The Allen & Heath CQ-18T is a compact — and feature-packed — 16-channel digital mixer that fits in your backpack. This portable 96kHz-capable mixer boasts uncompromising audio quality, ensuring top-notch sound in any application. And its smart controls and processing tools make it a breeze to use. The CQ-18T's Preamp Gain Assistant and Feedback Assistant make setup a snap, and its instrument-based Quick input delivers great mixes in no time flat. Want manual control? No problem. Each track includes a Complete input that allows for in-depth tweaking. You get built-in Smart-FX units, arming you with a full complement of reverbs, delays, modulations, and more. Navigating the CQ-18T is a cinch, thanks to its straightforward tactile encoders, custom keys, and responsive touchscreen. The CQ-18T is also great for recording, courtesy of SD recording and playback and a built-in USB audio interface. Baked-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity round out the Allen & Heath CQ-18T's robust feature set.

Smart controls and processing tools

Here at Music Experience, we've found the CQ-18T to be an easy digital mixer to navigate. Its Preamp Gain Assistant takes all the guesswork out of setting your levels. Its Feedback Assistant makes locating and neutralizing acoustic feedback frequencies a piece of cake. You also get instrument-based Quick inputs that help you get a great sound — fast. The CQ-18T includes four Smart-FX engines, which enable you to select from easy-to-use reverb, delay, and modulation units for instrument-centric, signal-conscious effects.

Intuitive hands-on control

Taking command of the Allen & Heath CQ-18T is easier than a walk in the park. Its tactile encoders enable you to adjust a wide range of parameters with easy-to-use knobs. Its custom keys allow you to tailor the CQ-18T to your preferred workflow. Moreover, its responsive touchscreen gives you the perfect combination of physical control and at-a-glance visual feedback!

Rock-solid recording options

The CQ-18T makes multitrack recording extremely simple. For starters, you get 24-in/22-out recording and playback via an onboard SD card reader. Beyond that, its built-in 24-in/22-out USB audio interface allows you to create top-shelf digital multitrack recordings using your DAW of choice.

What Allen & Heath Says...

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.

User Friendly - 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.

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.

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.

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.