Joining Allen & Heath’s SQ-5 and SQ-6, the SQ-7 joins the SQ Series line-up as its flagship. The new mixing console takes the same XCVI 96kHz FPGA engine and adds extended control and I/O in a larger format, boasting 33 faders, 32 onboard preamps, 16 custom softkeys and eight user-definable soft rotary controls.
SQ-7 is a 48-channel console, fully compatible with a range of remote I/O expanders, including the portable DX168 96kHz stageboxes. Inputs and mixes can be individually assigned to 192 fader strips across six layers, while 16 softkeys and eight user-assignable soft rotary controls allow the mixer’s workflow to be customised to the needs of each show and operator. Forthcoming Dante, Waves and SLink audio networking cards further extend the scope for expansion, system integration, FOH/monitor splits and recording.
Optional Deep processing plug-ins give SQ-7 users access to boutique compressor and preamp emulations which can be embedded directly into all input and mix channels, without adding system latency or set-up hassles.
The console’s SQ-Drive feature makes it easy to capture high-resolution 96kHz stereo and multitrack recordings direct to a USB drive. SQ can also be hooked up to a PC or Mac via USB to become a plug-and-play, Core Audio or ASIO compliant 32x32 audio interface, with upcoming Midi and DAW Control capabilities. Another standout feature for A/V customers is the inclusion of two independent, fully integrated and assignable Automatic Mic Mixers, that can be combined to create a mighty 48-channel AMM.
‘SQ-7 embodies everything that’s so exciting about SQ – the power, the speed, the ergonomics – in a more imposing format that lets us push the capabilities of the console even further,’ says Allen & Heath Product Manager, Keith Johnson. ‘As soon as we unleashed the SQ phenomenon, we were inundated by people who loved the concept and the features, and who wanted to take SQ into scenarios that called for more built-in I/O and more hands-on control. This one is for them.’
SQ-7 is supported by an ecosystem of mixing and personal monitoring apps, remote I/O expanders, audio networking cards and ME personal mixers, multiplying the system’s expansion and integration possibilities.
More: www.allen-heath.com
