SQ5 48 Ch Digital Mixer and 2412 Stagebox

Hire Allen & Heath SQ5 Digital Mixer with AR2412 Stagebox

48 Channel Professional Mixing Console

The Allen & Heath SQ5 with AR2412 stagebox is Edwards NZ's compact professional digital mixing solution — a 48-channel console with the same 96kHz FPGA processing engine as the larger SQ7, in a significantly smaller and lighter package. Combined peak input capacity is 40 mic and line inputs: 16 from the console's own rear panel preamps and 24 from the AR2412 remote stagebox connected via a single Cat5e cable up to 100 metres away. Hire code MXSQ5AR.

The SQ5 and SQ7 share identical audio quality. Same processing engine, same channel count, same per-channel processing, same FX engines, same buses. The distinction is the physical surface — the SQ5 has 16 motorised faders where the SQ7 has 32, making it notably more compact and lighter at approximately 12kg versus the SQ7's 17.7kg. For events where portability matters or where a full 32-fader surface is not required, the SQ5 delivers the same result in a smaller footprint.

Every input channel carries a full processing chain: high-pass filter, noise gate, compressor, four-band parametric EQ, and delay. Eight stereo FX engines handle reverb, delay, chorus, and modulation effects with dedicated return channels. The 48-channel Automatic Mic Mixer handles large panel and conference setups without manual gain riding. The 7" colour touchscreen gives access to all routing, patching, processing, and scene management. USB multi-track recording and playback is built in — up to 32 channels simultaneously at 48kHz.

The AR2412 stagebox connects to the SQ5 via a single Cat5e STP cable — no audio snake required between the console at FOH and the stage. The AR2412 provides 24 remote XLR mic and line inputs and 12 XLR line outputs at the stage position, extending the system's reach to 100 metres without signal degradation. It powers from the Cat5e connection — no separate mains feed needed at the stage end.

What is included:

• Allen & Heath SQ5 48-channel digital mixing console
• Allen & Heath AR2412 24×12 remote stagebox
• Cat5e STP connection cable
• IEC mains cable
• USB drive with Edwards standard show file

Specifications at a glance:

• 48 processing channels — identical to SQ7
• 16 onboard mic/line preamps + 24 via AR2412 = 40 total inputs
• 16 motorised faders across 6 assignable layers
• 12 stereo mix buses plus LR main and 3 stereo matrix
• 96kHz XCVI FPGA engine, under 0.7ms latency
• 8 stereo FX engines
• 48-channel Automatic Mic Mixer
• 32×32 USB multi-track recording at 48kHz
• AR2412 stagebox: 24 XLR inputs, 12 XLR outputs, Cat5e connected, up to 100m
• Weight: approximately 12kg console, 4.5kg stagebox

Ideal for: Corporate conferences and presentations, awards nights and gala dinners, live bands and corporate concerts, theatre productions, outdoor events, any event requiring professional digital mixing with remote stage input capability. The compact choice when the SQ7's larger surface is more than the event requires.

Available for self-collection or delivery and setup by an Edwards technician.

Frequently Asked Questions — Allen & Heath SQ5 + AR2412 Hire

What is the difference between the SQ5 and the SQ7?

The SQ5 and SQ7 run identical audio processing — same 96kHz FPGA engine, same 48 channel count, same per-channel processing chain, same FX engines, same buses, same touchscreen interface, same USB recording. The differences are physical surface only. The SQ7 has 32 motorised faders, 32 onboard preamps, 16 local outputs, 16 SoftKeys, and 8 Soft Rotaries. The SQ5 has 16 motorised faders, 16 onboard preamps, 12 local outputs, and 8 SoftKeys — no Soft Rotaries. The SQ5 is lighter and significantly more compact. For events where 16 faders with layer switching is sufficient and portability matters, the SQ5 delivers identical audio quality at reduced size and weight.

How many inputs does the system provide?

The SQ5 has 16 onboard XLR mic and line preamps on its rear panel. The AR2412 stagebox adds 24 XLR mic and line inputs remotely at the stage position. Combined total is 40 mic and line inputs across the system. The console processes 48 channels — the remaining 8 are available for USB playback returns, FX returns, and internal routing.

How far can the stagebox be from the console?

The AR2412 connects to the SQ5 via a single Cat5e STP cable up to 100 metres. No audio snake is required between the stage and FOH position — one network cable carries all 24 inputs, 12 outputs, and the power supply to the stagebox. This makes the SQ5 and AR2412 combination particularly clean for events where the console is at the back of a room and all microphone connections need to be at the stage.

Does the AR2412 need its own mains power?

No. The AR2412 is powered entirely from the SQ5 via the Cat5e connection — no separate mains feed is needed at the stage end. This simplifies cable runs significantly for events where getting mains power to the stage position is inconvenient.

Can it record the show?

Yes. The SQ5 has a built-in USB multi-track interface recording up to 32 channels simultaneously at 48kHz to a USB drive or computer. The SQ-Drive USB port on the console front panel accepts a USB drive for direct multi-track recording without a computer. This is useful for recording conference proceedings, live performances, or creating a safety recording of the show.

Is this suitable for a live band?

Yes — the SQ5 with AR2412 is well suited to live band applications up to 40 inputs. The 16 motorised faders with 6 assignable layers give access to all 48 channels, and the eight FX engines handle the full range of reverbs, delays, and effects a live band requires. The main consideration is layer discipline — with 16 physical faders covering 48 channels, the operator needs to be comfortable with layer switching. For operators who prefer a one-fader-per-channel approach for larger bands, the SQ7 with its 32-fader surface is the more comfortable option.

Does it have Automatic Mic Mixing for conferences?

Yes. The SQ5 includes two independent 48-channel Automatic Mic Mixers — identical to the SQ7. AMM automatically manages gain distribution across multiple open microphones, keeping the system gain-before-feedback stable and reducing the operator workload during panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and multi-speaker conferences. It is one of the strongest features of the SQ platform for corporate conference work.

What mixer should I hire alongside the EVENT series line array?

For mid-size corporate events using the EVENT28-2 or EVENT28-3 packages, the SQ5 with AR2412 is an excellent pairing — the stagebox places all microphone connections at the stage while the console sits cleanly at FOH. For larger events with EVENT28-3 through EVENT28-7 packages, live band inputs, full monitor mixing, and complex routing, the SQ7 with AR2412 or GX4816 stagebox provides the larger fader surface that makes operating at that scale more comfortable.

Is delivery and setup available?

Yes. The SQ5 and AR2412 are available for self-collection or delivery and setup by an Edwards technician. For events where the console will be operated by Edwards staff, we can quote full mixing services alongside the hire. Contact our hire team at (09) 571 0551 or hire@edwardsnz.co.nz to discuss your requirements.