The Allen & Heath SQ-6 is a medium-format digital mixing console that combines a familiar, intuitive physical interface with powerful digital processing and extensive connectivity. It serves as a central hub for live sound reinforcement, broadcasting, and installation applications, offering 48 fully processed input channels alongside a flexible mix architecture that includes stereo buses, auxiliary sends, and matrix outputs. The console is built around a 96 kHz processing core, providing high-fidelity audio with low latency, which is essential for both front-of-house mixing and monitor send applications. Its design philosophy centers on providing immediate tactile control through dedicated channel strips, a central touchscreen, and soft keys, thereby facilitating a fast and creative workflow for engineers of all experience levels.

A key strength of the SQ-6 is its deep integration with various stagebox systems via a digital audio network, most notably Allen & Heath's proprietary dSNAKE protocol and standard Dante networking. This allows the console surface to be placed at FOH while remotely locating the input and output rack on stage, connected by a single Ethernet cable, which dramatically reduces analog cable runs and setup complexity. The console features 12 programmable motorized faders across three layers, providing direct access to input channels, mixes, and DCAs. The built-in 7-inch multi-touch screen provides clear visualization of channel parameters, dynamics, and effects, as well as deep control over the console's comprehensive rack of built-in FX processors, graphic EQs, and dynamic tools.

The SQ platform is renowned for its extensive library of emulated classic analog processors, including compressors, gates, and EQs, which can be instantiated on any channel. The console also supports multi-track recording and playback directly to a USB drive, and offers advanced features like AutoMix for intelligent microphone mixing in conference settings. With its robust construction, versatile I/O options, and scalable system design, the SQ-6 is engineered to be a reliable and sonically transparent workhorse for touring bands, theaters, houses of worship, and fixed installations that require a balance of power, usability, and future-proof connectivity.