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
A synthesis of recurring opinions across pro-audio communities (r\/livesound, Gearspace, ProSoundWeb, Sound on Sound forums) and gigging owners.<\/p>\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
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
Small footprint, genuinely portable, solid A&H build. A favourite for engineers who move between rooms.<\/p>\n
DX\/AR stageboxes and option cards (Dante, Waves, etc.) let the SQ scale from a small gig to a serious system.<\/p>\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 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 You pay for the 96kHz core and A&H quality; it’s not a budget desk.<\/p>\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 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 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>\n2. Fewer faders than channels<\/h3>\n
3. Price above the X32\/M32<\/h3>\n
4. A learning curve<\/h3>\n
SQ vs X32: the honest comparison<\/h2>\n
My honest take<\/h2>\n