Allen & Heath CQ-18T 16-channel Digital Mixer

CQ-18T is the largest desktop mixer in the CQ range and is ideal for gigging bands, rehearsal spaces, home recording and streaming, speech applications and corporate AV.

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 one or multiple input 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.

Multi Channel Control: DCAs & Mute Groups

CQ makes it easy to handle multiple channels simultaneously with 4 DCAs, each capable of controlling the level of any combination of inputs, outputs, and FX, for simple single-fader control of multiple channels, such as a drum kit, without affecting their relative levels. There’s also 4 Mute Groups, enabling you to mute and unmute multiple channels at once via a single button, perfect for muting all stage mics or monitor speakers.

Usability : You’re Always In Control

CQ-18T gives you all the tactile control you need to get around the interface quickly. A 7″ touchscreen and rotary control make it simple to set up and get mixing, and the 3 Custom Rotaries and SoftKeys allow you to access commonly used functions with just your muscle memory. The free CQ MixPad app also gives you full control of your mix from anywhere in the venue thanks to the built-in WiFi.

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-18T also includes a pair of headphone outputs which can be fed separate mixes, perfect for a portable production setup.

Integrated Wi-Fi

Leave Your Access Point at Home The CQ-18T features powerful integrated dual-band Wi-Fi so you don’t need to bring a bulky access point or router along to use apps with 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-18T gives you all the connectivity you need to get going with 16 mic/line inputs plus a stereo line input. 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 two headphone outputs are provided which can be assigned different mixes, perfect for recording.

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.

Compatible with Harrison LiveTrax

Created specifically for live sound engineers, Harrison LiveTrax is an efficient and cost-effective multitrack recording and virtual sound check software solution that seamlessly interfaces with Allen & Heath console systems. Designed to easily capture live performances of any kind, from the smallest weekend show to the largest production, Harrison LiveTrax is available for Mac, Windows, and Linux systems.

Easy To Use : Streamlined feature set with intuitive user interface specifically designed for use with Allen & Heath consoles in multitrack recording, track playback, and virtual soundcheck applications.

Stability First:  Created for environments where stability is paramount, LiveTrax delivers rock solid performance at every show so you can work with confidence.

A&H Integration:  LiveTrax quickly and seamlessly integrates with Allen & Heath’s dLive, Avantis, SQ, Qu and CQ live mixers.

Show Integration : Timecode sync, transport control, MIDI, and OSC compatibility enables integration into large touring rigs and complex show automation systems.

Features

Inputs

8 XLR

8 XLR/TRS Combi

2 TRS (stereo)

Outputs

2 XLR (Main)

6 TRS (Monitors)

24×22 USB-B interface (48/96kHz)

SD record/playback

24×22 (48kHz)

16×16 (96kHz)

Stereo USB record/playback with dedicated input channel

Stereo Bluetooth playback with dedicated input channel

4 FX engines

3 Custom Rotaries

3 Custom SoftKeys

Dual Footswitch connection

7” Capacitive touchscreen with associated rotary control

2 Assignable TRS headphone outputs

Built-in dual band 2.4G/5G AC Wi-Fi with auto channel select