Allen & Heath has expanded its SQ range of mixing desks, introducing RackUltra FX processing, expanded Deep processing power and introducing a ‘bigger and bolder’ interface across the new SQ5+, SQ6+ and SQ7+ models.
‘SQ is industry standard, it works everywhere; tours, venues, installs and studios,’ says Senior Product Manager, Keith Johnson. ‘SQ+ takes everything that made SQ the mixer of choice for engineers worldwide and adds even more.’
At its heart, SQ+ line packs the same 48-input, low-latency 96kHz XCVI core that underpins the SQ range, but now with significantly more processing headroom for studio-grade effects and the latest generation of Deep Add-Ons. The headline addition is four RackUltra FX engines, each with dedicated stereo sends and returns.
Developed for the flagship dLive system, RackUltra FX delivers a suite of effects including reverbs, vocal tuning, pitch processors, amp modelling saturation. All four engines come as standard on every SQ+ model, with Add-Ons available from the Allen & Heath shop.
The increased processing power enables the next generation of Deep Add-Ons – CompStortion, Source Expander Dual Threshold Expander – previously only available on dLive and Avantis. At launch, new SQ+ owners can claim the PlusPack – the full suite of Deep and standard FX Add-Ons in a single bundle - simply by registering their mixer and signing up to the Allen & Heath newsletter.
The user interface is built around a larger 9-inch touchscreen and a new dark GUI for improved clarity in all mixing environments. All models retain SQ’s full connectivity suite: a 128x128 Intelligent SLink port, a dedicated I/O expansion slot supporting Dante, Madi, Waves and SLink cards, dual USB ports for multitrack recording, and computer interfacing and remote control via free apps for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.
The range has three frame sizes: the SQ5+ with 17 motorised faders, 16 XLR mic/line inputs and eight SoftKeys an optional 19-inch rack kit; the SQ6+ with 25 faders, 24 XLR inputs, 16 SoftKeys and 4 SoftRotaries; and the SQ7+ with 33 faders, 32 XLR inputs, 16 SoftKeys and eight SoftRotaries.
‘With SQ+, we’re not just launching three new mixers, we’re expanding the SQ Series,’ Johnson says. ‘By adding SQ+ alongside the original SQ models, there’s now an SQ for every user, every show and every budget.’
More: www.allen-heath.com