Allen & Heath has released Version 1.6 firmware for its SQ series, adds ‘hotly requested features, quality-of-life improvements and stellar new compressor add-ons’ to the company’s flagship dLive series.
Headlining the new features in v1.6 is the ability to split each of the three stereo matrices into a pair of mono matrices, enabling the use of up to six mono matrices and new possibilities for loudspeaker fills and managing audio in multi-room spaces.
Version 1.6 also introduces a suite of scene-related enhancements, significantly improving workflow for engineers across multiple applications. The new Cue List feature streamlines scene management, allowing quick insertion and reordering of scenes. Integration of Midi Show Control enables recall by cue number in addition to scene number, benefiting both music and theatre productions. The Scene Crossfade option delivers smooth level changes between scenes, a useful asset for theatre applications. Further, the ability to change inputs and mixes between mono and stereo on a per-scene basis provides a streamlined workflow for festival and house engineers who frequently adjust input configurations.
A further feature in v1.6 is the ability to use SQ-Drive and the USB audio interface simultaneously, allowing simultaneous redundant recording onto computer and SQ-Drive.
Rounding out the update are the new Deep compressors, Bus and OptTronik, available as individual purchases or as part of the Compressor Pack II bundle from Allen & Heath’s website. OptTronik is modelled on an iconic electro-optical levelling amplifier, delivering smooth, musical compression ideal for vocals and bass guitar. Meanwhile, Bus is based on a British VCA compressor, renowned for adding punch to a mix, bus or instrument without compromising clarity.
‘I’m thrilled that with v1.6, we’ve been able to deliver on some of the most popular requests from our community,’ says A&H Senior Product Manager, Keith Johnson. ‘SQ engineers can now add the Deep OptTronik and Bus compressors, which have been on the wish list since their debut with dLive. Whether mixing live, working in theatre or handling A/V installations, v1.6 is set to transform your workflow and enhance your overall mixing experience.’
SQ v1.6 is available to download from the Allen & Heath website now.
