Allen & Heath SQ6 Specs at a Glance

The Allen & Heath SQ-6 is a 96kHz digital mixing console built for live sound, installed venues, and rental fleets. It sits in the middle of the SQ series, between the compact SQ-5 and the larger SQ-7. If you are comparing consoles for a club, church, theater, or KTV venue, the SQ-6 specs are worth understanding in detail before you buy — especially if you are considering a tested used unit.

Here is a clear, practical breakdown of what the SQ-6 actually offers.

Core Processing Specs

  • Sample rate: 96kHz throughout the signal path
  • Input processing channels: 48
  • Mix buses: 12 (plus main LR)
  • Matrix outputs: 3 stereo
  • Faders: 12 motorized 100mm faders
  • Display: 7-inch capacitive touchscreen
  • FPGA processing: XCVI core, very low latency

The 96kHz operation and XCVI core are the headline features. They give the SQ-6 low latency and a clean, detailed sound that competes well above its price class.

Inputs and Outputs

  • Local mic/line inputs: 16 XLR
  • Local outputs: 12 XLR
  • Stereo AES/EBU output: Yes
  • Network audio: 1x I/O port for expansion cards (Dante, Waves, SLink, etc.)
  • SLink port: For remote audio and expanders

Out of the box, the SQ-6 gives you 16 local inputs and 12 outputs. That is enough for many bands and small venues, but larger installs will want to expand via SLink — for example with a DX168 or DX32 stage box.

Channel and Bus Configuration

The SQ-6 can run up to 48 input channels, which is generous for a console at this level. You can route those channels across 12 mix buses, 3 stereo matrix outputs, and the main LR bus. This makes it suitable for:

  • Front-of-house mixing for live bands
  • Monitor mixing with multiple wedge or IEM sends
  • Sub-mixing for multi-room or broadcast feeds
  • Fixed installs in churches, clubs, and theaters

The flexible bus architecture is one of the main reasons the SQ-6 is popular with AV integrators.

Physical and Build Specs

  • Faders: 12 motorized
  • Dimensions: roughly 800mm wide (check the official datasheet for exact figures)
  • Weight: around 15kg depending on configuration
  • Rackmount: Not standard rackmount; it is a desktop console
  • Power: Internal PSU

The SQ-6 is designed as a desktop surface. It is portable enough for touring but substantial enough for fixed installation.

Expansion and Ecosystem

The SQ-6 is part of the SQ ecosystem, which includes:

  • DX168 / DX32 expanders for more I/O over SLink
  • Dante and Waves cards via the option slot
  • ME personal monitoring systems
  • SQ apps for wireless control

This ecosystem is a big part of the value. A used SQ-6 with a DX168 stage box can replace a much more expensive console system.

Buying a Used Allen & Heath SQ6

If you are sourcing a used SQ-6, focus on:

  • Fader condition — motorized faders are the most common wear point
  • Touchscreen responsiveness — check for dead spots
  • I/O card slot — confirm the option card (if included) works
  • Firmware version — newer firmware adds features and stability
  • PSU health — internal power supplies can fail over time

At Acoustrade we supply tested used digital mixers and related live sound equipment, including consoles, stage boxes, and power amplifiers. Every unit is checked before shipping, so you know what you are getting.

FAQ

What is the sample rate of the Allen & Heath SQ6?
The SQ-6 runs at 96kHz across its signal path.

How many input channels does the SQ6 have?
It processes up to 48 input channels.

Can the SQ6 be expanded?
Yes. It has a SLink port for expanders like the DX168 and an option slot for Dante, Waves, and other cards.

Is the SQ6 good for fixed installations?
Yes. Its bus count, matrix outputs, and expansion options make it well suited to churches, clubs, theaters, and multi-room venues.

What should I check when buying a used SQ6?
Check fader motors, touchscreen response, the option card slot, and firmware version.