Allen & Heath SQ-7

The Allen & Heath SQ-7 is the flagship of the SQ series: a 48-channel, 96 kHz digital mixer built on Allen & Heath’s XCVI FPGA core. With 32+1 motorized faders, 32 onboard preamps, a 7-inch touchscreen, and extensive expansion options, it delivers the sound quality and workflow of a large-format console in a compact, road-ready frame.

Highlights

• 48 input channels at 96 kHz on the XCVI FPGA core, with under 0.7 ms latency
• 32+1 motorized faders across 6 layers
• 32+1 onboard mic preamps
• 12 stereo mixes configurable as groups or auxes, plus main LR and 3 stereo matrices
• 8 stereo FX engines with dedicated returns and access to the RackExtra library
• 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, 16 SoftKeys, 8 Soft Rotaries, 32×32 USB, and SLink port

Allen & Heath SQ-7: Pro Sound, Compact Console

The SQ-7’s 96 kHz XCVI engine delivers detailed, transparent sound and ultra-low latency, which matters for in-ear monitoring and live recording. With a fader for nearly every input on the top layer and six layers in total, engineers can lay out the console exactly the way they work, and the 7-inch touchscreen provides fast access to processing, routing, and effects.

Sixteen assignable SoftKeys and eight Soft Rotaries put favorite functions, mute groups, and effect parameters under your fingertips, and the all-metal, three-tier chassis is built for touring.

SQ-7 Mixes, Effects, and Recording

Twelve stereo mixes can be configured as auxes for monitor mixes or as groups, giving plenty of outputs for bands, worship teams, and theater. Eight stereo FX engines provide high-quality reverbs, delays, and modulation, with access to Allen & Heath’s RackExtra effects library. A 32×32 USB interface records and plays back multitrack audio for virtual soundchecks and live recording.

SQ-7 Expansion and Networking

The SLink port connects Allen & Heath stage boxes and expanders for remote I/O over a single cable. An audio networking slot accepts Dante, Waves, MADI, or SLink option cards, integrating the SQ-7 with broadcast, recording, and networked audio systems.

What to Pair With the SQ-7

An Allen & Heath stage box such as the DX or GX series puts inputs on stage, and a Dante card connects to broadcast or multitrack recording systems. Add a protective flight case and the SQ MixPad app on an iPad for remote mixing from the room.

Why 96 kHz Matters

Running the entire mix engine at 96 kHz gives the SQ-7 extended frequency response, more natural-sounding processing and effects, and very low latency. Low latency is especially important for musicians on in-ear monitors, who can be distracted by even small delays between playing and hearing themselves. For recording, 96 kHz multitrack captures give you high-resolution sources to mix after the event.

Allen & Heath SQ-7 FAQ

Can I mix the SQ-7 from an iPad? Yes. The SQ MixPad app provides remote control from a tablet.

Does the SQ-7 support Dante? Yes, with an optional Dante card in the audio networking slot.

Allen & Heath SQ-7 Specifications at a Glance

• Input channels: 48
• Engine: 96 kHz XCVI FPGA, under 0.7 ms latency
• Faders: 32+1 motorized, 6 layers
• Preamps: 32+1 onboard
• Mixes: 12 stereo (aux/group), LR, 3 stereo matrix
• FX: 8 stereo engines
• Display: 7-inch capacitive touchscreen
• USB: 32×32 multitrack
• Expansion: SLink port; Dante, Waves, MADI, or SLink option slot
• Weight: 17.8 kg (39.3 lb)

Who Buys the Allen & Heath SQ-7

• Large churches and houses of worship
• Touring and production companies
• Performing arts centers and theaters
• Live music venues and broadcast facilities

Why Buy the Allen & Heath SQ-7 From Metro Sound & Lighting

Metro Sound & Lighting isn’t a catalog-only retailer. We design, install, and service sound systems in-house, so our team can plan a complete SQ-based system with stage boxes, networking, and personal monitoring, train your engineers and volunteers, and support it after installation. We offer B2B and integrator pricing for churches, schools, and venues.

Browse more options in our Digital Mixers category, or see the full specifications on the official Allen & Heath SQ-7 product page.