even better a ‘this is why I want it and how I’d use it’.
Keith, I think the reasons why providing an expander in a mixing console is a very good idea is already discussed in detail in other threads. And this reasons are the same for the dLive, the Avantis and the SQ. So, when the decision was made for the first two models, why should we repeat the reasons again for the SQ?
And please, do not even think about providing the expander as a plugin whe have to pay for. Even if some colleagues can‘t see it, expsnders are very essential for a good sound. In my opinion, if you want to have extra income, put the gate on the shop and the expander as the standard effect for the current gate slot. That would be a real service to your customers.
Expander is single handedly the top desire I have for this console and I wouldn’t care if I had to pay for it.
I already bought 4x Neve 545 I run as inserts, I also own SuperRack and regularly use PSE on the SQ Waves option card.
I could leave them at home, finally.
I assumed this was right around the corner - came here to check on why there has been no updates for SQ in a very long time, but several for Avantis and dLive.
Late to the party here, but definitely +1 on the idea of a DEEP Primary Source Expander on the SQ as a way of cleaning up super busy mixes with less-than-stellar musicians on very crammed stages with lots of spill.
To give some context, I’ve just set up an SQ5 in a high school auditorium where they are already up to 35 out of 40 inputs on a big show, all on wedges (can you imagine dealing with in-ears for a rotating roster of teenagers?!!) and very variable mic technique. I’m trying to get the Music Tech kids to mix it and they need all the help they can get!
(Yes I know - they should do it ‘the old way’ to get used to it etc. good enough for us oldies etc.)
And just one word about a possible timespan for the implementation.
It would even be helpful to extend the build in gate with some expander modes. That should be easier to implement than two stage expanders or the PSE.
Years ago I worked at Siemens in Europe. And they had the slogan „better the second best solution now than the best one never“. Imho that would be also a good slogan for A&H. The last feature update was in April of 2020!
You know, I “upgraded” to an SQ5 from a Yamaha 01v96v2, which had expanders and duckers… but the way more powerful SQ doesn’t (although it has more other cool stuff that the 01v didn’t). The SQ does a lot more than the trusty 01V96, but the expander would be a nice replacement for the gate for some channels. I was so surprised that it wasn’t implemented from day one.
