SQ multitrack outputs

SQ SQ General Discussions
1

Hi There,

On the upcoming tour we´re faced with a video-crew expecting to receive all our input channels (32 might be the count) on separate tracks. Can I use the USB- port to record straight to an external hard-drive, not using a DAW? Also, what would be a viable solution, if it happens to be a live broadcast? Sending a custom layer outputs trough AES, perhaps? any reliable solutions? We have no extra cards on deck, just SLink to a GX48 on stage…

Regards,

T.K.

2

You can use the USB port on the front of the desk to record straight to a hard drive. You can record up to 32 channels at 48KHz or up to 16 at 96KHz.

3

No, I can´t. SQ- drive records 16 inputs + L/R. I need to get about 30 individual channels out of the desk, digitally. I´m talking possibilities to use the USB B- port, or AES…

Cheers,

T.K.

4

USB B is only usable in combination with a Computer and a DAW. It is no host port, like the one on zhe top of the console. Using a newer firmware on your SQ you can record, as Phil said, up to 32 individual signals via SQ drive at 48 kHz Sampling rate. It might be worth To have a look at the current reference manual, chapter 13, for details.

5

OK, fine, thanks… missed that. But I´m still trying to figure out a way to send all my inputs to a secondary destination.

6

Please remember, the A&H USB multi-track recording protocol is a fixed ,limited live capture option. It was never intended to be an open multi track format. So for that reason the Waves/Dante port us available that will enable direct recording contact to as many inputs as your SQ will accommodate. Please read the manual, that is available for everyone to read, before asking “A square peg into a round hole question” in these forums.
Hugh

7

Well,

I told yuo guys, that we don´t have any option cards installed, nor will there be any for this tour. I was reading an oudated reference- manual, so sorry.
Comment removed
I´m fine, if I can just hand the tracks for the videoteam for post. a whole different ballgame, if it´s a live broadcast…

Again, so sorry I wasted your precious time. Most of my time is spent mixing the band…

P.S. a “participant” is NOT a moderator, perhaps Hugh does not understand the difference?

8

AES is only two channels.

What is on the video side for audio input, another audio mixer of some kind, DAW recording software, ect?

Maybe an ole fashioned analog split would do it.
For this tour are you going to be carrying a dedicated monitor mixer? if so
how are you splitting to that.

9

Hi Mike,

  • so far I have no info, trying to get them to reply to my enquiries.they wished for Dante, that much I know. If it´s going to be live on the air, I´m going to give them a couple of stereo- stems, I have a few auxes unused. We are travelling lite, and I hope The Swedish Radio can accomodate…

T.K.

10

I´m driving monitors from FOH. The radio-guys excpect to see digital. I´m sure they could bring a multichannel interface, and accept my GX- analog outputs. It´s another conversion, but what the heck- they are not recording an album, but a one-off TV show.

Cheers,

T.K.

11

To be honest, we don’t call anyone ::: in here…
To answer a correct post with no, is not that polite anyway.

If the radio guys asked for Dante, it is perfectly clear what they expect…
Maybe it is possible for them to rent a Dante Card for your SQ. This would be the easiest way to do a split… and will reduce the cabling to a minimum.

Setting up tie lines on your GX will be easy as well, just a one time effort.

12
  • if you think Hugh was “polite” in his reply, so be it. Here in Finland we have a saying that translates as something like: “the forest replies, as it was addressed”.

Never Mind, I´ll just ask them to bring a Mac with ProTools, and feed the stuff from USB B.

13

But be aware that youonly can use either the SQ drive or USB B but not both.
And again, even if you do not want to hear it, adding a Dante card allows you to use SQ drive (max 32 signals) and Dante simultaneously.

14

What SQ reference manual did Stonepiano read that did not include the port options of a Waves or Dante card? Understanding and dealing with our operational limitations is a defining earmark of a professional practitioner.
Hugh

15

If the production is not willing to get that Dante-card, I´m certainly not going to pay for it from my own pocket. I´m a hired hand, the console is not mine. “Dealing with operational imitations” is exactly what I´m trying to do here.

16

So, calm down. Do what is possible. Use the SQ-Drive or a DAW with USB-B and send some stereo mix, using a dedicated Stereo-Mixbus, via AES. More is not possible in your current situation.

17

Thanks, you understand, what I´m dealing with here. It will go like this: " we are on a lightweight- tour.you want multichannel digital split- you provide the necessary interfacing. Our FOH- Guy is fine with DigiCo, or Midas (although He don´t like Midas). Soundcraft OK too. I mean, The Swedish Radio…? Rental- deal for the room contains the KIVA- system -which is nice- .some lighting, and one house technician. No console. if I were The Tour Manager, I would rent the whole Shebang… cost- effective, He is

18

Not that it makes much,if any, difference to the readers of this thread but the truth is I use a Waves card daily in my project studio. I have deployed a complete Digigrid/Waves LV1 system for more than 4 years for studio work. Most everything I do these days are audio/video shoots where I can control the entire process in either the studio or a live gig. Un like the 32 channel demands the OP is faced with I seldom if ever need as many as 16 inputs or 8 outs. My DX168 is more than a sufficient stage box and I transfer two stereo stems to the Atomos video recorders attached to my GH5 cameras. I also deploy a free standing ,independently powered, Glyph Studio HD to Multi track direct all live performances with the A&H USB format.

The reason I am explaining my work protocol is to clear the air with Stonepiano: My live Stereo feeds for video are generally acceptable and post produced versions to be synced in over the original live tracks are not an expense most of my clients are willing to advance. The primary reason for this is there usually is not a big enough difference to warrant the additional expense! Fortunately In the acoustic music world where I work hot back lines are not involved so a great initial capture direct from the LR FOH work is much more likely.
Good luck with your tour;
Hugh

19

If it’s not your gear, then I’d tell all parties involved there are 2 ways of handling it. USB to a DAW or a Dante card. Not really your issue if all you are hired to do is mix.

20

SQ- drive records 16 inputs + L/R. I need to get about 30 individual channels out of the desk, digitally. I´m talking possibilities to use the USB B- port, or AES…

Nope. As Phil noted in the very first reply to this thread, as of V1.5, you can record up to 32 tracks at a 48khz sampling rate direct to an external hard drive via SQ-Drive, all freely patched from any patch point on the desk. This is covered in sections 6.5 and 13 of the v1.5 reference manual available at https://www.allen-heath.com/media/SQ_ReferenceGuide_V1_5_0.pdf