The Allen & Heath SQ7 is a 48-channel, 36-bus digital mixer designed for live sound, offering intuitive operation, flexible I/O patching, and powerful processing tools like DEEP and 8 DCA/mute groups.
Purpose of the Manual
This manual is designed to guide users in understanding and operating the Allen & Heath SQ7 digital mixer effectively. It provides comprehensive instructions for setting up, configuring, and utilizing the console’s features, ensuring optimal performance in live sound applications. The manual covers essential topics such as safety precautions, system navigation, and troubleshooting, making it an invaluable resource for both novice and experienced users. By following the guidelines outlined, users can unlock the full potential of the SQ7, from input patching to effects processing, while maintaining safety and efficiency. This document serves as a reference for achieving professional-grade audio production with the SQ7.
Safety Precautions
Before powering on the SQ7, read the safety instructions (AP9240/CL1-1) to ensure safe operation. Follow all warnings and guidelines to protect yourself, crew, and performers.
General Safety Guidelines
Always read the safety instructions (AP9240/CL1-1) before using the SQ7. Ensure proper handling to avoid damage. Use only approved power supplies and avoid overloading. Keep the console away from liquids and extreme temperatures. Ensure good ventilation to prevent overheating. Follow all warnings and guidelines to protect yourself, crew, and performers. Regularly inspect cables and connections for damage. Avoid placing objects on the mixer that could obstruct controls or vents. Never operate the console near water or in humid environments. Adhere to all safety precautions to maintain optimal performance and longevity of the equipment.
Electrical Safety
Ensure the SQ7 is connected to a grounded power source, using only the supplied or approved power cables. Avoid overloading circuits, as this can cause electrical hazards. Never expose the console to moisture or operate it in humid environments, as this may lead to electrical shock or damage. Do not modify the power supply or internal components, as this voids the warranty and poses safety risks. Always unplug the console before cleaning or servicing. Use surge protectors to safeguard against voltage spikes. Keep all electrical connections secure and free from damage. Follow local electrical regulations and guidelines to ensure safe operation and prevent potential hazards.
Overview of the Allen & Heath SQ7
The Allen & Heath SQ7 is a 48-channel, 36-bus digital mixer with a 96kHz sample rate, offering a robust design, advanced processing, and intuitive touchscreen control for professional live sound applications.
Key Features
The Allen & Heath SQ7 boasts 48 input channels, 36 buses, and 32 motorized faders, offering exceptional flexibility. It features a high-resolution 7-inch touchscreen, DEEP processing, and 8 DCA and mute groups. The mixer supports extensive I/O patching, with options for stage boxes and Dante integration. Custom scribble strips enhance channel identification, while built-in effects and external processing options ensure versatile sound shaping. USB connectivity allows for easy recording and streaming, and the companion software enables offline setup and show file preparation. Its robust design and intuitive interface make it ideal for live sound engineers seeking professional-grade performance and reliability.
Technical Specifications
The Allen & Heath SQ7 operates at a 96kHz sample rate, offering 48 input channels and 36 buses. It features 32 motorized faders, 8 DCA groups, and 8 mute groups. The mixer includes a 7-inch touchscreen, DEEP processing with emulations of classic preamps and compressors, and built-in effects like reverb and delay. Connectivity options include USB for recording and streaming, Dante and other digital I/O options, and compatibility with Allen & Heath’s stage boxes. The SQ7 supports up to 32 channels over USB and is compatible with Windows 10/11. Its robust design ensures reliable performance in demanding live sound environments, making it a versatile choice for engineers seeking professional-grade features.
Getting Started
Begin by unboxing and powering on the SQ7, ensuring all safety precautions are followed. Connect external devices, configure initial settings, and familiarize yourself with the interface layout.
Unboxing and Initial Setup
Carefully unbox the Allen & Heath SQ7, ensuring all components are included. Begin by reading the safety instructions to avoid damage or injury. Connect the power cord and turn on the mixer. Familiarize yourself with the touchscreen interface and navigate through the menu. Assign channels to layers for easy access. Connect external devices such as stage racks or Dante cards. Use the companion software to create a show file offline. Ensure firmware is up-to-date for optimal performance. Explore the intuitive layout, including faders, knobs, and scribble strips. Set up DCA and mute groups for efficient mixing. Finally, test audio inputs and outputs to confirm proper operation before use.
Connecting External Devices
Connect external devices to the Allen & Heath SQ7 via its extensive I/O options. Use stage racks or Dante cards for flexible audio distribution. Assign inputs from these devices to the mixer’s channels through the menu. Ensure proper configuration of external preamps and effects processors. Utilize the USB port for streaming or recording, allowing up to 32 channels of audio to be sent to a computer. Connect additional hardware like personal monitor mixers or outboard gear using the mixer’s auxiliary ports. Verify all connections are secure and configured correctly in the SQ7’s interface. This ensures seamless integration of external devices, enhancing the mixer’s functionality for live sound or installation applications.
Processing Channels
The SQ7 offers 48 processing channels and 36 buses, providing flexible audio management. Channels support EQ, compression, delay, and other effects, with intuitive assignment of inputs and outputs.
Input Channels
The SQ7’s input channels are highly customizable, allowing for precise control over audio sources. Each channel features a range of processing tools, including parametric EQ, compression, delay, and pan. Users can assign inputs from various sources such as stage racks, Dante cards, or other option cards, ensuring flexibility in setup. The console’s intuitive interface makes it easy to navigate and adjust settings, while the ability to customize channel layouts enhances workflow efficiency. With 48 input channels at your disposal, the SQ7 provides ample capacity for managing complex live sound scenarios, ensuring each audio source is processed to perfection.
Output Channels
The SQ7’s output channels are designed to deliver exceptional audio quality and flexibility. Each output channel features comprehensive processing, including external input selection, polarity inversion, trim adjustment, and pan control. These channels allow for precise control over audio routing, making it easy to configure custom mixes for various applications. The console supports multiple output configurations, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of sound systems. With 36 buses available, users can create detailed mixes for main outputs, subgroups, and auxiliary sends. The SQ7’s output channels also integrate seamlessly with external effects and processing units, enhancing the overall audio experience. This flexibility makes the SQ7 ideal for both live sound and studio environments, providing reliable and professional-grade audio outputs.
I/O Patching
The SQ7 offers extensive I/O patching flexibility, allowing easy configuration of input and output sources. With support for stage boxes, Dante, and option cards, it streamlines workflow.
Input Patching
Input patching on the SQ7 allows seamless assignment of sources to channels. Users can select from various patch points, including stage racks, Dante, and option cards. This flexibility ensures that inputs can be routed efficiently, adapting to different setups. The console’s intuitive interface simplifies the patching process, enabling quick configuration. By organizing inputs logically, engineers can streamline their workflow, ensuring smooth operation during live performances. The SQ7’s robust patching system supports up to 48 channels, making it ideal for complex audio setups. This feature-rich input patching capability enhances the mixer’s versatility, catering to both novice and experienced users.
Output Patching
Output patching on the SQ7 offers flexible routing of audio signals to various destinations. Users can assign output channels to external devices, stage boxes, or internal mix buses with ease. This feature is particularly useful for managing complex audio setups, ensuring that each output is directed to the correct destination. The SQ7’s output patching supports multiple configurations, catering to both live sound and studio environments. Engineers can customize outputs to meet specific requirements, enhancing workflow efficiency. With robust routing options, the SQ7 provides a reliable solution for precise audio distribution, making it a versatile tool for professional audio applications.
User Interface
The SQ7 features a touchscreen-centric design with intuitive fader and knob layouts, offering easy navigation and customization of settings for a seamless mixing experience.
Touchscreen Navigation
The SQ7’s touchscreen interface provides intuitive navigation, allowing users to access various functions with ease. The home screen offers quick access to key features like channel strips, effects, and routing. Menus are organized logically, reducing the learning curve for new users. Gestures such as swiping and pinching enable efficient browsing through settings. Customizable layouts allow users to tailor the interface to their workflow, enhancing productivity during live performances. The responsive design ensures smooth operation, even in high-pressure environments. This user-friendly approach makes the SQ7 accessible to both experienced engineers and those new to digital mixers.
Fader and Knob Layout
The SQ7 features a sleek, ergonomic design with 32 motorized faders, each paired with a high-resolution LCD scribble strip for clear channel identification. The faders are arranged in banks, allowing seamless navigation between input, DCA, and master channels. Above the faders, a row of rotary knobs provides direct access to key parameters such as gain, EQ, and dynamics. Additional knobs are strategically placed around the touchscreen for intuitive control of pan, aux sends, and effects. The layout is designed to minimize hand movement, ensuring efficient operation during live performances. Customizable scribble strips further enhance workflow by enabling personalized labeling of channels and functions.
DCA and Mute Groups
The SQ7 offers 8 DCA groups and 8 Mute groups, enabling efficient management of multiple channels and scenes. These groups streamline live mixing workflows, enhancing control and organization.
Configuring DCA Groups
Configuring DCA groups on the Allen & Heath SQ7 is straightforward. Start by selecting the channels you wish to assign to a DCA group. Use the touchscreen to navigate to the DCA setup menu, where you can name and customize each group. Assign channels by dragging and dropping or using the Channel to All Mix function. Adjust the DCA fader levels to control the overall output of the group. You can also save your DCA configurations for quick recall during live performances. This feature enhances workflow efficiency, allowing seamless management of complex mixes with precision and ease.
Effects Processing
The SQ7 offers a wide range of built-in effects, including reverb, delay, and compression, delivering professional-grade sound quality. External effects can also be integrated seamlessly for enhanced creativity.
Built-in Effects
The Allen & Heath SQ7 features an extensive suite of built-in effects, including high-quality reverb, delay, chorus, and compression. These effects are designed to enhance your audio without compromising quality. Each effect processor offers intuitive controls, allowing for precise adjustments to suit your mixing needs. The SQ7 also includes Allen & Heath’s renowned DEEP processing, which emulates classic outboard gear, providing authentic tones and textures. With multiple effects slots available, you can layer and customize your sound effortlessly. The built-in effects are accessible via the touchscreen interface, making it easy to navigate and apply them to any channel or mix. This versatility ensures that the SQ7 meets the demands of both live and studio environments, delivering professional-grade results every time.
External Effects Integration
The Allen & Heath SQ7 seamlessly integrates external effects, allowing you to enhance your mixes with outboard processors. Each input and output channel features insert points, enabling you to route signals to external effects units. This flexibility is ideal for incorporating favorite outboard gear or expanding the console’s processing capabilities. The SQ7’s intuitive interface makes it easy to configure external effects loops, ensuring a smooth workflow. Whether you’re using compressors, reverbs, or other processors, the SQ7’s external effects integration ensures that your sound is tailored to perfection. This feature-rich design allows for a hybrid approach, combining the console’s built-in effects with external tools for a truly customized sound.
Recording and Streaming
The SQ7 features a USB output for connecting to a computer, enabling 1-32 channel feeds for recording, playback, or streaming, ideal for live or studio applications.
USB Connectivity
The Allen & Heath SQ7 features a USB output on the rear panel, allowing seamless connection to a computer for recording, playback, or streaming. This port enables the transmission of 1-32 audio channels, providing flexibility for various applications. Whether for live sound capture or studio production, the USB interface simplifies the process of routing audio to your computer. The SQ7’s USB connectivity supports both Mac and Windows systems, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of recording software. For detailed setup instructions, refer to the SQ7 Reference Manual, which provides comprehensive guidance on configuring USB settings and optimizing audio streams. This feature enhances the mixer’s versatility, making it an ideal choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Streaming Setup
The Allen & Heath SQ7 simplifies streaming with its USB connectivity, enabling direct audio transmission to a computer. This feature allows for high-quality live streaming to platforms like YouTube or Facebook. To set up streaming, connect the SQ7’s USB output to your computer, ensuring the mixer is recognized as the audio source. The SQ7 can send up to 32 channels, but for streaming, a stereo mix is typically sufficient. Use the SQ7’s internal mix bus to create a dedicated stream mix, ensuring optimal audio levels. The SQ Reference Manual provides detailed steps for configuring USB settings and routing audio for streaming applications. This makes the SQ7 an excellent choice for live events and content creators seeking professional-grade streaming solutions.
Customization
The SQ7 offers extensive customization options, including scribble strips for channel labeling and custom channel layouts. Users can tailor the interface to their workflow, enhancing efficiency and creativity.
Scribble Strips
The Allen & Heath SQ7 features customizable scribble strips, allowing users to label channels and mixes with clarity. These strips are high-resolution and backlit, ensuring readability in any lighting condition. Users can easily edit labels using the touchscreen interface, making it simple to organize and identify channels during live performances. This feature enhances workflow efficiency and reduces confusion, especially in fast-paced environments. The scribble strips are a practical tool for personalizing the console to meet individual or specific production needs, ensuring a seamless and intuitive mixing experience.
Software Integration
The SQ7 integrates seamlessly with companion software, enabling offline show file creation and enhanced control. Free software tools allow users to build and customize their setups efficiently.
Companion Software
The Allen & Heath SQ7 is supported by powerful companion software, designed to enhance your mixing experience. This software allows for offline setup and configuration, enabling you to prepare show files without being connected to the physical console. It provides a virtual environment to organize scenes, adjust settings, and customize layouts, ensuring a seamless transition when moving to the live setup. The software also offers advanced features like DEEP processing and integration with external effects, making it a valuable tool for both live sound engineers and installers. Additionally, the companion software is regularly updated, ensuring compatibility with the latest firmware and hardware enhancements. This robust integration between hardware and software makes the SQ7 a versatile and user-friendly digital mixing solution.
Firmware Updates
Regular firmware updates are essential to ensure the Allen & Heath SQ7 operates at its best. These updates often include new features, performance improvements, and bug fixes. To update the firmware, download the latest version from the official Allen & Heath website and transfer it to the console using a USB drive. The process is straightforward but requires careful attention to instructions to avoid any potential issues. The companion software can also assist in managing and applying firmware updates, ensuring a smooth transition. Keeping the firmware up-to-date guarantees access to the latest enhancements, maintaining the console’s reliability and functionality. Always refer to the official documentation for detailed update procedures and release notes.
Troubleshooting
Common issues with the SQ7 include connectivity problems and incorrect firmware installations. Always power down correctly to avoid system corruption. Check all connections and consult the manual for detailed troubleshooting guides. Regular updates and proper shutdown procedures help prevent operational issues. For unresolved problems, contact Allen & Heath support for assistance.
Common Issues
Users of the Allen & Heath SQ7 often encounter issues such as connectivity problems with external devices, particularly during USB setup for recording or streaming. Another common issue is incorrect firmware installation, which can lead to system instability. Some users have reported difficulty in properly shutting down the console, which may result in corrupted settings. Additionally, there have been instances where the touchscreen interface becomes unresponsive, requiring a restart. To address these issues, ensure all connections are secure, follow the firmware update instructions carefully, and perform regular system restarts. Consulting the official manual or contacting Allen & Heath support can provide further assistance in resolving these problems effectively.
Maintenance
Regularly clean the SQ7’s surface with a soft cloth and avoid harsh chemicals. Ensure proper ventilation and check for dust buildup to maintain optimal performance and longevity.
Cleaning the Console
Regular cleaning is essential to maintain the SQ7’s performance and longevity. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the surface, avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive materials. For stubborn marks, lightly dampen the cloth with distilled water, but ensure no moisture enters the console. Gently clean faders and knobs, paying attention to dust accumulation. Avoid spraying liquids directly on the console. For internal dust, use compressed air carefully, holding the can upright to prevent liquid discharge. Always power down the console before cleaning. Refer to the manual for specific cleaning instructions to ensure proper maintenance and prevent damage to sensitive components.
Resources and Support
Visit Allen & Heath’s official website for comprehensive manuals, firmware updates, and customer support. Register your SQ7 for exclusive updates and resources.
Official Documentation
The official Allen & Heath SQ7 manual is available for free on their website, providing detailed instructions for setup, operation, and troubleshooting. It includes comprehensive guides for features like I/O patching, DCA groups, and effects processing. The manual also covers technical specifications, safety precautions, and maintenance tips. Additionally, Allen & Heath offers firmware updates and companion software to enhance functionality. Users can access these resources by registering their product on the official website. The documentation is regularly updated to reflect the latest features and improvements, ensuring users have the most accurate information. For further assistance, Allen & Heath provides customer support and online forums where users can share experiences and solutions.