The Evolution of Sound: Why the Allen & Heath SQ7+ is More Than Just an Upgrade
When I first heard about the Allen & Heath SQ7+, I’ll admit I was skeptical. As someone who’s spent years mixing live shows on the original SQ-7, I’ve grown to trust its reliability, versatility, and sound quality. But the idea of a ‘Plus’ model felt like a marketing gimmick—another incremental update in a world already saturated with them. Boy, was I wrong.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how Allen & Heath has managed to evolve the SQ platform without alienating its loyal user base. The SQ7+ isn’t just a facelift; it’s a thoughtful reimagining of what a digital console can be. Personally, I think this is where the magic lies: in the balance between familiarity and innovation.
The Familiar Yet Fresh Experience
One thing that immediately stands out is how seamlessly the SQ7+ integrates into your workflow. If you’re already an SQ user, you’ll feel right at home. The layout refinements, like the vertical arrangement of the Preamp, Filter, Gate, and Compression controls, are subtle but impactful. What many people don’t realize is that these small changes can significantly speed up your workflow, especially in high-pressure live environments.
The bigger, hi-res touchscreen is a game-changer, too. It’s not just about aesthetics—though the darker color scheme does look sleek—it’s about functionality. The screen feels more responsive, and the menu navigation is smoother. If you take a step back and think about it, this is a console designed by people who actually use it, not just engineers in a lab.
The Power Under the Hood
Here’s where the SQ7+ truly shines: its processing power. The new 96kHz XCVI core is a beast, enabling features like RackUltra FX and advanced DEEP Processing that were either missing or underwhelming on the original SQ-7. What this really suggests is that Allen & Heath isn’t just keeping up with industry standards—they’re setting them.
The multi-band compressors and de-essers, for instance, are no longer hidden behind an ‘Extras’ paywall. They’re essential tools for modern mixing, and their inclusion feels like a long-overdue acknowledgment of what engineers actually need. A detail that I find especially interesting is how the new effects, particularly the reverbs and delays, add a level of depth and nuance that was previously unattainable on the SQ platform.
The Frustrating Fine Print
But it’s not all roses. The pricing structure for the RackUltra FX bundles is a head-scratcher. While the effects themselves are stellar, the fact that they’re sold separately—and at a premium—feels like a missed opportunity. In my opinion, Allen & Heath could have cemented the SQ7+ as the undisputed king of its class by including these as standard.
What’s more, the lack of a USB license key for engineers who work across multiple venues is a glaring oversight. If you’re like me and use SQ consoles at different locations, you’ll need to purchase the bundles for each one. This raises a deeper question: Why punish loyalty with added costs?
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for the Industry
If you take a step back and think about it, the SQ7+ is more than just a console—it’s a statement. It’s Allen & Heath saying, ‘We hear you, and we’re committed to making your job easier.’ But it’s also a reflection of where the industry is headed: toward more powerful, intuitive, and user-centric tools.
What this really suggests is that the days of one-size-fits-all consoles are over. Engineers demand flexibility, power, and ease of use, and the SQ7+ delivers on all three. Personally, I think this sets a new benchmark for digital mixers, and I wouldn’t be surprised if competitors take note.
Final Thoughts: Is the SQ7+ Worth It?
In my opinion, absolutely. While the pricing of the FX bundles is a sticking point, the overall improvements in sound quality, processing power, and usability make the SQ7+ a worthy upgrade. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Allen & Heath has managed to evolve the SQ platform without losing its soul.
If you’re already an SQ user, the SQ7+ feels like coming home to a house that’s been beautifully renovated. If you’re new to the platform, it’s a console that grows with you, offering both simplicity and depth. Either way, it’s a testament to what’s possible when a company listens to its users and dares to innovate.
So, will I be upgrading all my SQ-7s to SQ7+? In a heartbeat. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just a console—it’s a tool that lets me focus on what really matters: creating unforgettable sound experiences. And that, my friends, is priceless.
