Forgive me if this has been asked before. When I get my SQ Rack in, if I add a stage box via S Link, will I get more outputs than the Rack has on board via the App? In short, would I have access to the SQ Rack Outs plus the Stage Box Outs? I am trying to plan ahead.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
The short answer is yes.
The long answer is that the SQ Rack has exactly the same processing capacity as any other SQ model. Obviously the amount of local I/O is different for each specific SQ model. If you need more I/O than the local I/O provided by your specific model, you can add stage boxes to add more capacity. While the local I/O will show up as “local” (and is always available to use), the added stage box I/O will show up under “SLink” if that is the way you are attaching the extra I/O.
You could just as easily add other I/O via an expansion card (like Dante, Madi, Waves, or SLink) as well. Your ability to add extra I/O is not limited to just the built in SLink port.
Thanks for the info. I was hoping this was the case. They other guys gear is limited no matter how many boxes you add. The B word specifically. Now I’m really excited!
Keep in mind you can duplicate the outputs as in having the same output both on the local mixer and the stage box.
In addition to what @sic0048 has said here and to try and avoid any misunderstanding;
The number of mix channels (the number of destinations you can mix to) is determined by the processing core. All SQ models have the ability to mix 48 input processing channels to LR + 12 stereo aux/group + 4 internal FX sends, along with 3 stereo/6 mono matrices (a mix of mixes).
Using a model with more local I/O or adding expanders will increase the number of input and output sockets that you can patch to and from, but it does not alter the processing channel count of the core.
For example, you could connect a DX-Hub with 8x DX168 expanders which would provide 128 remote input sockets, but the total number of input processing channels would still be 48.
Those extra input sockets are still useful of course and can be used for instant switch over (e.g. festival or theatre setups), Mix External Inputs (signals routed directly into a mix with no processing) and Tie Lines (signals routed directly between input and output sockets, bypassing all processing).
My main objective is to get more stereo IEM mixes. I am thinking about purchasing the DX168 to add to the SQ Rack when it ships. I just want to make sure that this would be possible before spending the money. Of course having more inputs is always nice as well.
It sounds like the DX168 or the DX012 would be a great fit.
The DX012 has 12 XLR outputs (which can be 12 analog outputs, or a mix of analog and AES digital outputs, depending on your needs) and is a 1u rack size which might make a difference if you are trying to create a small rack system with the SQ Rack.
We also Live Track every show and are working on a multi cam angle Live Stream rig. That being said, I could possibly need some extra inputs from time to time. We use the RAT Sound connectivity for the band with all xlr in and out hard wired for our band. It’s when our system gets hired out to stream other bands where the channel count could be more than the on board. I was thinking a DX168 mounted on the rear rails would give us flexibility. Just wanted to enlist the group for different opinions. I appreciate your input.
If the primary goal is more outputs for IEMs, does it need to be the 96k variety? Yes, the DX012 is great due to the 1U footprint amd having 12 out, but if your rack has the space, wouldn’t the AR2412 be worthy of consideration?
We do love the 96k! There may be time when we need more inputs.