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Allen & Heath SQ-6 and SQ-7: How are they different?
Fader count, input/mic preamp count, XLR outputs.
The decision between these two mixers should hinge on how many preamps you need, with 32 XLR in the SQ-7, and 24 in the SQ-6. The SQ-7 is essentially an expanded version of the SQ-6 with a wider scope. If you don't need the extra preamps or outputs, stick with the SQ-6 and save some money.
| Specification | Allen & Heath SQ-6 | Allen & Heath SQ-7 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Digital Mixer | Digital Mixer |
| Channels | 48 | 48 |
| Inputs - Mic Preamps | 24 x XLR | 32 x XLR (mic/line) |
| Phantom Power | 24 channels, Talkback | 32 channels, Talkback |
| Inputs - Line | 24 x XLR (mic/line) | - |
| Inputs - Other | 2 x 1/4" (ST1), 2 x 1/4" (ST2), 1 x 1/8" (ST3) | 2 x 1/4" (Stereo 1), 2 x 1/4" (Stereo 2) |
| Outputs - Main | 2 x 1/4" (A out, B out), 2 x XLR (L,R) | 2 x XLR, 2 x 1/4" (A out, B out) |
| Outputs - Other | 14 x XLR (stereo mixes, L/R) | 16 x XLR (stereo mixes, L/R) |
| Outputs - Digital | 1 x XLR (AES) | 1 x XLR (AES) |
| Busses/Groups | 36 bus | 36 Bus |
| Talkback | 1 x XLR | 1 x XLR |
| MIDI I/O | USB (control) | USB (control) |
| Data I/O | 1 x EtherCon (dSnake, DX mode, gigaACE), 1 x Ethernet RJ-45 (LAN TCP/IP) | 1 x EtherCon (dSnake, DX mode, gigaACE), 1 x Ethernet RJ-45 (LAN TCP/IP) |
| Headphones | 1 x 1/4" | 1 x 1/4" |
| USB | 1 x Type B, 1 x Type A | 1 x Type B, 1 x Type A |
| Computer Connectivity | USB (32 x 32), Ethernet | USB (32 x 32), Ethernet |
| Remote | 1 x 1/4" (footswitch) | 1 x 1/4" (footswitch) |
| I/O Expansion Slots | 1 x Option card port (Dante, Waves) | 1 x Option card port (Dante, Waves) |
| Faders | 25 x 100mm motorized | 33 x 100mm motorized |
| A/D Resolution | 24-bit/96kHz | 24-bit/96kHz |
| EQ Bands | Parametric EQ, 28-band Graphic | Parametric EQ, 28-band Graphic, HPF |
| Effects | Delay, Reverb, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser (8 x RackFX engine) | Delay, Reverb, Chorus, Flanger, Phaser (8 x RackFX engine) |
| Signal Processing | Dynamics | Compressor, Gate |
| DAW Control | MIDI DAW control via USB | MIDI DAW control via USB |
| Screen | 7" color touch screen | 7" color touch screen |
| Storage | USB Type A (16 x 16) | USB Type A (16 x 16) |
| Software | Wireless Remote Mixing app iPad/Android (network router not included) | Wireless Remote Mixing app iPad/Android (network router not included) |
| Power Source | AC Adapter | Standard IEC AC connector |
| Height | 7.8" | 7.8" |
| Depth | 20.3" | 20.3" |
| Width | 25.1" | 31.7" |
| Weight | 29.3 lbs. | 23.1 lbs. |
SQ-6 and SQ-7 Price Tracker
Prices updated Fri, August 21st, 2026.
Differences Between the Allen & Heath SQ-6 and SQ-7
- Faders: SQ-6 has 25 faders, while SQ-7 has 33 faders.
- Inputs (Mic Preamps): SQ-7 has more mic preamps (32 vs. 24), accommodating more microphones directly.
- Phantom Power: Corresponding to the number of mic preamps, the SQ-7 provides phantom power across more channels.
- Outputs - Other: SQ-7 has more XLR outputs for stereo mixes and L/R (16 vs. 14).
- Weight and Size: Despite offering more faders and inputs, the SQ-7 is lighter than the SQ-6. However, it is wider, which might affect its placement in some setups.
Similarities Between the Two Mixers
- Both mixers offer 48 input channels, supporting large-scale mixing requirements.
- Equipped with a 7" color touch screen for intuitive navigation and control.
- Feature 36 bus for extensive routing options.
- Built-in 32 x 32 USB audio interface for multitrack recording.
- Support for SQ MixPad and SQ4You apps for remote mixing and personal monitor mixing.
- Automatic Mic Mixing capability for managing large multi-mic setups efficiently.
- 64-channel I/O port for network audio and SLink port for remote audio and I/O expansion.
- Offer AES digital output and are capable of 96kHz FPGA processing.
More Pro Audio Material
Written by GC Editorial on Mixers & Dimensions
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Mixers & Roundups
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