Allen and Heath CQ-20B | Ultra-Compact 20in / 8out Digital Mixer with Wi-Fi

Allen & Heath CQ 20B  (Allen & Heath AH-CQ-20B)

Designed for life on the stage, CQ-20B is the highest channel-count mixer in the range and is controlled via the free CQ MixPad app.

Mix Smarter. Work Faster. Sound Better.
CQ takes our renowned processing and effects, adds exciting new assistive mixing tools, and packages it all up into our smallest, and most affordable, digital mixer series yet.

Quick and Complete
Pick Your Mixing Style

Every input channel on CQ can be switched between two modes.

Quick Channels offer instrument and application specific processing with the ability to dial in a full channel of processing via a single knob.

Need more control? Switch to Complete Channels for advanced, in-depth tweaking of parameters.

Gain Assistant
Faster Setups

Setting the correct amount of gain for each channel isn’t the most exciting task, and it quickly eats into your setup time with multiple channels to take care of.

CQ’s Gain Assistant quickly and accurately sets the optimal gain level for your one or multiple channels and continues to monitor levels during the performance to prevent any nasty peaks or surprises.


Feedback Assistant
Say Goodbye to Feedback

CQ’s Feedback Assistant automatically detects and eliminates problem frequencies using up to 16 filters per output so you can mix with confidence – and forget about feedback.

Pristine Sound
You Won’t Believe Your Ears

CQ draws on technology from our latest generation of live sound consoles to deliver audio quality previously unimaginable at this level of mixer.

Pristine 96kHz audio is partnered with studio-grade onboard processing and an optimised suite of FX to set a new standard for what’s possible with ultra-compact digital mixers.

Built-In FX
A New Breed of Effects

CQ introduces a new suite of high-quality, user-friendly reverb, delay and modulation algorithms with instrument-specific presets for speedy setup.

Selected units feature our new FX Assist tool, automatically shaping the effects and dynamically responding to your input signal to ensure your mix is enhanced by FX, not engulfed.

Usability
You’re Always In Control

Although the CQ-20B is designed for life on the stage, you’re free to mix from anywhere in the venue via the free CQ MixPad app and the integrated dual-band Wi-Fi.

CQ MixPad gives you control over all parameters of the mixer so you can soundcheck, mix and record from your mobile device or computer.

Recording & Playback
Capture the Performance, Wherever You Are

CQ packs in multiple recording and playback options to ensure you’re always ready to capture the performance.

An integrated USB audio interface enables easy multitrack recording, playback and streaming via your DAW, and an SD card slot is provided for reliable multitrack recording and playback on the go.

You can record and playback stereo files via USB key, and you can even playback from your phone via the built-in Bluetooth functionality.

The CQ-20B also includes an assignable Alt-Out – great for an engineer’s IEM connection.

Integrated Wi-Fi
Leave Your Access Point at Home

The CQ-20B is designed to be controlled via the intuitive CQ MixPad app and features powerful integrated dual-band Wi-Fi so you don’t need to connect an access point or router to use apps for control of the mixer.

Just connect your devices to the CQ’s secure Wi-Fi network and you’re ready to go.

I/O
Get Yourself Connected

CQ-20B gives you all the connectivity you need to get going with 16 mic/line inputs plus two stereo line inputs.

When it comes to outputs, there’s a pair of main mix outputs plus 6 outputs for monitor mixes – enough for the whole band – and an assignable Alt Output is also provided.


AMM
Simplify Speech

The integrated Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM) means you can instantly reduce background noise and improve clarity for speech applications without lifting a finger.

AMM is available on all input channels, making it the perfect portable mixer for conferences, podcasts, debates and small-scale theatre productions.

FEATURES:

Stereo Bluetooth playback with dedicated input channel
4 FX engines
Dual Footswitch connection
Assignable TRS headphone output
Built-in dual band 2.4G/5G AC Wi-Fi with auto channel select

SPECIFICATIONS:

Mic/Line Inputs Balanced XLR, Balanced XLR/TRS Combi, fully recallable preamp
Phantom Power +48V (+3V / -2V)
Input Sensitivity -60 to +0dBu
Line Inputs (Combi Sockets) -20dB Pad (Fixed)
Analogue Gain 0dB to +60dB, 1dB steps
Maximum Input Level +17dBu (XLR), +30dBu (TRS)
Input Impedance >1.5kΩ (XLR), >10kΩ (TRS)
THD+N, Unity gain 0dB 0.002% -92dBu (20Hz-20kHz, USB soundcard, @0dBu 1kHz)
THD+N, Mid gain +30dB 0.004% -88dBu (20Hz-20kHz, USB soundcard, @-30dBu 1kHz)
Stereo Line Inputs
Stereo Line Input Connection Balanced, 1/4" TRS Jack, Normalled (Left/Mono)
Input Sensitivity Nominal +4dBu
Trim +/-24dB
Maximum Input Level +21dBu
Input Impedance >10kΩ
Hi-Z Inputs 1MΩ, JFET input stage, 0dB to +40dB gain
Outputs
Main LR Outputs Balanced, XLR
Outputs 1-6 Balanced XLR
Output Impedance <75Ω
Nominal Output +4dBu = 0dB meter reading
Maximum Output Level +22dBu
Residual Output Noise -88dBu (muted, 20Hz-20kHz)
System
System Measured balanced XLR in to XLR out, 0dB gain, 0dBu input
Dynamic Range 110 dB
Frequency Response +0/-0.5dB 20Hz to 20kHz
Headroom +18dB
Internal operating Level 0dBu
THD+N, Mic routed to Main L/R Out +10dBu input, 0dB system gain, 0.003%, -92dB (Relative, 20-20kHz)
dBFS Alignment +18dBu = 0dBFS (+22dBu at XLR output)
Meter Calibration 0dB meter = -18dBFS (+4dBu at XLR out)
Sampling Rate 96kHz
Bit Depth Custom, up to 96-bit
Latency <0.7mS, Local Mic Input to Main L/R, with all processing in or out
Operating Temperature Range 0° C to 40° C (32° F to 104° F)
Power 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz, 45W max
CQ-20B Technical Datasheet 5
Record/Playback
USB-A
Stereo Record 48/96 kHz, 24-bit WAV format. Patchable from Outputs, ST in, or FX Units
Stereo Playback 44.1/48/96 kHz, 16/24 bit, Mono/Stereo WAV files
USB-B USB 2.0, Core Audio compliant, ASIO/WDM for Windows, 48/96 kHz, 24-bit
Send / Return 24 channels / 24 channels
SD Card SDHC, 32 GB, UHS-I, Class 10 for maximum channels, 48/96 kHz, 24-bit
Multitrack Record 16 channels @ 96kHz or 24 channels @ 48kHz
Multitrack Playback 16 channels @ 96kHz or 24 channels @ 48kHz
Connectivity
Wi-Fi Access Point 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual band, auto channel)
Bluetooth 4.1 (high quality stereo playback)
Weights and Dimensions
Width x Depth x Height
As Used 372 x 154 x 134 mm (14.7" x 6.1" x 5.3"), 2.6 kg (5.8 lbs)
Packed in shipping box 450 x 260 x 250 mm (17.7" x 10.2" x 9.8"), 3.3 kg (7.3 lbs)