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 Familiarity Trap: Why Change is Hard in Audio Engineering
One thing that immediately stands out is how the SQ7+ feels like coming home. As someone who’s always found it stressful to work with unfamiliar gear in front of an audience, I was relieved to find that the learning curve here is virtually non-existent. The layout refinements, the darker color scheme, and the larger touchscreen all feel intuitive—like the console was designed with my workflow in mind.
But here’s the kicker: what many people don’t realize is that this seamless transition isn’t accidental. Allen & Heath has preserved the core architecture of the SQ while enhancing its capabilities. The vertical arrangement of the preamp controls, for instance, might seem like a minor change, but it’s these small details that make the console feel more streamlined and user-friendly.
From my perspective, this is a masterclass in understanding user psychology. Engineers don’t want to relearn a system; they want to build on what they already know. The SQ7+ nails this by keeping the essence of the SQ intact while adding layers of sophistication.
The Hidden Gem: Processing Power That Changes the Game
If you take a step back and think about it, the real star of the SQ7+ is its processing power. The new 96kHz XCVI core isn’t just a spec sheet upgrade—it’s a game-changer. The ability to run advanced DEEP Processing and RackUltra FX opens up creative possibilities that were previously out of reach.
A detail that I find especially interesting is how the SQ7+ addresses the limitations of its predecessor. The original SQ-7, while excellent, lacked certain features like multi-band compressors and de-essers. These were available as add-ons, but their absence felt like a missed opportunity. The SQ7+ not only includes these but elevates them with premium options like detailed reverbs, amp simulators, and saturators.
What this really suggests is that Allen & Heath has been listening to its users. The SQ7+ isn’t just an upgrade; it’s a response to the pain points of live sound engineers. The fact that compressors can now be added as channel inserts? That’s a small change with a massive impact on workflow.
The Elephant in the Room: Add-Ons and Their Implications
Here’s where things get a bit tricky. While the SQ7+ introduces a wealth of new features, many of the premium effects are still locked behind paywalls. The RackUltra FX suite, for example, costs $799, and individual packs range from $199 to $249. This raises a deeper question: should these features be standard, especially given the console’s price point?
In my opinion, this is where Allen & Heath misses the mark. As someone who uses multiple SQ consoles across different venues, the idea of purchasing add-ons for each one feels unnecessarily punitive. A USB license key that unlocks all features across consoles would be a more engineer-friendly approach.
What many people don’t realize is that this pricing strategy could alienate smaller venues or freelance engineers who can’t justify the additional cost. While the effects themselves are top-notch, their accessibility remains a barrier.
The Bigger Picture: What the SQ7+ Says About the Future of Audio
If you take a step back and think about it, the SQ7+ is more than just a console—it’s a statement about the direction of the audio industry. It’s about balancing tradition with innovation, and user experience with technological advancement.
What this really suggests is that the future of audio engineering lies in iterative improvements rather than revolutionary changes. The SQ7+ doesn’t reinvent the wheel; it refines it. And in doing so, it sets a new standard for what a digital console can achieve.
Personally, I think the SQ7+ is a testament to Allen & Heath’s commitment to its users. It’s a console that feels both familiar and forward-thinking, a rare combination in an industry often driven by hype.
Final Thoughts: Is the SQ7+ Worth It?
Here’s the bottom line: if you’re already an SQ user, the SQ7+ is a no-brainer. The improvements in processing power, effects, and usability justify the upgrade. But if you’re new to the SQ ecosystem, the add-on costs might give you pause.
From my perspective, the SQ7+ is an evolution that feels both inevitable and exciting. It’s not perfect—no console is—but it’s a significant step forward. And in an industry where reliability and creativity are paramount, that’s saying something.
So, will I be upgrading all my SQ consoles to the SQ7+? Absolutely. Because at the end of the day, this isn’t just an upgrade—it’s the future of live sound. And I, for one, am here for it.
