Allen & Heath SQ-5 48-Channel 96kHz Digital Mixer

Powered by Allen & Heath’s revolutionary XCVI 96kHz FPGA engine, the SQ-5 delivers professional-grade audio performance with ultra-low latency and high-resolution processing. Designed for the most demanding live environments, SQ-5 provides pristine audio quality with class-leading features including DEEP processing architecture, 12 stereo mixes, and 8 stereo FX engines. Compact and rugged, it is perfect for in-ear monitor setups, corporate events, worship venues, and touring rigs. The SQ-5 supports flexible expansion to 48 mic inputs via SLink and integrates seamlessly with ME personal mixers, Dante/Waves networks, and a variety of I/O options. Record with SQ-Drive direct to USB or stream 32x32 channels to a DAW with zero driver hassle. With an intuitive 7” touchscreen, advanced FX library, and wireless control via SQ MixPad, this mixer redefines workflow efficiency and creative freedom.

Features

• Powered by 96kHz XCVI FPGA engine

• 48 input channels, 16 onboard preamps

• DEEP processing ready for boutique emulation plugins

• 8 stereo FX engines with dedicated returns

• 12 stereo mixes and 3 stereo matrix mixes

• 7" capacitive touchscreen with customisable workflows

• SLink port for remote audio and system expansion

• 32x32 USB audio interface and SQ-Drive multitrack USB recording

• ME Personal Mixing System compatibility

• Fully assignable patching and comprehensive routing

• 8 softkeys, channel LCDs with chromatic metering, built-in RTA

Specifications

General Mic/Line Inputs: Balanced XLR, fully recallable
Input Sensitivity: -60 to +0dBu
Switchable Pad: -20dB
Analogue Gain: 0dB to +60dB, 1dB steps
Maximum Input Level: +30dBu
Input Impedance: >5kΩ
Phantom Power: +48V (+3V / -2V)

Stereo Line Inputs ST1, ST2 connectors: Balanced 1/4" TRS jack
ST3 connector: Unbalanced stereo 3.5mm mini jack
Input Sensitivity (ST1, ST2 / ST3): +4dBu / 0dBu
Trim: ±24dB
Maximum Input Level: +22dBu / +18dBu
Input Impedance: >7kΩ

Outputs Outputs 1-12: Balanced XLR
Outputs A and B: Balanced 1/4" TRS jack
Output Impedance: <75Ω
Nominal Output: +4dBu
Maximum Output Level: +22dBu
Residual Output Noise: -90dBu (muted)

AES Digital Output Balanced XLR, 96kHz default, selectable to 44.1/48/88.2kHz
2.5Vpp balanced, terminated 110Ω

Networking & Expansion dSnake Mode: Compatible with AR2412, AR84, AB168, ME (64 channels)
dX Mode: 32 channels assignable, compatible with DX168
gigaACE: 128 channels assignable, compatible with dLive, SQ, DXHub

Faders & Display Faders: 100mm motorised
Touchscreen: 7" capacitive, 800x480 resolution
SoftKeys: 8
Mute Groups / DCA Groups: 8 each

Input Processing Source: Fully patchable CH1-48, ST1-3
Trim: -24 to +24dB
Polarity: Normal/Invert
High Pass Filter: 12dB/oct, 20Hz–2kHz
Insert: Pre EQ/Comp, fully patchable
Delay: Up to 341ms
Gate: Sidechain with Hi-pass, Lo-pass, Band-pass filters
PEQ: 4-band fully parametric
Compressor: Sidechain filter, variable ratio, threshold, attack/release, parallel path compression

Mix Processing Insert: Pre EQ/Comp, fully patchable
Delay: Up to 682ms
GEQ: 28-band, 1/3 octave, ±12dB
PEQ & Compressor: Same as input section

Internal FX 8 RackFX engines, 4 FX buses
FX Types: Reverb, Delay, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser, Gated Reverb, ADT
8 dedicated stereo FX returns

Audio Tools Talkback: Dedicated input, assignable to any mix
Signal Generator: Sine, White, Pink, Bandpass Noise
RTA: 31-band, follows PAFL
PAFL: PFL / AFL, delay up to 682ms

Recording & USB SQ-Drive USB A: 2-track & 16-track recording/playback (96kHz, 24-bit)
USB Audio Streaming (USB B): 32x32 channels, Core Audio/ASIO/WDM compliant

Performance & Latency Sampling Rate: 96kHz
Bit Depth: Custom XCVI processing up to 96-bit
Latency: <0.7ms
Dynamic Range: 112dB
THD+N (Unity): 0.002% -92dBu
Frequency Response: +0/-0.5dB 20Hz–20kHz

Power & Environment Mains Power: 100–240V AC, 50/60Hz
Max Power Consumption: 75W
Operating Temp: 0°C to 40°C

Physical Dimensions Height: 198mm
Width: 440mm
Depth: 514.9mm
Weight: 10.5kg