Allen & Heath SQ - SQ-Drive Basics (V1.5+ edition)
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- Опубликовано: 9 фев 2025
- SQ allows you to record or playback stereo or multichannel audio directly to/from a USB drive, here’s a brief overview to show you how it works.
Product info at: www.allen-heath...
Built on our latest generation 96kHz FPGA XCVI core, SQ sets a new standard for compact digital mixers, delivering pristine, high resolution audio with a class-leading latency less than 0.7ms.
Clearly explained, detailed, easy to follow steps that enable me to take advantage of the SQ mixer. Brilliant. THANK YOU!!
Can I have more than 3 matrixes in my A&H SQ7? It is urgent!
Hello Alberto,
SQ features 3 matrix buses which can be mono or stereo. It is not possible to have more than 3 matrixes.
If you need more than this, may I suggest a console with higher buses available such as Avantis or dLive.
Thank you,
Rafael
I'd recommend using an aux/mix bus on post fade if you can spare the mix.
Not sure what your situation is, but for me I was dealing with 3 stereo and 2 mono outputs for speakers.
What I did was use "Main L&R" for my main speakers, Matrix 1 for my delay speakers, Matrix 2 for my Balcony Speakers, Matrix 3 for my rear fills, Mix 10 for side fills (Mono) and Mix 11 for my Sub feed (Mono).
Hope this helps.
I have followed all the steps in the video: Format the USB-drive, patch LR output to USB 1/2 (i just want to record the main mix of the show) and clicked on record. I can see that there is a signal coming in and on the display it says "armed", but i cannot touch the "play/pause" on the display. It simply does not react. The red dot is blinking and it show the pause-sign, but i cannot start the actual recording process. Did i make a mistake or did i forget something?
just happened to me. Solved simply unplugging and pluggin back the usb stick. Just Luck?
@@Thorgar999 Same problem, same fix
Do you think that you could add SQ-drive transport controlls to your MixPad application? I am used to mix at iPad leaving SQ5 in rack on stage and it kinda annoying that I always has to ask band members to switch playback for me during PA system setup procedure. Thanks
Hello Jan,
There are no current plans to add this to MixPad.
However, you may program the SQ-Drive transport controls to Softkeys, which can indeed be triggered through MixPad app.
I hope this work around helps you.
Cheers,
Rafael
@@AllenandHeathUK oh... well, it did not pelased me, but okay
Hi; some time ago I used and external 5200rpm USB hard drive and a QU-32 for multitrack recording directly from the desk. One of the tracks generated errors and no usable audio. In another instance the QU-32 failed to record a 3 tracks session on a USB stick. Here you're mentioning hi-res multitracking on a USB stick with the SQ!!: Is the SQ multi track recording more powerful/efficient than QU-32's 'QU-Drive', or is it pretty much the same? I have a live multi-track recording job in less than two weeks and the same 5200rpm external USB HD available. Shall I hire an SQ or won't it make any difference from a QU? Please help me!! Thank you
Hello,
We have a list of storage devices tested in the field for better reference: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/2/d/e/2PACX-1vSRGk-ihkEh_jdzODLd6bPr8Lwhu-bpMtXEnyHU_EysBZeW2Qc_GjP-yt5p6p-DiIhINqsMKp44nNHJ/pubhtml?gid=1526078633&single=true
Hope this helps!
Rafael
Recorded stereo using SQ-Drive but the volume of the recording is EXTREMELY low, have to seriously crank it just to hear anything. How do you control the gain/volume of the recording? Any advice is appreciated.
Hello Arymus,
The signal is taken directly from the output signal of the bus you are choosing. The level at which your mix is running will be the level at which is sends to record.
If you required further assistance, please submit a ticket at our support system: www.allen-heath.com/support/
Thank you,
Rafael
I have same issue, how did you correct your issue?
Instead of the LR use a separate AUX/MIX/MTX and record it.
Can I record onto the usb drive with the signal sources coming from both the local inputs AND S-link inputs from my digital snake?
AH! I just figured it out, nevermind!
Hi! I would like to know if on the sq5 I can use USB B - USB C cable instead of USB B - USB A to connect the mixer to a laptop for multitrack recording. Thanks!
Hi,
Thanks for the message,
Yes, this is fine. But the SQ will only run as USB 2.
Kind regards,
Luke
I tried to follow the video in my church, but it's telling me I don't have access (or permission). Can it be done by every user (We have 3 music directors) or only on the master settings?
Hello @Kauvon,
Different created users would have specific and limited access to some settings in the console. This is determined by the operator who created the user profiles. To have access to all settings of the console you must be logged in as the Admin user.
If you require further assistance, please contact Support@allen-heath.com
Cheers,
Rafael
Am I to understand, that if I attach a USB drive to the back of the SQ5, with a USB B to USB C cable (on the portable drive), the SQ 5 will send the files to tht USB device, with no laptop/desktop or any other DAW attached?
Hello,
For use of a USB drive, please use the front USB Port for SQ-Drive. You may use this for stereo or multitrack recordings.
(For multitrack recording, is recommended to use HDD or SSD instead)
Thanks,
Rafael
@@AllenandHeathUK Where is a HDD or SSD connected? Directly to the USB B port, or is a computer hooked to that USB B port and the HDD or SSD is in the computer, such as a laptop?
@@AllenandHeathUK Ok, I misread what you said. I've got it sorted.
Hi Allen & Heath, I have an SQ6 desk. And I have no problems using my laptop to record multitrack. But I want to be able to use the SQ drive usb on the top to record. When I use a usb stick, from time to time I get error codes. I have purchased a portable SSD 2tb hard drive. But the SQ6 does not read it, for me to be able to format or even record to it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Hello Dr. P,
We don't recommend the use of USB Drives for Multitrack recording purposes, for this operation HDD or SSD are the recommended devices.
Please format your SSD device on your computer (Mac or PC) to FAT32 and then re-format the device on the console. If the unit still does not read your SSD device, then this might an incompatibility case.
For your reference: support.allen-heath.com/hc/en-gb/articles/4402940155793-SQ-Understanding-SQ-USB-recording-and-playback
community.allen-heath.com/forums/topic/qu-drive-compatible-usb-device-database
Thank you,
Rafael
Is it possible to output Stereo audio from the USB- B port to a PC, while multitrack recording to USB stick?
Similarly, can I play back a track from a USB stick while outputting to USB - B port?
Hello Chris,
This is possible on QU range mixers.
SQ mixers doesn't allow to use both USB interfaces simultaneously, as you must select which one is the SQ working on at the Setup > Audio > USB page.
Rafael
Good, Allen and Health need to add more Studio /Daw integration.
Why am I missing the USB tab under setup/Audio on my SQ7? It looks like it should be there according to the video and the reference guide (p. 14 to be specific). Want to record multichannel to the thumb drive so I can fool with the compressor settings without having to subject an audience to the experimentation...
Hi Steve,
Make sure you're running the latest firmware version (V1.5.4), as we included the USB settings tab in the 1.5 update.
Thanks!
Alex
How do I record all the 32ch and playback all the 32ch instantly.
Wen I select the input ch, it will automatically unpatch the ch from the dsank and connect it in usb input
Hello Pranav,
You would need to change the patching in order to source your input channels from the USB interface.
You can only have one source patched to the channel at the given time, so yes, patching to another source would automatically "Unpatch" from the previous one.
If you wish to look further into this or require technical assistance, please drop a message to: support@allen-heath.com
And we'll be happy to help.
Thank you,
Rafael
@@AllenandHeathUK Thank you for the prompt response.
Much appreciated
Can you share here or do a step-by-step video on how to record a band to SQ-Drive and then play it back to tweak and mix while the band is gone? I'll have to try what this video shows and experiment to see if this is all I need or if there's more to it. Thanks for the great videos!
Hello!
If you follow what shown on this video, you should have no problems achieving it.
On top of that, please follow this article, which contains important information regarding this setup:
support.allen-heath.com/hc/en-gb/articles/4402940155793-SQ-Understanding-SQ-USB-recording-and-playback
Thank you,
Rafael
only some of my tracks are appearing on the list of tracks for multitrack recording, can't figure it out
Hi Will,
Please go to support.allen-heath.com to start a ticket for assistance with this. You can find information on how this works in this link: www.allen-heath.com/media/SQ_ReferenceGuide_V1_5_0.pdf#page=97
Thanks!
Alex
HI
I have been using my 2TB HARD DRIVE to record multitrack using almost all 32 channels for the worship team at church. Lately I have been experiencing problems with the HARDDRIVE, at times when I insert it it writes checking....for a very long time until I remove it, basically sometimes it doesn't read the drive not giving me the option to arm and record services.
Hello Qhawe,
I recommend keeping your HD for this operation only and not use for any other external activities. Also, perhaps we can take a look at the current storage capacity? It might need freeing up some space?
If you need further assistance please send a message to our support centre: support@allen-heath.com
Thank you,
Rafael
Hey bro. Will you be able to record through the live service? when I tried with our sq7 it wouldn't play through the speakers no more if the usb is plugged in.
I cannot figure out routing playback of stereo mix for sq drive to listen back.
Hi,
Thanks for the message.
For playback for SQ driver. First, ensure that the system is running in SQ drive mode.
Setup>Audio>USB>USB mode and set to SQ drive.
Next, patch the USB playback to the desired input channels.
I/O patch>Inputs>Input channel>USB and patch accordingly.
Best regards,
Luke
Hi! I'm not sure of this question has been asked, as I'm a new user of this. We're using this for our church; when I change the output to Local, will all the audio (instruments and mic's), be recorded to the USB while still playing out to the speakers in the church? Just want to make sure. Thanks!
Hi Scott,
Yes! You can route the same output channel to to multiple output sockets. For example, you could send the main LR mix to the local outputs, expanders outputs and USB all at the same time.
Thanks!
Alex
is the direct out after the gate? Thank you.
The Global direct out source can be configured to a number of points in the input signal path. These are as follows.
Post Preamp = signal is affected only by the preamp gain.
Post HPF = signal is also affected by the high pass filter.
Post Gate = signal is also affected by the gate.
Post Insert Return = signal is also affected by the insert.
Post PEQ = signal is also affected by PEQ.
Post Comp = signal is also affected by compressor.
Post Delay = signal is affected by all channel processing including ms delay.
There is more information on this on page 39 of the user guide.
www.allen-heath.com/content/uploads/2023/05/SQ_ReferenceGuide_V1_5_0.pdf
Thanks,
Luke
Is there a limit to how large an external hard drive can be? I've used 2TB hard drives for the last couple of years without fail, but I can't get a new 5TB hard drive to format.
Hello Christian,
- The smallest USB drive size that should be used with Qu-Drive is 2GB.
- The maximum USB drive size (FAT32 file system limit) is 2TB.
Rafael
@@AllenandHeathUK Awesome, Thanks!
@@AllenandHeathUK Thank you!
Is there any internal hard drive on the SQ where I can save a multitrack recording?
Hello Quinton,
The SQ is capable of storing scenes, shows and presets data. But it is not possible to store any kind of audio inside of the unit, we do have the SQ-Drive feature for you to store and save your files on your personal drive.
Rafael
Another question please. I did some live recording with the SQ7 (about 20 tracks used of the 32 available) and the board froze but was still passing signal. I was using a ssd hard drive via the usb to capture the files. I had to restart and then remove some processing to stop the freezing . Would using a computer with a DAW take any load off of the SQ processor? Big Thanks!
Hi Mark,
Please make sure you're running the latest firmware version (V1.5.4) and if you're, please update as this should solve the problem.
Please go to support.allen-heath.com to submit a request if you need further assistance.
Thanks!
Alex
@@AllenandHeathUK Thank you for the help!
Can you make a video or tell me how to get the audio out from a QS 7 to a computer for streaming live?
Not well versed in this, but want to share that I am successfully using the Aux 3 output into my streaming box for my live stream. I imagine you could do the same with your computer.
Yvonne S thank you for you suggestion I’m to try to see if works for me. Thanks again.
@@0124852008 You're welcome - I hope it works for you!
Hi Ciro,
We did a live stream video on this topic on Facebook. You can find it here: facebook.com/watch/?v=2501872106585882
Thanks! Alex
Has there been any firmware update that allows recording in 44.1 and/or 48Khz? Or is it still 96 khz only?
Nevermind. I saw the answer at 0:19.
I curious about how to set the bit depth, because my sq 6 record at 16bit not 24bit...
Hi Hosea, All SQ recording is 24bit. For the stereo playback files, these can be 16 or 24bit. You can find information on this here: www.allen-heath.com/media/SQ_ReferenceGuide_V1_5_0.pdf#page=96
Thanks!
Alex
That's great that it can record in both 96k and 48k.
Is it still possible to record in 48k while using a 96k expander like the DT168¿
Hello Alejandro,
Yes, the mixer will still process audio at 96kHz, it is only the USB interface that you are changing into 48kHz to match with your DAW session, if needed.
Rafael
How important are read & write speeds of the USB drives? I'm busy shopping for one for our SQ-6
Hi Ross,
For recording and playback with SQ-Drive we generally recommend using an SSD or HDD style drive for this task, as most flash/stick style drives are not suitable.
You can find more information on this here: support.allen-heath.com/Knowledgebase/Article/View/understanding-sq-usb-recording-and-playback
Thanks! Alex
So you can’t use a computer and an sq drive at the same time?
If I for instance want to run plug-ins on a computer and record on an sq-drive.
Hi Mikael,
I'd recommend using a Dante or Waves card for this purpose, as you can stream audio to a computer via these and use the SQ-Drive at the same time. This way gives the added benifit of low latency streaming to the computer, which will be needed if using third party plugins in a live situation.
Thanks!
Alex
@@AllenandHeathUK thanks. It makes sense.
Hey Keith, can you explain the errors on multitrack recording..?
Hi Ronald, Sure! You'll notice there are load meters in the SQ-Drive pages - these indicate the performance of the USB device you are using and give you pre-warning before an error occurs. When in the green, all is good, then as the meter goes into orange/red it shows the device is not working well but when it peaks it means some data has been lost. This is when the error counter will clock an error. It could be a single sample being dropped which you may not notice, but it could be much more destructive. Hope this helps! Keith.
@@AllenandHeathUK How to solve that problem?
Is it possible to load a multitrack recording from a qu-SB to the sq?
Hi Stefan,
This is possible, yes! It needs to be placed in the USBMTK folder and the file/folder naming needs to match the format the SQ is expecting. You can find more information on that here: www.allen-heath.com/media/SQ_ReferenceGuide_V1_5_0.pdf#page=98
Thanks!
Alex
@@AllenandHeathUK thanks a lot Alex!
Hi, am I able to playback a track from my USB drive while I'm multi-track recording at the same time?
Hi Archie,
You can playback files and record at the same time using the USB B interface with a computer, but the SQ-Drive can only be in one mode at a time - record or playback.
We have some more information on this here: support.allen-heath.com/Knowledgebase/Article/View/understanding-sq-usb-recording-and-playback
Thanks! Alex
I´ve had really bad experience with Sq-drive multitrack recordings. Recordings was working fine, ssd led blinked. Stoped recording, ssd led stoped blinking, display checked - stoped . Unmouted the ssd but the wav files was 0kb. Checked forum - tried "check disc", files still 0 kb, could not open raw files - Really dissapointed!
Hello Kristoffer,
Sorry to hear this!
You've been in touch with us through our Support channel regarding this, we will be happy to continue troubleshooting with you from there.
Thank you,
Rafael
I’ve had horrible experiences too, while using an iPad for SQ App while recordings were patched back to listen too.
I’ve updated to latest firmware, and have only tried to recreate the same issue once, so far… it didn’t lock up the screen.
Once you've recorded on the SQ Drive, how to you transfer the files to a DAW?
Hi Bill,
The SQ-Drive records directly to a USB drive, so you can connect the drive to a computer after the recording to load the files into a DAW.
Thanks! Alex
@@AllenandHeathUK Thanks Alex.
Are the files encoded with any time code data for syncing with video?
Hi Mark,
There is no real time clock on the SQ, so there is no time code data in the files created by SQ-Drive.
Thanks
Alex
@@AllenandHeathUK Thank you for the help!
do you have to establish a library firts?
Hi Ron,
Once a USB drive is formatted in the SQ, the folder structure is installed on the drive. This allows you to start the recording whenever you need to. Just arm the SQ-Drive and press play!
Thanks
Alex
@@AllenandHeathUK thanks so much for the quick reply!. We were using the GLD 112 Chrome so the options the 7 has is quite different. We have the Dante card installed but we haven't ventured there yet. I'm sure I'll have more questions. Thanks again. Have a great day.
Why does the dlive not do this?
Please do a tutorial about how to output sound to a pc for live-streaming.
Hi! We have a video on this here: facebook.com/watch/?v=2501872106585882
Thanks! Alex
how do you delete a recorded track?
Hello Walter,
You must access your files on a computer system in order to delete any of these.
Cheers,
Rafael
@@AllenandHeathUK Thanks for the answer, after extensive research I went for that option. I think there must be a very good reason why they din't manage to put the delete/trash bin as a drag and drop option for deleting tracks. Maybe in the future 🤷♂
How to record multitrack in USB -B to DAW while not changing the local inputs
Hi Timothy, The USB-B outputs from the SQ are patched using the I/O screen. They can be from any SQ output (input direct out, mix out, FX out or monitor out) or they can be patched directly from an input socket using Tie Lines. Patching to USB does not affect any input channels or sockets though, so perhaps you are referring to the input source of the input channels here. This is shown in the preamp section of the processing screen and changes where the input channel is getting it's signal from, rather than where it is sending it to. If you need more help with this, please contact us using support.allen-heath.com. Thanks! Keith.
Do they deliberately not mention the fact that multiple tracks cannot be recorded onto a USB stick?
Hi John,
It's correct that we recommend against using a stick/flash style drives for multitrack recording, as many are not suitable for this task. We do provide more information including this advice in the SQ reference guide which is mentioned at the end of the video, as well as on our knowledgebase.
Thanks!
Alex
@@AllenandHeathUK how about on ssd drive?
I can record multitrack directly on ssd or hdd ? Thx
Please add this feature to Dlive! It can only record and playback 2 channels of audio from USB rn! Also Dlive CANNOT be coupled with PC via USB, and act as audio interface. Why is multitrack recording/playback available even on
Qu-16 mixer, but not on your FLAGMAN console? I'm not asking for all 128 channels that dlive is capable of, 32 channels will be just fine. Hell, even 16 channels will be better than nothing at all. Dlive is expensive by itself, but if you want some form of multitrack operation you need to buy goddamn dante expansion card for 2 grand.
the SQ Drives give a little peak sound when you starting a song in the player, al the sq series do that, is there something to do with that ?
Hi Peter,
This happens when the audio player buffer still has some audio in it when you start playing another track. So if you stop a track abruptly or skip tracks when one is playing. It's something we have logged and plan to improve in a future update.
Thanks,
Keith.
@@AllenandHeathUK when he plays nothing and I start a song than also have a click in it in the start of the song,