Allen & Heath SQ5+ 48-Channel / 44-Bus Digital Mixer with RackUltra FX
The Allen & Heath SQ5+ is a compact, high-performance digital mixer that combines powerful processing, advanced connectivity, premium effects, and intuitive operation in a portable rack-mountable format. Designed for live sound, installations, houses of worship, theaters, corporate AV, and broadcast environments, the SQ5+ delivers flagship-level processing capabilities with 48 input channels, 44 buses, integrated RackUltra FX, and extensive expansion options.
- 48 input channels and 44 mix buses
- 96kHz XCVI FPGA processing core
- 17 motorized 100mm faders across 6 channel strip layers
- 16 XLR mic/line inputs and 12 XLR outputs
- 12 stereo Aux/Group mixes plus LR mix
- 6 mono or linkable matrix outputs
- Full channel and mix processing including HPF, PEQ, GEQ, Compressor, and Gate
- DEEP Processing ready with latency-free analog emulations
- 8 RackExtra FX engines with dedicated send and return channels
- 4 integrated RackUltra FX engines with dedicated send and return channels
- 9-inch high-resolution touchscreen with redesigned dark GUI
- 8 assignable SoftKeys for workflow customization
- Flexible drag-and-drop channel and mix layout
- Chromatic channel metering with visibility down to -72dB
- Integrated 32x32 USB audio interface at 96kHz and 48kHz
- Built-in SQ-Drive USB multitrack recording and playback
- 128x128 Intelligent SLink connectivity
- Expansion slot support for Dante, MADI, Waves, and SLink cards
- Remote control via Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android apps
- Configurable single or dual footswitch connection
- Compact 19-inch rack-mountable design
Compact Design with Flagship Performance
The SQ5+ delivers the complete SQ+ feature set in the most compact format of the series. With 17 motorized faders, four integrated RackUltra FX engines, and extensive routing flexibility, the mixer provides professional-grade performance for demanding audio applications while remaining highly portable.
Its compact footprint makes it equally suited for touring productions, portable sound reinforcement systems, fixed installations, and rack-mounted environments when paired with the optional 19-inch rack kit.
Large 9-Inch Touchscreen with Modern Interface
At the center of the SQ5+ is a responsive 9-inch touchscreen featuring an all-new dark graphical user interface designed for enhanced visibility and faster navigation. The updated interface delivers a streamlined user experience that remains easy to read and operate in a variety of lighting conditions.
Surrounded by illuminated high-grip rotary encoders, the touchscreen provides a perfect balance between visual feedback and hands-on control, allowing engineers to work efficiently during live events and productions.
Drag-and-Drop Channel Layout
The SQ5+ offers a fully customizable workflow through its drag-and-drop channel architecture. Channels and mixes can be freely assigned to any fader strip, complete with custom names and color coding for quick identification.
This flexibility enables users to create personalized mixing layouts that improve workflow efficiency and provide instant access to the most important channels and functions.
Chromatic Channel Metering
Each channel strip features Allen & Heath's patented Chromatic metering system, delivering clear and immediate visual indication of signal levels. Variable-brightness LEDs provide detailed metering information down to -72dB, making it easy to monitor signal activity at a glance.
Workflow Optimization with Assignable SoftKeys
The SQ5+ includes eight programmable SoftKeys that can be assigned to commonly used functions, helping operators streamline workflows and reduce navigation time. Frequently used commands can be accessed instantly, improving efficiency during setup and live operation.
Professional Channel Processing
Every input channel includes a comprehensive set of professional processing tools designed to deliver complete control over audio sources. Input processing includes a high-pass filter, ultra-fast gate with sidechain and filter options, a freely assignable insert point, a musical four-band parametric EQ with built-in RTA functionality, and a Peak/RMS compressor for managing dynamics and transients.
This extensive processing capability allows engineers to shape and refine each source directly within the mixer without relying on external processors.
Comprehensive Mix Bus Processing
Each mix bus includes both parametric equalization and a 28-band graphic EQ, along with integrated compression. These processing tools are available whenever needed, providing precise control for monitor mixes, loudspeaker optimization, and system tuning applications.
RackUltra FX Processing
The SQ5+ includes four integrated RackUltra FX engines that provide premium-quality effects processing for live sound and production environments. These effects deliver professional studio-quality performance directly within the mixer, eliminating the need for external processors while maintaining a streamlined workflow.
DEEP Processing Technology
The mixer supports Allen & Heath's latest generation of DEEP Processing add-ons, bringing authentic models of classic analog hardware directly into channel and mix strips. Unlike software-based processing solutions, DEEP Processing operates with no additional latency and can be utilized across all channels simultaneously.
This technology allows engineers to benefit from the sonic character of legendary processing hardware while maintaining the efficiency and flexibility of a modern digital console.
PlusPack Included
Users who register their SQ5+ mixer and subscribe to the Allen & Heath newsletter receive the SQ+ PlusPack, which includes every DEEP Processing and RackExtra FX add-on available at launch. This bundle significantly expands the console's processing capabilities and provides immediate access to a broad selection of premium audio tools.
Integrated USB Audio Interface
The SQ5+ features a built-in USB audio interface capable of supporting up to 32x32 channels at both 96kHz and 48kHz. This allows for high-quality multitrack recording, livestreaming, backing track playback, podcast production, virtual soundchecks, and direct DAW integration.
The interface is class compliant and supports both macOS and Windows systems, with ASIO and WDM drivers available for professional low-latency operation. Users can also assign faders, rotary controls, channel keys, and SoftKeys to control compatible DAW software using the Allen & Heath MIDI Control application.
SQ-Drive Recording and Playback
Integrated SQ-Drive functionality makes multitrack recording and playback simple and reliable without requiring a computer. Users can record or play back up to 16 channels at 96kHz, up to 32 channels at 48kHz, or capture a stereo mix directly to a USB storage device.
This streamlined recording solution eliminates the need for laptops, external interfaces, or DAW software during live events and virtual soundchecks.
128x128 Intelligent SLink Connectivity
The SQ5+ is equipped with a powerful 128x128 Intelligent SLink port that opens access to Allen & Heath's complete Everything I/O ecosystem. The mixer can seamlessly connect to remote stage boxes, I/O expanders, and compatible Allen & Heath consoles for flexible system expansion.
This scalable architecture allows users to design systems that can evolve alongside changing production requirements while maintaining simple integration and operation.
Advanced Audio Networking and Expansion
A dedicated I/O expansion slot enables support for a variety of optional networking cards, including Dante, MADI, Waves, and additional SLink solutions. This flexibility makes the SQ5+ an ideal choice for complex multi-format installations, broadcast environments, large-scale productions, and FOH-to-monitor split applications.
Ideal Applications
The Allen & Heath SQ5+ is well suited for live performance venues, churches, theaters, touring productions, broadcast facilities, conference centers, educational institutions, and fixed installations. Its combination of compact size, professional processing, advanced networking, and integrated recording capabilities makes it one of the most versatile and powerful digital mixers available in its class.
