Allen & Heath AH-SQ-5-PLUS – SQ5+ 48-Channel Digital Mixer, RackUltra FX
Allen & Heath AH-SQ-5-PLUS – SQ5+ 48-Channel Digital Mixer, RackUltra FX is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.
Allen & Heath AH-SQ-5-PLUS – SQ5+ 48-Channel Digital Mixer, Rac...
What is the Allen & Heath SQ5+ digital mixer?
The Allen & Heath SQ5+ (AH-SQ-5-PLUS) is a compact 48-channel, 96kHz digital mixer with 17 motorised faders, 16 onboard mic preamps and four built-in RackUltra FX engines. It is the smallest frame in the SQ+ range and can be fitted in a 19-inch rack with the optional kit, so the same 48-channel digital mixer serves fixed installations, houses of worship and touring live sound. SQ+ keeps the XCVI core and sub-0.7 ms latency of the original SQ while adding more processing per channel, a larger touchscreen and flagship-tier effects.
How does the Allen & Heath SQ5+ work?
At its heart is Allen & Heath's 96kHz XCVI FPGA core, mixing 48 input channels to 44 busses: 12 stereo or mono aux/group mixes plus main LR, 6 linkable matrix mixes and dedicated FX sends. Every input carries HPF, gate/expander with sidechain, a freely patchable insert, 4-band parametric EQ with RTA, a peak/RMS compressor and delay, and every mix carries GEQ, PEQ, compression and delay.
Eight RackExtra FX engines with dedicated stereo returns are joined by four RackUltra FX engines, each with dedicated stereo sends and returns. First developed for dLive, RackUltra FX add-ons include Spaces and Plate reverbs, vocal tuning and pitch tools, harmonisers, saturation and amp modelling. DEEP processing models add classic compressor, preamp and EQ emulations inside channel strips with no added latency.
For AV and conference work, two 24-channel automatic mic mixers (or one 48-channel AMM) handle panel discussions and spoken-word events. Connectivity includes a 128x128 SLink port for Allen & Heath expanders and ME personal monitoring, a 64x64 I/O port for Dante, MADI or Waves cards, USB-A for stereo and multitrack recording, and a USB-B 32x32 audio interface. Control comes from the 9-inch capacitive touchscreen, the surface, or free apps for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android, and SQ+ 4You lets up to 8 performers mix their own monitors.
What are the key features of the Allen & Heath SQ5+?
- 96kHz XCVI core — 48 input channels to 44 busses with latency under 0.7 ms.
- Four RackUltra FX engines — dLive-class reverbs, vocal and pitch processing with dedicated sends and returns.
- Eight RackExtra FX engines — Classic reverbs, delays and modulation, each with a dedicated stereo return.
- DEEP processing ready — Embedded compressor, preamp and GEQ models on every channel with no added latency.
- 17 motorised faders — Six customisable layers and 8 assignable SoftKeys for hands-on control.
- Automatic mic mixing — Two 24-channel or one 48-channel AMM for conferences and broadcast.
- Flexible expansion — 128x128 SLink plus a 64x64 I/O port for Dante, MADI or Waves cards.
- USB recording — Multitrack to USB drive and a 32x32 USB-B audio interface.
- Rack-mountable — Optional 19-inch kit for fixed installs.
- User permissions — Up to 10 users with restricted access for volunteer or rental operators.
Where is the Allen & Heath SQ5+ typically used?
- House of worship
- Auditorium
- Multi-purpose room
- All-hands room
- Training room
- Broadcast studio
Technical Specifications
| Core | 96kHz XCVI FPGA, latency under 0.7 ms |
|---|---|
| Input channels | 48 |
| Mixes | 12 aux/group + main LR, 6 matrix, 4 FX sends, 4 RackUltra FX sends |
| Local inputs | 16 XLR mic/line + 1 XLR talkback, 2 stereo line inputs (TRS) |
| Local outputs | 12 XLR + 2 TRS, 1 AES3 stereo out, headphone |
| Expansion | 128x128 SLink (EtherCON), 64x64 I/O port |
| USB | USB-A record/playback; USB-B 32x32 audio interface |
| FX | 8 RackExtra FX + 4 RackUltra FX engines |
| Faders / SoftKeys | 17 x 100 mm motorised, 6 layers / 8 SoftKeys |
| Touchscreen | 9-inch capacitive, 1024 x 600 |
| Mic preamp gain | 0 to +60 dB, -20 dB pad, +48V phantom |
| Scenes | 300 per show |
| Power | 100-240V AC, 50/60 Hz, 95 W max |
| Dimensions | 440 W x 514.9 D x 198 H mm / 17.3 x 20.3 x 7.8 in |
| Weight | 11.2 kg / 24.7 lb |
| Warranty | 2-year manufacturer warranty |
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the SQ5+ differ from the original SQ-5?
The SQ5+ keeps the 48-channel XCVI core of the SQ-5 and adds four RackUltra FX engines, more processing power per channel and a larger touchscreen with a refreshed interface.
Can the SQ5+ be rack mounted?
Yes. The SQ5+ has fixing points for an optional 19-inch rack kit.
Does the SQ5+ work with Dante?
Yes. Fit an SQ Dante option card such as the AH-M-SQ-SDANTE64-A in the I/O port for Dante networking.
Can performers control their own monitor mixes?
Yes. SQ+ 4You supports up to 8 performers on iOS or Android, and SLink connects to the ME-1 personal mixer.
Is the SQ5+ suitable for conference and AV events?
Yes. Its automatic mic mixers handle up to 48 spoken-word channels, and remote apps allow control from anywhere in the room.
What warranty and support are included?
Allen & Heath backs every SQ+ with a 2-year manufacturer warranty. Creation Networks designs, installs and supports complete Allen & Heath systems nationwide.
At Creation Networks, we do everything we can to create an excellent customer experience. This includes fast shipping and easy returns.
- Most in-stock orders placed Monday-Friday ship within 24-48 hours. General restrictions apply; please see our full shipping policy here.
- We offer a 30-day return policy from the delivery date on many products. Product restrictions apply. Restocking fees for the return of open-box items. Please see our full return policy here for more information.
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