If you’ve been struggling with outdated digital mixers that can’t deliver the pristine audio quality and flexible workflow your productions demand, the Allen & Heath SQ-6 Digital Mixing Console is your solution. Built on the acclaimed 96kHz XCVI FPGA engine, this professional-grade mixer delivers exceptional high-resolution audio with less than 0.7ms of latency — perfect for live performances, houses of worship, corporate events, and in-ear monitoring applications where timing is critical.
The SQ-6 puts 48 input channels at your fingertips through an intuitive interface centered around a vibrant 7-inch touchscreen. With 25 motorized faders arranged in six customizable layers, you get hands-on control without the bulk of traditional consoles. The real game-changer? Complete drag-and-drop workflow flexibility. Assign any channel to any fader, customize color coding, and build a mixing environment that matches exactly how you work — not how the manufacturer thinks you should work.
Recording and monitoring get serious upgrades with the SQ-6. The integrated 32×32 USB audio interface lets you capture multitrack sessions at 24-bit/96kHz directly to your DAW, while the built-in SQ-Drive records up to 32 channels straight to a USB drive without requiring a computer. For touring engineers and monitor mixers, the 12 stereo mixes with both parametric and graphic EQ make this mixer a dream for in-ear monitoring setups, giving you the precise control needed for crystal-clear personal mixes.
Processing power is where the SQ-6 truly shines. Every input channel features a high-pass filter, fast gate with sidechain, 4-band parametric EQ, and Peak/RMS compressor. Add eight stereo FX engines with access to the renowned RackExtra library, and you have studio-quality effects at your command. The optional DEEP processing plugins let you embed boutique preamp and compressor emulations directly into channels without adding latency.
Expansion is built into the DNA of the SQ-6. The intelligent SLink port allows you to scale up to 48 mic inputs using Allen & Heath’s DX168 or GX4816 stage boxes. Install an optional Dante or Waves networking card, and you’re ready for complex installed systems or digital FOH/monitor splits. Whether you’re running sound in a 500-seat sanctuary or mixing monitors on a regional tour, the SQ-6 grows with your needs.
The automatic mic mixing feature makes the SQ-6 particularly valuable for conferences, panel discussions, and broadcast applications. Two independent 24-channel automatic mixers work seamlessly with no added latency, intelligently managing multiple microphones so you can focus on the overall mix rather than riding faders constantly.
With its rugged three-tier metal chassis, airline-friendly form factor, and compatibility with the free SQ MixPad and SQ4You apps for wireless control, the Allen & Heath SQ-6 delivers professional mixing capability in a compact, reliable package that excels in any demanding environment.
Compatable Stage Boxes
Allen & Heath — SQ Compatible Stageboxes & Expanders
Stageboxes / Expanders compatible with Allen & Heath SQ series
| Model |
Protocol / Connect |
Inputs |
Outputs |
Max units (per port / system) |
Notes |
| DX168 |
DX (SLink 96 kHz) |
16 mic/line (XLR) |
8 XLR |
Up to 2 direct on a single built-in SLink port; more via DX Hub / extra SLink port |
96 kHz expander — listed compatible with SQ. Cascade / DX Hub expands system capacity. |
| DX164-W |
DX (SLink 96 kHz) |
16 mic/line |
4 XLR |
Up to 2 per SLink port (cascade) / more via DX Hub |
Wall/fixed install DX expander — compatible with SQ. |
| DX32 |
DX (modular 96 kHz) |
Modular (up to 32 channels in module slots) |
Up to 32 |
1 per SLink port (or per SLink card) — exact config depends on slot modules |
Modular 4×8 slot expander for various I/O cards. |
| GX4816 |
gigaACE/GX (96 kHz) |
48 inputs |
16 outputs |
1 per SLink port (or via SLink card) |
High input-count expander compatible with SQ (96 kHz). |
| AB168 |
dSnake / AudioRack (48 kHz dSnake compatibility) |
16 inputs |
8 outputs |
Up to two devices in certain dSnake chains (observe max dSnake inputs limit) |
Designed for Qu/Avantis/SQ systems (48 kHz dSnake). |
| AR2412 |
dSnake / AudioRack (48 kHz) |
24 inputs |
12 outputs |
Can be used as main AudioRack; one expander allowed on its expander port (AR84 or AB168) |
dSNAKE audio rack — compatible with SQ; expansion rules apply. |
| AR84 |
dSnake AudioRack expander (48 kHz) |
8 inputs |
4 outputs |
Typically chained as an expander to AR2412 (single chain allowed) |
Small AR expander that chains from AR2412/AB168 expander port. |
| DX012 |
DX output expander (96 kHz) |
0 inputs |
12 outputs (configurable analog/AES) |
Can be cascaded with other DX units (cascade/redundant modes) |
Output expander for IEM / amp feeds; compatible with SQ. |
| DT168 (Dante) |
Dante (AES67) — DT / Dante expander |
16 inputs (mic preamps) |
8 outputs |
Up to 16 units with an SQ Dante card (system limit noted by A&H) |
Dante I/O expander — when using an SQ 96 kHz Dante option card. For large Dante networks this is flexible; check Dante channel licensing. |
| Other A&H DX / DT variants |
DX / DT family |
Various (8/12/16/24/48 inputs depending on model) |
Various |
Varies by model and whether SLink, DX Hub or Dante is used |
Allen & Heath Everything I/O lists the full family (use product pages for exact counts). |
Notes: counts above are physical XLR I/O counts on the stageboxes. Real system totals depend on which protocol/port you use (SLink built-in port vs additional SLink card vs Dante card), DX Hub usage, and firmware. See combination table below for common scenarios.
Common connection scenarios — maximum remote I/O (raw)
Example connection combos and their maximum remote I/O
| Scenario |
Connected devices (example) |
Total remote Inputs (sum) |
Total remote Outputs (sum) |
Practical note |
| Built-in SLink port — DX family (96 kHz) |
2 × DX168 (daisy/cascade) |
16 + 16 = 32 inputs |
8 + 8 = 16 outputs |
SQ built-in SLink supports up to 2 DX168 directly. Use DX Hub to scale further. |
| Built-in SLink — GX (gigaACE) option |
1 × GX4816 |
48 inputs |
16 outputs |
Single GX gives 48 inputs on one port (96 kHz). Good for high input count. |
| Built-in SLink — dSnake (48 kHz) |
AR2412 + AB168 chained (dSnake) |
24 + 16 = 40 inputs (dSnake max) |
12 + 8 = 20 outputs |
dSnake chain limit is typically 40 ins / 20 outs at 48 kHz per port; this is a common AR2412+AB168 combination. |
| SLink built-in + SLink option card (two SLink ports) |
e.g., 1 × GX4816 on port A + 2 × DX168 on port B |
48 + 32 = 80 inputs (raw) |
16 + 16 = 32 outputs |
Using a second SLink port (SLink card) multiplies the kinds of combinations you can use. Device/firmware constraints still apply. |
| DX Hub expansion |
DX Hub + up to 8 × DX168 |
8 × 16 = 128 inputs (if DX Hub supports 8 DX168 in your setup) |
8 × 8 = 64 outputs |
DX Hub lets you create a larger distributed DX system. Patch/firmware limits and processing channels still apply. :contentReference |
| Dante card (SQ Dante option) — DT168 units |
Up to 16 × DT168 (Dante) |
16 × 16 = 256 inputs (raw Dante channel sources) |
16 × 8 = 128 outputs |
Allen & Heath documents DT168 support up |
Q&A
FREQUENTLY ASKED
Q: Can the SQ-6 record multitrack audio without a computer? A: Yes! The SQ-6 features SQ-Drive, which allows you to record 16 channels at 96kHz or 32 channels at 48kHz directly to a USB flash drive or hard drive without needing a computer. You can also use the 32×32 USB interface to record to a DAW at 96kHz.
Q: How many monitor mixes can I create for musicians? A: The SQ-6 provides 12 stereo mixes that can be configured as either aux sends or groups. Each mix has both parametric and graphic EQ, making it ideal for in-ear monitoring setups. You can also use the ME Personal Mixing System for performer-controlled monitor mixes.
Q: Is the SQ-6 compatible with Dante networking? A: Yes, with the optional M-Dante-SQ expansion card (sold separately). This provides 64×64 channels of Dante connectivity, allowing you to integrate with Dante-enabled systems and create digital splits between FOH and monitor positions.
Q: Can I control the mixer wirelessly from my tablet? A: Absolutely. Allen & Heath provides two free apps: SQ MixPad for engineers (full remote control from iOS/Android/Mac/Windows devices) and SQ4You for performers (lets up to 8 musicians control their own monitor mixes from smartphones or tablets). A network router is required for wireless connectivity.
Q: How does the SQ-6 compare to the Behringer X32? A: The SQ-6 offers more modern 96kHz processing versus the X32’s 48kHz, more configurable I/O, better build quality comparable to the Midas M32, and a more flexible drag-and-drop workflow Michaeloland. The X32 has more physical controls and is less expensive, but the SQ-6 provides superior audio quality and expandability.
Q: Can I expand the number of inputs beyond the 24 onboard preamps? A: Yes. The SLink port allows you to connect Allen & Heath stage boxes (AB168, DX168, GX4816, AR2412, or AR84) to expand up to 48 total mic inputs. The DX168 stage box is particularly popular as it offers premium mic preamps at 96kHz.
Q: Is automatic mic mixing included or an add-on? A: Automatic mic mixing is fully integrated into the SQ-6 with no additional purchase required. You get two independent 24-channel automatic mic mixers with no added latency, making it excellent for conferences, panel discussions, and multi-microphone applications.
Q: What’s the difference between the SQ-5, SQ-6, and SQ-7? A: All three models share the same 48-channel processing and audio quality. The main differences are the number of faders (SQ-5: 17, SQ-6: 25, SQ-7: 33) and local I/O count (SQ-5: 16 inputs, SQ-6: 24 inputs, SQ-7: 32 inputs). The SQ-6 is the sweet spot for most users who need substantial control without the larger footprint.
Q: Does the SQ-6 work for both live sound and studio recording? A: Yes, though it’s primarily designed for live applications. The 32×32 USB interface at 96kHz makes it excellent for studio recording, and many users report great results. However, some studio-specific features (like direct channel outputs without patching) require workarounds or optional networking cards.
Q: What is DEEP processing and is it included? A: DEEP processing is Allen & Heath’s architecture for adding boutique preamp and compressor emulations to channels without adding latency. The SQ-6 is DEEP-ready, and includes one free DEEP Tube Stage Preamp plugin. Additional DEEP plugins (compressor packs, preamp packs) are available for purchase from Allen & Heath.
Q: Can I use this mixer for streaming and virtual events? A: Definitely. The 32×32 USB interface makes it simple to send audio directly to streaming software like OBS. Many churches and venues use the SQ-6 for both live mixing and streaming simultaneously. You can also use the Matrix outputs or create a dedicated streaming mix.
Q: How loud are the cooling fans? A: The SQ-6 uses quiet, efficient cooling fans that are generally not noticeable in live sound environments. In quiet studio settings, you may hear some fan noise, but most users report it’s minimal and not problematic for typical applications.
