An unexpected abundance of SQN

[Jason Nicholas]

I've had my eye out for a decent, fairly recent SQN mixer to have for some secondary field recording work. I've wanted one since university but could not justify the expense/actual need for one ratio. I spotted one the other day on Ebay that was listed as a previous model but was actually the current 4S Mini MkII (I don't think the seller realised what they had on offer) so I purchased it. Then, in following up on that today, I saw a 2S in absolutely pristine condition for a ridiculously low price—and bought that as well. So I have gone from no SQN mixers to two in short order (there is probably a German word for this condition). I've been in touch with Jospeh at SQN already about doing a modification to the 2S (for such a small company, they seem to be able to do a lot of customisation to these things. Indeed, you can apparently just wholly upgrade the 2S to become the current 4S). The exploration of this has me wondering what the thing is as well with the UK and mixers; there seem to be an abundance of mixer manufacturers in and about the UK and I'm wondering why that is (perhaps this would be a good topic to look into for an episode on my podcast. I mean, we did one on the history of wind protection for microphones; so this seems like a sensible follow up). 

[The Documentary Sound Guy]

I would guess that the preponderance of electronics knowledge in the UK post WWII plus the UK's role in the early recording industry are important.  Basically, a rich, large nation with one of the earliest indigenous recording industries is the reason.  But that's me guessing.  I'm sure someone has written the actual history.

[berniebeaudry]

We had mono SQNs at the PBS station I was at years ago.  I think we did eventually got some 2x4 units.  Great mixers!  I didn't think they were still in business.  I wonder what recorders users are teaming these up with.

[The Immoral Mr Teas]

The need/requirement for iso tracks, coupled with the ability of most recorders (at the SQN level at least...) to provide both isos and a mix, and a general wish in this post-Nagra age to dance about with lighter sound bags probably accounts for a lot. And SQN owners leaving the industry?

 

4 hours ago, The Documentary Sound Guy said:

I'm sure someone has written the actual history.

 

SQN themselves have written much of their own history rather well. The stuff about the early mixers designed around the Nagra SN is particularly interesting. It's up there on their site ... somewhere.

 

I have to say I too was lucky with both my 4Sm4 and 5Sm2 which I've had now quite a few years. And yes, SQN are very friendly and helpful ( - they guided me through opening my 4S to activate the iso outputs which the original recordist I had bought it from had no need for). I prefer the original 2S mini to the changes ('upgrade') however - but moot, I haven't one.

 

J

[Philip Perkins]

When I was actively using bag mixers I thought SQN's sounded lovely but were far too expensive for the # of inputs.  Sound Devices took note of what people liked about SQNs and made mixers that sounded about as good for cheaper and with more and more easily usable features (like no switches on the underside of the mixer).   The sort of production the SQNs were designed for doesn't happen so much anymore: location soundies are expected to be able to record their audio themselves (several isos and mixes), jam sync TC, have multiple customizable sends for camera hops and monitoring TX, maybe even be able to do on the spot NR and have all of this in a small package that can be battery powered and be worn for a 10 hour day without crippling the user. 

[Jason Nicholas]

So the mixer came in the post the other day. First, what a beautiful reminder of quality gear that's made to last. It's a solid little brick of steel and electronics. I believe, from the labelling and the fact that the seller had eight identical units, that it was from a German government surplus sale. It appears to have little or not use at all. I have the sense that it was purchased, sat on a shelf and then eventually sold.

 

Just a quick question; it has an Ampower NP1 battery sled on the top which I'll not use as I have Audioroot power. I can't really find any documentation about Ampower online; does anyone know how I go about removing the sled? I'm assuming it's screwed through the top plate in some fashion? Do I just remove the top plate and then the screws from the bottom of the sled on the reverse side (and does the top plate come off by removing the four screws on top)?

 

[Olle Sjostrom]

It is very beautiful, but it also very much reminds me of the reason why I was so pleased with Sound Devices mixers: those awkward 3/4 pots to the LEFT of the 1/2 pots!!! And of course, to me - a millennial, VU meters are very much hard for me to wrap my head around. 
I remember these things sounding different than SD, and I never understood why really, which says more about me than these mixers. If I'd used them today I'd probably love the sound. I just felt they were sluggish in a way that felt off, compared to say a 302 which sounded whippy and crisp. 
The SQNs I used could've also been very old and not cared for. 
But I agree, very beautiful, as a lot of confusing items are. 

[Jason Nicholas]

Yes, it's not really something that really fits into the bulk of what a location sound mixer would be called upon to do nowadays (though I'd be curious to poll how many people are actively using them still). But it fits into the specific use case of what I'm needing for some field recording and short doc stuff I'm doing (basically a front end to my 744T). 

 

As a child of the 70's, I have a special place in my heart for analogue meters (this whole thing is probably an exercise in nostalgia to begin with). 

[Jason Nicholas]

On 8/20/2026 at 2:14 AM, The Immoral Mr Teas said:

The need/requirement for iso tracks, coupled with the ability of most recorders (at the SQN level at least...) to provide both isos and a mix, and a general wish in this post-Nagra age to dance about with lighter sound bags probably accounts for a lot. And SQN owners leaving the industry?

 

 

SQN themselves have written much of their own history rather well. The stuff about the early mixers designed around the Nagra SN is particularly interesting. It's up there on their site ... somewhere.

 

I have to say I too was lucky with both my 4Sm4 and 5Sm2 which I've had now quite a few years. And yes, SQN are very friendly and helpful ( - they guided me through opening my 4S to activate the iso outputs which the original recordist I had bought it from had no need for). I prefer the original 2S mini to the changes ('upgrade') however - but moot, I haven't one.

 

J

Out of curiosity, what was it that you preferred on the 2S as opposed to the 4S? 

[The Immoral Mr Teas]

15 hours ago, Jason Nicholas said:

Out of curiosity, what was it that you preferred on the 2S as opposed to the 4S? 

 

The clue's in the name Jason (my name that is). As Daniel pointed out back in a Mix-Pre launch thread back in 2017;

 

 

"I knew the moment you posted there would mention of 'T' power. I'm beginning to think this is what the 'Teas' in 'The Immoral Mr Teas' is really about as opposed to a fondness for Russ Meyer and hot drinks from the PRC ;- ) "

 

I meant the 2S vs the 2S Mk2. The former had T-powering (for channels 1 and 2) whilst the latter dispensed of this in favour of some other feature on channels 3 and 4 I believe.

My liking for the 2S (vs the 4) is of course the size, though as you know it's about the size of the SQN 3, not so small after all, just packing a lot into the footprint.

I like my 4 however, even though I have a 5.

 

Regarding removing the power sled ... if it were me I would ask the advice directly of SQN. They are very friendly and helpful as I have said. If it can be removed the greatest task I expect would be the actual power link from it into the unit - removing, bypassing or turning it off - rather than the two blocks of metal. If it can be done I would say it would be worth doing.

 

Jez

 

[The Immoral Mr Teas]

On 9/2/2026 at 12:36 AM, Jason Nicholas said:

Do I just remove the top plate and then the screws from the bottom of the sled on the reverse side (and does the top plate come off by removing the four screws on top)?

 

 

Oh, and I'm not sure about this but I expect the top wraps around the back and is connected to the bottom. If so it would be a case of removing the CORRECT screws and sliding the 'middle' (ie the entire mixer) out. These things are densely packed inside. It is probably a straightforward job (to open it up that is - removing the power sled I've no idea). SQN sent me instructions to open the (older, bigger) 4 - and with instructions it was an easy thing to do and to change the internal bumper. I wouldn't rush to try to open one let alone alter anything without knowing exactly what to do (undo, etc) and in what order.

[Jason Nicholas]

I’ve emailed SQN as they will no doubt have exacting instructions. From what I can see, I don’t think the sled actually passes power into the mixer directly, there are a couple Hirose connectors on it for power out so I’m assuming the sled is just screwed through the lid somehow and needs to be undone on the reverse side.
 

I can’t remember the last time I used a T power microphone but, to answer your question in the earlier post about ‘modern’ mixers with T power, I have a Fostex FM3 and used the FM4 a good bit and both of them offer it (though the Fostex mixers are even more obscure than SQN!)

[The Immoral Mr Teas]

I'm sure you'll have no problem then (re "there are a couple Hirose connectors on it for power out...") taking those things off. I thought it might be the case but there was no way I could see from the photo.

 

I've quite a few T mics in good order - 805s and 815s plus a schoeps for starters - but rarely have more than one or a pair on the go. My Sound Devices 302 tends to do the honours - if I did get hold of an SQN 2S (Mark 1) that might change.

 

J