SQ+ packs the same 48-input, low-latency 96kHz XCVI processing core that underpins the SQ range.
RackUltra FX
A major extension to the range, SQ+ introduces RackUltra FX processing. The mixers boast four RackUltra FX engines, each with dedicated stereo sends and returns. RackUltra FX Add-Ons are available from our online shop, delivering a suite of effects including reverbs, vocal tuning, pitch processors, distortion and saturation.
DEEP Processing
The increased processing power brings the next generation of DEEP Add-Ons. SQ+ owners can claim the PlusPack - the full suite of DEEP and standard FX Add-Ons in a single bundle. Simply register your new SQ+ and stay signed up to our marketing newsletter to claim your PlusPack.
Bigger, Bolder Interface
Experience a larger 9-inch touchscreen, a redesigned dark GUI for improved clarity, and a sleek finish that aligns SQ+ with the latest generation of Allen & Heath mixers.
Join Senior Product Manager Keith Johnson for a livestream on Thursday 21st May at 15:00 (BST) for more information and a Q&A. Register and watch on your preferred platform. Links will be updated here soon!
Feeling ripped off by SQ+. Not a fan at all. Instead of actually listening to the community, adding long-overdue firmware features, and finally giving us an SQ rack, they expect us to buy an entirely new console now?
Worse, you canāt even transfer your existing plugin licenses over, so inevitably we have to pay for plug-ins we already paid for. What kind of company locks you out of software you already paid for? All this for a few minor software bells and whistles. No extra buses, no extra channels, nothing that actually changes the workflow or capacity.
There is absolutely no logical reason for this desk to exist. Itās a lazy cash grab disguised as an upgrade. If I buy another desk it will be a wing. Iām done with you guys lol
Wouldnāt be as much of a disappointment if the communication would have been a little clearer over the last years. It left people hopeful since āthe SQ range is future proof because of DEEP processingā turns outā¦ it isnāt. I know I know buy the desk that has the features you need yada yada. I was sticking around for an update like everybody else, hopeful for basic features. In my case my SQ will be sold in a few weeks but not for a +. All the best.
It looks like the primary upgrade is a bigger screen and an added 4 full FX engines/channels, which can run the old and new FX. They didnāt fix much of the stuff weāve been asking for. Also, will the āoldā SQ still get feature and firmware updates? Or have I bought into another dead end product (selling my soundcrafts)
As someone who recently purchased the long awaited SQ-Rack, is there going to be a firmware upgrade path, or another long wait for the SQ+RACK? These things have become industry standard for IEM racks, so Iām hoping that a firmware plan is in the works as theyāre so new to the market. Can someone from the A&H team comment?
I wouldnāt be concerned. Everything I have seen leads me to believe the software/firmware is exactly the same on both models. The SQ+ update is all about addition of the RUFX processor, not the actual firmware running the console. Obviously RUFX settings saved in a SQ+ show wonāt carry over to the older models.
Just had a look and the price isnāt too bad from Thomann in Germany for an SQ5+ at only ā¬600 more than the original SQ5. (Though that price has come down ā¬400 since the new consoles were announced.)
Two main things I see straight off the bat that are a big let down, are:
Scribble strips havenāt been upgraded at all. Still the same tiny panels.
No improvement to physical channel metering on the actual console. Still the ridiculously small single LED that tells you nothing of any relevance at a glance.
Yes - you can.
SQ+ Shows cannot be run on an SQ, but you can move SQ shows onto an SQ+.
They will need to be manually moved into the SQ+ folder (which is automatically created when a USB drive is inserted into the console)
I think the SQ+ looks really good and actually has exactly the features and plug-ins I would need ā features that I currently had to build myself using a Waves setup. However, I find it difficult to accept that the long-awaited Source Expander, which is finally available now, cannot be used on the regular SQ.
Another major point, in my opinion, is that the complete plug-in bundle (excluding Ultra FX) is included for free with the SQ+. Whatās really outrageous, though, is that just a few weeks ago there was, for the first time, a 30% discount on SQ plug-ins. People were encouraged to spend money again, only to now face a massive loss in value for their SQ consoles. Iām sure many of them would have preferred to put that money toward an SQ+ instead.
Iām glad I didnāt fall for that marketing trickā¦
The fair thing to do would be to refund the plug-ins purchased in recent weeks and also offer the plug-ins for free on the regular SQ to soften the already significant loss in value. But that probably wonāt happen.
I think this is an excellent upgrade to the already-impressive SQ.
I own an SQ-5 and love it. I work on dLives regularly so I, like others, got very used to some of the plugins and FX. Those are now on the SQ - amazing. RUFX with no additional hardware cost? Amazing. A bigger screen with a better-looking UI - fantastic. You kept some knobs (Iām old and I still prefer tactility) - great!
Itās a full-featured 48-channel console for a few thousand dollars and thereās still so much complaining and entitlement. You need more than 48 channels? Look at another system. You need more busses? Look at another system. You expect to buy a digital system and have it infinitely upgraded until you get everything you want (which is just the more expensive/expansive system)? You want a system with different features for less money made by a reprehensible company? Go buy that one.
Would you like a mid-grade / mid-priced console that has most of the features of its larger siblings? Here it is.
It would be nice to see cross compatibility since these are being marketed in the same series of console. Or updated the SQ to allow for the new features?
As a long term SQ user I am really disappointed. I was hoping for 2.0 firmware update including things that were requested. I understand that some of them may not be possible due to hardware limitations, but I think that launching SQ+ platform was the move just to earn more money and to push SQ users to buy new console instead of using the old one which is still doing great job. Iāve also spent a lot of money buying add-ons to my SQ, and now youāre giving this for free? That just feels unfair, and doeasnāt build any trust to you as a company.
Now I donāt feel as we could expect any usefull updates for our old SQās because for what reason?
