Why I Hate the Allen&Heath SQ Mixer Console

Here are just a few reasons as to why I dislike the Allen&Heath SQ-series of mixers.

This should apply to the SQ-5 SQ-6, and SQ-7.

[Deaddinoproductions]

I’ve used this board extensively for years. I’ve also worked on many other industry standard consoles (m32/x32, Yamaha, Digico, Soundcraft, etc). And respectfully, these gripes are laughably nitpicky and overblown. To flat out suggest that this console is practically unusable and not worth buying is simply bad information. I could write an entire essay about why every point is highly exaggerated as being a problem, or is not in fact a problem at all. But suffice it to say I would just recommend that anyone who’s shopping around should take this video with a very large grain of salt and should look to other sources to help you make an informed decision. I personally would recommend the SQ as the best option in its price range to almost anybody, unless you need an especially large number of configurable busses/groups/matrixes or lots of effect slots to use as inserts on channels, which are the biggest limitations of the console (but still totally acceptable for the price). The UI is very easy and enjoyable to work with. The sound quality of the preamps, processing and effects are fantastic, especially when using the deep plugins. The routing, while a bit complicated, is still more intuitive than many other consoles in my experience. The wireless app integration is the best I’ve ever worked with. Multitrack recording is a breeze, with sample rates up to 96k. There’s a nice amount of customizable soft controls. And the board is super robust and reliable. Most importantly, after a bit of initial setup to create a starter template, I can get just about any band up and running and sounding great very quickly and easily on this thing and I’ve never received any complaints about the process.

[WeaselFace]

Some points you made were legitimate concerns. I'm surprised you didn't mention the fact that the console MUST format a USB before you can save any shows or multi tracks to it, inconvenient when you usually tour with a USB that has multiple console show files to make touring in unfamiliar venues easier.
But some points made me shout WTF at my screen.
Your spectrum analyzer is dropping out because you're monitoring a signal that's -30db to -40db in volume. You're not getting any important information at that level and the console is just wasting time trying to read information at that low a level. if anything a spectrum analyzer at that low a level would just confuse me and make me worried a mic is live when it shouldn't be.
And the graphic EQ thing is just nutty. I've been a world touring sound engineer for a good 15 years now and I can think of about 2 times where I have wanted to insert a graphic EQ on a single channel. The parametric on every channel gives you far greater control and a much tighter Q than a graphic ever could. If you're pulling more than 5 narrow bands from a single channel and no others, your problems are not with that channel, but in your gain staging for that particular mic.
The last and most important thing you forgot to mention is how this console beats out almost all others within its price range. Its built tough, has good supporting infrastructure by A&H and is a solid low to mid range console without having to jump to the D-Live range. The console I would put it most comparable to would be the sd11, and that thing is twice the price.

[marcussjoberg]

You can pfl Channels goding through the automixer of you change the pfl settings.

[michaelmoore]

I went on tour with an SQ5 as a monitor desk and used all 48 inputs. Zero issues and although house guys thought it was funny how small my setup was, I got nothing but compliments. I also own and enjoy an LV1 rig, but i have lots of good things to say about SQ

[dakazbracho]

I own a SQ6 for almost 4 years now, and i've had only 2 problems with it and both were while recording multitracks on SQ-Drive (pendrive). In despite of that i'm in love with my SQ, i specially love the pre-amps man... they're just amazing for its price. I've worked with others console brands and series such as M7CL, LS9, TF(ugh), M32, X32, QU and DL1608, MR18, X-AIR in rack formats (among others) and i'd still rather have an SQ in my hands, it sounds great, i just love it. I see that all those problems you mentioned could be fixed with a firmware update, and if there is no update, you can just change your workflow. There are things i don't like though, but none of them make my life a nightmare.

[WBCStudio.]

You are very wrong on this awesome mixer. The SQ series is a very versatile mixer, highly customizable and flexible, particularly the routings. I've been using the SQ-5 for about 2 years now, and I've no regrets whatsoever. If I have enough cash, I won't hesitate to buy another one. So, can't trash something because you don't like the way it's setup. I know that it's only your opinion, but your opinion is very wrong.

[csdarlington]

Being a touring FOH engineer I have been on about every console I can think of except a rivage or ssl consoles. I gotta say the SQ might be my favorite overall console. It’s super easy to figure out, customizable, multitrack/virtual soundcheck from just an ssd drive, 96k, multiband comp, dynamic eq… I could go on and on. I have had an issue with both monitor consoles freezing on start up but rarely even with the update that was supposed to fix it. But can’t think of any other issues.

[cmfall]

Dude. You are mad. Sure- it’s not perfect. But to say it is “trash” is absolutely absurd. It’s a $4000 console with the power of a $30000 console from 10 years ago.

Your complaints are almost entirely workflow related. Either adapt to a new workflow (like the many thousands of us that have great experiences with SQ) or stick to a console that has your preferred workflow.

Lastly- I use this console at least weekly for a band that has ~30 inputs from the stage. I have NEVER had an issue with scribble strips. Ever. I’ve always been able to quickly and accurately find any channel I need- including digging into a layer I don’t normally use because a mic failed and I need to grab the backup.

Pure clickbait. “Trash” is nothing but a gross exaggeration for “I personally don’t like these things”.

[pnnielsen]

So would you take a Midas m32 or Behringer x32 instead????!

[Brian-Hansen]

Hmmm, while I agree with the your findings, you are not incorrect on the limitations, what other console in this price range does it better? The SQ is amazingly powerful for the price. At some point it just comes down to preference on brands and UI design.

[sholasleek]

I'm glad he said it's his opinion, I'll just leave it at that. It's ok if the mixer doesn't suit your work flow, or you're lazy to learn and research how to use an unfamiliar mixer. But don't ruin a wonderful mixer at that price range. That Console has the best Preamp in it's class, easy to use, the patching you complained about is probably the easiest to use. If yo need more mix buses or inputs pay for a more expensive console.

[stephengentle]

Seems like mostly just little things that can be fixed in software updates (with some exceptions potentially being limitations to the scribble strip displays and USB hardware). Let’s hope Alan and Heath listen and make some fixes, generally this series of mixers look miles better than the Behringhers I’ve used an lot and other mixers in the price range.

[jamesrandolph]

I have been using an SQ7 at my church for about 3 years now and I love this mixer! Just because the UI may be different from your favorite brand is no reason to trash it! I bet if you took a poll, you would find the majority of folks really love this console. But you are entitled to your opinion.

[anonymissed]

I have a QU 32 with recent firmware and pfl is available during AMM.

[BobK]

I'm looking for a digital mixer for my studio because I wanna get out of mixing ITB just for the fun of it. I'm not mixing hits, it's just local bands for fun but i'd like to get the highest quality possible when returning back to my DAW for a final mix. I do most of the work in the box. Thoughts?? I realize the SSL Bix Six is of course the way the go, i'm looking for automation and flying faders.

[truedaystar]

I gave up when you want to AUTO mix anything! In my opinion you are nic picking. I run 7 band members, 16 inputs, in ear monitors and a live mix without any issues pluse podium and wireless mic's. Very simple to keep track of once you get the hang of the mixer. My only complaint is with setting up routing at times, I have to think about it for a second to get it right but that don't change that often or I would bet better at it.

[jimpemberton]

If you must deviate from 1 to 1 on the input channels, write it down. I keep a notebook of standard routings as well as standard input diagrams at all preamps and large wall plates. I never have to wonder what my routing is. 6 characters is a bit low, but I can make it work even if I have to post a quick shorthand reference. I haven't had any trouble with the SQ7 we have in the children's wing and we are planning an upgrade to a DLive in the Worship Center. I also know that an SQ7 is being recommended by our integrator for the Fellowship Hall. I anticipate changes in work flow from our old Yamahas, but that's doable.

[kevinschmidt]

I'd love to see more reviews of consoles with this approach. While I care a lot about cool features, the caviats are just as important, if not sometimes more important. The marketing videos and "honest" reviews out there often just talk about features and not bugs, limitations, or unintuitive behavior.

[nateminedew]

The sq5 has to be my favorite console I’ve worked on for the simple fact that it always worked! Never had one crash, freeze, stop talking to i/o etc. Can’t say the same about Digico Quantum 5, 225, 338, Avid profile, S6L, Midas pro series, M32, X32, Yamaha Ql1… I think it’s also important to note that in extremes primarily heat in settings like outdoor festivals consoles can totally be prone to failure. In extremes both hot cold and dusty the sq5 never let me down! As for the u/i once I got over the initial learning curve inherent to any new console I really grew to enjoy it. I find that things like u/i preferences become less of an issue over time as you figure out how to adapt your workflow to whatever limitations you find yourself with. But things like unreliability will never cease to be annoying in the field. Also love how you can change how fast the rta reacts. Super useful for identifying issues distinctly as they pertain to time.

[Geoffreymmckee]

While I don't want to be negitive, your expectations for a mixer this inexpensive are way out of line. The main advantage of more expensive consoles is the workflow. Yes its going to take longer to do things than on a DLive or SD10. Every console in this price range has major workflow limitations. In addition, some of the issues you raised aren't issues. The RTA has settings that let you adjust sensitivty. The dante issue is related to you not understaniding Dante. And I could go on. I work on both a Dlive and SQ on a weekly basis. The SQ is amazing for its price. And totally workable. if you need faster workflow connect it to a computer use the SQ mix pad to do patching and other operations. I'm kinda mind blown on this video. My suggestion would be to go to an avantis.