Allen & Heath CQ18T
(Allen & Heath CQ-18T 18-Channel Digital Mixer)
Compact Digital Audio Mixer
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T is an ultra-compact 18-input, 8-output digital mixer designed for live sound, recording, rehearsals, and AV applications. Featuring a powerful 96 kHz FPGA processing engine, a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, and built-in dual-band Wi-Fi, it combines advanced audio processing with intuitive hands-on and wireless control. With 16 microphone preamps, six independent auxiliary outputs, intelligent mixing assistants, and integrated multitrack recording, the CQ-18T delivers flexible mixing capabilities in a lightweight, portable design.
Allen & Heath CQ-18T Competitive Differences
- 96 kHz FPGA processing engine provides high-resolution digital audio processing for detailed sound and precise mix control.
- 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with dedicated rotary encoder, three assignable Soft Rotaries, and three customizable SoftKeys for fast operation.
- 16 digitally controlled mic/line preamps plus a dedicated balanced stereo line input for versatile source connectivity.
- Built-in dual-band 2.4 GHz/5 GHz Wi-Fi enables remote mixing through the CQ-MixPad app without requiring an external wireless router.
- Gain Assistant and Feedback Assistant simplify sound setup by automatically adjusting input gain and identifying problematic feedback frequencies.
- Four integrated FX engines, Automatic Mic Mixer, and Quick/Complete channel processing modes provide flexible sound shaping.
- 24x22 USB-B audio interface and SD multitrack recording support live recording, playback, and computer-based audio production.
- Six independent auxiliary mixes, two assignable headphone outputs, four DCAs, and four mute groups provide extensive monitoring and routing flexibility.
Allen & Heath CQ-18T Description
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T combines professional digital mixing functionality with an intuitive interface designed for musicians, sound engineers, and AV operators. Its 96 kHz FPGA processing engine provides detailed audio control across 16 mono input channels and three stereo input channels. The mixer features eight balanced XLR mic/line inputs, eight XLR/1/4-inch combo inputs, and a dedicated stereo line input. Two XLR main outputs and six balanced TRS auxiliary outputs support main PA systems, stage monitoring, and additional audio routing.
The 7-inch capacitive touchscreen provides direct access to channel processing, effects, routing, and system settings. Quick Channels offer application-specific processing with simplified controls, while Complete Channels provide access to detailed equalization, gating, compression, and other parameters. Gain Assistant automatically sets and monitors microphone preamp levels, while Feedback Assistant identifies and suppresses feedback frequencies. Automatic Mic Mixer functionality dynamically balances microphone levels for clearer speech during conferences, presentations, and other spoken-word applications.
Four onboard effects engines provide reverb, delay, and modulation processing, with FX Assist helping effects respond dynamically to incoming signals. The mixer also includes four DCAs and four mute groups for convenient control of multiple channels. Built-in dual-band Wi-Fi allows wireless operation using the CQ-MixPad app on compatible computers and mobile devices, while CQ4You enables performers to adjust their own monitor mixes. Three customizable Soft Rotaries, three SoftKeys, and a configurable footswitch connection provide additional hands-on control.
Recording and playback capabilities make the CQ-18T a flexible solution for both live performance and audio production. Its 24x22 USB-B interface supports multichannel recording and playback at 48 or 96 kHz, while the SD card slot provides standalone multitrack recording without a computer. USB-A supports stereo recording and playback, and built-in Bluetooth allows convenient stereo audio playback from compatible devices. Weighing just 6.6 lb (3 kg), the compact desktop enclosure is easy to transport and can be installed in a standard 19-inch rack using an optional rackmount kit.
CQ-18T Features
- Compact 18-input, 8-output digital mixer with 96 kHz FPGA processing.
- 16 digitally controlled mic/line preamps with +48V phantom power.
- 8 balanced XLR mic/line inputs and 8 XLR/1/4-inch combo mic/line inputs.
- Dedicated balanced stereo line input with two 1/4-inch TRS connectors.
- 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with five screen selection keys and rotary encoder.
- 3 customizable Soft Rotaries and 3 assignable SoftKeys.
- Quick Channel processing for simplified, application-specific adjustments.
- Complete Channel mode for detailed processing and parameter control.
- Input channel processing including high-pass filter, gate, parametric EQ, compression, polarity, and pan.
- Gain Assistant automatically sets microphone preamp gain and monitors input levels to help prevent clipping.
- Feedback Assistant detects unwanted feedback frequencies and applies corrective notch filtering.
- Automatic Mic Mixer dynamically manages microphone levels for speech applications.
- 4 built-in stereo multi-effects engines with reverb, delay, and modulation effects.
- FX Assist dynamically adjusts supported effects according to incoming audio signals.
- 6 independent auxiliary outputs configurable as mono mixes or up to 3 stereo mixes.
- 2 assignable stereo headphone outputs for independent monitoring.
- 4 DCA groups and 4 mute groups for convenient multi-channel control.
- 24x22 USB-B multichannel audio interface with 48 kHz and 96 kHz operation.
- SD card multitrack recording and playback supporting 24-track recording at 48 kHz or 16-track recording at 96 kHz.
- USB-A stereo audio recording and playback using compatible USB storage devices.
- Built-in Bluetooth stereo audio playback with dedicated input channel.
- Integrated dual-band 2.4 GHz/5 GHz Wi-Fi with automatic channel selection.
- RJ45 Ethernet connection for external network control.
- CQ-MixPad remote control app for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
- CQ4You personal monitoring app for compatible mobile devices.
- Scene storage and recall for saving mixer configurations.
- Configurable connection for an optional single or dual footswitch.
- Compact, portable desktop design with optional 19-inch rackmount compatibility.
CQ-18T Specifications
- Brand: Allen & Heath
- Model: CQ-18T
- Product Type: Compact Digital Audio Mixer
- Physical Analog Inputs: 18 (16 Mic/Line + 2 Stereo Line)
- Analog Outputs: 8 (2 Main + 6 Auxiliary)
- Input Channel Architecture: 16 Mono/Linkable + 3 Stereo Channels
- Microphone Preamps: 16 Digitally Controlled, Recallable
- Mic/Line Inputs 1–8: 8 x Balanced XLR
- Mic/Line Inputs 9–16: 8 x XLR/1/4-inch TRS Combo
- Stereo Line Input: 2 x Balanced 1/4-inch TRS
- Main Outputs: 2 x Balanced XLR (Left/Right)
- Auxiliary Outputs: 6 x 1/4-inch TRS
- Headphone Outputs: 2 x Assignable 1/4-inch TRS Stereo
- Phantom Power: +48V
- Digital Processing: 96 kHz FPGA Engine
- Display: 7-inch Capacitive Touchscreen
- Effects Engines: 4 Stereo Multi-FX
- Input Processing: High-Pass Filter, Gate, Parametric EQ, Compressor, Polarity, Pan
- Output Processing: Graphic/Parametric EQ, Compressor, Delay
- Mix Buses: Stereo Main LR + 6 Auxiliary Mixes
- Auxiliary Configuration: 6 Mono or Up to 3 Stereo Mixes
- DCA Groups: 4
- Mute Groups: 4
- Mixing Assistants: Gain Assistant, Feedback Assistant, FX Assist, Automatic Mic Mixer
- Physical Controls: 3 Soft Rotaries, 3 SoftKeys, Touchscreen Rotary Encoder
- Footswitch Connection: Configurable Single/Dual Footswitch Input
- USB-B Interface: 24 Inputs x 22 Outputs, USB 2.0
- USB-B Sample Rates: 48 kHz / 96 kHz
- USB-B Audio Resolution: 24-bit
- SD Multitrack Recording/Playback at 48 kHz: 24 Record / 22 Playback Channels
- SD Multitrack Recording/Playback at 96 kHz: 16 Record / 16 Playback Channels
- SD Media: SDHC, Up to 32 GB, UHS-I Class 10
- USB-A Recording: Stereo WAV, 48/96 kHz, 24-bit
- USB-A Playback: Mono/Stereo WAV, 44.1/48/96 kHz, 16/24-bit
- Bluetooth: Version 4.1, Stereo Audio Playback
- Built-in Wi-Fi: Dual-Band 2.4 GHz / 5 GHz, 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac
- Network Connection: RJ45 Ethernet
- Remote Control Software: CQ-MixPad, CQ4You
- Power Supply: External 100–240V AC, 50/60 Hz Adapter
- DC Power Requirement: 12V DC, 5.4A, Center Positive
- Maximum Power Consumption: 45W
- Rackmount Compatibility: Standard 19-inch Rack with Optional Rackmount Kit
- Dimensions (W x D x H): 13.6 x 9.5 x 3.5 in (346 x 242 x 89 mm)
- Net Weight: 6.6 lb (3 kg)
What's In The Box
- 1 x Allen & Heath CQ-18T Compact Digital Mixer
- 1 x External Power Supply Adapter
