve been able to deliver on some of the most popular requests from our community. SQ engineers can now finally add the DEEP OptTronik and Bus compressors, which have been on the wish list since their debut with dLive. Whether you’re mixing live music, working in theatre, or handling AV installations, V1.6 is set to transform your workflow and enhance your overall mixing experience.
Keith Johnson, Senior Product Manager
Allen & Heath SQ V1.5 Firmware Update with new features and plugins
[30 Apr, 2020] Bob Malkowski: Allen & Heath has dropped a V1.5 firmware update for its successful range of SQ series mixing desks. The new firmware brings RTA functionality along with more recording channels and additional features. You’ll have to cough up some hard cash if you want the tasty new FX units, though…
V1.5 Firmware Update
Allen & Heath launched its successful SQ series digital mixing desks at the tail end of 2017, rounding out the range with the flagship SQ7 just a few months later. Now, Allen & Heath drops a big SQ firmware update to V1.5. So what’s new? Is this a must-have firmware update, or is it all a bit meh?
Taking a read through Allen & Heath’s release notes, we can’t help but feel slightly underwhelmed. But there are a few items that are noteworthy, valuable upgrades:
- RTA function updated to permit channel-based analysis with new display functionality
- 32-channel record/playback from SQ Drive is now permitted
- HPF and LPF filters are now available on all processing channels
- Availability of new FX Processing add-ons
New Free Stuff! What’s the Problem?
We’re left feeling underwhelmed and moreover a little disappointed by the V1.5 firmware update, for a few reasons. First and foremost, a lot of this functionality should have been available from day one. Isn’t RTA analysis on a channel-by-channel basis a given on any digital desk nowadays?
That we’ve had to wait for HPF and LPF functions on all channels seems a bit of a stretch. Desks of this type are often employed to do double duty as FOH and monitor mixer, where a high-pass filter is a bare minimum requirement on monitor sends.
Charging for new plug-ins
The new plug-ins encompass the Tape Echo, Bucket Brigade Echo, and Hyper Bass. Having additional quality plug-ins available on your mixer is always great. But here’s the caveat: they all have to be purchased separately (although the hyper bass plugin has been offered for free on a temporary basis).
Whilst charging for new plug-ins is the norm for the software-based studio world, we can’t help but feel that a piece of dedicated live hardware shouldn’t need additional expenditure on proprietary plug-ins. SQ mixer owners will, no doubt, vote with their wallets – either these plug-ins will find buyers or they won’t.
Overall then? We’re happy to see these updates, but they should have been there from the start. And please stop charging extra for FX plugins, please!
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