Allen & Heath SQ-5/220X

Description

Powered by Allen & Heath’s revolutionary XCVI 96kHz FPGA engine, SQ-5 is built for professionals in the most demanding live sound applications. Delivering class-leading high resolution audio with an ultra-low <0.7ms latency, the SQ-5 gives you unrivalled power and audio fidelity. The mixer has 16 onboard preamps and 8 stereo FX engines with dedicated return channels and access to the acclaimed RackExtra FX library. 12 stereo mixes (configurable as groups or auxes) make SQ the perfect companion for in-ear monitoring setups, whilst Automatic Mic Mixing^* takes the strain in multi-mic environments. SQ-5 gives you all the tools to meet any requirement, from AV and corporate events to live productions and houses of worship.

96kHz XCVI Core

SQ is a future-proofed, next-generation console, powered by Allen & Heath’s 96kHz XCVI FPGA engine. XCVI delivers class-leading high resolution audio quality, ultra-low latency of <0.7ms, variable bit depth for ultimate precision and noise performance, mix coherency down to the sample, and the sheer power to handle high channel / mix counts and ample FX / processing.

DEEP processing ready

SQ’s DEEP processing architecture allows owners to hand-pick boutique compressor and preamp emulations to suit their style and needs. DEEP plugins can be embedded directly within the mixer’s inputs and mix channels, all without adding system latency or setup hassles.

The Ultimate IEM Mixer

With no less than 12 stereo mixes, super-low latency, and both parametric and graphic EQ on every mix, SQ is the perfect companion for in-ear monitoring setups. SQ’s airline-friendly compactness and rugged build quality mean there’s no reason to gamble on house monitor consoles again.

Expandable up to 48 mics

SQ-5 has all the onboard I/O you need for standalone operation. Thanks to its SLink intelligent port, SQ can also be expanded up to a total of 48 mic inputs via a family of 96kHz and 48kHz rack and stage box expanders (e.g. AB168, AR2412, AR84 and DX168), making it a flexible, mix ‘n’ match solution for owners of other Allen & Heath digital systems. You can also link your SQ directly to another SQ or even a dLive system.

 

Dante, Waves and more

SQ is the centrepiece of a growing ecosystem of apps, expanders, audio networking, personal mixers and more, allowing you to connect, adapt and expand to your heart’s content. It’s compatible with leading audio networking standards too – add an audio networking card such as Dante or Waves to SQ’s I/O port and you’re ready to integrate with installed systems, provide a digital FoH / Monitor split and more.

 

Flexible multitrack recording

The integrated SQ-Drive makes it quick and easy to capture a 96kHz multitrack or stereo recording of the show direct to a USB key or drive. No software setup, no soundcard driver issues and no extra laptop to bring to the performance. SQ-Drive is also a smart way to manage walk-in music.

 

Also provided is a built-in 32×32 96kHz audio interface for multitrack recording, backing tracks or virtual soundcheck applications. The interface is Core Audio and ASIO compliant and comes complete with MIDI and DAW control capabilities.

Advanced AMM

SQ’s advanced automatic mic mixer (AMM) features make it a natural choice for mixing conferences, panel talks and TV shows. It’s fully integrated in the mixer too, with no extra latency, so you don’t need to route the audio to an internal DSP rack or an external plugin system.

Designed for the pro

We know that the live environment can be tough on gear – that’s why we devised our most punishing regime of testing and retesting yet for SQ. From its 3-tier, all metal chassis to its extruded aluminium light bar, SQ has tremendous strength and rigidity underlying its good looks.

 

The Mixing Experience

With each new design, the Allen & Heath team strives to get closer to the ultimate mixing experience. SQ’s dashboard is centred around a high-res 7” capacitive touchscreen, framed by an array of high-grip, illuminating encoders to create an intuitive, integrated blend of clear visual feedback and immediate, hands-on control. Channels and mixes can be dragged and dropped to any strip, with custom naming and colour coding on the colour strip displays, allowing you to build a mixing environment that mirrors your own workflow. Each strip features our patented Chromatic channel metering system, giving you at-a-glance level indication thanks to LEDs with variable brightness and colour.

 

SQ MixPad App

The SQ MixPad app is available for free on iOS and Android platforms, providing wireless control of the main mixing functions. This enables the engineer to mix from different listening positions, set up monitor mixes from the stage, or just add extra local control.

All you need is an iPad or Android device and a wireless router.

 

RackExtra FX

Allen & Heath has a well-earned reputation for crafting FX emulations that rival the very best plug-ins, but with none of the associated hassle. SQ is armed with 8 stereo FX engines and features the acclaimed RackExtra library of emulations of legendary classic reverbs, gated reverbs, delays, modulators and more. All FX have dedicated stereo returns so you don’t need to waste input channels.

ME Personal Mixing System

SQ is fully compatible with the ME Personal Mixing System, allowing the performers to take control of their own monitor mixes. Any number of ME-1 and ME-500 personal mixers can be daisy-chained from the mixer’s SLink port, or from a connected remote expander.

 

Specifications:

Mic/Line Inputs	Mic/Line Inputs: Balanced XLR, fully recallable Input Sensitivity: -60 to +0 dBu Switchable Pad: -20 dB Analog Gain: 0 to +60 dB, 1 dB steps Maximum Input Level: +30 dBu Input Impedance: >5 kOhms THD+N, Unity Gain (0 dB): 0.002% -92 dBu (20 Hz – 20 kHz, AES direct out, @ 0 dBu 1 kHz) THD+N, Mid-Gain (+30 dB): 0.003% -91 dBu (20 Hz – 20 kHz, AES direct out, @ -30 dBu input 1 kHz) Phantom Power +48V (+3V / -2V)
Stereo Line Inputs	ST1, ST2 Connectors: Balanced, 1/4″ / 6.35 mm TRS ST3 Connector: Unbalanced, stereo 1/8″ / 3.5 mm Input Sensitivity (ST1, ST2 / ST3): Nominal +4 dBu ST1, ST2 / 0 dBu ST3 Trim: +/-24 dB Maximum Input Level (ST1,ST2 / ST3): +22 dBu / +18 dBu Input Impedance: >7 kOhms
Analog Outputs	Outputs 1-12: Balanced, XLR Outputs A and B: Balanced 1/4″ / 6.35 mm TRS Source: Patchable Output Impedance: <75 Ohms Nominal Output: +4 dBu = 0 dB meter reading Maximum Output Level: +22 dBu Residual Output Noise: -90 dBu (muted, 20 Hz to 20 kHz)
AES Digital Audio Outputs	AES Digital Output: Balanced XLR, 2 channel 96 kHz sampling rate (default with SRC bypassed) Switchable Output Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2 (96 kHz) 2.5 Vpp balanced terminated 110 Ohms
Network Connections	Connection Neutrik EtherCON (RJ45) dsnake mode (48 kHz devices)*: 64 channels assignable, compatible with AR2412, AR84, AB168, ME dx mode (96 kHz Devices): 32 channels assignable*, compatible with DX168 gigaACE (96 kHz Devices): 128 channels assignable, compatible with dLive, SQ and DXHub* Inputs: Fully patchable Outputs: Fully patchable Sync/SRC: Assignable as master audio sync for all modes*SRC 64 channel
I/O Expansion Module	Multi-channel IO option module Inputs: Fully patchable Outputs: Fully patchable Sync/SRC assignable as master audio sync
Audio Specifications	Measured balanced XLR in to XLR out, 0 dB gain, 0 dBu input
Dynamic Range	112 dB
Frequency Response	20 Hz to 20 kHz (+0/-0.5 dB)
Headroom	+18 dB
Operating Level	Internal Operating Level: 0 dBu
THD+N	THD+N, Mic/Line Routed to Main L/R Out: Unity gain faders @ 0 dB, 0.006%, -84 dBu (20 Hz to 20 kHz)
DBFS Alignment	+18 dBu = 0 dBFS (+22 dBu at XLR output)
Metering Accuracy	Meter Calibration: 0 dB meter = -18 dBFS (+4 dBu at XLR out)
Metering	Main Meter Type: 2 x 12 segment, fast (peak) response Channel Meter Type: Single point metering, fully programmable color/brightness Peak Indication: -3 dBFS (+19 dBu at XLR out), multi-point sensing
Sampling Rate	96 kHz
Bit Depth	Uses XCVI core custom bit widths in algorithms, up to 96-bit
Latency	<0.7 ms, local mic input routed to main L/R. (direct, no EQ/ effects)
Faders	3.9″ / 100.0 mm
Touch Screen	7.0″ / 177.8 mm, capacitive, 800 x 480 resolution, 24-bit RGB
Softkeys	8
Groups	Mute Groups: 8 DCA Groups: 8
Network	TCP/IP Ethernet for MIDI and control
MIDI	TCP/IP and USB Type-B
Footswitch	Single or dual, momentary or latching
Source	Channels 1-48: Fully patchable Global Source: SQ-Drive or USB Type-B streaming
Polarity	Normal/inverted
Trim	-24 to +24 dB
High Pass Filter	12 dB/octave 20 Hz to 2 kHz
Insert	Insert (Pre EQ/Comp): Fully patchable
Delay	Up to 341 ms
Gate	Gate: Patchable sidechain Sidechain Filter: Hi-pass (20 to 5 kHz), Band-pass (120 Hz to 10 kHz), Lo-pass (120 Hz to 20 kHz) Threshold / Depth: -72 dBu to +18 dBu / 0 to 60 dB Attack / Hold / Release: 50 μs to 300 ms / 10 ms to 5 seconds / 10 ms to 1 second
Parametric Equalizer	PEQ: 4-band fully parametric, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, &plusmn;15 dB Band 1, Band 4: Selectable shelving (Baxandall), bell Band 2, Band 3: Bell Bell Width: Variable Q, 1.5 to 1/9th octave
Compressor	Compressor: Patchable sidechain Sidechain Filter: Hi-pass (20 to 5 kHz), Band-pass (120 Hz to 10 kHz), Lo-pass (120 Hz to 20 kHz), Q=1 Threshold / Ratio: -46 dBu to 18 dBu / 1:1 to infinity Attack / Release: 30 μs to 300 ms / 50 ms to 2 seconds Knee: Soft/hard Detector Response: Peak/RMS switchable Parallel Path Compression: Dry/wet -infin to 0 dB
Channel Direct Out	Follow fader, mute, mute group, DCA (global all channels)
Source Selection	Post-Preamp, Post-HPF, Post Gate, Insert Return, M Post PEQ, Post Comp, Post Delay Trim: -∞ to 10 dB per channel
Insert	Insert (Pre EQ/Comp): Fully patchable
Delay	Up to 682 ms
Graphic Equalizer	28 bands 31 Hz to 16 kHz, ±12 dB gain, constant 1/3 octave
FX	Internal FX: 8 x RackFX engine, Send>Return or Inserted (4 dedicated fx bus) Types: SMR Reverb, StereoTap Delay, Gated Reverb, ADT, BlueChorus, Symphonic Chorus, Flanger, Phaser 8 x Dedicated Stereo FX Returns: Fader, Pan, Mute, Routing to Mix/LR, 4-Band PEQ
PAFL	PFL or stereo in-place AFL, 0 to -24 dB trim, PAFL Delay up to 682 ms
Talkback	Dedicated input, assignable to any mix, Gain, Pad, 48 V, 12 dB/oct HPF
Signal Generator	Assignable to any mix, (sine/white/pink/bandpass noise)
RTA Real Time Analyzer	31-bands, 1/3 octave 20 Hz to 20 kHz, follows PAFL source
Recorder	SQ-Drive: USB Type-A Stereo Record: 2-channel, WAV, 96 kHz, 24-bit, source fully patchable Stereo Playback: 1/2-channel, WAV, 44.1, 48, 96 kHz, 16-/24-bit, source fully patchable Multitrack Record: 16-channel, WAV, 96 kHz, 24-bit, track sources fully patchable Multitrack Playback: 16-channel, WAV, 96 kHz, 24-bit fully patchable
USB Audio	USB Audio Streaming:  USB Type-B, Core Audio compliant, ASIO/WDM for Windows Send (Upstream): 32-channel, 96 kHz, 24-bit Return (Downstream): 32-channel, 96 kHz, 24-bit
Power	100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz Maximum Power Consumption:
Operating Temperature	32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C
Dimensions (W × H × D)	17.3 x 20.3 x 7.8″ / 440.0 x 514.9 x 198.0 mm
Weight	10.5 kg