TL;DR: Allen & Heath has revamped its popular SQ digital mixer series with the SQ Plus models (SQ5+, SQ6+, SQ7+), adding the RackUltra FX engine and DEEP processing from its flagship dLive consoles. The 96kHz XCVI FPGA engine now powers amp sims, vocal tuning, and premium compressors, while the V1.6 firmware brings mono matrix splitting, scene crossfades, and simultaneous USB/computer recording. Pre-orders are live now.
- Three new models: SQ5+ (16-input/17-fader), SQ6+ (24-input/25-fader), SQ7+ (32-input/33-fader) — all with 96kHz XCVI FPGA processing.
- Four RackUltra FX engines from the dLive series, including amp sims, reverbs, saturation, vocal tuning, and pitch processing with optional Add-Ons.
- DEEP processing now available: CompStortion, Source Expander, and Dual Threshold Expander — previously exclusive to dLive and Avantis.
- Free PlusPack bundle (DEEP and standard FX Add-Ons) upon registration and newsletter sign-up.
- V1.6 firmware adds stereo-to-mono matrix splitting, cue list editing, scene crossfades, simultaneous USB/computer recording, and dLive’s OptTronik and Bus compressors.
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What Is the Allen & Heath SQ Plus?
Let’s be honest: the original SQ series was already a solid workhorse for live sound, theatre, and installs. But Allen & Heath has a habit of holding back their juiciest features for the flagship dLive and Avantis consoles — leaving the SQ line feeling a bit like the sensible sibling who never gets to borrow the car. The SQ Plus changes that.
The new lineup — SQ5+, SQ6+, and SQ7+ — is essentially the same chassis you know, but with a brain transplant. The 96kHz XCVI FPGA engine now runs four RackUltra FX processors, a feature that previously required you to mortgage your studio to afford a dLive. The 9-inch touchscreen gets a darker GUI (thank you, my retinas have been screaming since 2017), and the free SQ+ MixPad app for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS means you can tweak from the bar without spilling beer on the faders.
If you’re counting faders: 17, 25, or 33 — depending on your masochism level for carrying cases.
RackUltra FX and DEEP Processing: Down From the Flagship
The RackUltra FX engine is the star here. Originally cooked up for the dLive series, it’s a modular effects platform that includes amp sims, reverbs, saturation, vocal tuning, and pitch processing. Each of the four engines has dedicated sends and returns, so you’re not fighting for routing real estate like a guitarist arguing about pedalboard placement.
But the real coup is DEEP processing. The SQ Plus now runs CompStortion, Source Expander, and Dual Threshold Expander — all previously locked behind the dLive and Avantis paywall. For those of us who’ve been eyeing those compressors from across the room at a festival, this is like finding out the VIP section is open to everyone with a decent pair of shoes.
And yes, you can expand both RackUltra and DEEP libraries with Add-Ons. Because nothing says “pro audio” like a growing collection of plugins you swore you’d only buy one of.
Specs, Connectivity, and the Free PlusPack
Connectivity is where the SQ Plus flexes its muscles without breaking them. You get a 128×128 Intelligent SLink port — think of it as a Swiss Army knife for digital snakes — and dual USB ports for audio interface and multitrack recording. The I/O expansion slot accommodates Dante, MADI, Waves, and SLink cards, so you can slot it into whatever ecosystem your venue has decided to standardise on this year.
Motorised faders are standard across all models, which is a relief because manually recalling a mix without them is like trying to tune a piano with a hammer.
Now, the PlusPack: register your SQ+ and sign up for the A&H newsletter, and you get a full bundle of DEEP and standard FX Add-Ons for free. That’s the kind of deal that usually comes with fine print, but here it’s straightforward. It’s also a clever way for Allen & Heath to pad their mailing list, but I’ll take a free compressor over an inbox full of “limited time offers” any day.
V1.6 Firmware: The Community Gets Its Wish List
Alongside the hardware refresh, Allen & Heath dropped V1.6 firmware for the entire SQ series (including the SQ Rack). This isn’t just a bug-fix dump; it’s a genuine “we heard you” update. You can now split each stereo matrix into up to six mono matrices — huge for multi-room installations and speaker fills. The Cue List now supports custom scene lists that you can edit quickly, and Scene Crossfade lets you transition between scenes without sounding like someone yanked the power cord.
Recording to USB and computer simultaneously? Finally. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to choose between a safety recording and a live stream. The two new compressor Add-Ons — DEEP OptTronik and Bus compressors from the dLive — are the cherry on top. These were the most-requested features in the community, and it’s nice to see a company actually reading its forum posts instead of ignoring them.
That said, let’s not rewrite history. The V1.5 update back in 2020 was a bit of a letdown — RTA analysis and HPF/LPF on all channels should have been there from day one. But V1.6 feels like redemption. Progress, not perfection.
Who Should Buy the SQ Plus?
If you’re already running an SQ and feeling the itch for dLive features without the dLive price tag, this is your upgrade path. The Plus models slot into the same workflow but give you headroom for more complex processing — amp sims for direct guitar inputs, vocal tuning for those inevitable off-key moments, and compressors that don’t sound like you’re squeezing a sponge.
For new buyers, the SQ Plus makes more sense than the original SQ unless you find a fire sale. The price difference is justified by the processing power alone, and the PlusPack sweetens the deal. If you’re mixing live music, theatre, or AV installations — and you don’t want to remortgage your home — this is the sweet spot.
Is it a game-changer? No. But it’s a solid, well-considered update that respects both the user base and the budget. And in 2025, that’s rarer than a clean PSU.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade my existing SQ to the Plus version via firmware?
No. The SQ Plus is a hardware refresh with a different processing engine (XCVI FPGA) and additional internal components. You cannot flash your SQ5, SQ6, or SQ7 to become a Plus model — you need to buy the new hardware. The V1.6 firmware, however, is compatible with all SQ models and brings many requested features.
What’s in the free PlusPack and how do I get it?
The PlusPack includes a full bundle of DEEP Add-Ons (CompStortion, Source Expander, Dual Threshold Expander) and standard FX Add-Ons. To qualify, you need to register your SQ+ console and sign up for the Allen & Heath newsletter. It’s a straightforward process — no hidden fees or subscription traps.
Does the SQ Plus support Dante or Waves natively?
Not natively, but the I/O expansion slot accepts Dante, MADI, Waves, and SLink cards. You’ll need to purchase the appropriate card separately. The Intelligent SLink port handles 128×128 channels for digital stage boxes and other A&H gear, which covers most live sound setups without extra hardware.
I’ll be honest: I wrote half of this with a flat white cooling beside me, because the only thing more reliable than an Allen & Heath desk is caffeine. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to reheat my coffee and decide whether the OptTronik compressor is worth the upgrade — spoiler: it is.