ALLEN & HEATH SQ-5 User manual

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Reference Guide V1.0.1
Reference Guide
Firmware V1.0.1

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Reference Guide V1.0.1
1. Important information................................................................................................. 5
2. Introduction ................................................................................................................ 6
3. Updating firmware...................................................................................................... 7
4. Operational Overview................................................................................................. 8
4.1 Physical control of the SQ..................................................................................................8
4.2 Channel types ....................................................................................................................9
4.3 On-screen parameters, menus and pop-ups .....................................................................9
4.4 On-screen title bar............................................................................................................10
4.5 Home screen.................................................................................................................... 11
4.6 Diagnostics ......................................................................................................................11
4.7 Basic workflow concepts..................................................................................................12
4.8 Screens Reference........................................................................................................... 13
5. Connections ............................................................................................................. 14
5.1 Local inputs......................................................................................................................14
5.2 Local outputs ................................................................................................................... 14
5.3 SLink ................................................................................................................................15
5.4 USB.................................................................................................................................. 15
5.5 Network............................................................................................................................15
5.6 I/O Port.............................................................................................................................15
5.7 Footswitch........................................................................................................................15
6. I/O Patching ............................................................................................................. 16
6.1 Local ................................................................................................................................17
6.2 SLink ................................................................................................................................17
6.3 ME systems......................................................................................................................17
6.4 USB.................................................................................................................................. 18
6.5 I/O Port.............................................................................................................................18
7. Processing ............................................................................................................... 19
7.1 Preamp............................................................................................................................. 20
7.2 Gate (input channels).......................................................................................................22
7.3 Insert ................................................................................................................................23
7.4 GEQ (mix channels)......................................................................................................... 25
7.5 HPF and PEQ................................................................................................................... 26

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7.6 Compressor .....................................................................................................................27
8. Routing..................................................................................................................... 29
8.1 Direct out.......................................................................................................................... 30
8.2 Mix send and balance settings......................................................................................... 31
8.3 DCA/Mute Groups............................................................................................................ 32
8.4 Send levels and mix assignments....................................................................................33
8.4 Assigning a mix to a matrix ..............................................................................................33
9. Metering ................................................................................................................... 34
9.1 PAFL LED Meter............................................................................................................... 34
9.2 Input/FX/Output Meters....................................................................................................34
9.3 RTA .................................................................................................................................. 35
9.4 Other Metering .................................................................................................................35
9.5 Chromatic Channel Metering ...........................................................................................36
10. FX Engines ............................................................................................................. 37
10.1 Using FX buses and returns...........................................................................................37
10.2 Loading units and pre-sets.............................................................................................38
10.3 Adjusting parameters .....................................................................................................38
10.4 Sending to FX from other sources .................................................................................39
10.5 FX Levels and PEQ ........................................................................................................40
11. Saving and Recalling Shows/Scenes .................................................................... 41
11.1 Scene manager..............................................................................................................42
11.2 Global Filter....................................................................................................................43
11.3 Safes ..............................................................................................................................43
11.4 Show manager (USB) ....................................................................................................44
12. Setup...................................................................................................................... 45
12.1 Strip assign ....................................................................................................................45
12.2 Input/Mix stereo assign ..................................................................................................46
12.3 Mix bus configuration.....................................................................................................47
12.4 SoftKeys/SoftRotaries ....................................................................................................48
12.5 Footswitch...................................................................................................................... 50
12.6 Surface Preferences.......................................................................................................51
12.7 PAFL...............................................................................................................................52

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12.8 Audio Sync and AES sample rate .................................................................................. 53
12.9 Talkback settings ...........................................................................................................54
12.10 Signal Generator ..........................................................................................................55
12.11 Network Setup.............................................................................................................. 56
13. SQ-Drive and USB-B .............................................................................................. 57
13.1 SQ-Drive stereo recording and playback .......................................................................58
13.2 SQ-Drive multitrack recording and playback .................................................................60
13.3 Connecting to a computer .............................................................................................62
14. MIDI and DAW Control........................................................................................... 63
14.1 MIDI channel and MMC..................................................................................................63
14.2 MIDI fader strips .............................................................................................................64
14.3 DAW Control ..................................................................................................................64
15. Mix/System Reset................................................................................................... 65
15.1 Reset Mix Settings.......................................................................................................... 65
15.2 System reset ..................................................................................................................66
15.3 Fader Calibration............................................................................................................66
16. Block Diagrams...................................................................................................... 67
17. Specifications......................................................................................................... 69
18. Warranty Information.............................................................................................. 74

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Reference Guide V1.0.1
1. Important information
Safety
Before powering on the SQ, read the safety instructions sheet
(AP9240/CL1-1) supplied with the unit. For your own safety and that of the
operator, technical crew and performers, follow all instructions and heed all
warnings included in these documents and printed directly on the equipment.
Ventilation
Do not obstruct the sides of the SQ, or any of the air vents when in use.
Adequate ventilation is required for the cooling fans especially.
Support
For further support with SQ, please visit support.allen-heath.com, or contact
your local distributor.
Registration
To be kept informed of updates, the latest firmware and new releases for the
SQ range, register your SQ at www.allen-heath.com/registersq
Firmware updates and apps
Visit www.allen-heath.com to obtain the latest version of firmware, release
notes and reference guide.
Firmware releases contain important updates and performance
enhancements, and are also required for access to the latest DEEP
Processing units.
The firmware on the SQ and version of any app must have the same major
release number. This is the first two digits of each release number.
i.e. 1.0.3 and 1.0.5 = compatible
1.0.3 and 1.1.3 = not compatible

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2. Introduction
Welcome to the SQ Reference Guide.
Designed for applications where high-quality audio mixing and processing is
required in a compact and reliable unit, and built on an Allen & Heath XCVI
core, the SQ series of digital mixers feature 96kHz, variable bit-depth
processing and ultra-low latencies.
Both SQ models can be used standalone, or expanded with a range of
remote audio units and option cards. They can also be customised and
upgraded with additional processing options.
Having the same processing core means both models have the same mixing
capabilities, and so this guide is generalised. Where necessary, it will be
noted which model is being discussed. The differences are as follows:
Model
Faders
Preamps
XLR Outputs
SoftKeys
SoftRotaries
SQ-5
16+master
16+talkback
12
8
0
SQ-6
24+master
24+talkback
14
16
4

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3. Updating firmware
1) Insert a new or formatted USB drive into the SQ-Drive port on the front of the
SQ.
2) Press the ‘Utility’ screen key, and select ‘USB Utility’.
3) In the ‘Status/Format’ tab, both windows should say ‘Ready’. If they do not,
you will need to ensure you are in the correct USB mode.
[To switch between USB B and SQ-Drive modes, press the ‘I/O’ screen key, then touch
the ‘USB’ tab above the routing matrix. The USB Source button is displayed at the top
left of the grid and touching this will switch between the modes. To update the firmware,
the button should read ‘SQ-Drive’.]
4) Press the ‘Format’button and follow the on-screen instructions to format the
drive, this will clear all data and set up the SQ-Drive folder structure.
5) Once formatted remove the drive and connect to a Windows or Mac computer.
6) Download the latest version of firmware from www.allen-heath.com, ensuring
you choose the correct version for the SQ model you wish to update.
7) Unzip/expand the downloaded ZIP file and copy the firmware file (which has a
.bin suffix) to the root of the USB drive, do not place it in any of the folders.
Ensure there is only one firmware file on the USB drive at any one time.
8) Safely eject the drive and re-insert into the SQ.
9) Now press the ‘Utility’ screen key, select ‘USB Utility’ and touch the
‘Firmware Update’ tab.
10) This screen will display the firmware version found on the USB drive. Touch the
‘Update’button to begin the update process.
11) Follow the on-screen instructions and touch the ‘Reset’ button when prompted
to reboot the SQ and complete the firmware update.
12) Check the displayed firmware version on the home screen, or press the ‘Utility’
screen key and select ‘General’. The firmware version is displayed in the
‘Diagnostics’ tab.

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4. Operational Overview
4.1 Physical control of the SQ
Keys –All keys are labelled, and most illuminate to show when they are active. All
perform specific functions, aside from the ‘SoftKeys’which are user assignable.
Faders –There are 6 layers of assignable fader strips. For all inputs and FX returns
the fader controls the send level of this channel to the selected mix. FX Send, Mix
(Aux/Group) and Matrix faders control master levels. DCA faders control the level of
the DCA groups, and MIDI faders send MIDI level messages. All fader strips are also
used by the GEQ ‘Fader Flip’ function.
Rotary Encoders (Rotaries) –These illuminate when active and are used to adjust
various parameters. Most are dedicated to parameters for the currently selected
channel or mix, though one is for use with the touchscreen. The SQ-6 features 4
additional ‘SoftRotaries’ which are user assignable.
Touchscreen –The touchscreen allows simple user interaction through on-screen
buttons and menus. Parameters can also be selected on-screen and adjusted using
the touchscreen rotary. When a parameter is selected, it will turn yellow on the
screen, and the touchscreen rotary will illuminate to indicate it can be used.
SoftKeys
SoftRotaries
touchscreen
Mix keys
Layer keys
Fader strips
Master strip
EQ section and rotaries
processing section and rotaries
FX sends
SQ-Drive port
copy/paste/reset
screen keys
SoftKeys
routing keys
Mute/Sel/PAFL keys

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4.2 Channel types
Input channels –48 input channels with processing. These can be sourced from
local, remote or digital connections, and mixed to any output.
Main LR –This is the main mix. All post-fader modes and options follow this mix.
Mix channels –12 stereo mix channels with processing that can be used as either
auxiliaries or groups.
FX sends –4 FX send buses are included for use with the FX engines.
FX Returns –8 stereo dedicated return channels for the FX engines.
Matrix –3 stereo matrix buses that can be made up of a combination of other buses.
DCA –8 ‘Digitally Controlled Amplifier’ channels for adjusting the level of multiple
channels with one fader.
MIDI –32 channels which send MIDI control data using MIDI over USB and MIDI over
TCP/IP.
4.3 On-screen parameters, menus and pop-ups
Adjustable parameters and selections –These are displayed as white text on a black
background. Values are displayed in text as well as in a bar.
Libraries –Where available, pressing the ‘Library’ key displays a library window,
allowing you to store or recall settings for the selected channel/processing or FX unit.
Pre-sets are stored in the Factory library, and a User library is provided to store your
own settings. Libraries are also used to load FX units, through the loading of a pre-
set.
Menu lists –With short lists, touch an option to select it. Longer lists can be navigated
by highlighting an option, then using the touchscreen rotary to scroll through all
available options. An ‘X’ is displayed to the top right of most pop-up menus.

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Keyboard –An on-screen keyboard is displayed when entering names or numbers.
Touch and hold ‘^’ (shift) to enable caps lock. Touch ‘Apply’ or ‘OK’ to set the name
or number. Touch the ‘X’ at the top right of the keyboard to close it.
Confirmation –Certain actions require confirmation. Where there is an option to apply
or cancel changes, buttons will show as active on-screen. In some cases, a pop-up
with more information and choices will be displayed.
4.4 On-screen title bar
The title bar is always visible at the top of the screen, from left to right it displays the
following information:
•The title of the currently selected window.
•The currently loaded scene.
•The next scene to be recalled.
•An SLink port symbol (when an SLink connection is available).
•A red cross when an error is detected (tap on this to see a pop-up window with
the detected error).
•A USB symbol when a USB device is connected to the SQ-Drive port. This is
replaced with transport symbols when using SQ-Drive for audio recording or
playback.

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4.5 Home screen
This is the first screen shown when powering on the SQ. It is also shown when no
channels are selected, and no other screens are active.
The firmware version is displayed below three buttons.
‘Shut Down’–Touch to shut down the SQ.
‘Lock’–Touch to lock the SQ surface and avoid accidental adjustments.
‘Brightness’–Touch to go directly to the SQ brightness settings.
4.6 Diagnostics
To get to the diagnostics, press the ‘Utilities’ screen key and touch the ‘General’ tab.
This displays important information about the SQ, including the unique DNA code,
which is required for registration.
firmware version
screen title
current/next scene
SQ-Drive connected
DNA code

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4.7 Basic workflow concepts
•Press ‘LR’, ‘Mix’ or ‘FX’ key to present send levels for the selected Mix on the
Fader Strips.
Use the layer keys to move through the 6 layers of faders and adjust individual
levels.
The Master strip controls the master send level of the selected Mix/FX.
•Select a strip by pressing a ‘Sel’ key. The physical controls can now be used to
adjust parameters for the selected strip.
•Go to the ‘Processing’ screen to see an overview of the processing for the
selected strip.
Touch on any part of the processing to see a detailed view, then touch a
parameter on-screen and use the touchscreen rotary to adjust.
•Mute keys are illuminated when a strip is muted.
By default, ‘PAFL‘ (Pre/After Fade Listen) keys allow you to route one channel at
a time to the PAFL bus/Headphone output.
•Mix sends set to ‘Post-Fade’ follow the LR send levels. To toggle channels
between ‘Pre-Fade’ and ‘Post-Fade’ for the selected Mix, hold the ‘Pre Fade’ key
and use ‘Sel’ keys.
To assign or un-assign a strip from the currently selected mix, hold the ‘Assign’
key and use ‘Sel’ keys.
•Pressing and holding the ‘CH to All Mix’ key will display the send levels for the
currently selected strip across the main fader strips.
•Press the ‘FX’ screen key to view and adjust the FX engines.
Use the ‘Library’ key to recall FX types and pre-sets - change parameters by
selecting them on-screen and using the touchscreen rotary.
FX busses 1 to 4 send to FX engines 1 to 4 by default.
FX Return channels can be routed to Mixes in the same way as stereo input
channels.
•Hold the ‘Copy’ key and press an ‘In’ key, a ‘Sel’ key or a ‘Mix’key to copy
parameters or sends.
Hold the ‘Paste’ key and press a ‘Sel’ key or Mix key to paste the processing or
send assignments to another channel.
Hold the ‘Reset’ key and press an ‘In’ key, a ‘Sel’ key or a ‘Mix’key to reset
parameters.
Information on the initial state of the SQ can be found in the Mix/System Reset section
of this guide.

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4.8 Screens Reference
Screen Key
Option 1/Left Tabs
Option 2/Top Tabs
Processing
Name
Bank/Processing View
Preamp (input), Ext In (mix)
Gate (input), Insert (mix)
Insert (input), GEQ (mix)
Routing
Name
Bank/Assign and Level View
Direct Out/Group/Aux Snd/FX Snd
DCA/Mute Assign
Mix Sends
Matrix Sends
Meters
Input Meters
N/A
FX Meters
Output Meters
RTA
Channel Meters
FX
FX Engines 1-8
Front/Back Panel
Scenes
Scene Manager
N/A
Global Filter
N/A
Safes
Inputs
FX
Mix
Setup
Audio
PAFL
Talkback
SigGen
Audio Sync Opts
Surface
Strip Assign
Soft Controls
Footswitch
Surface Prefs
Mixer Config
Input Stereo
Mix Stereo
Bus Config
Network Setup
N/A
Utility
General
Diagnostics
Calibration
MIDI
USB Data
N/A
USB Utility
Status/Format
Firmware Update
SQ-Drive
Stereo
Multitrack
I/O
Inputs
Onput sources/destinations
Outputs
Output sources/destinations

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5. Connections
5.1 Local inputs
Mono mic/line (XLR female) –These are numbered and accept balanced mic or line
level signal. Gain, Pad and 48v Phantom Power are controlled digitally.
Talkback (XLR female) –Identical to mono mic/line inputs. Intended for
communication from the desk position, but can also be used as an additional input.
ST1, ST2 (1/4” TRS jack) –Labelled as stereo pairs, these can also be used as mono
line level balanced inputs.
ST3 (TRS Mini jack) –Located on the surface of the SQ, this can be used with a line
level source, such as a portable media player, laptop, tablet or smartphone, using a
standard stereo mini jack cable.
5.2 Local outputs
Mono line (XLR male) –Line level outputs for sending mixes or direct outputs. These
are numbered, and fully assignable. With default settings, the LR mix is sent to
11&12, as labelled.
A/B mono line (1/4” TRS jack) –Two assignable line level outputs, presented on
balanced jack sockets for convenience.
AES digital (XLR male) –Stereo digital output clocked to SQ. For connection to
equipment with a digital input.
Headphone (1/4” TRS jack) –Located on the surface of the SQ, with dedicated level
control. Fed from the PAFL bus.
inputs
outputs
network
footswitch
USB
I/O Port
SLink

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5.3 SLink
Digital multichannel (Neutrik etherCON) –For expanding the SQ using Allen &
Heath Remote Audio Units. Mode switchable between dSnake, DX and gigaACE
protocols.
SLink does not support multiple protocols on a single connection.
Firmware V1.0.1 does not support the connection of secondary (daisy chained) units.
Check www.allen-heath.com for the full list of supported configurations.
5.4 USB
SQ-Drive –Located on the surface of the SQ. Can be used to connect USB ‘stick’
drives, or portable HDD’s or SSD’s. Used for storing and recalling data, firmware
updates and stereo or multitrack audio recording and playback.
USB-B –For connection to a Windows or Mac computer, in order to use the built-in
32x32 audio and MIDI interface.
See the SQ-Drive and USB-B section for more information.
5.5 Network
This is used to connect the SQ to a wireless router, access point or local area
network, allowing the SQ to transmit and receive control data. For use with Allen &
Heath SQ apps, and for MIDI over TCP/IP.
5.6 I/O Port
For the connection of SQ option cards, allowing expansion and connectivity using
Allen & Heath or third-party protocols.
5.7 Footswitch
Connect a single or dual, momentary or latching footswitch, and use to control
functions such as mutes or tap tempos.
See the Footswitch Setup section for more information.

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6. I/O Patching
There are two ways to patch channels, either in the Preamp section of the channel
processing screen, or in the I/O screen. For patching multiple channels, it is easiest to
use the I/O patching screen.
Press the ‘I/O’screen key to display the patching matrix.
•Touch one of the tabs on the left:
‘Input Ch’= to input channels of the SQ.
‘Mix Ext In’= to the mix external inputs.
‘Direct Outs’= from the direct outs of input channels.
‘Mix Outs’= from all mix outputs (LR, Aux, Group, Matrix).
‘Rack FX’= from FX returns.
•When patching inputs, the source (local/digital/USB) is displayed at the top of
the matrix and the destination (in the SQ) is displayed to the left.
When patching outputs, the source (from the SQ) is displayed at the left of the
matrix, and the destination (local/digital/USB) is displayed at the top.
•Drag the grid on-screen to see more input and output channels.
•Touch the ‘SLink‘ or ‘I/O Port‘ tab multiple times to display either channels 1-32,
33-64, 65-96 or 97-128. There are four marks on each tab to show which screen
is currently displayed.
•To create or delete a patch, touch a patching block.
•Available patching blocks are grey, and are filled light grey when patched.
•Currently unavailable patching blocks are dark grey and striped light grey when
patched.
All patching to a currently disconnected device will become active once the device is
connected.
local input 5 to input channel 5
source type/channel
destination type/channel

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6.1 Local
The local input and output options in the I/O screen match the analogue input and
output socket labels on the SQ.
6.2 SLink
The SLink port is compatible with dSnake, DX and gigaACE. It switches between
these modes, so multiple protocols over a single connection are not supported.
The current mode is shown on the tab unless nothing is connected, in which case
‘Not Connected’ is displayed.
Check www.allen-heath.com for the full list of supported configurations, and details
on socket numbering.
Firmware V1.0.1 does not support the connection of secondary (daisy chained) units.
6.3 ME systems
ME-1 and ME-500 units are run on the dSnake protocol, so are only supported when
connected directly, or when connected to the expander or monitor port of an AR2412
or AB168.
The ME patching is applied to either the SLink port, the I/O Port, or both.
‘SLink’ and ‘I/O Port’ text on the ‘ME’ tab show if the patching is currently active on
either port.
ME-1 units accept 40 total channels, ME-500 units accept 16 mono or stereo channels,
stereo channels are set on SQ in the Mixer Config settings.
patched but currently unavailable

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6.4 USB
USB patching is for SQ-Drive or USB-B streaming connections.
SQ-Drive uses input and output USB channels 1 to 16 and USB-B uses input and
output USB channels 1 to 32.
SQ-Drive and USB-B modes are mutually exclusive. When the USB tab is active, the
‘USB Source’ selection button will be displayed at the top left of the patching matrix,
touch this to switch modes.
6.5 I/O Port
Used for patching to SQ option cards fitted in the I/O Port.
The current option card protocol is shown on the tab unless nothing is connected, in
which case ‘Not Connected’ is displayed.
Option cards are not fully supported in firmware V1.0.1, so it is recommended that
firmware is updated before fitting. Visit www.allen-heath.com to download the most up-
to-date firmware.
Main R out to SQ-Drive (USB) channel 2
source type/channel
destination type/channel

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7. Processing
Press any ‘Sel’ key to select a channel. The physical controls and keys around the
touchscreen will illuminate to show they are active, and can be used to adjust
parameters for the selected channel.
Press the ‘Processing’ screen key to display the processing ‘bank view’.
This gives the processing overview for 8 channels at once, with the selected channel
highlighted. The view will automatically change if a channel is selected which is out of
view, though you can also touch and drag to see all channels for the current layer.
The selected mix channel is displayed to the far right.
•Touch a channel name to rename.
•Touch ‘Apply’to set the name (it will now be displayed on the channel LCD
display). The keyboard will remain on screen when other ‘Sel’ keys are pressed,
to speed up the naming of multiple channels.
•Touch any processing ‘block’ to view and adjust it in detail. The channel
overview will continue to be shown at the left of the screen. Selecting another
channel will allow you to adjust the same parameters on the newly selected
channel.
•Touch the active block or press the ‘Processing’ key to return to the bank view.
•The order of audio processing is displayed from top to bottom.
HPF is displayed in bank view in the correct order of processing (post-preamp), though
it is viewed and controlled on the PEQ processing page for convenience.
DCA channels display a list of up to 28 ‘members’. If there are more members than this,
then ‘…’ will appear at the bottom of the list.
channel name
preamp
gate
insert
PEQ
compressor
pan
drag left/right
channel source

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7.1 Preamp
Source Select –
•Touch the source type to select from a list of sources.
Unassigned = Channel has no source.
Local Socket = A socket on the rear of the SQ.
SLink Socket = A device connected to the SLink port
(AR, AB and DX units. Other SQ’s or dLive gigaACE option card).
USB Port = Either SQ-Drive or USB-B (depending on mode).
IO Port = SQ Option card.
Signal Generator = The inbuilt signal generator.
•Touch the source channel and use the touchscreen rotary to scroll through
channels.
•Source select on mix channels allows ‘Mix Ext In’ patching, to patch an
unprocessed input directly to the mix bus.
source select
preamp control
stereo image
channel delay