Allen & Heath SQ5+ Digital Mixer
The Allen & Heath SQ5+ is a compact, rack-mountable 48-channel, 44-bus digital mixer designed for professional live sound, touring, broadcast, installation, and recording applications. Combining powerful 96 kHz processing with a streamlined control surface, the SQ5+ delivers the complete SQ+ feature set in the smallest format in the range.
At the heart of the mixer is Allen & Heath’s 96 kHz XCVI processing core, providing high-resolution audio, low latency, and extensive processing capabilities. Every input channel includes a high-pass filter, gate, insert point, four-band parametric EQ with RTA, and Peak/RMS compressor. Mix outputs are equipped with parametric and 28-band graphic EQ, as well as compression.
The responsive 9-inch touchscreen features a clear dark graphical interface for fast navigation in a variety of lighting conditions. Seventeen 100 mm motorised faders, illuminated rotary encoders, eight assignable SoftKeys, and six channel-strip layers provide intuitive hands-on control. Channels and mixes can be arranged using drag-and-drop functionality, with custom names and colour coding for a personalised workflow.
The SQ5+ includes eight RackExtra FX engines and four RackUltra FX engines, each with dedicated send and return channels. It is also compatible with Allen & Heath’s latency-free DEEP processing add-ons, allowing models of classic analogue processors to be inserted directly into channel and mix strips.
An integrated 32 × 32 USB audio interface supports multitrack recording, playback, livestreaming, and virtual soundchecks at both 96 kHz and 48 kHz. The built-in SQ-Drive recorder allows direct recording and playback using a USB drive, with support for up to 16 channels at 96 kHz or 32 channels at 48 kHz without requiring a computer.
For system expansion, the SQ5+ features a 128 × 128 Intelligent SLink port, providing access to Allen & Heath’s Everything I/O ecosystem of stage boxes, expanders, and compatible consoles. A dedicated expansion slot supports optional Dante, MADI, Waves, and additional SLink cards.
Built around a durable all-metal chassis, the SQ5+ is designed to withstand the demands of touring and professional installation. Its compact footprint and optional 19-inch rack-mounting kit make it equally suitable for portable systems, fixed installations, theatres, houses of worship, and broadcast environments.
Key Features
- 48-channel, 44-bus digital mixer
- 96 kHz XCVI processing core
- 17 × 100 mm motorised faders
- Six configurable channel-strip layers
- Responsive 9-inch touchscreen with dark GUI
- Eight assignable SoftKeys
- Drag-and-drop channel and mix layout
- Custom channel naming and colour coding
- Chromatic channel metering
- 12 stereo auxiliary/group mixes plus LR
- Six mono or linkable matrix mixes
- Full input channel and mix processing
- DEEP processing ready
- Eight RackExtra FX engines
- Four RackUltra FX engines
- 32 × 32 USB audio interface at 96 kHz and 48 kHz
- Integrated SQ-Drive USB recording and playback
- 128 × 128 Intelligent SLink port
- Expansion slot for optional Dante, MADI, Waves, and SLink cards
- AES3 stereo digital output
- Remote control via free desktop and mobile applications
- Durable all-metal chassis
- Optional 19-inch rack-mounting kit available
Analogue Connections
- 16 XLR microphone/line inputs
- 12 XLR outputs
- Three stereo line inputs
- Dedicated XLR talkback input
- Two TRS outputs
- Stereo headphone output
Recording and Playback
- USB-A recording: 16 channels at 96 kHz
- USB-A recording: 32 channels at 48 kHz
- USB-B audio interface: 32 × 32 channels at 96 kHz
- USB-B audio interface: 32 × 32 channels at 48 kHz
- Multitrack recording and playback
- Livestreaming and virtual soundcheck support
- DAW control through the Allen & Heath MIDI Control app
