Allen & Heath SQ Rack Audio Mixer Delivers Professional Power Without the Console
The Allen-&-Heath SQ Rack Audio Mixer provides 48 input channels and professional mixing capabilities in a compact rackmount design. Moreover, this digital audio mixer eliminates bulky control surfaces while delivering complete wireless control via tablets. Additionally, 96kHz audio processing ensures pristine sound quality that surpasses older digital mixers. Furthermore, church sound teams report feeling liberated from being trapped behind large mixing consoles during services.
Complete Wireless Control
Traditional mixing consoles force engineers to remain stationary, unable to hear what the congregation actually experiences. However, the SQ Rack digital mixer provides complete control through SQ MixPad apps for iPad and Android tablets. Consequently, you mix from any location in your venue, ensuring perfect sound everywhere. Indeed, users consistently praise the freedom to walk the room while adjusting mixes in real-time. Therefore, your sound quality improves dramatically because you hear exactly what your audience hears.
Professional 96kHz Processing
Many digital mixers process audio at lower sample rates, compromising clarity and definition in your final mix. Conversely, the Allen & Heath SQ Rack audio mixer operates at 96kHz throughout the entire signal path. Subsequently, vocals sound clearer, instruments retain natural character, and overall transparency increases noticeably. Meanwhile, the DEEP processing suite includes studio-grade effects, dynamic EQ, and sophisticated compression tools previously unavailable in compact formats.
Network Audio Integration Simplifies Complex Installation Requirements
Installing traditional audio systems requires hundreds of feet of analog cabling, creating messy stage areas and signal degradation. However, this SQ digital audio mixer supports Dante, AES3, and other network audio protocols through expansion cards. Thus, you can run dozens of channels through single ethernet cables, dramatically simplifying installations. Additionally, digital snake integration reduces setup time while improving reliability and sound quality throughout your entire system.
Expandable I/O Grows Alongside Your Ministry or Venue Needs
The SQ Rack includes comprehensive connectivity out of the box, yet optional expansion cards increase capabilities significantly. Consequently, you can add more inputs, outputs, and network audio options as requirements evolve over time. Moreover, the modular design protects your investment because upgrading doesn’t require replacing the entire mixer. Sound engineers appreciate how this flexibility accommodates everything from simple worship services to complex multi-room broadcast productions.
Scene Recall and Offline Editing Save Valuable Preparation Time
Programming mixes during live services creates stress and inconsistent results that frustrate both teams and congregations. Fortunately, the Allen & Heath SQ Rack audio mixer stores unlimited scenes recalling complete mix settings instantly. Furthermore, offline editing software allows you to program entire services at home before arriving at the venue. Therefore, your team focuses on ministry instead of frantically adjusting knobs during worship moments.
What’s Included in the Box?
- Allen & Heath SQ Rack digital audio mixer (3U rackmount chassis)
- Power supply cable with IEC connection
- Quick start guide and complete documentation
- Free SQ MixPad app download for iPad and Android tablets
- Free SQ4You personal monitor mixing app
- SQ MixPad offline editor software for Mac and Windows
FAQ'S
What’s the main difference between SQ-Rack and a desktop SQ console?
The SQ-Rack contains the identical 96kHz XCVI processing engine, mixing capabilities, and audio quality as the SQ-5 console, but in a compact 4U rackmount format without physical faders. Control is provided via the 7-inch touchscreen, assignable controls, and comprehensive SQ MixPad app. This makes it ideal for installations with limited space, touring IEM racks, or applications where remote control is preferred. The processing power, channel count, effects, and audio quality are identical to desktop SQ consoles.
Is the SQ-Rack suitable for in-ear monitor systems?
Yes, the SQ-Rack is specifically designed as an ideal centerpiece for professional IEM systems. With 12 stereo mixes featuring comprehensive parametric and graphic EQ, ultra-low latency under 0.7ms for zero perceivable delay, and shallow 4U design that fits perfectly in IEM racks, it provides everything touring monitor engineers need. The optional DX012 expander adds even more outputs when needed, and the SQ4You app allows performers to control their own monitor mixes from their phones.
Can I expand the inputs beyond the 16 onboard preamps?
Absolutely. The SLink port connects to Allen & Heath’s Everything I/O ecosystem, allowing you to add up to 48 total mic inputs via remote stage boxes and expanders. Additionally, the 64×64 option card slot accepts Dante, Waves, MADI, or additional SLink cards for massive I/O expansion and integration with network audio systems. This makes the SQ-Rack incredibly scalable from 16 inputs to full 48-channel systems with extensive routing flexibility.
Does it work without a tablet or computer?
Yes, the SQ-Rack functions completely independently with its built-in 7-inch touchscreen, 8 assignable SoftKeys with LCD displays, and 4 assignable soft rotaries. The touchscreen includes a dedicated Faders page for level control, and all mixing functions are accessible directly from the unit. However, the SQ MixPad and SQ-Control apps provide enhanced workflow and remote control convenience that most users appreciate, especially for walking the venue or managing monitor mixes from the stage.
What option cards are available for the expansion slot?
Allen & Heath offers several professional networking cards: 32×32 Dante card for standard Dante integration, 64×64 Dante card for expanded network audio, Waves SoundGrid card for integration with Waves live systems, MADI card for interfacing with MADI equipment, and additional SLink cards for connecting multiple Allen & Heath consoles. These cards provide seamless integration into existing professional audio networks and enable digital splits between FOH and monitor consoles.
Can I use DEEP processing plugins?
Yes, the SQ-Rack includes DEEP processing architecture that allows you to add studio-quality compressor and preamp emulations to all 48 input channels and all mixes with zero latency. These carefully crafted emulations of legendary analog gear integrate seamlessly into your workflow without the complexity of external plugins. Some DEEP plugins are included, while additional premium emulations are available for purchase, giving you access to an expanding library of professional processing tools.
Is this suitable for permanent installation in a venue?
Yes, the SQ-Rack excels in permanent installations from bars to houses of worship to corporate venues. The compact 4U design fits into standard equipment racks, the customizable SQ-Control app can be configured for simplified operation by non-technical staff, and the robust construction ensures reliable 24/7 operation. Many installers appreciate the ability to provide simple background music control to venue staff via SQ-Control while reserving full mixing access for audio professionals via SQ MixPad.
Does it support the ME Personal Mixing System?
Yes, the SQ-Rack is fully compatible with Allen & Heath’s ME Personal Mixing System. Any number of ME-1 and ME-500 personal mixers can be daisy-chained from the SLink port or from a connected remote expander, allowing performers to create their own detailed monitor mixes with complete control over their personal sound. This is particularly valuable for larger ensembles, worship teams, or productions where individual mix control improves performance quality.
How does recording work without a computer?
The integrated SQ-Drive function records multitrack (up to 32 channels) or stereo mixes directly to any USB storage device connected to the front panel. Simply insert a USB drive, arm your channels for recording, and hit record—no computer, software, or configuration required. This is perfect for capturing live performances, creating live albums, or recording every show for archival purposes. For studio integration or virtual soundcheck, the 32×32 USB audio interface provides seamless DAW connectivity.
