{"id":316,"date":"2026-07-12T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-12T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mixingconsoleexpert.com\/en\/?p=316"},"modified":"2026-07-06T16:04:33","modified_gmt":"2026-07-06T14:04:33","slug":"allen-heath-sq-owner-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mixingconsoleexpert.com\/en\/allen-heath-sq-owner-review\/","title":{"rendered":"Allen & Heath SQ Review: 96kHz Sound, No Motor Faders"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Allen & Heath SQ series (SQ-5, SQ-6, SQ-7) is the desk English-speaking engineers reach for when they want a step up in sound and processing from the budget tier \u2014 without going to a full flagship. Built on the 96kHz XCVI core, it promises clarity and ultra-low latency in a compact box. Here’s an honest round-up of what owners actually report.<\/p>\n

Where these takes come from<\/h2>\n

A synthesis of recurring opinions across pro-audio communities (r\/livesound, Gearspace, ProSoundWeb, Sound on Sound forums) and gigging owners.<\/p>\n

What owners love<\/h2>\n

96kHz sound and ultra-low latency<\/h3>\n

The standout praise: clarity, depth and very low latency thanks to the XCVI core. Many describe an audible step up from X32-class desks \u2014 a real reason engineers pay more.<\/p>\n

Excellent preamps and deep processing<\/h3>\n

A&H preamps are well regarded, and the per-channel processing (PEQ, dynamics, plus a generous FX rack) is deep for the size. Owners say you rarely run out of tools.<\/p>\n

Compact, light and well-built<\/h3>\n

Small footprint, genuinely portable, solid A&H build. A favourite for engineers who move between rooms.<\/p>\n

Expandable I\/O<\/h3>\n

DX\/AR stageboxes and option cards (Dante, Waves, etc.) let the SQ scale from a small gig to a serious system.<\/p>\n

What owners flag<\/h2>\n

1. Non-motorized faders \u2014 the big one<\/h3>\n

The most repeated caveat by far: the SQ has no motorized faders<\/strong>. Recalling scenes doesn’t move the faders, which divides opinion \u2014 some don’t mind, others consider it a workflow dealbreaker versus an X32.<\/p>\n

2. Fewer faders than channels<\/h3>\n

On the SQ-5 in particular (16 faders), you work in layers, and there are no per-channel scribble strips \u2014 more layer-flipping than on larger surfaces.<\/p>\n

3. Price above the X32\/M32<\/h3>\n

You pay for the 96kHz core and A&H quality; it’s not a budget desk.<\/p>\n

4. A learning curve<\/h3>\n

Powerful routing and processing mean a steeper start than a simple desk \u2014 owners say it clicks after some time with the touchscreen workflow.<\/p>\n

See mixing consoles on Thomann →<\/a><\/p>\n

SQ vs X32: the honest comparison<\/h2>\n

Owners frame it cleanly: the SQ wins on sound quality, latency, preamps and UI<\/strong>; the X32<\/a> wins on motorized faders, ecosystem maturity and price<\/strong>. If audio quality and processing matter most and you can live without motor faders, the SQ is the upgrade.<\/p>\n

My honest take<\/h2>\n

The SQ delivers flagship-grade sound and processing in a compact, affordable-ish package<\/strong> \u2014 a genuine sonic step up from the budget tier. The non-motorized faders are the one thing to try before you buy: for some they’re a non-issue, for others a dealbreaker. See our complete console guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n

FAQ<\/h2>\n

Does the Allen & Heath SQ have motorized faders?<\/h3>\n

No \u2014 this is its most-discussed limitation. Scene recalls don’t move the faders, which is a workflow consideration versus an X32.<\/p>\n

Is the SQ a step up from the X32 in sound?<\/h3>\n

Owners generally say yes, thanks to the 96kHz core, low latency and A&H preamps.<\/p>\n

SQ-5, SQ-6 or SQ-7?<\/h3>\n

Mainly more faders and surface as you go up; the audio engine is shared. Pick by how much physical control you want.<\/p>\n

Can it record multitrack?<\/h3>\n

Yes, via USB and option cards (including Dante\/Waves) \u2014 a common use for live capture.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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