Allen & Heath AH-M-SQ-WAVES3-A Audio Interface Module for SQ Series Mixers

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath AH-M-SQ-WAVES3-A is a Waves SoundGrid audio interface module for SQ series digital mixing consoles, enabling direct high-channel-count integration with Waves servers and SoundGrid-compatible devices. The card provides 64x64 channels of bidirectional audio I/O at 96 kHz through two locking EtherCON ports, with redundant and switch operating modes for reliable performance in production and installation environments. It allows SQ consoles to leverage the full Waves plugin ecosystem for live mixing, broadcast, and recording applications, processing Waves effects in real time with low latency through the SoundGrid network. For engineers committed to Waves processing as a core part of their workflow, the M-SQ-WAVES3-A provides the most direct integration path.

Product Description

The M-SQ-WAVES3-A installs in the SQ console's expansion bay, presenting the mixer as a SoundGrid-compatible audio source and destination. Audio is sent from the SQ to a connected Waves server over standard Ethernet using the SoundGrid protocol, processed through Waves plugins with the server's dedicated processing power, and returned to the console for mixing and output. This architecture allows engineers to run demanding Waves processing — multi-band compression, harmonic exciters, reverb, dynamics — without taxing the SQ's internal FPGA, effectively adding a parallel processing layer to the console.

The 64x64 channel count at 96 kHz provides sufficient bandwidth for full multitrack processing in large-format live sound and recording applications. Two EtherCON ports support both redundant mode — where a backup link takes over instantly on primary failure — and switch mode for daisy-chain network topologies. Digital splits are achievable by routing the same audio to multiple SoundGrid destinations simultaneously, enabling simultaneous FOH processing, broadcast distribution, and multitrack recording from a single card.

The card is compatible with the full range of Waves SoundGrid server options including the eMotion LV1, Impact Server, and FIT Controller systems, allowing engineers to match server capacity to workload. Multitrack recording via Waves Tracks Live or a connected DAW is achievable using the card's full 64-channel I/O, making it suitable for archive recording and virtual soundcheck workflows in addition to live processing. For engineers already invested in the Waves SoundGrid platform, the M-SQ-WAVES3-A is the definitive bridge to the SQ console.

Key Features

• 64x64 SoundGrid Audio Channels — Full bidirectional 64-channel I/O for comprehensive live mixing and recording
• 96 kHz Operation — High-resolution audio processing at the SQ's native operating rate
• Two Locking EtherCON Ports — Configurable in redundant or switch mode for network topology flexibility
• Redundant Network Mode — Automatic failover on primary link loss for uninterrupted audio in live applications
• Compatible with Waves Servers — Works with eMotion LV1, Impact Server, and SoundGrid-compatible Waves hardware
• SoundGrid Device Compatibility — Connects to the full Waves SoundGrid ecosystem for plugin processing and distribution
• Digital Split Capability — Route audio to multiple SoundGrid destinations simultaneously
• Multitrack Recording Support — 64-channel capture via Waves Tracks Live or connected DAW

Typical Applications

• Live Sound Production — Run Waves plugin processing on SQ console inputs in real time from a dedicated server
• Broadcast — Route SQ audio to SoundGrid processing and distribution systems for broadcast output
• Recording Studios — Multitrack capture from SQ with Waves plugin processing pre-recorded into the DAW
• Virtual Soundcheck — Replay multitrack recordings through SQ processing for advance system and mix optimization
• Festival and Touring Production — Integrate SQ consoles into established Waves SoundGrid touring rigs
• Houses of Worship — Waves plugin access for Sunday services and special events on an SQ console

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Which SQ models are compatible with the M-SQ-WAVES3-A?

The card is designed for the Allen & Heath SQ series including SQ-5, SQ-6, and SQ-7. Confirm that your console has an available expansion bay before ordering, as the SQ supports only one option card at a time.

What Waves server is required to use this card?

Any Waves SoundGrid-compatible server will work, including the eMotion LV1 system, Impact Server, and Extreme Server options. The server capacity determines how many plugin instances can run simultaneously.

Is the M-SQ-WAVES3-A compatible with the SQ-DANTE64 card?

No. Only one option card can be installed in the SQ expansion bay at a time. You cannot run both Dante and SoundGrid simultaneously from a single SQ without a different system architecture.

Does this card allow multitrack recording without a Waves server?

A SoundGrid server or SoundGrid-compatible device is required to pass audio on the network. Without a server, the card cannot route audio. A server running Waves Tracks Live or a DAW driver is needed for recording.

Can the M-SQ-WAVES3-A be used for digital splits to multiple destinations?

Yes. The SoundGrid network allows audio to be routed to multiple destinations simultaneously, supporting parallel processing, broadcast feeds, and recording from the same 64-channel source.

Does the card affect the SQ console's internal processing capacity?

No. The card routes audio to the external Waves server for plugin processing. The SQ's internal FPGA handles the console's native processing independently. Waves plugins run on the server's dedicated hardware, not the console.