Allen & Heath SQ-6 48-Channel / 36-Bus Digital Mixer

48 Channel Digital Mixer for Professional Live and Installed Audio

The Allen & Heath SQ-6 is a full-size digital mixing console designed for live sound, corporate AV, broadcast, recording studios, and houses of worship that require high channel counts and hands-on control. It delivers 48 input channels and 36 total busses in a powerful yet intuitive layout, giving engineers the flexibility to manage complex productions with confidence. With extensive onboard processing, motorized faders, and professional connectivity, the SQ-6 serves as a reliable centerpiece for demanding audio environments.

96 kHz FPGA Engine with Ultra Low Latency Audio Performance

At the core of the SQ-6 is Allen & Heath’s XCVI FPGA processing engine operating at 96 kHz. This architecture provides exceptional audio clarity, precise mix summing, and latency under 0.7 ms from input to output. Variable bit depth processing preserves dynamic range while maintaining low noise, making the console suitable for critical music, speech, and broadcast applications where consistency and accuracy matter.

Hands On Control with Touchscreen and Extended Fader Surface

The mixing surface features a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen paired with 24 motorized channel faders plus a dedicated master fader. Each channel includes a backlit LCD strip display showing channel name, level metering, and color coding for fast visual recognition. Engineers can assign channels across multiple layers, configure SoftKeys, and use dedicated physical controls for EQ, dynamics, and routing to maintain a fast, tactile workflow during live operation.

Advanced Effects Processing and Automatic Microphone Mixing

Eight stereo effects engines with dedicated return channels provide access to high-quality reverbs, delays, and modulation effects from the RackFX library. The SQ-6 also supports DEEP processing, allowing selected compressor and preamp models to run directly within channels without added latency. Built-in automatic microphone mixing simplifies management of multiple microphones for conferences, panels, and spoken-word events.

Flexible Inputs Outputs and System Expansion Options

The console includes 24 local microphone preamps, multiple stereo line inputs, 14 XLR outputs, additional TRS outputs, and an AES digital output. An SLink EtherCON port enables connection to remote stageboxes using dSnake, DX, or gigaACE protocols, supporting up to 64x64 channels of expansion. An option card slot allows integration with Dante or Waves networks, making the SQ-6 adaptable to larger audio systems.

Multitrack Recording and Playback for Live and Studio Workflows

Built-in SQ-Drive recording supports stereo and multitrack capture directly to a USB drive for rehearsals, performances, and virtual soundchecks. A 32x32 USB audio interface allows direct multichannel recording and playback with Mac and Windows systems. Show files, scenes, and libraries can be saved and transferred via USB to support repeatable setups and touring workflows.

Personal Monitoring and Remote Mixing Control

The SQ-6 integrates seamlessly with the Allen & Heath ME personal monitoring system, allowing performers to control their own monitor mixes using ME-1 or ME-500 units. Wireless control apps for iPad and Android provide remote access to mixing functions, helping engineers move freely during soundchecks and live events while maintaining control of the system.