Allen & Heath SQ-5 – 96kHz Digital Mixing Console with 48 Channels, DEEP Processing & Touchscreen Control

Allen & Heath SQ-5 – Professional 96kHz Digital Mixer

Introduction

The Allen & Heath SQ-5 is a compact professional 96kHz digital mixing console designed for live sound engineers, touring systems, houses of worship, theatres, broadcast applications, and installed audio environments.

Powered by Allen & Heath’s renowned XCVI FPGA processing engine, the SQ-5 delivers ultra-low latency, exceptional audio clarity, and powerful digital processing within a compact control surface.

Combining professional features with an intuitive workflow, the SQ-5 has become one of the most popular digital mixers for engineers who require flagship performance in a portable format.

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XCVI 96kHz Processing Engine

At the core of the SQ-5 is Allen & Heath’s proprietary XCVI FPGA engine operating at 96kHz.

This powerful processing platform delivers:

• 48 fully processed input channels
• 36 configurable mix buses
• Ultra-low latency of approximately 0.7ms
• High internal processing resolution
• Exceptional dynamic range
• Extremely stable operation under demanding live conditions

The result is outstanding audio quality with enough processing power to handle complex productions while maintaining exceptional responsiveness.

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DEEP Processing Technology

The SQ-5 supports Allen & Heath’s exclusive DEEP Processing technology, bringing premium processing directly into the console without consuming additional FX rack resources.

DEEP Processing allows engineers to benefit from:

• Premium compressor models
• Classic analogue-style preamp emulations
• Advanced EQ algorithms
• Professional dynamics processing
• Studio-quality channel processing

This technology provides the warmth and musical character of premium outboard equipment while maintaining the flexibility of a digital workflow.

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Intuitive Mixing Workflow

The SQ-5 has been engineered to provide an efficient and intuitive user experience for engineers working under pressure.

Its control surface includes:

• 7-inch capacitive touchscreen
• 17 motorized faders
• Customizable fader layers
• Assignable SoftKeys
• Dedicated rotary encoders
• Fast access channel processing

Whether mixing concerts, conferences, or worship services, the SQ-5 allows engineers to work quickly and confidently.

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Flexible Connectivity & Expansion

The SQ-5 is designed to grow alongside professional audio systems.

It includes:

• Local microphone and line I/O
• SLink port for digital stageboxes
• Expansion card slot
• Dante compatibility (optional)
• MADI compatibility (optional)
• Waves networking support (optional)

This flexibility makes the SQ-5 suitable for everything from compact portable systems to large touring productions.

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System Integration

The SQ-5 integrates seamlessly into the Allen & Heath ecosystem.

Compatible systems include:

• DX Series Stageboxes
• GX Expanders
• ME Personal Monitoring Systems
• Dante Networks (optional card)
• Professional digital audio infrastructures

This enables scalable audio systems without changing workflow or user experience.

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Professional Audio Processing

The SQ-5 provides a comprehensive suite of professional processing tools including:

• Fully parametric EQ
• Gate
• Compressor
• Delay alignment
• Studio-grade FX engines
• Scene recall
• Matrix mixing
• Group processing

These tools provide engineers with everything required to manage demanding live productions from a single console.

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Sound Quality & Performance

The Allen & Heath SQ-5 is engineered to deliver exceptional sonic performance for demanding professional environments. Operating at a native 96kHz sample rate, it offers outstanding clarity, extended dynamic range, and extremely low latency for critical live sound applications.

Performance highlights include:

• 96kHz high-resolution processing
• Ultra-low latency of approximately 0.7ms
• Transparent, neutral sound signature
• Excellent dynamic range
• Consistent performance under heavy channel loads

Whether mixing concerts, theatrical productions, broadcast events, or corporate presentations, the SQ-5 delivers reliable performance with remarkable audio precision.

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Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	96kHz Digital Mixing Console
Processing Engine	Allen & Heath XCVI FPGA
Sample Rate	96kHz
Input Channels	48 Fully Processed Channels
Mix Buses	36 Configurable Mix Buses
Faders	17 Motorized Faders
Display	7-inch Capacitive Touchscreen
Latency	Approximately 0.7ms
Expansion	SLink + Optional Dante / MADI / Waves Cards
Processing	Parametric EQ, Gate, Compressor, Delay, FX, DEEP Processing
Compatible Systems	DX Stageboxes, GX Expanders, ME Personal Monitoring

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Applications

The SQ-5 is perfectly suited for:

• Live Concerts
• Touring Productions
• Houses of Worship
• Theatres
• Corporate Events
• Broadcast Studios
• Installed Sound Systems
• Educational Institutions
• Rental Companies

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Why Choose the Allen & Heath SQ-5?

The SQ-5 combines flagship audio quality, professional DSP processing, and an intuitive workflow within a compact footprint. Its XCVI processing engine, DEEP technology, scalable networking options, and touring-grade construction make it one of the most versatile digital consoles available for modern sound reinforcement.

Whether you’re upgrading an existing installation or building a new professional audio system, the SQ-5 provides the flexibility, reliability, and performance expected from Allen & Heath.

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Conclusion

The Allen & Heath SQ-5 delivers professional 96kHz audio quality, powerful digital processing, expandable networking, and intuitive operation in a compact digital mixing console. Designed for engineers who demand uncompromising performance, it is equally at home in touring productions, fixed installations, houses of worship, theatres, and broadcast environments.

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