Introduction:
SQ MixPad is an essential mobile control application for sound engineers using Allen & Heath's SQ series digital mixers. This powerful app transforms your tablet or smartphone into a fully-featured wireless remote, granting unparalleled freedom to mix and manage audio from anywhere within the network. It offers comprehensive control over the console, making it an indispensable tool for live sound and studio applications.
Exclusive Features of SQ MixPad
SQ MixPad provides complete access to the mixer's core functions. Users can adjust send levels, panning, and mutes for all channels and mixes directly from their mobile device. The app offers full processing control, including input channel Preamp settings, Gate, PEQ, and Compressor parameters. A dedicated routing screen provides a clear overview and full patching matrix control. The innovative offline mode allows engineers to edit show files, manage scenes, and adjust libraries without a physical connection to the SQ console. This level of functionality is designed to integrate seamlessly with the main console, not replace it.
Tips and Strategies for Beginners
Start by familiarizing yourself with the layout on a single mix. Use the global filters to simplify the view and focus on your current task. For monitor engineers, utilize the channel select and follow option to quickly navigate between mixes. Always ensure your network connection is stable before a live event. Practice using the offline mode to build and tweak show files in advance. This preparation ensures a smooth workflow when you connect to the actual SQ console, maximizing the potential of both the hardware and the SQ MixPad application.
Finals Thoughts and Reviews
Professional reviews consistently praise SQ MixPad for its robustness and depth. It is regarded not as a simple remote but as a genuine extension of the mixing surface. Engineers highlight the freedom it provides during sound checks, allowing them to walk the venue and adjust monitors from the stage. The ability to have three instances of SQ MixPad active simultaneously, alongside the main console, offers incredible collaborative potential for large productions. This makes the entire SQ ecosystem, comprising the console and this app, a highly flexible solution for modern audio engineering.
FAQs
Q: How many devices can run SQ MixPad simultaneously?
A: You can have three devices running the SQ MixPad app connected and controlling the console at the same time as the physical surface.
Q: Can I use SQ MixPad without an internet connection?
A: Yes, the app features an offline mode for editing show files without a console connection. A network connection to the mixer is only needed for real-time control.
Q: Does it offer the same control as the physical console?
A: SQ MixPad provides extensive control over mixing, processing, routing, and patching, effectively mirroring the capabilities of the hardware surface in a mobile format.
Conclusion
SQ MixPad is a masterclass in professional mobile integration for digital mixers. It successfully translates the complex interface of the SQ series into an intuitive and powerful tablet experience. For any engineer working within the Allen & Heath SQ ecosystem, this application is not just a convenience; it is a critical tool that expands creative possibilities and operational flexibility, solidifying the SQ series as a top choice for demanding audio environments.
