Allen & Heath 96K 42 Channel Rack Mount Digital Mixer - AH-SQ-Rack

Allen & Heath AH-SQ-Rack — 96kHz 48-Channel Rack Mount Digital Mixer

The Allen & Heath AH-SQ-Rack is a 4U rack-mount digital mixing engine built on Allen & Heath's 96kHz XCVI FPGA processing core, providing 48 input channels, 12 stereo mix buses plus LR, and a 3-stereo matrix in a compact shallow chassis suitable for permanent commercial AV installation, broadcast, conference room integration, and live sound applications where a traditional fader surface is impractical or unnecessary. Despite its faderless form factor, the SQ-Rack provides a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, 8 assignable SoftKeys, and 4 soft rotaries on the unit itself, with full mixing functionality available remotely via the SQ-MixPad app for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. An SLink port and a 64x64 I/O option card slot extend connectivity for digital audio networking cards including Dante, MADI, and Waves.

Product Description

The XCVI FPGA engine at the heart of the SQ-Rack delivers 96kHz processing with variable bit depths optimized for each processing stage and a 96-bit accumulator on the mix bus for maximum headroom and resolution. Ultra-low latency of under 0.7 ms from mic input to line output makes the SQ-Rack viable in latency-sensitive applications such as in-ear monitoring and broadcast contribution. All 48 input channels and all mix buses support Allen & Heath's DEEP plugin architecture, allowing third-party dynamics and processing plugins to be embedded directly into the signal chain without consuming DSP from the main processing engine.

Onboard I/O includes 16 mic preamp inputs plus one Hi-Z instrument input, three stereo line inputs, 12 XLR line outputs, two TRS line outputs, and one AES digital output. The SLink port provides a high-capacity digital expansion path connecting to Allen & Heath DX32, DX168, or other SLink-compatible stage racks for remote I/O deployment over a single CAT5 cable. The 64x64 I/O option card slot accepts audio networking cards for Dante, MADI, SLink, or Waves integration, making the SQ-Rack compatible with existing AV network infrastructure in commercial installations.

The SQ-MixPad app provides full access to all mixing parameters including channel EQ, dynamics, routing, scene management, and master levels from any network-connected iOS, Android, Windows, or macOS device. An offline mode in SQ-MixPad allows show preparation and scene programming away from the venue. The SQ-Control app provides a simplified, administrator-configurable interface for less technical operators — for example, restricting a bar-area iPad to background music level control only. The SQ-4You app enables performer self-mixing of personal monitor mixes from individual smartphones during rehearsals and performances.

Key Features

• 96kHz XCVI FPGA Processing — Variable bit-depth architecture with a 96-bit mix bus accumulator delivers premium audio resolution at half the latency of 48kHz systems, enabling use in in-ear monitoring and live broadcast chains.
• 48 Input Channels at 96kHz — Full 48-channel mixing capacity including 12 stereo mix buses, main LR, a 3-stereo matrix, and 8 dedicated stereo FX return buses with dedicated FX engines.
• Faderless 4U Rack Form Factor — 19-inch rack-mountable shallow chassis integrates into equipment racks, AV furniture, and FOH racks without requiring a separate surface footprint.
• 7-Inch Capacitive Touchscreen — On-unit display with fader screen, SoftKey assignments, and SQ-Control interface enables direct local operation without a connected device.
• 8 Assignable SoftKeys + 4 Soft Rotaries — Customizable hard controls with LCD labels provide direct access to the most-used mixing functions without navigating touchscreen menus.
• DEEP Plugin Ready — All 48 input channels and all mixes support embedded DEEP processing plugins (compressors, dynamics, character processing) without additional DSP hardware.
• SLink Port for Remote I/O — High-capacity digital port connects SLink-compatible DX stage racks and expanders over a single cable for remote mic preamp deployment.
• 64x64 Audio Networking Option Card Slot — Accepts Dante, MADI, Waves, or SLink networking cards for integration with existing commercial AV network infrastructure.
• 32x32 96kHz USB Interface — Multichannel USB audio streaming at 96kHz for recording, virtual soundcheck, and DAW integration without separate audio interface hardware.
• SQ-Drive Direct USB Recording — Direct multitrack recording to USB storage without a connected computer for archival recording in any installation environment.
• Multi-App Control Ecosystem — SQ-MixPad (full mixing), SQ-Control (simplified admin-configurable UI), and SQ-4You (performer self-mix) provide layered access control for different user roles.

Typical Applications

• Conference Room Audio — The rack form factor, SQ-Control simplified app interface, and scene management make the SQ-Rack ideal for AV-integrated conference rooms where non-technical users need reliable, repeatable audio control.
• Broadcast — Sub-0.7 ms latency, AES output, Dante networking card support, and 96kHz processing suit broadcast contribution, commentary, and production mixing applications.
• Commercial AV Installation — Rack mounting, Dante/MADI networking, multi-zone matrix routing, and role-based app control align with commercial AV system design requirements in corporate, hospitality, and institutional environments.
• House of Worship — DEEP plugin processing, SQ-4You performer monitoring, and 48-channel capacity support complex contemporary worship productions with full in-ear monitoring and multi-mix broadcast feeds.
• Live Sound Production — SLink stage rack connectivity, 48 channels at 96kHz, and SQ-MixPad wireless control suit live events where a conventional surface position is not available or practical.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the SQ-Rack be used as a standalone mixer without an app or external surface?

Yes. The integrated 7-inch touchscreen, 8 SoftKeys, and 4 soft rotaries provide direct local control of the mixer's full parameter set, including a dedicated fader screen for level adjustment. An external app or surface is not required for basic operation.

What audio networking cards are compatible with the SQ-Rack's I/O Port slot?

The 64x64 I/O Port slot accepts Allen & Heath option cards for Dante, MADI, Waves SoundGrid, and SLink networking. Specific card model numbers are listed on the Allen & Heath SQ accessories page. One card may be installed at a time.

How does the SQ-Rack integrate with existing Dante networks?

With a Dante option card installed in the I/O Port, the SQ-Rack appears as a standard Dante device on the network and is discoverable and patchable via Audinate's Dante Controller software. Channel routing between the SQ-Rack and other Dante devices is managed in Dante Controller, while gain, EQ, and processing are configured on the SQ-Rack itself.

Is the SQ-Rack suitable for a permanent installation with non-technical users?

Yes. The SQ-Control app provides an administrator-configurable simplified interface that restricts operator access to only the controls appropriate for their role — for example, a single fader for background music level at a bar counter or basic input controls at a house of worship front desk.

What is the maximum cable run for SLink stage rack connectivity?

SLink connections to DX stage racks operate over standard CAT5e or better cable. Allen & Heath specifies supported cable lengths in the SQ-Rack technical documentation; typical runs are consistent with Allen & Heath's other CAT5-based digital snake solutions.

Does the SQ-Rack support scene recall for repeatable room configurations?

Yes. The SQ-Rack inherits the full SQ scene management system, supporting scene storage, recall, and safing. Scenes can be prepared offline in SQ-MixPad and transferred to the unit, enabling pre-configuration of complex installations before on-site commissioning.

What warranty applies to the AH-SQ-Rack?

Allen & Heath digital products are covered by a limited manufacturer warranty when purchased through authorized dealers. Contact Creation Networks for current warranty details and product registration assistance.