The flagship of Allen & Heath's SQ series, the SQ-7 is a 48-channel digital console featuring 33 preamps, 33 motorised faders across six layers, 8 soft keys, and 8 stereo FX engines, powered by the acclaimed 96kHz XCVI FPGA system. This cutting-edge architecture delivers ultra-low latency and uncompromising audio quality, allowing lightning-fast signal processing and high-resolution workflows. The Allen & Heath SQ-7 also supports direct stereo and multitrack recording to a USB storage device via SQ-Drive, and functions as a 32×32 USB audio interface for DAW integration. Designed for live sound, studio, broadcast and AV use, it combines a high channel count, flexible routing, and powerful onboard processing, all in a robust, tour-ready design.
The Allen & Heath SQ-7 supports up to 48 input channels, 12 stereo sub-mixes, and 3 stereo matrix outputs, with per-channel processing that includes a high-pass filter, gate with sidechain and filter, 4-band parametric EQ, and Peak/RMS compression. Each sub-mix includes a parametric EQ and 28-band graphic EQ, while Allen & Heath’s DEEP architecture enables zero-latency plug-in integration directly at the input and mix stages. The eight stereo FX engines run reverbs, delays, and modulators from the acclaimed RackExtra library, each with its own dedicated stereo return. Control is intuitive via a 7" capacitive touchscreen, 16 assignable SoftKeys and 8 Soft Rotaries, and colour-coded Chromatic metering. Remote operation is possible via the SQ MixPad app for iOS and Android, enabling wireless control of levels, processing, and scenes.
Housed in a rugged, three-tier all-metal chassis, the Allen & Heath SQ-7 thrives in demanding environments, including concerts, corporate events, broadcast control rooms, and production studios. It supports stereo or multitrack USB recording (up to 32 channels at 48kHz, or 16 at 96kHz), and driver-free operation on macOS. Two fully independent 24-channel Automatic Mic Mixers (AMMs) make it well-suited for conferences, panel discussions, and other speech-focused events. A dedicated MIDI Control app lets its faders and soft keys act as a DAW control surface in recording setups, combining full track control with professional audio interface capabilities.
Allen & Heath started building mixing consoles in London in 1969 and made a name for themselves hand-building mixers for some of the greatest bands of the era, such as Pink Floyd. Since 2014, Allen & Heath has been part of the Audiotonix Group, which in turn is managed by the company Electra Partners. Allen & Heath's headquarters are in Penryn, Cornwall (UK), where production takes place, alongside a second factory in China. The British firm is known for numerous innovations, including the development of modular console designs as well as their subsequent integration into MIDI environments. Today, Allen & Heath offer a wide range of products in almost every field of audio engineering - from the small six-channel ZED-6 mixing console to the full-scale dLive Pro Touring System.
The Allen & Heath SQ-7 includes a 64×64 audio networking slot for expansion via Dante, Waves, MADI or SLink cards, alongside USB, AES, and network connectivity. Its SLink port supports remote stageboxes as well as Allen & Heath’s ME Personal Mixing System, allowing performers to customise their in-ear monitor mixes. With 12 stereo mix outs, ultra-low latency, and flexible mix processing, it serves equally well at monitor position or front-of-house. Optional control apps such as SQ MixPad, SQ4You, and SQ Control further extend remote operation for both engineers and performers, while the clear interface and logical workflow make it quick to train operators in corporate or broadcast environments.
At the heart of the Allen & Heath SQ-7 lies a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) – a high-performance DSP chip that enables parallel signal processing with exceptionally low latency. This architecture underpins the console's high channel count, rapid responsiveness, and built-in processing power. Together with DEEP plug-ins and 96kHz operation, the FPGA engine equips the SQ-7 to meet the performance and reliability standards demanded by today’s live, broadcast, and production professionals.