We recently transitioned from the Behringer ecosystem to an SQ-Rack workflow and have been very happy with the system overall. However, there is one feature from X32/WING Edit that we significantly miss: the ability to view and enter precise fader levels numerically.
In Behringer’s Edit software, each fader displays its exact dB value and lets the user click the value to enter a specific level, which is extremely helpful for making fine adjustments, particularly in IEM mixing, broadcast leveling, and other situations where small changes are critical. We are aware that we can see the fader level readout in the Routing page, but it is difficult to use that functionality in live settings, especially when we need to make broad changes.
Because we are mixing exclusively remotely, without a physical SQ surface available, we rely entirely on software control. Without the ability to make precise, typed-in adjustments, tasks that were previously quick and repeatable now require a more manual and significantly less accurate workflow.
We are aware that third-party software such as Mixing Station provides this functionality, but we greatly prefer the workflow and visual layout of SQ MixPad. Adding a numeric fader readout for each channel on the main page and text-entry adjustment directly within MixPad would significantly improve usability for remote and SQ-Rack users. Thanks for considering this addition!
I know on the DLive Director software you can right click on a numeric value (on the actual numbers, not on the graphic for the fader, knob, etc) and you can enter a number directly. I am not sure if this functionality is available on the software for the other console models, but it might be something to try.
Thanks for the suggestion! I tried it, and unfortunately, that functionality does not seem to exist in SQ MixPad. That would be a great way to integrate the feature, though, aligning it with the rest of A&H’s product line.
Not exactly what you’re after but to help, when you tap on an SQPad fader, if you drag sideways away from the fader (to the left or right - doesn’t matter), the up and down movements become more and more fine so that when you’re a long way from the fader you tapped, you can make very small adjustments more easily. Let go and you’re back at the normal sensitivity again.
I’m not preaching here but I would like to ask why the numeric values are important to you? Typically eyeballing the fader level should do it but please educate me…
I know the OP specifically mentioned fader levels, but it goes much deeper than that. Trying to dial in a specific input/output source, channel or buss, etc, etc, etc. using a software encoder and a touchscreen can be very frustrating. For example, you are trying to set the input source of your channel to input 24 and the system “passes” 24 and stops on 25. So you “turn” the knob the other way and again it skips 24 and stops on 22, etc, etc, etc. It’s not unusual to have to try 3 or 4 or more times before you finally “land” on 24.
Being able to right click and type in a number saves a tremendous amount of time in these situations.
Hey! Great question, and you’re absolutely right that when I’m on a physical console, eyeballing faders works fine. When I’m on our SQ-6, I rarely look at the numerical value unless I’m just doing a sanity check. The key difference here is that we’re mixing entirely without a control surface, relying solely on software. On a touchscreen or trackpad, even minimal movements can jump several dB or skip past the intended value. The fine-adjust feature helps, but it’s still slow, especially when you’re adjusting multiple channels that aren’t grouped in some way. Being able to type in an exact value gives us back the kind of precision we’d typically get from a physical fader.
My request originally came from programming theatre shows, where precise numeric adjustments speed up my personal workflow and help maintain consistency across scenes. But I also see it being useful in IEM mixing or broadcast, where subtle adjustments are essential.
As @sic0048 mentioned, the benefit goes beyond just faders. Anytime we’re selecting sources, routing, bus assignments, dialing in parameters, etc., it’s very easy to overshoot in the software and have to retry multiple times. Numeric entry just reduces that friction when working fully in software. So it’s not that I’d say numeric entry is “better” than eyeballing; it’s that, without physical faders, numeric entry gives us back the precision that physical hardware provides. Hopefully, that provides some clarity!