Allen & Heath SQ-7: Flagship Sound at Mid-Tier Pricing
If you’ve been wrestling with underpowered digital mixers that force you to choose between sound quality and features, the Allen & Heath SQ-7 changes everything. This 48-channel digital mixing console brings genuine flagship performance to churches, live venues, and corporate installations without the six-figure price tag or the learning curve of touring-grade systems.
Built on the same acclaimed 96kHz XCVI FPGA engine that powers Allen & Heath’s professional dLive touring systems, the SQ-7 delivers pristine audio quality with under 0.7ms latency—the kind of performance that makes in-ear monitoring feel natural and keeps vocalists happy. Church sound teams consistently praise how the console sounds “worlds ahead” of competitors, with one engineer noting the audio quality alone made switching from their previous desk worthwhile.
The SQ-7 solves the monitor mixing challenge that plagues so many venues. With 12 fully independent stereo mixes—each with both parametric and 28-band graphic EQ—you can create detailed, personalized monitor feeds for every musician without compromise. The console integrates seamlessly with Allen & Heath’s ME Personal Mixing System, letting performers control their own mixes and freeing you to focus on the house sound. Volunteer-run churches especially appreciate the Automatic Mic Mixing feature, which intelligently manages multi-microphone setups for panel discussions and conferences without constant attention.
Unlike compact mixers that sacrifice hands-on control for portability, the SQ-7 gives you 33 motorized faders across six customizable layers with full-color LCD scribble strips. Drag and drop any input, group, or effect to any fader position—then save it as a scene. The 7-inch capacitive touchscreen feels responsive and intuitive, while dedicated physical controls for gain, EQ, compression, and gating mean you’re never more than two touches away from critical parameters. Engineers who’ve moved from the Behringer X32 consistently report that once past the initial learning curve, the SQ-7’s workflow becomes faster and more logical.
Recording and streaming capabilities are built in, not bolted on. The 32×32 USB interface runs at 96kHz for pristine multitrack recording to your DAW, while the SQ-Drive feature records directly to a USB flash drive—no computer needed. Churches using the console for both sanctuary and streaming feeds report flawless integration, with the USB connection to computers like VMix requiring zero driver hassles on Mac and straightforward setup on Windows.
The SQ-7 includes eight stereo effects engines loaded with the acclaimed RackExtra library—classic reverbs, gated verbs, delays, and modulation effects that sound studio-grade. Four engines have dedicated sends and returns, while the other four can be accessed via aux buses or inserted directly on channels. Optional DEEP plug-ins add boutique compressor and preamp emulations directly within the signal path, though some users note this should ideally be included at this price point.
With 32 onboard mic preamps that engineers describe as some of the best “bang for the buck” in this class, expandability to 48 inputs via DX168 stage boxes, optional Dante or Waves SoundGrid connectivity, and remote control via free SQ MixPad apps for iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac, this console grows with your needs. The rugged all-metal three-tier chassis survives the demands of mobile work while weighing just 39 pounds—light enough for one person to carry but substantial enough to inspire confidence.
For mid-sized churches with 300-700 seats, live music venues, corporate AV installations, and recording studios seeking professional sound without professional complexity, the Allen & Heath SQ-7 delivers the rare combination of flagship performance, volunteer-friendly operation, and exceptional long-term value. It’s the console that lets you focus on the mix, not the mixer.
Frequent Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I control the SQ-7 wirelessly from my tablet or phone?
Yes, Allen & Heath provides two free apps: SQ MixPad for full mixing control (iOS, Android, Windows, Mac) and SQ4You for personal monitor mixing (iOS, Android). The console includes built-in network connectivity via Ethernet port. Simply connect your device to the same network as the mixer and you have complete wireless control from anywhere in the venue.
How does the SQ-7 compare to the Behringer X32?
The SQ-7 runs at 96kHz vs the X32’s 48kHz processing, resulting in noticeably better audio quality and lower latency (0.7ms vs 3ms). The SQ-7 offers 48 channels vs 32, motorized faders with full-color LCD scribble strips vs basic text displays, and customizable fader layers. Engineers who’ve switched report superior sound quality and faster workflow once past the initial learning curve, though the X32 offers more built-in FX processing without additional purchases.
Is the SQ-7 suitable for churches with volunteer sound operators?
Absolutely. The Automatic Mic Mixing feature is specifically designed for multi-microphone setups in churches, conferences, and panel discussions—it’s an excellent “safety net” for volunteers. The intuitive touchscreen interface, scene recall, and preset storage make it easy for rotating volunteers to achieve consistent results. Many churches report successful operation after basic training, especially when using saved scenes for different service types.
Can I expand the SQ-7 beyond 32 inputs?
Yes, the SQ-7 supports up to 48 total mic inputs by adding a DX168 stage box via the SLink port. You can also add optional Dante or Waves SoundGrid cards in the I/O expansion slot for 64×64 channels of network audio. The system is compatible with Allen & Heath’s entire “Everything I/O” family of stage boxes and can even network with other SQ, Qu, or dLive consoles.
Does the SQ-7 record multitrack audio?
Yes, in multiple ways. The built-in 32×32 USB interface records directly to your DAW at 96kHz or 48kHz (class-compliant on Mac, ASIO/WDM drivers for Windows). The SQ-Drive feature records directly to a USB flash drive without a computer—16 channels at 96kHz, 32 channels at 48kHz, or stereo. This makes virtual soundcheck, show recording, and music playback incredibly simple.
What’s the difference between the SQ-5, SQ-6, and SQ-7?
All three consoles have the same 48-channel, 36-bus processing architecture and identical audio quality. The differences are physical: SQ-5 has 17 faders and 16 inputs, SQ-6 has 25 faders and 24 inputs, SQ-7 has 33 faders and 32 inputs. The SQ-7 also adds 8 assignable soft rotaries with LCD displays and 16 SoftKeys vs 8 on smaller models. Choose based on how many physical faders and local inputs you need—the processing power is identical.
Do I need to purchase the DEEP plug-ins separately?
Yes, DEEP plug-ins (boutique compressor and preamp emulations) are optional purchases. The SQ-7 includes extensive built-in processing: gate, 4-band parametric EQ, compressor, delay on every channel, plus 8 FX engines with the RackExtra library (reverbs, delays, modulation). DEEP adds vintage gear emulations for users wanting that specific character, but the included processing is professional-grade and sufficient for most applications.
How many monitor mixes can the SQ-7 create?
The SQ-7 provides 12 stereo mixes that can be configured as aux sends or groups. Each mix has both parametric and 28-band graphic EQ, plus compression. This is ideal for in-ear monitoring setups. The console also supports Allen & Heath’s ME Personal Mixing System, allowing performers to control their own monitor mixes via ME-1 or ME-500 personal mixers.
Can I use the SQ-7 for live streaming?
Yes, the SQ-7 is excellent for streaming. The 32×32 USB interface connects directly to streaming software like VMix, OBS, or Wirecast. Churches report seamless integration—class-compliant on Mac with zero setup, straightforward ASIO drivers on Windows. You can send independent mixes to your streaming software while maintaining a separate house mix, and the multitrack recording capability allows you to capture services for post-production.
What kind of effects does the SQ-7 include?
The SQ-7 features eight stereo FX engines loaded with the acclaimed RackExtra library: classic reverbs, gated reverbs, delays, choruses, flangers, and more. Four engines have dedicated FX sends and stereo returns, while the other four have dedicated returns and can be accessed via aux buses or inserted on individual channels. All effects are studio-quality and latency-free.
Is the SQ-7 difficult to learn?
There’s an initial learning curve, especially if you’re coming from an analog or simpler digital console, but most engineers report feeling comfortable within a few shows. The Allen & Heath workflow is logical once you understand concepts like fader layers and routing matrices. The touchscreen interface is intuitive, and Allen & Heath provides comprehensive video tutorials. Former X32 users report that while the first couple shows require adjustment, the SQ-7’s workflow ultimately feels faster and more flexible.
Can the SQ-7 be rack-mounted?
Yes, optional 19-inch rack ears are available from Allen & Heath (sold separately). Note that the console has cooling fans on the bottom front panel, so your rack case must not block airflow. Some users also recommend leaving space above and below for cable access and heat dissipation during extended use.
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 |
