ALLEN & HEATH SQ-6 User Manual

 5
MIDI Protocol – ISSUE 1
1.3 Types of message
MIDI messages can be presented in different ways in various hardware and
software, including plain text, binary, decimal and hexadecimal.
As an example, here are four representations of the same message:
Plain text
MIDI Channel 1, C-1, Note on
Binary
1001 0000 0000 0000 0111 1111
Decimal
144 0 127
Hexadecimal
0x90 0x00 0x7F
This document uses the representations you are most likely to come across
for each kind of message when communicating with the SQ.
Note On/Off – The SQ uses a note on followed by a note off for any key press.
MMC – MIDI Machine Control is used to send transport control messages
from the SQ.
 MMC messages are ‘Real Time Universal System Exclusive’ messages and are sent to
all connected devices rather than being assigned to a single MIDI channel.
CC (Continuous Controller) – For each MIDI channel there are 128 continuous
controllers, each of which can have a value between 0 and 127 (128 steps).
These are used by MIDI strip faders, MIDI on Soft Rotaries and other
parameters with more than just an on or off state.
NRPN (Non-Registered Parameter Number) – For high resolution control
(16384 steps) and access to many more parameters, NRPN messages are
used to communicate with SQ to control levels, panning, mutes and
assignments.
NRPN messages can be thought of as a specific string of CC messages, with
MSB (Most Significant Byte) and LSB (Least Significant Byte) representing a
parameter number and data bytes representing parameter value.
NRPNs can be used to set the absolute value of a parameter, or to increment
or decrement a parameter.
These are displayed as hexadecimal values in this document and it should be
noted that the ‘0x’ prefix has been removed for brevity.

ALLEN & HEATH SQ-6 Specifications

General

Channels quantity	48 channels
Supported sample rates	96 kHz
Digital sound processing	- bit
DJ mixer	-
Product color	Black
Output impedance	75 Ω
MIDI out	Yes
RJ-45 ports quantity	1
Power consumption (typical)	- W

Weight and Dimensions

Depth	514.9 mm
Width	638 mm
Height	198 mm
Weight	14500 g
Package depth	680 mm
Package width	820 mm
Package height	360 mm
Package weight	17300 g

Summary

Introduction and Setup

Connection

Explains how to connect the SQ to a computer via USB or network.

MIDI Channels

Details the 16 available MIDI channels and their use for mixer control and DAW.

Types of MIDI Message

Explains different MIDI message formats like Note On/Off, MMC, CC, and NRPN.

DAW Control Driver

Details the driver for using the SQ as a control surface with digital audio workstations.

MIDI Faders and Soft Controls

MIDI Faders

Details the 32 assignable MIDI fader strips and their corresponding MIDI messages.

Soft Keys and Footswitch

Explains assignable Soft Keys and footswitch functionality for MIDI functions.

Soft Rotaries

Describes Soft Rotaries and the MIDI messages they can send.

Controlling the Mixer

Scene Change via MIDI

Details how to change scenes using MIDI bank and program change messages.

Soft Key Control

Explains how to control SQ functions using MIDI Note On/Off messages for Soft Keys.

Mute Control

Details how to control mute states using absolute or increment/decrement MIDI messages.

Level Control

Explains setting levels using absolute values or relative 1dB increments/decrements.

Panning and Balance Control

Details setting panning/balance using absolute or relative MIDI messages.

Mix Assignment Control

Explains controlling assignment states with absolute or increment/decrement MIDI messages.

Getting Parameter Values

Describes how to request current parameter values using MIDI 'get' commands.

Reference Tables

MIDI Channel Mapping

Table mapping MIDI channels to hexadecimal values and notes.

Value to Note/Hexadecimal Mapping

Table mapping SQ values to MIDI notes and hexadecimal representations.

Example MIDI Values

Examples of Soft Key, Level, and Pan/Balance MIDI values.

Parameter Numbers: Mute

Mute Parameters: Inputs to LR/Aux

Lists MSB/LSB for mute control of inputs and Aux.

Parameter Numbers: Level

Level Parameters: Inputs to LR/Aux/Groups

Lists MSB/LSB for level control of inputs, groups, and Aux.

Parameter Numbers: Level (Cont.)

Level Parameters: Groups & FX Returns

Lists MSB/LSB for level control of Groups and FX Returns to LR/Aux.

Parameter Numbers: FX & Matrix Sends

FX & Matrix Sends Parameters

Lists MSB/LSB for FX and Matrix Sends.

Parameter Numbers: Assignment

Assignment Parameters: Inputs to LR/Aux

Lists MSB/LSB for assignment control of inputs to LR/Aux.

Parameter Numbers: Assignment & Balance

Assignment & Balance Parameters: Groups/FX Returns

Lists MSB/LSB for assignment and balance of Groups/FX Returns.

Parameter Numbers: Balance (Cont.)

Balance Parameters: Master Sends

Lists MSB/LSB for balance control of Master Sends.

Parameter Numbers: Assignment (Cont.)

Assignment Parameters: Inputs to Groups

Lists MSB/LSB for assignment control of inputs to Groups.

Parameter Numbers: Assignment & FX

Assignment & FX Parameters: Groups, FX Returns

Lists MSB/LSB for assignment and FX Returns.

FX and Matrix Send Parameters

FX Returns to Groups Parameters

Lists MSB/LSB for FX Returns to Groups.

FX Sends and Matrix Sends Parameters

Lists MSB/LSB for FX Sends and Matrix Sends.