SQ6 Mixer - Proper Shutdown Procedure

Document #:	SOP-AV-001
Equipment:	Allen & Heath SQ6 Digital Mixer
Purpose:	Safe shutdown to protect equipment and preserve scene settings
Who This Is For:	Volunteer AV operators and team leads
Estimated Time:	2–3 minutes
Skill Level Required:	Beginner — no prior experience needed

⚠️ Read Before You Begin • Never power off the mixer abruptly using only the power strip or wall switch. • Always follow these steps in order to avoid corrupting saved scenes and show files. • If you are unsure at any point, stop and contact your AV Lead before proceeding.

Overview #

The Allen & Heath SQ6 is a professional digital mixing console. Digital mixers store settings in memory, and cutting power without a proper shutdown can corrupt those saved scenes — much like force-quitting a computer. Following this procedure every time protects the equipment and ensures the board is ready for the next service or event.

Before You Begin — Pre-Shutdown Checklist #

Confirm all of the following before starting the shutdown:

• The event/service is fully over and no one is still using audio
• All microphones and monitors are no longer needed — you are ready to mute all channels
• Any recording or streaming has been stopped
• You have saved the current scene (if any changes were made — see Step 2)

Shutdown Steps #

Follow each step in order. Do not skip steps.

1	Mute or lower all channel faders - Push the soft button labeled MUTE ALL that is to the right of the touchscreen. This prevents a loud pop through the speakers when the board powers down.
2	Save your scene (if you made any changes) Press SCENES on the touchscreen → select the current scene → tap STORE. If no changes were made, skip this step.
3	Press the Processing button to see the Shutdown button The Processing soft button (bottom-left of touchscreen) until Shutdown appears. This may take a few presses, but eventually the Shutdown button will show
4	Confirm the shutdown on the touchscreen A dialog box will appear asking "Are you sure?" or "Shutdown?" — tap YES or OK to confirm. The board will save its state and power off safely, and the light bar will turn off.
5	Power off the amplifiers and active speakers Flip white power switch to OFF — directly under the mixer desk, top of amp rack. This shuts off board, amps, and IEM receivers in the correct sequence.
6	Do NOT power off any other sound equipment Leave the wireless receivers and RF Venue box on. DO NOT turn key that is at the top right of the amp rack
7	Secure the equipment Place the dust cover over the mixer which should be stored along the right side of the mixer console during use

✓ You're Done! The SQ6 is now safely shut down. Your scenes and settings have been saved. The board will be ready to go for the next service or event.

Quick Reference Card #

Cut out or photograph this card for quick reference during shutdown:

SQ6 SHUTDOWN — QUICK CARD #

1. Press MUTE ALL button (right of touchscreen)
2. Press Processing button (bottom-left of touchscreen) until Shutdown appears
3. Press the Shutdown button on the touchscreen
4. Flip white power switch to OFF — under desk, top of amp rack (This shuts off board, amps, and IEM receivers in the right order)
5. Place dust cover over the board

*Questions? Ross 610-469-4679 Doug 610-698-1262*

Troubleshooting #

Common issues and what to do:

Problem	What to Do
Touchscreen doesn't respond when I tap it	Wait 10 seconds — it may be processing. If still frozen, contact AV Lead before pulling power.
No shutdown dialog appeared after holding power	Hold the button for a full 3 seconds. If still no response, try pressing and holding again. Do not cut power without the dialog.
Board won't turn on after shutdown	Check that the power strip is on. Check the power cable in the rear. Wait 30 seconds and try again.
I accidentally cut power without the dialog	Note it happened and tell your AV Lead. The board usually recovers but saved scenes may have been affected.

Document Control #

Document ID:	SOP-AV-001
Version:	1.0
Approved By:	_______________________________
Effective Date:	_______________________________
Review Date:	_______________________________
Location:	AV Resource Hub / AV Booth

Revision History:

Version	Date	Description	Author
1.0		Initial release	AV Team