Processing

Press any ‘SEL’ key to select a channel. The physical controls and keys around the touchscreen will illuminate to show they are active and can be used to adjust parameters for the selected channel.

Press the ‘PROCESSING’ screen key to display the processing ‘bank view’.

This gives the processing overview for up to 8 channels at once, with the selected channel highlighted. The view will automatically change if a channel is selected which is out of view, though you can also touch and drag left or right to see all channels in the current layer.
The currently selected mix channel is displayed to the far right.

Touch a channel name to rename and change channel colour.
Touch ‘Apply’ to set the name and colour (it will then be displayed on screen throughout the GUI and on the channel strip display).

ⓘ The keyboard remains on screen when other ‘SEL’ keys are pressed, to speed up the naming of multiple channels.

Touch any processing ‘block’ to view and adjust it in detail. The overview for the selected channel will continue to be shown at the left of the screen. Selecting another channel of the same type will allow you to adjust the same parameters on the newly selected channel.
Touch the active block or press the ‘PROCESSING’ key to return to the bank view.
The order of audio signal processing is displayed from top to bottom.

ⓘ DCA channels display a list of up to 21 ‘members’ at one time. If there are more members than this, then touch and drag the list up or down to view all.

Preamp (Input Channels)

Source Select –

Touch the source type to select from a list of sources.

Unassigned = Channel has no source.

Local Socket = A socket on the rear of the SQ+.

SLink Socket = A device connected to the SLink port (AR, AB, DX, GX unit, or another console).

USB Port = Either SQ-Drive or USB-B (USB-B unless SQ-Drive playback is active).

IO Port = SQ Option card.

Signal Generator = The built-in signal generator.

Touch the socket number and touch and drag or use the touchscreen rotary to scroll through all available sockets.

Socket Preamp –

When the source is set to a socket with a preamp, the ‘48V’, ‘Pad’ and ‘Gain’ parameters will become available. These are digital controls for the remote preamp and not a part of the channel processing.

ⓘ When using Dante expanders, the expander socket should be patched to the Dante option card, which is subsequently patched to an SQ+ channel from IO Port sockets.

ⓘ Socket control is also available in the I/O screen by touching the socket number.

Touch and hold the ‘48V’ button to switch phantom power on or off (channel will be automatically muted for a period after switching).
Touch the ‘Pad’ button to switch the -20dB pad in or out.
Select ‘Gain’ or ‘Trim’ parameters and adjust using the touchscreen rotary.

Gain = 0dB to +60dB

Trim = -24dB to +24dB

ⓘ Gain is for digitally controlled analogue inputs, such as local or expander input sockets. Trim is a purely digital adjustment, for digital or line signal and is part of the channel processing.

Touch the ‘Polarity’ button to invert the polarity of the input channel.

Delay – In order of processing, the channel delay is located after the compressor. It is presented in the preamp screen as it is usually set at the same time as other ‘setup’ parameters such as gain, which are not generally adjusted during mixing.

Select the value to adjust using the touchscreen rotary.

Input channel delay = 0.00ms to 341.00ms

Or 0.00m to 121.23m (-20°C to +40°C)

Or 0.00ft to 397.76ft (-4°F to +104°F)

Or 0S to 32736S

ⓘ The units used to display the delay value are chosen in the Surface Preferences screen.

Touch the ‘In’ button to switch the channel delay in or out.

Stereo Config – Some settings in this section are visible only when a stereo input channel is selected.

Use the Mono/Stereo toggle to switch odd/even pairs of input channels between 2x Mono channels or 1x Stereo channel operation. This is the same setting as found in the 'SETUP' screen 'Mixer Config' / 'Input Stereo' tab.

Touch the mode value on a stereo input to select from the following options:

L/R = standard left/right (default).

R/L = switched left/right.

L-Pol/R = standard left/right with inverted polarity on left.

R-Pol/L = switched left/right with inverted polarity on right.

Mono = left and right fed to both channels.

L/L = left fed to both channels.

R/R = right fed to both channels.

M/S = for decoding a mid/side array (outputs M+S/M-S).

ⓘ For normal M/S use, the mid signal/microphone should be patched to the odd channel and the side signal/microphone should be patched to the even channel.

The width control can be adjusted in 1% increments from Mono (0%) to Stereo (100%).

DEEP Preamp –

Preamps in the SQ+ itself and those in Everything I/O expanders are accurate and transparent, with fast transients and low THD. However, there are some situations where alternative characteristics may be desirable. Using a DEEP preamp model allows you to add these characteristics, with complete control, and none of the associated limitations or reliability concerns of esoteric equipment.

When in the channel ‘Preamp’ screen, press the ‘LIBRARY’ key, or touch the '+ Add Tube Stage' button.

Select a preamp preset, then press the ‘Recall’ button to load it.

Touch ‘On/Off’ to switch the preamp model on or off.
Touch any on-screen parameter and adjust using the touchscreen rotary.

Preamp (Mix Channels)

Mix External In –

A ‘Mix Ext In’ can be used with any mix channel. This routes audio directly from a source to the mix without processing, or any routing and level control. It is commonly used to add a pre-processed signal to a mix, such as from a sub mixer, a click track or background music.

ⓘ Mono mixes allow mono external inputs and stereo mixes allow stereo external inputs.

Other than the channel delay, all parameters in the preamp section of mix processing relate to the control of the mix external input, including Source Select, Socket Preamp (available when a socket preamp is selected as the source) and Trim. Refer to Preamp (input channels) for more information on these.

ⓘ The meter in this screen is also for the Mix External Input only and does not display summed contributions to a mix from other channels.

ⓘ Note that the ‘Polarity’ switch and 'Trim' control affect the polarity and trim of the assigned ‘Mix Ext In’, and not the mix channel output. However, output polarity can be switched via output socket control in the IO screen, accessed by touching the output socket number at the top of the patching grid.

Delay (mix channel output delay) –

In order of signal processing, this delay is located at the end of the mix channel, after the compressor.

Select the value to adjust using the touchscreen rotary.

Mix channel delay = = 0.00 ms to 682.00 ms

Or 0.00 m to 242.47 m (-20°C to +40°C)

Or 0.00 ft to 795.53 ft (-4°F to +104°F)

Or 0 S to 65472 S

Touch the ‘In’ button to switch the delay in or out.

ⓘ The units used to display the channel delay value are chosen in the Surface Preferences screen.

HPF (Input Channels)

HPF –

A High Pass Filter (HPF) is available on every input channel and features an adjustable slope and frequency.

Switch in or out using the on-screen button or using the dedicated HPF ‘IN’ key.
Touch the HPF Frequency value to select it, then adjust using the touchscreen rotary, or use the dedicated HPF ‘Freq’ rotary on the surface to affect the selected input channel. Alternatively, touch and drag the point on the graph.
Touch the current ‘Slope’ value to select from different filter slopes.

HPF Frequency = 20Hz to 2Khz

Slope = 12dB, 18dB, 24dB (attenuation per octave) Butterworth

ⓘ The HPF is also visible on the PEQ processing screen for convenience and can be stored and recalled with PEQ settings. Though as it's a separate process at a different point in the signal path, HPF does not contribute to the PEQ response curve.

Gate/Expander (Input Channels)

Switch the Gate/Expander/Ducker in or out using either the on-screen ‘In’ button or the physical Gate ‘IN’ key (next to the dedicated Gate threshold rotary on the surface).

Switching between Gate, Expander and Ducker modes -

Press the 'LIBRARY' key to open the Gate library.
Select a gate or expander preset and press 'Recall' to load.

Side Chain –

Select either ‘Self Keyed’ or side chain the gate from another channel.

ⓘ When using another channel as a side chain input, the signal is sourced after all channel processing, post millisecond channel delay.

Touch the filter type button next to the sidechain frequency control to switch between HPF/BPF/LPF modes or turn the sidechain filter Off (default).
Touch the frequency value to select it, then adjust with the touchscreen rotary. Alternatively, touch and drag the frequency marker point on the graph.

HPF Frequency = 20Hz to 5kHz

BPF Frequency = 120Hz to 10kHz

LPF Frequency = 120Hz to 20kHz

Main graph and control –

The main graph displays input/threshold on the x-axis and output level on the y-axis to give a visual representation of parameter settings.
The side chain input level is shown on the meter to the left of the graph.
Signal reduction from 0dB to -30dB is shown on the meter to the immediate right of the graph. When the processing is switched in, this is red, otherwise it is white.
The post-processing block level is shown to the right of this.
Adjust parameters by touching to select and then using the touchscreen rotary. Alternatively, touch and drag points on the graph, this will also select the relevant parameter value box. Threshold also has a dedicated rotary on the SQ+ surface.

Gate Parameters -

Attack = 50µs to 300ms

Hold = 10ms to 5secs

Release= 10ms to 1sec

Threshold = -72dB to +18dB

Depth = 0dB to 60dB

Expander Parameters -

Attack = 50µs to 300ms

Release= 10ms to 1sec

Threshold = -72dB to +18dB

Ratio = 1:1 to 1:20

Ducker Parameters -

Attack = 50µs to 300ms

Hold = 10ms to 5secs

Release= 10ms to 1sec

Threshold = -72dB to +18dB

Depth = 0dB to 60dB

Histogram –

The histogram shows the previous 12 seconds of activity, moving from right to left. As with the gain reduction meter, when the processing is in, the level reduction (depth) is shown in red, and when out is shown in white/grey.

DEEP Expanders

Along with the standard expander, other DEEP expanders with unique characteristics can be added to the SQ+.

Once added to the SQ+, these can be used in place of the gate/expander on any input channel.

ⓘ Information on how to add models can be found in the Add-Ons section of this guide.

Press the ‘LIBRARY’ key to see the gate library.
Different DEEP Expander models are recalled from the ‘Factory’ library.
Store and Recall user presets using the ‘User’ library.

Source Expander -

Modelled on an industry standard expander, source expander sounds incredibly natural due to non-linear attenuation of unwanted sound.

Dual Threshold Expander -

A unique expander that allows complete control of attenuation using two independent thresholds and linear or exponential modes.

Insert

The insert points on SQ+ can be used to route audio to and from any available I/O sockets, allowing analogue or digital processing to be inserted into the channel.

Inserts can also be used with the internal FX engines. See the FX section of this guide for more details.

Send – Select destination sockets or FX unit for the insert send.

Return – Select source sockets or FX unit for the insert return.

Send/Return types = Local Socket, SLink Socket, USB Port, IO Port, FX Unit

ⓘ When an FX unit is selected for either send or return, both send and return settings will be automatically switched to match.

ⓘ Note that insert send and return is not latency compensated.

Operating level – Select from line level options to match insert type.

Digital = Uncompensated, for use with digital I/O.

Analogue = For use with +4dBu outboard equipment.

-10 dBV = For use with -10dBV outboard equipment.

Switch the insert in or out by using the on-screen ‘In’ button.
Unassign all send and return sockets with the ‘Unassign’ button.

When a selected channel’s insert is assigned and switched ‘In’, the ‘INSERT ACTIVE’ LED will illuminate on the surface.

ⓘ If sockets have been set and then patched elsewhere, the insert may become invalid. In this state ‘Insert Invalid’ will be displayed at the top of the screen and the insert will be switched out.

GEQ (Mix Channels)

All mix channels feature a 28-band stereo graphic EQ which can be switched in or out by using the on-screen ‘In’ button.

To make adjustments, touch the on-screen fader for each band and use the touchscreen rotary.

Frequencies (Hz) = 31, 40, 50, 63, 80, 100, 125, 160, 200, 250, 315, 400,

500, 630, 800, 1k, 1.25k, 1.6k, 2k, 2.5k, 3.15k, 4k, 5k, 6.3k, 8k, 10k, 12.5k, 16k

Gain = -12dB to +12dB

Bandwidth = 1/3^rd oct (constant)

‘Fader Flip’ mode –

The SQ+ can display the GEQ on faders, with each channel strip showing a single frequency band to allow for quick and accurate adjustment.

Assign 'GEQ Fader Flip' to a SoftKey if not already assigned. By default, Fader Flip is assigned to SoftKey#7.
Pressing the GEQ ‘Fader Flip’ SoftKey shows the graphic EQ for the selected mix on faders, with a frequency band on each fader strip. Pressing the ‘Fader Flip’ key a second time on the SQ5+ or SQ6+ displays the next set of frequency bands, and a third press will exit the mode.

ⓘ In ‘Fader Flip’ mode, the chromatic channel meters and peak indicators can be used to show RTA levels and prominent frequency. See the RTA – GEQ ‘Fader Flip’ section for full details.

RTA – The RTA displays the levels of the RTA source for each frequency band of the GEQ.

For full information on the GEQ RTA see the Metering section of this guide.

DEEP GEQ's

Along with the ‘Constant-Q’ GEQ, other DEEP GEQ’s with unique characteristics can be added to the SQ+.

Once added to the SQ+, these can be used in place of the ‘Constant-Q’ GEQ on any mix channel.

ⓘ Information on how to add models can be found in the Add-Ons section of this guide.

Press the ‘LIBRARY’ key to see the GEQ Library.
Different GEQ models are recalled from the ‘Factory’ library.
Store and Recall DEEP GEQ user presets using the ‘User’ library.

Proportional-Q –

Smooth wide Q which progressively narrows toward maximum cut or boost values.

Hybrid GEQ –

A combination of the Proportional-Q and Constant-Q units providing smooth boosts and clinical cuts.

Digi GEQ –

Optimised gain and width to minimise frequency band interaction.

PEQ

The PEQ can be switched in or out using the physical ‘IN’ key on the surface or with the on-screen ‘In’ button.

The 4-bands of the parametric EQ are labelled to match the physical EQ section on the surface.
To use the dedicated physical EQ controls, select a band, and use the gain, bandwidth and frequency rotaries to adjust. To adjust on-screen, touch a parameter and use the touchscreen rotary, or touch and drag points on the graph.

ⓘ The frequency band selected on the surface can be set to follow the on-screen selection in Surface Preferences.

Touch the relevant icon to switch between the shelf, bell and filter modes for LF and HF bands.
When the PEQ is active, the graphical display is brightly coloured, when inactive, it is greyed out.

LF Mode = Shelf, Bell, HPF

HF Mode = Shelf, Bell, LPF

Frequency (all modes) = 20Hz to 20kHz

Width (parametric) = 1.5 octave to 1/9^th octave

Gain (parametric, shelf) = -15dB to +15dB

Touch the ‘RTA’ button to view and adjust the RTA overlay settings. Full details on the PEQ RTA are in the Metering section of this guide.

Compressor

Switch the Compressor in or out using either the on-screen ‘In’ button or the physical Compressor ‘IN’ key (next to the dedicated Compressor threshold rotary on the surface).

Side Chain –

Select either ‘Self Keyed’ or side chain the compressor from another channel.

ⓘ When using another channel as a side chain input, the signal is sourced after all channel processing, post millisecond channel delay.

Touch the filter mode button next to the frequency value in the sidechain section to switch between HPF/BPF/LPF modes or turn the filter off.
Touch the sidechain frequency to select, then adjust using the touchscreen rotary. Alternatively, touch and drag the frequency marker on the graph.

HPF Frequency = 20Hz to 5kHz

BPF Frequency = 120Hz to 10kHz

LPF Frequency = 120Hz to 20kHz

Compressor Modes –

There are two detection modes in the standard compressor, RMS (average) and Peak. Touch either mode to toggle between them. The active mode is displayed in white.

Soft Knee –

Touch this button to switch on the soft knee setting. This enables a variable ratio which smooths the behaviour of compression around the threshold (this is also displayed on the graph).

Parameters –

Adjust parameters by touching to select and then using the touchscreen rotary. Alternatively, touch and drag points on the graph, this will also select the relevant parameter value box. Compressor threshold also has a dedicated rotary control on the surface.

Attack = 30µs to 300ms

Release= 50ms to 2secs

Ratio = 1:1 (no compression) to Infinity (limiting)

Threshold = -46dB to +18dB

Gain (make-up gain) = 0dB to +18dB

Graph –

The graph displays input/threshold on the x-axis and output level on the y-axis to give a visual representation of parameter settings.
The side chain input level is shown on the meter to the left of the graph.
Compression (signal reduction) from 0dB to -30dB is shown on the meter to the immediate right of the graph. When the compressor is switched in, this is red, otherwise it is white.
The post-compressor (output) level is shown to the right of the signal reduction.

Parallel Compression –

This allows you to blend the compressed signal with the uncompressed signal. Due to the XCVI core, these signals are coherent, and no comb filtering is introduced.

Touch the ‘Parallel Path’ button to switch in or out.
Touch the Dry/Wet values and adjust using the touchscreen rotary.

Dry/Wet individual level = -infinity to 0dB

Histogram –

The histogram shows the previous 12 seconds of compressor activity, moving from right to left. As with the level reduction meter, when the compressor is in, the level reduction (depth) is shown in red, and when out is shown in white/grey.

Ducker Mode –

‘Ducker Mode’ is available as an option in the Compressor Library. This is a special compressor mode that reduces channel level based on signal from another channel (using the side chain input). Ducking is commonly used on a background music channel with the side chain fed from an announcement microphone.

DEEP Compressors

Optional Add-Ons, modelled on classic hardware units with unique tonal and behavioural characteristics.

Once DEEP compressor models have been added to an SQ+, they can be used in place of the RMS/Peak compressor on any input or mix channel.

ⓘ Information on how to add models can be found in the Add-Ons section of this guide.

Press the ‘Library’ key to see the Compressor Library.
Different compressor models can be recalled from the ‘Factory’ library.

Opto –

The best characteristics from a range of optical compressors combined into one smooth sounding unit.

16T –

Tight and punchy VCA-based RMS compressor, with natural sounding gain reduction.

16VU –

The classic VCA-based RMS compressor. Musically enhances low-mid frequencies when driven.

Peak Limiter 76 –

Two versions of the renowned FET levelling amplifier. One vintage, one more modern, both with all-button mode.

Mighty –

Transistor array compressor that features a unique attack sound. Capable of massive gain reduction with low distortion.

OptTronik –

Two versions of the legendary electro-optical levelling amplifier. Smooth and musical compression.

Bus –

The most well-known VCA compressor for sonic cohesion of mixes and program material.

CompStortion -

The modern classic. Includes a range of styles and distortion options.

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SQ+. Processing

Processing

Preamp (Input Channels)

Preamp (Mix Channels)

HPF (Input Channels)