Allen & Heath
Allen & Heath SQ6
Best professional digital mixer for demanding live sound engineers.
The Allen & Heath SQ6 is a powerful 48-channel digital mixer featuring advanced 96 kHz FPGA processing for exceptional audio quality and low latency. It provides extensive hands-on control with 25 faders across 6 layers, supporting 12 stereo mixes and 3 stereo matrices. Enhance your sound with 8 internal stereo FX units and the integrated DEEP processing suite for plugin capabilities. Connectivity includes a 32 x 32 USB interface, SQ-Drive direct recording, and an SLink port for expansion. Its intuitive 7" touchscreen and comprehensive metering make it ideal for demanding live sound applications.
$3333.00
More SQ Options
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
3
/ 369
#3 in Audio Mixers
Price vs Category Average
+247%
Above average
Sample rate
96
/ kHz
Who it's for
- Engineers prioritizing pristine audio fidelity and minimal latency
- Live sound mixers needing rapid, tactile control during performances
- Producers wanting classic analog character without extra outboard gear
Who should skip it
- Engineers managing large-scale productions without external stage boxes
- System integrators requiring native Dante or MADI connectivity
- Touring professionals demanding the most robust, premium-feeling fader hardware
Performance breakdown
Audio Fidelity
The 96 kHz FPGA processing delivers pristine, studio-grade sound for live environments.
Tactile Control
Twenty-five motorized faders provide immediate, intuitive access to complex mix layers.
Processing Versatility
Integrated DEEP plugins offer professional-grade sound shaping without needing external hardware.
Workflow Efficiency
The responsive touchscreen interface streamlines navigation during high-pressure live sound sessions.
Connectivity Options
SLink expansion and USB integration make this mixer a highly adaptable hub.
Recording Capability
Direct-to-drive recording simplifies capturing multitrack performances without a connected computer.
Key Specs
Sample rate
96 kHz
Number of channels
48 DSP Input channels
Number of faders
25
Busses
12
Matrix
3 Stereo matrices
Physical outputs
14
Dimensions
638 mm (Width) x 515 mm (Depth) x 198 mm (Height)
Weight
13.3 kg
Features
- 48-channel mixer with 96 kHz FPGA processing
- Extensive hands-on control with 25 faders
- Integrated DEEP processing for plugin use
- Intuitive 7" Touchscreen interface
- 32 x 32 USB audio interface included
- Direct recording to USB via SQ-Drive
- Expandable via SLink port
- 12 stereo mixes and 3 stereo matrices
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Allen & Heath SQ6 for its exceptional sound quality, driven by the 96kHz processing and acclaimed preamps, delivering professional clarity. A major highlight is the highly intuitive workflow, where the responsive touchscreen and customizable controls enable fast navigation through complex mixes. Users value the robust feature set, especially the integrated DEEP processing plugins that enhance mixing without extra hardware. Reviewers consistently describe the build quality as tour ready and reliable for rigorous use. While some note a slight learning curve with the ecosystem, the consensus is that the SQ6 provides unparalleled performance and professional tools, making it an outstanding investment that exceeds expectations for its price point.
Know before you buy
Yes, the integrated SQ-Drive allows you to record up to 32 channels of high-resolution audio directly to an external USB drive, making it easy to capture live performances without a DAW.
DEEP processing allows you to embed boutique-quality compressor and preamp emulations directly into the input and mix channels. Because these plugins run on the mixer's internal FPGA engine, they provide professional sound shaping with zero added latency.
While the console has 24 local mic inputs, it is fully expandable. You can use the SLink port to connect Allen & Heath DX or GX series stage boxes, allowing you to scale up to the full 48-channel capacity for larger productions.
Operating at 96 kHz provides higher fidelity and significantly lower latency, which is critical for performers using in-ear monitors. It results in a cleaner, more responsive audio experience that is standard for professional-grade live sound.
Yes, the SQ6 features 25 faders across 6 layers, which are fully assignable. You can create custom fader strips to keep your most important channels, DCAs, or output masters exactly where you need them for any specific workflow.
No, the SQ6 is designed as a standalone desktop console. Given its dimensions and weight of 13.3 kg, it is intended for placement on a sturdy surface or a dedicated flight case rather than a standard rack.
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