Allen & Heath SQ-7 48-Channel / 36-Bus Digital Mixer
The Allen & Heath SQ-7 is the flagship mixer in the SQ series, delivering exceptional processing power, extensive hands-on control, and advanced connectivity for live sound, AV, broadcast, houses of worship, and installation applications. Powered by Allen & Heath's renowned 96kHz XCVI FPGA processing engine, the SQ-7 combines pristine audio quality, ultra-low latency performance, and an intuitive workflow in a professional mixing platform designed for demanding environments.
- 96kHz XCVI FPGA processing engine
- 48 input channels
- 36-bus architecture
- 12 stereo mixes plus LR mix
- 3 stereo matrix outputs
- 32+1 motorized faders across 6 layers
- 32+1 onboard microphone preamps
- 16 XLR outputs
- 2 stereo line inputs
- 2 TRS line outputs
- AES digital output
- 7-inch capacitive touchscreen interface
- 16 assignable SoftKeys
- 8 assignable Soft Rotaries
- DEEP Processing ready
- 8 stereo FX engines with dedicated stereo returns
- 32x32 USB audio interface at 96kHz
- SQ-Drive direct multitrack USB recording
- 64x64 I/O expansion slot for Dante, Waves, MADI, and SLink cards
- SLink port for remote audio and system expansion
- SQ-MixPad remote control app support
- SQ4You personal monitor mixing app support
A New Standard in Compact Digital Mixing
Designed for professional audio engineers who require maximum control and flexibility, the SQ-7 offers the largest control surface in the SQ family. Equipped with 32+1 motorized faders, 32+1 onboard preamps, 16 assignable SoftKeys, and 8 assignable Soft Rotaries, the mixer delivers extensive customization and hands-on access for even the most complex productions.
Its powerful combination of high channel count, professional processing, advanced expansion capabilities, and intuitive workflow makes the SQ-7 ideal for live venues, theaters, touring productions, houses of worship, corporate AV environments, and broadcast applications.
96kHz XCVI FPGA Processing
At the heart of the SQ-7 is Allen & Heath's advanced XCVI FPGA processing engine operating at 96kHz. This powerful processing platform delivers exceptional audio fidelity, ultra-low latency performance, and the processing capacity needed to handle demanding live sound and recording applications.
The mixer supports 48 input channels, 12 stereo mixes plus LR, and 3 stereo matrix outputs, providing extensive routing flexibility for front-of-house, monitors, installations, and broadcast environments.
Flexible Drag-and-Drop Workflow
The SQ-7 features an intuitive drag-and-drop channel architecture that allows channels and mixes to be assigned to any fader strip. Users can customize layouts, assign custom channel names, and apply color coding to streamline operation and improve workflow efficiency.
This flexible approach enables engineers to create personalized mixing environments that provide immediate access to critical channels during fast-paced productions.
Chromatic Channel Metering
Each channel strip incorporates Allen & Heath's patented Chromatic channel metering system. Variable-brightness LEDs provide instant visual feedback of signal levels, allowing operators to quickly assess channel activity and maintain optimal gain structure throughout a performance.
Intuitive Touchscreen and Hands-On Control
The SQ-7 combines a responsive 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with high-grip illuminated encoders, creating a seamless blend of visual feedback and tactile control. This intuitive interface enables rapid navigation while keeping essential mixing functions within easy reach.
With 32+1 motorized faders arranged across six configurable layers, engineers can efficiently manage large channel counts while maintaining access to key functions at all times.
Assignable SoftKeys and Soft Rotaries
To accelerate workflow and simplify operation, the SQ-7 includes 16 programmable SoftKeys and 8 assignable Soft Rotaries. These controls can be customized to provide instant access to commonly used functions, allowing engineers to tailor the mixer to their preferred workflow.
This expanded control surface enhances efficiency during setup, soundchecks, and live performances.
Comprehensive Channel Processing
Every input channel includes a complete suite of professional processing tools for precise signal shaping and control. Standard channel processing includes a high-pass filter, ultra-fast gate with sidechain and filter controls, a musical four-band parametric equalizer with real-time analyzer support, and a Peak/RMS compressor.
These tools provide everything required to create polished, professional mixes without relying on external processors.
Advanced Mix Processing
Each mix bus is equipped with both parametric EQ and a 28-band graphic EQ, along with integrated compression. These processing tools are available whenever required, enabling accurate monitor tuning, speaker system optimization, and overall mix refinement.
DEEP Processing Ready
The SQ-7 is fully DEEP Processing ready, allowing engineers to take advantage of advanced processing models inspired by classic analog equipment. These embedded processing options run directly within the console, delivering premium sonic character without compromising channel count or introducing additional latency.
World-Class Effects Processing
The mixer includes 8 stereo FX engines loaded with Allen & Heath's acclaimed RackExtra effects library. Engineers gain access to professional reverbs, gated reverbs, delays, modulation effects, and other studio-quality processing tools commonly used in live and recording applications.
Each effects engine features dedicated stereo return channels, preserving valuable input channels and simplifying effects management.
Integrated 32x32 USB Audio Interface
The built-in 32x32 USB audio interface operates at 96kHz and enables high-quality multitrack recording, livestreaming, backing track playback, podcast production, virtual soundchecks, and DAW integration.
The interface is class compliant with macOS and fully compatible with Windows using ASIO and WDM drivers. Users can also map faders, encoders, channel keys, and SoftKeys to control supported DAW software using the Allen & Heath MIDI Control application.
SQ-Drive USB Recording and Playback
Integrated SQ-Drive technology provides fast and reliable multitrack recording and playback directly to USB storage devices. Users can record up to 16 channels at 96kHz, up to 32 channels at 48kHz, or capture a simple stereo mix without requiring a laptop or external audio interface.
This streamlined workflow is ideal for live recording, rehearsals, and virtual soundchecks.
Expandability and Audio Networking
The SQ-7 is designed to grow alongside evolving system requirements. Its integrated SLink port provides connectivity to Allen & Heath remote audio expanders and digital stage boxes, enabling flexible system expansion and remote I/O deployment.
A dedicated 64x64 I/O expansion slot supports a range of optional audio networking cards, including Dante, Waves, MADI, and SLink solutions. This versatility makes the mixer an ideal hub for networked audio systems, broadcast production, and large-scale live events.
Remote Mixing Applications
The SQ-7 supports Allen & Heath's SQ-MixPad application, allowing engineers to remotely control mixer functions from compatible devices. Additionally, the SQ4You app enables performers and presenters to manage their own monitor mixes, reducing workload for front-of-house engineers and improving workflow efficiency.
Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM)
Built-in Automatic Mic Mixer technology makes the SQ-7 an excellent choice for conferences, corporate presentations, panel discussions, educational facilities, and broadcast applications. The fully integrated AMM system operates with no additional latency and eliminates the need for external DSP processors or software plugins.
Two independent 24-channel AMMs can be used separately for multiple zones or combined to create a single 48-channel Automatic Mic Mixer for larger productions and complex events.
Ideal Applications
The Allen & Heath SQ-7 is ideally suited for professional live sound reinforcement, touring productions, houses of worship, theaters, conference centers, educational facilities, corporate AV environments, recording studios, and broadcast applications. Its combination of extensive control, powerful processing, flexible expansion, and intuitive operation makes it one of the most capable compact digital mixers available.
