Allen & Heath CQ-18T Digital Mixer

Description

The Allen & Heath CQ-18T is a powerful and ultra-compact digital mixer designed for musicians, bands, audio engineers, and venues that need flexible and intuitive mixing in a portable form. Part of the CQ series, the CQ-18T combines the trusted Allen & Heath audio quality with a modern touch interface, advanced DSP, and smart mixing tools to make setup and operation fast and effective—even for less experienced users.

With 18 input channels, built-in Wi-Fi, a responsive 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, and powerful DSP features like Auto Gain, Feedback Suppression, and Automatic Mic Mixing, the CQ-18T is ideal for small to mid-sized live gigs, streaming setups, houses of worship, and mobile AV systems.

It supports multitrack recording/playback to USB, remote control via apps, and offers multi-band EQs, compressors, FX, and routing flexibility. Despite its small footprint, the CQ-18T brings pro-level functionality to the stage or studio.

Allen & Heath CQ-18T – Specifications

I/O Configuration

• Total Inputs: 18

  • 16 × Mic/Line Inputs (XLR/TRS combo)

  • 1 × Stereo Line In (3.5 mm aux)

  • 1 × Stereo USB Playback

• Total Outputs: 8

  • 6 × Balanced XLR Mix Outputs

  • 1 × Stereo Headphone Out (TRS)

  • 1 × Stereo USB Recording Out

Processing

• Mix Engine: 96 kHz / 48-bit FPGA-based processing

• Input Processing:

  • Gain, HPF, Gate, 4-band PEQ, Compressor

• Output Processing:

  • 4-band PEQ, GEQ (31-band), Compressor, Delay

• Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM): 16 channels

• Feedback Suppression: On all mix outputs

• Auto Gain: Per input channel

FX & Routing

• Internal FX Engines: 4 (Reverb, Delay, Modulation)

• FX Sends: 4 dedicated FX sends

• Mix Busses: 6 Monitors (Mix Out), LR Main

• Custom Fader Layers & Routing Matrix: Fully configurable

Touchscreen & Interface

• Display: 7” capacitive touchscreen

• UI: Fast, intuitive GUI with metering and quick controls

• Assignable Rotary Control: With push function

Recording & Playback

• Multitrack Recording: Up to 24 tracks directly to USB drive

• Playback: USB stereo playback or multitrack

• Formats: WAV (48 kHz, 24-bit)

Remote Control

• Built-in Wi-Fi Access Point

• App Support:

  • CQ-MixPad (for remote mixing on iOS/Android)

  • CQ4You (personal monitor mixing)

• Network Control: Ethernet and Wi-Fi

Construction & Form Factor

• Chassis: Durable ABS enclosure

• Mounting: Desktop or rack-mountable with optional kit

• Dimensions: Approx. 344 × 235 × 84 mm

• Weight: ~3.8 kg

Power

• Power Supply: Internal PSU, IEC input

• Voltage: 100–240V AC, 50/60Hz

Key Features

• 96kHz / 48-bit processing engine for ultra-low latency

• Easy-to-use touchscreen interface with app control

• Automatic mic mixing and feedback suppression

• Multitrack USB recording and playback

• Built-in Wi-Fi for wireless control out-of-the-box

• High-quality FX and flexible routing

Ideal For

• Live performances and bands

• Houses of worship

• Streaming setups and podcasts

• Theater and small venue sound systems

• Portable AV and rental rigs