Allen & Heath SQ5+ 48-Channel / 36-Bus Digital Mixer Console

Small Frame, Big Sound: The Definitive 96kHz Rackmount Solution

The Allen & Heath SQ5+ is the compact powerhouse of the SQ+ series, engineered for professionals who demand elite audio fidelity without the bulky footprint. Built on the revolutionary XCVI 96kHz FPGA engine, this console delivers the same high-resolution processing and ultra-low latency as its larger siblings, but in a size perfectly suited for touring rigs, corporate AV, and high-end hybrid studios. Whether you are a mixing engineer on a fly-date or managing a permanent installation, the SQ5+ provides the professional headroom and tactile precision needed to master any performance.

XCVI 96kHz Core: Absolute Sonic Depth
The SQ5+ is driven by Allen & Heath’s proprietary XCVI FPGA engine, delivering a fixed, ultra-low system latency of less than 0.7ms. By processing audio at 96kHz with variable internal word lengths up to 96-bit, this architecture ensures massive dynamic summing headroom and perfect phase coherence. This technical achievement translates to a mix with incredible warmth, transparency, and a "big desk" sound that remains pristine even when pushing internal processing to the limit.

RackUltra FX: Flagship Processing Anywhere
Elevate your live sound with the RackUltra FX suite, bringing dLive-tier algorithms directly into your workflow. The SQ5+ features four dedicated RackUltra engines alongside eight standard RackExtra slots, providing 12 simultaneous stereo effects. From high-density "Spaces" reverbs and real-time vocal tuning to boutique saturators and harmonisers, these engines allow you to deploy studio-grade processing on stage with zero added latency, eliminating the need for fragile external plugin servers.

The 9-Inch Command Centre: Precision Control
Workflow speed is redefined by the upgraded 9-inch capacitive touchscreen and the all-new high-contrast "Dark GUI". This interface offers significantly better visibility in challenging stage lighting, while the 17 motorised faders across six layers provide tactile control over 96 assignable channel strips. The combination of drag-and-drop channel layouts, color-coded patching, and dedicated physical rotaries for core processing (Gain, HPF, Gate, Comp, PEQ) ensures that essential parameters are always exactly where you need them.

Main features:

• 48 processing channels powered by the high-resolution 96kHz XCVI FPGA engine
• 17 motorised 100mm faders across 6 customizable layers for 96 assignable strips
• 16 local recallable XLR mic preamps and 12 local XLR outputs
• 9-inch high-resolution capacitive touchscreen with an improved dark-themed interface
• 12 simultaneous stereo FX engines including 4 dedicated RackUltra engines
• Enhanced DSP headroom supporting latency-free DEEP processing add-ons on all channels
• Intelligent SLink port providing 128x128 expansion for remote I/O and ME personal monitoring
• Integrated 32x32 USB-B audio interface for seamless multitrack recording and playback
• Dual 24-channel Automatic Mic Mixers (AMM) for crystalline speech clarity in complex panel setups
• Optional 19-inch rack mounting kit for seamless integration into standard road cases and installations

Tech Specs:

• Type: Digital Mixer
• Internal Sampling Rate: 96kHz
• Processing Channels: 48 Channels
• System Latency: <0.7ms (Analogue In to Out)
• Internal Bus Count: 36 Total
• Internal Word Length: Up to 96-bit processing precision
• Local Mic/Line Inputs: 16 x XLR
• Local Line Outputs: 12 x XLR
• SLink Network Port: 128x128 GigaACE/GX, DX, or dSnake protocols
• USB Audio Interface: 32x32 USB-B (Supports 48kHz and 96kHz)
• Expansion Slot: 1 x SQ I/O Port slot (Dante, Waves, MADI)
• Faders: 17 x 100mm Motorized Faders
• Touchscreen: 9-inch Capacitive Multi-Touch Screen
• SoftKeys: 8
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 440 x 514.9 x 198 mm
• Weight: 10.5 kg (Unpacked)
• Power Consumption: 75W Maximum Load
• Explore the Allen & Heath SQ Series [SQ5+]: https://www.allen-heath.com/hardware/sq/sq5plus/