$24,000-$30,000 based on mixing console model, stage boxes, and number of monitors.
For churches with 300-700 seats and expanding worship ministries, the Allen & Heath SQ series represents the optimal balance between professional capabilities and practical value. This comprehensive bundle delivers flagship-quality audio in a compact format that can grow with ministry demands while remaining accessible to volunteer operators.
The 48-channel SQ console provides ample input capacity for full worship bands—typically five to six musicians plus four vocalists—without the overwhelming complexity of larger flagship consoles. With 96kHz processing, the system delivers pristine audio quality matching professional recording standards.
The console’s extensive mix bus architecture supports complex monitor configurations, broadcast feeds, and recording applications simultaneously. This flexibility proves essential as churches expand their audio requirements beyond basic sanctuary mixing.
The optional Dante card transforms the SQ into a networked audio powerhouse, providing 64 bidirectional channels over standard network infrastructure. This capability enables audio routing to remote locations, integration with broadcast systems, and connection to external processing without consuming local console inputs.
Alternative configurations include Waves cards for integration with Waves SuperRack systems, providing access to premium plugin processing that rivals the most expensive consoles available.
The bundle includes eight ME-1 personal mixers—Allen & Heath’s premium monitoring solution for musicians. These sophisticated units connect to the included MEU hub via hardwired connections, supporting up to ten mixers total for comprehensive band monitoring.
While ME-500 mixers offer a budget alternative, the ME-1 units provide significantly enhanced functionality and channel capacity that justifies their premium positioning. Professional musicians consistently prefer the ME-1’s advanced capabilities and intuitive interface.
The flagship GX4816 stage box provides 48 inputs and 16 outputs, ensuring churches won’t outgrow their I/O capacity as ministries expand. This “big boy” stage box maintains the system’s 96kHz processing throughout while offering room for future growth.
For budget-conscious installations, the DX168 stage box delivers 16 inputs and 8 outputs while maintaining the same high-quality 96kHz processing. This option provides professional capabilities with more modest I/O requirements, suitable for smaller bands or churches prioritizing initial cost savings.
The SQ ecosystem includes comprehensive remote control options through dedicated apps and hardware controllers. The Mix Pad provides wireless console control for sound engineers, while individual monitor mixing capabilities empower musicians to adjust their own mixes without engineer intervention.
This distributed control approach reduces operator workload during services while improving musician satisfaction with their monitor experience.
The SQ bundle represents a “no-upgrade-needed” philosophy for churches wanting to avoid equipment obsolescence. The system’s expandability, networking capabilities, and professional feature set accommodate growth from mid-size church through large ministry applications.
Churches can confidently invest in this system knowing it will serve their needs through multiple phases of ministry expansion without requiring wholesale replacement.
This bundle configuration reflects real-world installation experience from numerous church projects. The component selection eliminates compatibility concerns while providing redundant expansion options for different growth scenarios.
Professional installation and training ensure churches maximize their investment through proper system configuration and operator education.
While representing a significant investment, the SQ bundle delivers flagship console capabilities at mid-tier pricing. The system’s longevity, professional feature set, and expansion capabilities provide exceptional long-term value compared to multiple incremental upgrades.
For churches ready to invest in professional audio infrastructure that will serve them for many years, the SQ bundle provides the ideal balance of capability, reliability, and future-readiness that growing ministries require.
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