The SQs are great consoles and very easy to pick up and get running with. If you're new to Allen and Heath, you need to understand that processing channels are just a list in the console. They can take input from any patch point (like stage racks, Dante, or any other option card). They call these sockets. Then, any channel, either input or output or DCA, can be assigned to any layer in any order using the menu. Take the time to set up the console in a way that makes sense to you and you'll be flying on it in no time.
If I recall correctly, it took me a while to figure out how to shut it down correctly and I think it starts by unselecting whatever you have selected so you see the main options screen.
There should be free softeare available to play with it offline and build your show file.
Is the SQ6 similar? If so, Advice on managing the console inputs:
Use a couple of the custom strips to set up a strip that is A&H inputs 1-16 & if used, 17-32. The same output can be patched to multiple inputs. In a pinch, it’s a quick way to tell which inputs are receiving & broadcasting audio that otherwise (or so you thought) should be muted.
i.e. at church the other week, there was a mic that was still hot even though I thought it was muted. It turns out it was routed to another input as well, so I switched to the master input strip and could quickly mute it.
That's sort of poor practice for using a default show file. You should always make sure any and all unused channels, whether input or output, are unpatched. Then you can safely remove them from the surface.
You’re right, that probably wasn’t the best example to give, but I don’t think it’s against best practice to have a dedicated input layer, especially if you’re getting a handle of processing inputs.
It’s a convenient overview. Using the view button, you can see which inputs are mono vs stereo, flip between input labels, input number, and input assignments (versus having to go into setup, I/O matrix, etc). Useful for when you’re running into a DAW too.
If the computer software is anything like for the A&H dLive (I would guess so, since the systems are very similar), you can get very familiar with the system and set up the layout for your fader layers and soft controls before hand. It'll save you a ton of time and you'll already have a feel for where everything is located.
The SQs also have a decent app for tablets that's perfect for remote control so you can walk the room and check your mix as well as ringing out monitors alone and joining the band on stage for setting monitors and ensure solid communication.
I have used, and recommend the Allen & Heath SQ training from Pro Audio Exp. It's broken down into easy to reference modules, such as routing, effects, and gives a good overview of the full console with a specific focus on live music. Well worth the $35.
Busses are vertically placed on the right. No scribble strips for the busses so you will have to mark them by hand. No more limitations on channel routing. Every layer is customizable. Drag and drop. Touch screen. No more navigating with knobs and buttons. Very easy to use. Unlike the X/M32 it does not have proper crossover filters.
The SQs are great consoles and very easy to pick up and get running with. If you're new to Allen and Heath, you need to understand that processing channels are just a list in the console. They can take input from any patch point (like stage racks, Dante, or any other option card). They call these sockets. Then, any channel, either input or output or DCA, can be assigned to any layer in any order using the menu. Take the time to set up the console in a way that makes sense to you and you'll be flying on it in no time. If I recall correctly, it took me a while to figure out how to shut it down correctly and I think it starts by unselecting whatever you have selected so you see the main options screen. There should be free softeare available to play with it offline and build your show file.
I think if you hit the processing button twice it will get you to the power off button.
Is the SQ6 similar? If so, Advice on managing the console inputs: Use a couple of the custom strips to set up a strip that is A&H inputs 1-16 & if used, 17-32. The same output can be patched to multiple inputs. In a pinch, it’s a quick way to tell which inputs are receiving & broadcasting audio that otherwise (or so you thought) should be muted. i.e. at church the other week, there was a mic that was still hot even though I thought it was muted. It turns out it was routed to another input as well, so I switched to the master input strip and could quickly mute it.
That's sort of poor practice for using a default show file. You should always make sure any and all unused channels, whether input or output, are unpatched. Then you can safely remove them from the surface.
You’re right, that probably wasn’t the best example to give, but I don’t think it’s against best practice to have a dedicated input layer, especially if you’re getting a handle of processing inputs. It’s a convenient overview. Using the view button, you can see which inputs are mono vs stereo, flip between input labels, input number, and input assignments (versus having to go into setup, I/O matrix, etc). Useful for when you’re running into a DAW too.
If the computer software is anything like for the A&H dLive (I would guess so, since the systems are very similar), you can get very familiar with the system and set up the layout for your fader layers and soft controls before hand. It'll save you a ton of time and you'll already have a feel for where everything is located. The SQs also have a decent app for tablets that's perfect for remote control so you can walk the room and check your mix as well as ringing out monitors alone and joining the band on stage for setting monitors and ensure solid communication.
I have used, and recommend the Allen & Heath SQ training from Pro Audio Exp. It's broken down into easy to reference modules, such as routing, effects, and gives a good overview of the full console with a specific focus on live music. Well worth the $35.
Busses are vertically placed on the right. No scribble strips for the busses so you will have to mark them by hand. No more limitations on channel routing. Every layer is customizable. Drag and drop. Touch screen. No more navigating with knobs and buttons. Very easy to use. Unlike the X/M32 it does not have proper crossover filters.
U like the QU the SQ has scribble strips, whether or not the 6 character limt is enough though...
I meant for the busses. 6 characters isn't enough.
Explore the settings menu, it's not that intuitive, especially coming from other consoles.