Allen & Heath SQ - Part One: Overview w/ Keith Johnson

SQ Product Manager Keith Johnson takes you on a brief overview tour of SQ - our new 96kHz compact digital mixers.
Built on our latest generation 96kHz FPGA XCVI core, SQ sets a new standard for compact digital mixing, delivering pristine, high resolution audio with a class-leading latency of less than 0.7ms.
Find out more at:
www.allen-heath...

[@cesarcatalansonido]

SQ6 is basically everything I expected to be improved from my beloved Qu24... I already have an SQ6 on my name to arrive soon. yeah!

[@VoyageOne1]

I am SOLD on the SQ-5 and cannot wait to get mine sometime in early 2018. Behringer have really let me down with the lack of updates on the X32 consoles.

[@brianrockett2832]

Just curious on the X32.. what kinds of updates were you looking for? I'm not very familiar, but there are a bunch of those X32s around the shop. I am an A&H lover, so I won't go near those X32s.. But A&H does a great job pushing updates... So, what is the Behr lacking?

[@davidgiga1993]

I'm also curious. The latest FW for the X32 did a great job of adding more features - even automixing - which was never announced when the console was first introduced. Which features are you missing?

[@videosuperhighway7655]

Brian Rockett my experience. The qu is so straightforward to operate coming from oldschool analog it was easy to get onboard with the qu line.

[@samuelthorogood3878]

the behringer desk is also coming up to 5 years old now, lets not forget that. It completely changed the market back when it was released, as like this has now

[@markusgerg465]

very nice, but give us real!!! channel metering. This "chromatic" is a toy!!

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi Markus, it's funny - that was the initial reaction of a few engineers, and it's easy to dismiss because it's new, but please reserve judgement until you've actually used it or at least seen it in person. I should also point out that we're really showing off the different colours and brightnesses in these initial videos, in use it is much more subtle, and configurable too. Cheers, Keith.

[@markusgerg465]

Hi Keith, thank you for your response! I'm used to big & clear channel metering on our very old Spirit 328 and my first look on every console is about this feature. I like this very much and in 2017 i will never go back to two LEDs...All the other features on your new SQ-Desks are very cool but on the video this chromatic LED doesn't look good to me, but let's wait and see. Maybe there will be an A&H-desk (except dlive) sometimes with very nice channel metering ...

[@dominiquebontemps6147]

Thx for this video and and the others Keith! Even if the SQ is meant to be used for live I think it will perfectly fit my home studio needs as it is fully flexible in the assignments of inputs (local/USB) to the different channels. Is there anything why I should not go for an SQ for home studio? Some questions (don't know where it is best to raise them - Facebook, A&H support or here) after reading the manual a few times: - how is the USB output level set for each channel? I mean to record in the DAW. I would like to record some channels to the DAW while at the same time listen at a decent level. On some mixers, with 2 channels only it is the master L+R used and thus you are obliged to connect your studio monitors to another output if you don't want to get ear problems - what are the possibilities to have monitor speakers on L+R main outputs but still getting the full mix only on the headphones. In other words, have my speakers connected but only hearing the sound through the headphones (at some moment) but of course through the main speakers at other moments. - I'd like to use it with Studio One. Did you make some tests with it? - Some typical main usage when using a daw is to make it loop between 2 markers and to move forward/backward markers. This is not in the standard transport commands. Can this be assigned in some way? - as extension to previous question, would it be a way in a future update (I don't know if this is technically possible) to have soft keys / other keys sending the equivalent of ascii code like Ctrl+T or whatever to the DAW? This would allow to have extra commands at hand in a quite free way. Thx a lot for your time answering the questions and good success with the SQ!

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi Dominique, No problem! Glad you like them! You're correct in saying that the SQ has many features which make it a great choice for a home studio setup. It is generally best to send questions about specific setups through support.allen-heath.com , but I will do my best to answer these here for you. USB outputs for channels are generally sourced from the direct output, the level is set on a per-channel basis in the Routing screen. This is shown in section 8.1 of the reference guide. A mix output will always follow the fader, so you would use a mix other than LR (and set everything to post) if you expect to change the main LR level a lot. We are looking into monitor modes for the SQ, for this kind of thing and live FOH/monitor setups. At present, you could set PAFL 'Output AFL' to 'Off' then use a combination of the fader and PAFL'ing the LR mix to achieve this. SQ is class compliant with Mac's and uses ASIO on PC, so it will work with any software that supports these. You cannot assign transport controls other than standard MMC to SoftKeys at the moment, and though there is no plan to add ascii or computer keyboard commands, we will consider adding further MIDI functionalty to SoftKeys and SoftRotaries in the future. Thanks! Keith.

[@blitzlydstudio8159]

This looks super nice! Does it have a realtime spectrum analyzer for the EQ's? Abit hard to find alot of info on the mixer - hoping for some more videos soon!

[@Jumpy66]

Anwer for Con Gp:Thats my Question too. What is the differenz to the GLD. The GLD has mor Busses. What I find well, is the LCD Displey für the Channels, that´s not in the QU Series. What I wish for the SQ, the GLD has it, is a PC Software, to preconfiguration the Mixer on the PC. The GLD is more comtably. You can addone more AR804 on the mixer. At the SQ 6 you can connect an AR 2412 and behind an AR 804 for example. But The SQ has USB recording. By the GLD you need a Card, which cost over 1000$ for multi recording. But the you can make until 64 Tracks. I himselv have an GLD 112. But on a Church thy want to change from analog to digital, is this the Question SQ or GLD? The main Question is, between them is thev PC Software and the Price. The Administator must preconfiguration the Setup. The imagine is, that he can online load the Programm to the GLD an switch down the mixer. To get on the mixedr over an switchabel smart home socket. The a "layperson" must only push the feeders for Loudness. The Band setup is over ME1, so can noboy make a fault in the Mixer over fault operation. With the SQ you can make alternative an Stereo In Ear mixing. But the you mus be shure, that the player is on the right level. But online is no manual for the SQ Mixer by A&H

[@naseemjalal]

hello dear it looks pretty good the SQ6 Can You Please Post More Videos For More Into About it Like i Want to ask You What is the Buttons On Left Of Channel Strip ?? There is New Buttons Its Not showing What are They And Also Can You Tell Me How Many tracks I cant Record on Mixer Bx On my QU 32 i can Record Only 18 tracks How About This Mixer Hope To Hear From You Soon

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi Naseem, absolutely! I will be making some more videos soon which will look more in depth at the features and use of SQ. A quick answer here though - to the left of the channel strips there are 6 keys to switch layers, then copy/paste/reset keys, as well as Pre Fade/Assign and Channel to All Mix keys. This last one is brand new in SQ and allows you to quickly see all sends from the currently selected channel across the faders :) Thanks, Keith.

[@TeleporterM11]

Can these mixers control Ableton. I am thinking of getting one.

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi Roger, Yes! There are a few ways the SQ can send control messages that can be used in Ableton. The main ones are: via the DAW Control Driver (allowing you to use the SQ's MIDI channel strips as a control surface), directly from the MIDI channel strips (using MIDI mapping in Ableton) and through use of SoftKeys and Soft Rotaries that can be setup to output MIDI messages (that again can be mapped to controls in Ableton). If you need any more information on this, feel free to give us a shout at support.allen-heath.com. Thanks! Keith.

[@TeleporterM11]

AllenandHeathUK Thanks 🙏

[@The300ZXGuru]

i got the sq6 and its perfect mixer for any venue

[@euterpeal]

Hi. Is it possible to trigger a GEQ assigned to an specific mix, from a "soft key" ?

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hello euterpeal, This is not possible, I'm afraid. You may refer to the user guide pages 72 and 73 to see all the possible softkey assignments. www.allen-heath.com/media/SQ_ReferenceGuide_V1_5_0.pdf Thanks, Rafael

[@euterpeal]

@@AllenandHeathUK Thank you. Don't you think it'd be nice to activate a GEQ assigned to an specific mix, during a live show? Is that a coding issue or will it be possible with a software update? Cheers.

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hello euterpeal, We don't have any current plans for implementing this, but you are welcome to drop your suggestion at our community forum: community.allen-heath.com/forums/forum/sq/sq-feature-suggestions Cheers, Rafael

[@DJMORESA]

when is coming to South Africa ??

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi DJMORE, The best people to contact are our distributors Audiosure. (www.allen-heath.com/dist_type/south-africa/) Cheers! Keith.

[@1rcproductions]

Do these two mixers have touch sensitive faders?

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi 1rc, They do not. To select a track (when working live for example) you use the 'Sel' keys. Regarding DAW Control, SQ uses the same method as Qu, GLD and dLive. Cheers! Keith.

[@1rcproductions]

AllenandHeathUK Thanks for the information.

[@pekkahakanen1831]

Hey! I have been currently using SQ6 for house audio in church setting and SQ MixPad app for broadcast mix. I have been thinking to get SQ 5 to mix audio for broadcast. Is it possible (and how) to connect SQ 6 with SQ 5 and what all is required for this?

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hey Pekka, We would need more information to let you know exactly what you'd need to do, but yes! It's definitely possible to connect two SQ consoles using SLink ports to simultaneously send and receive up to 128 inputs and 128 outputs. If using digital expanders with your main console (with the built-in SLink port), you would just add an SLink option card to provide the separate connection to the broadcast console. There are also methods that use Dante or Waves protocols. If you would like more information on how this would all be set up and how signals could be routed, please contact us with more details on your current setup and what you'd like to achieve (support.allen-heath.com). Thanks! Keith.

[@aleshalz6217]

Can the SQ be used as Pro Tools controller?

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi Alessandro, The SQ has 32 MIDI channels that can be used for DAW control with ProTools. Thanks, Alex

[@aleshalz6217]

AllenandHeathUK Thank you!!

[@bensonhon]

Hi, I read through the documentation of SQ5 and SQ6 but I can't find the answer of the maximum number of Outputs I could have if I expand it with DX168. If the mixer is capable for 12 stereo mixes, LR mix, and 3 stereo matrix mixes, does it mean I could have 16 stereo => 32 outs using 3 DX168 (24 outs) plus my local outs in SQ5 (12 outs)?

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi Benson, You can use remote audio units (like the DX168) and the local SQ outputs at the same time, and all are fully assignable, so the only limitation is what can be assigned. The stereo mixes (including LR) would give 26 total output sources, the matrix outputs give another 6, then there are all the direct outs and FX returns. So there are 32 total mix outputs and 64 other options. With the addition of the SLink option card and 2 DX Hub setups (Q1 2018), you would be able to use an SQ-6 to get a total of 64 assignable sockets. Cheers, Keith.

[@ronnieduignan]

Thanks Keith, looking forward to the next videos on the SQ

[@thesampsonite]

Loved touring with my QU for the last two years allowing bands to often mix them selves via iPads. Can't wait to try this out

[@munnaaahir1939]

please getting more video for training base. thank u

[@luiguisimo]

Cuál es el previo al publico en México

[@claudebesnou5899]

Hello Keith, I am French and wanting a compact digital mixer, but I was making my records on an old Fostex!! so I can say I don't know anything about these new brand,I am very interested to buy that SQ5 but please, tell me, as somebody who never used that kind of machines, shall I be able to understand it and make it work?? Or can you advise me to begin with something less complicated? Thanks, Claude.

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi Claude, Our Qu range may be of interest you to. You can contact a local distributor for a demo to see what you think, here's a link for our French distributors: www.allen-heath.com/dist_type/france/ Thanks! Alex

[@lightingman117]

Yay!! so excited to get mine, hopefully by Jan 18 :

[@keyantwilliams]

I'm loving my SQ 6. I use it in my home studio. It's amazing!

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hey Keyan, Glad you're loving it! (the SQ does make a great studio console, and we see a lot of guys mixing outside-the-box with it too, not just for the hands-on approach either, but because of the sound! :) ) Cheers, Keith.

[@bradbattista]

How do you integrate your sq into your daw? I’m about to pull the trigger on an sq6 and use Protools. Do you use any daw control features? Automation etc...? I had a Studiolive 32 and a Midas M32 and both lacked serious must haves for studio use. Especially the M32. Any input would be appreciated. Thank you!

[@imdomtrotta]

I agree with you!

[@keyantwilliams]

@@bradbattista I'm using it work with Logic Pro X and Pro Tools. I'm really digging the features. I maxed out my SQ 6 with all the internal FX's it's totally amazing.

[@sansaechao6298]

Thanks Keith, I can't to get SQ6 when is shipping?

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi San, No problem, SQ's are on their way to distribution, and we expect the first units to be with users by the end of November. Thanks! Keith.

[@ChurchTechAndWorship]

can I record 48 channels off a dlive system without having to buy an expansion card and will the signal be split? When you say that you can add a 64x64 Dante card, does that mean I can record 64 channels?

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi, You can receive 48 channels using the SLink port connected to a gigaACE card in the dLive system, this can be any channels you wish to patch (so you can use it for a digital split). The 64x64 figure is for the I/O port itself, and the final channel count for the Dante card will be confirmed shortly, but if using DVS (Dante Virtual Soundcard), you will be able to record all of them to a DAW. Thanks, Keith.

[@ChurchTechAndWorship]

I have 2 Dante cards, can I split the channels from dlive to sq and record to a daw? how many channels can I record direct to drive or usb?

[@harrissoundlighting]

Hi Keith! Looking into buying a CDM32 mix rack to use in conjunction with the SQ6, mostly because we would have the option of running via tablet in situations where a physical console isn't possible, or neeeded. My question is, the CDM32 being a dlive unit, obviously dlive being your flagship line, will we notice an audible difference when the SQ is running thru the CDM32?

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi Harris S&L, Just to clarify for you or anyone else reading - SQ and dLive are different systems, and when connecting them like this you will have no control over the dLive system from the SQ surface. But to answer your question, SQ and dLive both use an XCVI core, and therefore the channel/mix processing and the summing on SQ uses the same algorithms as dLive. So although of course the SQ does not have the full capabilities of a dLive system, the sound of the processing it does have is exactly the same and you could transmit this digitally from SLink to a gigaACE option card in the CDM rack without any loss of quality. Hope this helps! Keith.

[@harrissoundlighting]

@@AllenandHeathUK thank you! I appreciate the info!

[@videosuperhighway7655]

From a QU-24 to an SQ-6 are there features differences/missing between? I need a second unit and was looking at a QU-24 but if the SQ-6 has the same + more then that would be the direction I would go.

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi VIDEOSUPERHIGHWAY, There are many (many!) differences between the Qu and the SQ, the SQ definitely has the same and more, though these both have their own benifits. For example, I would recommend a Qu for anyone coming from an analogue desk, or in a situation where you didn't need the extra processing power SQ provides. Thanks! Keith.

[@videosuperhighway7655]

AllenandHeathUK thanks, well it does not hurt owning both and learning both as well. Looking forward to the day its out. Amazing how much power and features you get now compared to 15 years ago. The SQ will be in the DAW studio room

[@danielngct]

Can't wait how this new features has to offer.

[@somaenterprises9161]

48 channel / 36 mix bus, sir can we expand 36 mix bus through stage box

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi Soma, All inputs and outputs are fully patchable, so you can add a remote audio unit to increase the number of sockets, and indeed patch the mixes to any available output sockets. Thanks! Keith.

[@shaileshmanav484]

Beautiful ! Will there be cheaper version of this, after removing touchscreen and visual to USB to Mac/PC ? Thanks !

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi Shailesh, Thanks! They are beautiful! There are no plans for this at present, if you need a mixer which is WiFi control only, I would suggest looking at the Qu-SB, which is a very compact unit but that features the Qu-32 core. Thanks! Keith.

[@shaileshmanav484]

Thank you !

[@do0zy]

shit this guy is good!

[@mark12.31]

Great overview - these look like killer boards!

[@TheSkyecolor]

Looks incredible! Is there a way to get those 48 inputs/36 outputs on stageboxes remotely without using the IO expander slot?

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi TheSkyecolor, Thanks! And yes indeed! Support for the DX-HUB is being implemented, which will allow use of gigaACE to/from the stage, connecting to DX remote audio units. This will allow many different setups, including something like 3x DX168’s (48/24) using only the SLink port. Thanks! Keith.

[@TheSkyecolor]

AllenandHeathUK Thanks Keith! That's exciting!

[@TripleBProduktionz]

can you import a wav session and mix it?

[@lightingman117]

if it is like qu drive then yes, as long as you format the tracks correctly on the hdd/flash it will play the files just fine

[@nopenopeandnope7050]

Keith!

[@auisalsa]

is the AR2412 working with the SQ?

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi Younes, Yes, the SQ works with AR, AB and DX expanders. There is an SLink connections document for each model showing all possible setups. You can find these under the 'documents' tab on each model page (so for SQ-7 - www.allen-heath.com/ahproducts/sq-7/#tab4). Hope this helps! Keith.

[@andrewdrummer]

More videos!!!!

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Soon Andres, soon! :) Keith.

[@lucasvangeest3393]

Is er DCA spill on the SQ series? press the dca select and than the inputs of that dca group will on the faders?

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi Lucas, Not at present. Cheers, Keith.

[@lucasvangeest3393]

Thanks Keith.. It will be there in 1 of the software updates?

[@RBemus]

My home studio set up is: Moog One, Roli 25, Komplete Kontrol s49, Maschine Studio, Komplete 12 Ultimate , Apollo Twin X, and Luna. My question. Can I add the SQ-5 to my “Home Studio” collection to create, mix and produce music?

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi R. Bemus, Of course! Please contact us using support.allen-heath.com with more details of what you'd like to achieve and we'll be able to let you know some of the possibilities the SQ will open up for you. Cheers! Keith.

[@RBemus]

Thank you for responding back so quickly! Is there a contact number that will direct me to an agent or, are there any videos that demonstrate the SQ-5 setup as a home studio digital mixer? I’m interested in buying this mixer but every video I have seen on KZbin only shows SQ-5 setup for corporate events to live productions and houses of worship.

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi R. Bemus, Your local distributor (www.allen-heath.com/where-to-buy/) will be able to help if you'd like to chat to someone, and you can also contact us directly through the support site. But there are a few videos from users around, and we also did a facebook live stream just a couple of weeks ago looking at SQ in the studio. You can find that and the stream on DAW control with SQ here - (facebook.com/AllenHeathofficial/videos/). Cheers! Keith.

[@RBemus]

AllenandHeathUK Thanks!

[@RBemus]

Hi Keith. I’m confused. I was told by a Sweetwater and Zzounds sales person that the SQ-5 is not a home studio digital mixer. It’s only designed for live production, theatre and house of worship. I haven’t seen one video on Facebook or KZbin that demonstrates the SQ 5,6, or 7 in a home studio setup making music. In every video I have seen, Sq owners are setup in church or some live concert. I seen your Facebook page. I need to be sold on this product.

[@GrupoMCMusic]

There is not gate expander ??

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi Grupo, Not at the moment, although it is on the feature request list for consideration. Thanks! Keith.

[@harrissoundlighting]

Keith, is it possible to load saved Qu scenes from a flash drive, into the SQ?

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi Harris, Unfortunately, data cannot be transferred from Qu to SQ as they use very different systems, so this is not possible I'm afraid. Thanks! Alex

[@harrissoundlighting]

@@AllenandHeathUK thank you Alex. One more question. Can you please walk me thru the steps I need to take in order to add effects into a mix send? In this case I'm using mix sends as stage monitors. If someone asks me for some effects on their vocal channel in their monitor, how would I go about doing this?

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi Harris, To send the effected signal to the monitors, you would send the input channel to the FX bus as normal and then send the return channel to the monitor mix. For further assistance, please start a ticket at support.allen-heath.com and we can help you there. Thanks! Alex

[@03jkeeley]

Does the SQ have an offline editor?

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi 03jkeeley, Not at the moment, though this is planned for the future. Thanks, Keith.

[@biggpito]

How hard would it be for you to send me one to review on my youtube channel? I did an unboxing of the dlive s7000 and would love to check out the sq.

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi Ramon, You'd be best to contact the same dealer/distributor you sourced the dLive from. Thanks! Keith.

[@christianprater6947]

what were your thoughts on the dlive

[@biggpito]

Christian if you can get it, get it!!! I love it!

[@matiasgaston1]

Do these mixers have multiband compressors?

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi matiasgaston, Not currently, though this has been requested a few times, so it is on the list! Thanks, Keith.

[@matiasgaston1]

AllenandHeathUK thanks!

[@frogiq2439]

nice moustacherios mannn

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Why, thank you kind frog! Keith.

[@GrupoMCMusic]

RTA on same screen as PEQ per channel ??

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi Grupo, The RTA follows PAFL selection, it is not possible to display it on the PEQ screen at the moment, though that is on the feature requests and will be looked into as a possibility. Cheers, Keith.

[@FathomSoundProAudio]

AllenandHeathUK Yes, please!

[@christianprater6947]

can the user label each fader and pick the color scheme

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi Christian, There is a colour LCD 'scribble strip' for each fader strip for labelling. This displays the name of the assigned channel, (which you can set). At the moment the colours are fixed to fader strip type, but we have had requests for user assignable colours, so we may well add this in an update. Cheers! Keith.

[@goroplayground3831]

any chance for MADI option??

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi goro, it has been requested, and will be considered based on demand, so there are no imminent plans for release, but there is certainly a chance. Thanks, Keith.

[@goroplayground3831]

thxxxx

[@casefarmgirl2279]

@@goroplayground3831 what does "thxxxx" mean?

[@sergiociulla]

what is the name of the app for remote control? (Ipad)

[@MrDjoedjoe]

thats what i wanna know too

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi Sergio, The app is called SQ-MixPad and will be released shortly. Thanks! Alex

[@chrisw5742]

USB 2.0 = fail. Use USB 3.1 or Thunderbolt.

[@davidgiga1993]

Why? 32 Ch via USB 2.0 does not hit any performance bottleneck. Therefore upgrading to USB 3.1 or Thunderbold (which costs licenses btw.) would not make any sense from a manufacturer perspective

[@chrisw5742]

Sure it does. If you want realtime monitoring of effects like I do. There are new devices out now that are USB 3 and Thunderbolt.

[@chrisw5742]

USB 2 is only half duplex , usb 3 has more power, improved bus utilization ect.... My next device is USB 3 or Thunderbolt 3. .... 40 gb per second vs .48 hahahaha no brainer.

[@PoloABD]

This is primarily a live mixer.. Allen and Heath know what they are doing.

[@rimayamuksor3379]

Dear AllenandHeathUK, I'm using Si expression 3 of Soundcraft at this moment. How much is my sound quality improves should i buy a SQ? how much is the concept of 96 kHz change my Output and Auxes???

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Hi Rimaya, Great question! But in fact the 96kHz processing is only part of the reason SQ sounds so good. Using our XCVI core actually has a number of benefits when it comes to sound quality. The 96kHz sample rate means a higher resolution on the inputs and outputs, but also in the processing and the mixing. Lower latency is also possible with 96kHz, and whilst not directly to do with sound quality, it certainly makes an impact on perceived system quality, especially for on stage monitoring and IEM systems. Probably the greatest part of the sound difference you will hear is because everything in the XCVI is perfectly phase aligned, this is true no matter what internal processing you use, so you get an exact and 'real' sound, which is difficult to describe, but obvious when compared side by side with another desk. One other major feature of XCVI is the 96bit accumulator. This means you have virtually infinite headroom at the point where it really matters - when the signals are all being combined. All this said - the best thing to do is just to find an SQ and have a listen! Cheers! Keith.

[@rimayamuksor3379]

Longing for the SQ7 landing in India. Thanks Keith.