Allen & Heath SQ+ - The New Standard In Digital Mixers Has Arrived

Powerful enough for serious live sound, approachable enough for churches, schools and venues, and flexible enough to grow with a system over time.

We’ve always been huge fans of the Allen & Heath SQ series. In fact, SQ has been one of our favourite digital mixer platforms for years — powerful enough for serious live sound, approachable enough for churches, schools and venues, and flexible enough to grow with a system over time.

Allen & Heath’s new SQ+ range now takes SQ to another level.

SQ+ still feels like SQ. The workflow is familiar, the layout makes sense, and anyone who has spent time on an SQ5, SQ6 or SQ7 should feel instantly at home. But it also feels faster, cleaner and a little more intuitive. The new larger screen is excellent, the updated look and feel is sharper, and the extra processing power opens up some seriously exciting possibilities.

What is the Allen & Heath SQ+ range?

SQ+ is a new addition to the Allen & Heath SQ family. It does not replace the original SQ series — instead, it expands the range with three new models: the SQ5+, SQ6+ and SQ7+.

All three models are built around Allen & Heath’s 48-input, 96kHz XCVI core, with the same low-latency performance that helped make SQ such a popular choice for live sound, houses of worship, schools, venues, production companies and studios.

What is new?

dLive and Avantis-style DEEP processing

Allen & Heath has brought a level of processing to the platform that was previously associated with its higher-end dLive and Avantis consoles, including new-generation DEEP Add-Ons such as Source Expander (a real favourite among engineers), Dual Threshold Expander and CompStortion. These run directly inside the mixer, without needing external plug-in hosts or extra hardware, and give SQ+ users more powerful tools for live sound, broadcast, corporate work, worship and events with lots of open microphones.

Other useful DEEP options include the De-Esser, Dyn8, compressor models, preamp models and other tools that help shape channels in a more polished and musical way. The De-Esser is especially handy for vocals and spoken word, headset mics and lavaliers where sibilance can be challenging to tame. 

Bigger screen and refined workflow

One of the most noticeable changes on SQ+ is the great new 9-inch touchscreen and its clearer, faster and more modern look. The workflow still feels very much like SQ — which is a good thing — but the updated interface feels a little more immediate and intuitive, especially for venues, churches and schools with multiple operators.

RackUltra FX*

SQ+ adds four RackUltra FX engines, each with dedicated stereo sends and returns. Originally developed for Allen & Heath’s flagship dLive system, RackUltra FX gives SQ+ users access to a higher level of onboard processing for breathtaking reverbs, pitch effects, vocal processing, saturation, amp-style processing and more. These are seriously excellent effects, and bringing them to SQ opens up a new realm of pro-level FX processing for users. *Note: FX engines come as standard on every SQ+ model, however the Ultra effects themselves are available as additional Add-Ons which must be purchased via the Allen & Heath shop online.

SQ+ PlusPack launch offer is a great deal

As an introductory launch offer, new SQ+ owners can claim the SQ+ PlusPack, which unlocks the full suite of DEEP and standard FX Add-Ons for free after registering their mixer and signing up to the Allen & Heath newsletter.

With a usual bundle value of approximately $899 USD, this is a very strong launch offer for early SQ+ buyers.

Note: the PlusPack does not include RackUltra FX units. RackUltra FX engines are built into SQ+ as standard, but individual RackUltra FX Add-Ons are separate. 

Our take on SQ+

For churches, schools, venues, production companies and engineers who already liked the SQ concept but wanted more power under the hood, SQ+ is very easy to get excited about.

SQ+ keeps the things we already loved about SQ: the sound quality, the sensible and intuitive workflow, the expandability, the low-latency 96kHz engine and the balance between professional power and real-world usability.

But the larger screen, improved feel, added processing headroom, RackUltra FX and expanded DEEP Add-On capability make it feel like a proper step forward for users who want more serious, high-end processing inside the SQ platform.

For churches, schools, venues, production companies and engineers who already liked the SQ concept but wanted more power under the hood, SQ+ is very easy to get excited about. 

Allen & Heath SQ+ Australian pricing

Pricing is based on supplied Australian RRP information. Contact us for current discounted pricing, availability and package options.

Need help choosing the right Allen & Heath SQ+ mixer?

At Turramurra Music, SQ has been one of our favourite go-to mixer ranges for years. Our live sound team can help you choose the right SQ+ model and assist you in designing a full Allen & Heath system to meet your requirements. As one of Australia’s top Allen & Heath dealers, we offer installation, integration, training, support and more on the full Allen & Heath range.

Get in touch with our team to discuss the new Allen & Heath SQ5+, SQ6+ and SQ7+ digital mixers, or visit us in store to try them out for yourself.