The Allen & Heath Avantis is the SQ’s bigger, more powerful sibling — built on the same 96kHz XCVI core but adding twin full-HD touchscreens, motorized faders and serious processing headroom. It slots neatly between the SQ and the flagship dLive. Here’s an honest round-up of what owners actually report.
Where these takes come from
A synthesis of recurring opinions across English-speaking communities (r/livesound, Gearspace, ProSoundWeb, Sound on Sound forums) and gigging owners.
What owners love
The dual full-HD touchscreens
The most praised feature: two gorgeous, responsive screens that make for a fast, modern workflow. Engineers describe it as a genuine pleasure to drive.
96kHz sound with real power
The XCVI/FPGA core delivers the clarity and low latency the SQ is loved for, with far more processing headroom, buses and FX on tap.
Motorized faders (unlike the SQ)
A key upgrade owners call out: the Avantis has motorized faders, so scene recalls move the surface — fixing the SQ’s most-discussed limitation.
DEEP processing and build
The DEEP plugin embedding (compressors, amp sims) and solid A&H build make it a credible pro tool for touring and install.
What owners flag
1. Price well above the SQ/X32 tier
You pay for the screens, faders and power — this is a serious investment, not a budget desk.
2. I/O relies on stageboxes
A recurring practical point: local I/O is limited, so you’ll typically need a DX/gigaACE stagebox — an added cost and planning consideration.
3. Size and weight
Bigger and heavier than the compact SQ; factor in transport.
4. A learning curve, and the dLive temptation
Deep and powerful (some time to master), and a few owners find themselves eyeing the flagship dLive once they’re at this level.
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Avantis vs SQ
Owners frame it clearly: the Avantis adds dual screens, motorized faders and far more power over the SQ — at a higher price, and with reliance on stageboxes for I/O. If the SQ’s lack of motor faders bothered you, the Avantis is the answer.
My honest take
The Avantis is a seriously capable mid-tier pro console — the dual screens, 96kHz core and motorized faders make it a favourite for engineers ready to step up from the SQ/X32 world. Just budget for stageboxes and the higher price. See our complete console guide and best touring consoles.
Specs and a typical rig
The Avantis is built on Allen & Heath’s 96kHz XCVI FPGA core — the same engine as the SQ — giving it 64 input channels, 42 configurable buses, 12 stereo FX racks and the DEEP processing that embeds high-end compressor and amp-sim models directly in the channel with no DSP hit. The surface pairs two 15.6-inch full-HD touchscreens with motorized faders, which is the tactile upgrade owners cite most over the SQ.
Because local I/O is deliberately limited, owners plan the system around a stagebox: a DX168 or DX32 over the gigaACE link, or a larger setup on the same network. Engineers moving up from the SQ note the workflow feels immediately familiar, so the learning curve is more about exploiting the extra buses and processing than relearning the desk.
On price, owners place the Avantis well above the SQ and X32 tier — a genuine mid-tier investment before you add stageboxes — but comfortably below flagship dLive money. For touring and install engineers who want dual screens, 96kHz sound and motor faders without stepping up to a modular flagship, owners consistently rate it a sweet spot.
FAQ
Does the Avantis have motorized faders?
Yes — unlike the SQ, which addresses that desk’s most-discussed limitation.
Avantis or SQ?
Avantis for dual screens, motor faders and more power; SQ for a more compact, more affordable desk with the same great 96kHz sound.
Do I need a stagebox?
Usually yes — local I/O is limited, so plan for a DX/gigaACE stagebox in the budget.
Where does it sit in the A&H range?
Between the compact SQ and the flagship dLive — more power than the SQ, below the modular dLive system.
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