In this guide: The short answer · SQ5+ vs SQ6+ vs SQ7+ · What all three share · SQ to SQ+: what changed · SLink and expanders · Option cards · Bundles and accessories · Which size suits you · Popular picks · FAQ

Allen & Heath announced SQ+ in May 2026 as an addition to the SQ range, not a replacement: the original SQ-5, SQ-6 and SQ-7 stay in the line-up alongside the new SQ5+, SQ6+ and SQ7+. If you are choosing between the three SQ+ frames, the decision is about hands-on control and how many sockets you want on the desk itself. Mixing power is the same on all three.

For where SQ sits against Qu and Avantis, see our Qu vs SQ vs Avantis guide. This page stays inside the SQ+ family.

The short answer

• SQ5+: 17 faders, 16 mic preamps, 12 XLR outputs, 8 SoftKeys. The smallest frame and the only SQ+ Allen & Heath describes as 19-inch rack-mountable (with an optional kit).
• SQ6+: 25 faders, 24 preamps, 14 XLR outputs, 16 SoftKeys and 4 SoftRotaries.
• SQ7+: 33 faders, 32 preamps, 16 XLR outputs, 16 SoftKeys and 8 SoftRotaries.
• All three: 48 input channels, 12 stereo mixes plus LR, 3 stereo matrix, 96kHz processing, 8 RackExtra FX engines plus 4 RackUltra FX engines, a 9-inch touchscreen, a 128×128 SLink port and one I/O port for an option card.
• Inputs beyond the local sockets come from expanders on SLink or an option card. Expanders add sockets, not channels: every model stops at 48 input channels.

Buy on the number of faders you want under your hands and the number of sockets you want at the desk. If most of your inputs live on stage in a stage box anyway, the SQ5+ gives up nothing in processing to its bigger siblings.

SQ5+ vs SQ6+ vs SQ7+ side by side

Everything not in this table is shared. The extra faders mean less layer switching: on an SQ7+ you can keep 32 inputs on one layer, where an SQ5+ shows 16 at a time and you page through the other layers. The SoftRotaries on the SQ6+ and SQ7+ are assignable encoders you can set up for parameters you reach for often, such as FX settings, and their functions can change scene by scene.

What all three SQ+ models share

Allen & Heath is explicit that every SQ+ has the same processing, routing, connectivity and external control. In practice that means:

• Engine. The XCVI core running at 96kHz, the same one used across the original SQ range.
• Channels and buses. 48 input channels, 12 stereo aux/group mixes plus LR, and 6 mono (linkable) matrix outputs. Allen & Heath lists SQ+ as 44 bus against 36 on the original SQ models.
• Processing. HPF, gate with sidechain, insert, 4-band PEQ with RTA and compressor on every input; PEQ plus 28-band graphic EQ on mixes. DEEP add-ons run inside channel and mix strips.
• FX. 8 standard RackExtra engines and 4 RackUltra FX engines, 12 in total, each with a dedicated stereo return.
• USB. A class-compliant 32×32 USB-B audio and MIDI interface at 96kHz or 48kHz, and SQ-Drive on USB-A for direct recording and playback of up to 16 channels at 96kHz or 32 at 48kHz.
• Connectivity. One SLink port, one I/O port for an option card, network port for the apps and MIDI over TCP/IP, and a single or dual footswitch input.
• Automatic mic mixing. Two independent 24-channel AMMs, or one combined 48-channel AMM, for conferences and panel events.
• Apps. SQ+ MixPad for the engineer and SQ+ 4You for performers’ own monitor mixes. Up to 8 remote apps can connect at once, of which up to 3 can be SQ+ MixPad.

SQ to SQ+: what changed

Same core, same channel count, same fader and socket count per frame size. Allen & Heath lists these differences:

RackUltra FX

RackUltra FX was developed for dLive. The four engines come as standard on every SQ+, each with its own send bus and stereo return, and any of them can also be inserted into a channel or mix. The RackUltra effects themselves, such as Spaces reverb, Plate reverb, Vocal Tuner, Vocal Harmoniser, Amp+Cab Distortion and Saturator, are listed by Allen & Heath as add-ons sold through its own shop. The four RackUltra engines can also run the standard RackExtra effects.

DEEP add-ons

The extra processing headroom is there for the newer DEEP add-ons that were previously only on dLive and Avantis: CompStortion, Source Expander and Dual Threshold Expander.

Moving shows from an SQ

An SQ+ can load shows, scenes and libraries made on an SQ-5, SQ-6 or SQ-7. They live in different folders on the USB drive (SHOWS, SCENES and LIBRARY on SQ; SQP-SHW, SQP-SCN and SQP-LIB on SQ+), so you copy the files across on a computer first. Audio recorded on either range plays back on the other. Allen & Heath currently lists libraries stored with the old SQ MixPad app as not opening on SQ+.

SLink and expanders: adding inputs and outputs

SLink is not a protocol in its own right. It is a port that detects what is plugged into it and switches to one of three Allen & Heath protocols. One connection runs one protocol at a time, so you cannot mix a DX box and a dSnake box on the same port.

Allen & Heath’s own notes that apply to every SQ+:

• Expanders add sockets, not processing channels. You still have 48 input channels to mix.
• dSnake and DX each allow a maximum of two remote units per port. Two DX168s in cascade give 32 extra inputs; the second unit’s outputs are numbered 17 to 24, so you get 16 extra outputs in total.
• dSnake boxes run at 48kHz. The SLink port sample-rate converts them, and the mixer still processes at 96kHz.
• Two AR2412s cannot share one port, because the dSnake limit is 40 inputs. AR2412 plus AB168 (24 + 16) does fit.
• Preamp gain, pad and phantom power on the expander are controlled from the mixer, and expander firmware is matched automatically when you connect.
• Use shielded Cat5e (or better) STP cable, up to 100m per run. Unshielded cable is not supported.

DX168: the usual first stage box

The DX168 has 16 remote-controlled mic/line preamps and 8 XLR line outputs on a single Cat5e run, runs at 96kHz to match the mixer, and can stand flat, on its side or vertically. A second DX168, a DX012 or a DX164-W can cascade from its B port. The DX012 is the output-only partner: 12 XLR outputs, configurable as 12 analogue, 8 analogue plus 4 stereo AES, or 4 analogue plus 8 stereo AES.

AB168 and AR2412: dSnake boxes

If you already own dSnake boxes from a Qu or GLD system, they work on SQ+. The AB168 gives 16 in and 8 out; the rack-mount AR2412 gives 24 in and 12 out and has a dedicated Monitor port for an ME personal monitoring system. The rack-mount AR84 adds 8 in and 4 out, connected directly or cascaded from an AR2412 or AB168.

Personal monitoring

ME-1 and ME-500 personal mixers use the dSnake protocol. They can plug straight into the SLink port, into the Monitor or Expander port of an AR2412 or AB168, or into the DX2/ME port of a GX4816 (with no DX expanders connected to it). An ME-1 accepts 40 channels; an ME-500 takes 16 mono or stereo sources.

Dante stage boxes

The DT168 is the Dante equivalent of the DX168: 16 preamps and 8 outputs on a Dante network. It connects through an SQ Dante option card rather than SLink, and the mixer then shows its gain, pad and phantom controls once the socket is routed in Dante Controller. Unlike SLink boxes, a Dante DT box can be controlled by more than one mixer.

For the dLive and Avantis side of the Everything I/O range, see our dLive and Avantis I/O expansion guide.

Option cards for the I/O port

Every SQ+ has one I/O port. Allen & Heath lists these cards for it:

The second SLink port is the card to choose if you need two A&H protocols at once, for example DX168s on one port and an AB168 on the other, or expanders on one port and a link to another mixer on the other. Which card suits which job, and which cards fit which consoles, is covered in our Allen & Heath option cards guide; Dante versus analogue multicore is in our audio networking guide.

Bundles and accessories

SQ+ with DX168 bundles

We sell each SQ+ with a DX168 and the matching dust cover: SQ5+ with DX168, SQ6+ with DX168 and SQ7+ with DX168. The DX168 adds 16 inputs and 8 outputs at the stage end, so the SQ5+ bundle reaches 32 XLR preamps (plus talkback) and the SQ7+ bundle reaches 48, matching the mixer’s 48 input channels. All you add is a shielded Cat5e or better cable for the run.

Covers, rack kits and bags

• Dust covers. Allen & Heath’s SQ / SQ+ accessories page lists fitted, black, water-repellent polyester covers in three sizes, named for the original desks: SQ-5 cover (AP11332), SQ-6 cover (AP11333) and SQ-7 cover (AP11334). Allen & Heath does not state on that page that they fit the SQ+ frames, so ask us to confirm the fit for your model.
• Desk rack kit. The SQ5+ is the only SQ+ described as rack-mountable with an optional kit. The only desk rack kit on Allen & Heath’s SQ / SQ+ accessories page is the SQ-5 rack kit (SQ-5-RK19), which the page describes as preparing the SQ-5 for a 19-inch rack; Allen & Heath does not name an SQ5+ part code there, so check with us before ordering it for an SQ5+. Whatever the desk, keep its vents clear when it is racked: on the SQ-5, Allen & Heath notes that air is drawn in underneath and vented at the front and top rear.
• Stage box rack ears. The AB1608-RK19 rack kit mounts a DX168, DT168 or AB168 in a 19-inch rack at 4U.
• Stage box bag. The AP9932 padded carry case fits the DX168, DT168 and AB168.
• Tablet bracket. The SQ tablet bracket (SQ-BRACKET) is listed on the SQ / SQ+ accessories page; it screws to the rear of the desk to hold a tablet running the mixing app.
• Desk bag. Allen & Heath lists the AP9931 padded carry bag as fitting the SQ5+ (as well as the SQ-5, Qu-16 and Qu-5).

Which size suits you

Because the engine is identical, this is a question of hands and sockets, not capability.

• SQ5+ suits small venues, AV and conference work, churches and bands who run a stage box. It is the one to pick if the desk has to go in a rack or a flight case, or if bench space at the mix position is tight. With a DX168 it covers 32 inputs.
• SQ6+ suits engineers who want more channels visible at once, plus the four SoftRotaries, without the full-width SQ7+. Its 24 local preamps cover many shows from the desk alone.
• SQ7+ suits busy band shows, theatre and monitor positions where you want 32 inputs on a single layer and as many physical controls as possible. Its 32 local preamps plus one DX168 match the 48-channel engine.

If you want the 48-channel engine in a rack without a fader surface, the SQ-Rack is part of the original SQ line. Not sure how many inputs you really need? Our channel count guide walks through it.

Popular picks from the shop

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between the SQ-5 and the SQ5+?

Same 48-channel 96kHz core, same 17 faders, 16 preamps and 12 XLR outputs. The SQ5+ adds a 9-inch touchscreen in place of the 7-inch one, four RackUltra FX engines on top of the eight standard engines, more processing per channel for the newest DEEP add-ons, and a new finish. Allen & Heath keeps both in the range.

Does the SQ6+ or SQ7+ sound better than the SQ5+?

No. All three use the same XCVI core with the same processing, routing and FX. The larger frames add faders, local preamps, outputs and soft controls.

How many inputs can an SQ5+ handle?

48 input channels, the same as the SQ7+. It has 16 local mic preamps plus talkback and three stereo line inputs; the rest come from expanders or an option card. Two cascaded DX168s on SLink add 32 inputs.

Can I use my AB168 or AR2412 with an SQ+?

Yes. The SLink port switches to dSnake mode for them, with up to two units per port and a 40-input limit, so AR2412 plus AB168 works but two AR2412s do not. dSnake runs at 48kHz and the port converts it to the mixer’s 96kHz. You cannot run dSnake and DX boxes on the same port; add an SQ SLink card if you need both.

Will my SQ shows load on an SQ+?

Yes. Copy the files on the USB drive from the SQ folders (SHOWS, SCENES, LIBRARY) into the SQ+ folders (SQP-SHW, SQP-SCN, SQP-LIB) using a computer, then recall them on the SQ+.

Do I need a Dante card for an SQ+?

Only if you want to connect to a Dante network or use DT168 Dante stage boxes. For Allen & Heath stage boxes such as the DX168, the built-in SLink port is enough.