Description
Compact digital mixer with professional capabilities
The CQ-18T is the largest desktop mixer in the Allen & Heath CQ series. Despite its compact size, you get a complete digital mixer suitable for applications including:
- Live bands
- DJs
- Rehearsal spaces
- Theater
- Presentations
- Corporate events
- Streaming
- Home recording
- Small stages
- Rental
- Installations
Allen & Heath focuses the CQ series explicitly on fast workflow, simple operation, and professional audio quality.
7-inch touchscreen
The CQ-18T features a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with a corresponding rotary encoder.
The screen provides access to functions such as:
- Configuration
- Processing
- Faders
- FX
- Scenes
- Routing
- Recording
- System settings
Additionally, the mixer features 3 configurable SoftKeys and 3 Smart Rotaries, making frequently used functions quickly accessible.
Gain Assistant
One of the handy features of the CQ-18T is Gain Assistant.
This function automatically helps set the correct input gain and continues to monitor levels during the performance.
This is especially useful when working with many microphones and wanting to set a good gain structure quickly.
For a band with, for example:
vocals + drums + guitar + bass + keys
this can save a significant amount of time.
Feedback Assistant
Feedback during a performance is one of the most annoying problems a sound engineer can encounter.
The CQ-18T therefore features Feedback Assistant.
This function detects problematic frequencies and can automatically deploy filters to suppress feedback.
Up to 16 filters are available per output.
This makes the CQ-18T particularly interesting for:
- Monitors
- In-ear monitoring
- Presentations
- Theater
- Live bands
Quick Channel and Complete Channel
One of the strengths of the CQ series is that you can decide how much control you need.
Quick Channel
For fast operation, you get application-oriented processing that allows you to set up a channel with minimal steps.
Complete Channel
Want full control?
Then switch to Complete Channel, which gives you extensive access to processing parameters.
This makes the CQ-18T suitable for both beginners and experienced engineers.
Professional processing
The CQ-18T features extensive channel processing.
Available per input are:
- High-pass filter
- Gate
- 4-band parametric EQ
- Compressor
- RTA functionality
The outputs also feature extensive processing, including:
- 20-band GEQ
- Parametric EQ
- Compressor
- Limiter
- Delay
- Feedback Assistant
96 kHz audio processing
Allen & Heath developed the CQ series around a 96 kHz processing engine.
It utilizes professional digital processing and FPGA technology from the brand’s larger digital consoles.
For a compact digital mixer, that is a particularly powerful combination.
Four built-in FX engines
The CQ-18T features 4 built-in FX engines.
These allow you to use effects for applications such as:
- Vocals
- Instruments
- Presentation
- Live music
Effects include reverb, delay, and modulation effects.
Additionally, the CQ series features FX Assist, which can automatically tune effects to the input signal.
Automatic Mic Mixer
For speech applications, the CQ-18T has a built-in Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM).
This is especially interesting for:
- Conferences
- Meetings
- Debates
- Podcasts
- Presentations
- Theater
The AMM helps manage multiple microphones clearly and can improve intelligibility.
4 DCAs and 4 Mute Groups
The CQ-18T also offers practical control options for larger productions.
You get:
4 DCAs
These allow you to control multiple channels together.
For example:
all drum channels → one DCA
or:
all vocal mics → one DCA
Additionally, there are 4 Mute Groups allowing multiple channels to be muted simultaneously.
Integrated Wi-Fi
A major advantage of the CQ-18T is the built-in dual-band Wi-Fi.
This means you don’t necessarily need a separate router to operate the mixer wirelessly.
The CQ-18T supports 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi and can provide its own network directly.
CQ MixPad
With the free CQ MixPad app, you can control the mixer remotely.
The app is available for:
- Windows
- macOS
- iOS
- Android
This means you can, for example, walk through the venue during a performance while adjusting the mix from a tablet or laptop.
CQ4You for musicians
Musicians can also benefit from the digital possibilities.
With CQ4You, performers can control their personal monitor mix from a mobile device.
This is ideal for bands working with multiple monitor or in-ear mixes.
16 microphone/line inputs
The CQ-18T features:
8 × XLR mic/line
and
8 × XLR/TRS combo mic/line
Additionally, there is a stereo line input.
This allows you to use a total of 19 inputs to the mix: 16 mono/linkable inputs and 3 stereo sources.
Six monitor outputs
In addition to the Main L/R outputs, the CQ-18T features 6 monitor outputs.
These can be linked to form up to three stereo outputs.
This makes the mixer attractive for bands with multiple monitor or IEM mixes.
For example:
Mix 1-2 → drummer
Mix 3-4 → singer
Mix 5-6 → other musicians
Multitrack recording
The CQ-18T is not just a live mixer.
Via USB-B, it features a 24×22 USB audio interface.
Multitrack recordings can also be made and played back via the SD card.
According to official specifications, SD supports:
- 24×22 at 48 kHz
- 16×16 at 96 kHz
Additionally, you can record and play back stereo audio via USB-A.
Bluetooth
The CQ-18T features a dedicated stereo Bluetooth input.
This allows you to play music from a smartphone or tablet, for example.
Useful for:
- Break music
- Rehearsals
- Presentations
- Streaming
- Background music
Two headphone outputs
The CQ-18T features 2 assignable stereo headphone outputs.
These can receive different mixes, which is especially useful for recording and mobile productions.
Allen & Heath CQ-18T for bands
For bands, the CQ-18T is a particularly interesting digital mixer.
A complete set could, for example, consist of:
Shure microphones
↓
Allen & Heath CQ-18T
↓
monitors / in-ear
↓
active tops + subwoofers
This gives you a complete professional live set.
CQ-18T for DJs
DJs can also use the CQ-18T as a central audio hub.
You can, for example, connect different sources and process them individually before the signal goes to the PA.
Combine it with professional active speakers and subwoofers for a complete DJ setup.
Theater and events
Thanks to its AMM, scenes, routing, and extensive processing, the CQ-18T is also suitable for theater and corporate events.
For a conference, you can manage different microphones and audio sources, while for a live performance, you can use a completely different scene.
Rackmount also possible
Although the CQ-18T is designed as a desktop mixer, it can be mounted in a 19-inch rack using optional rack ears.
This makes it attractive for mobile racks and fixed installations.
Why choose the Allen & Heath CQ-18T?
Compact
Many possibilities in a very compact digital mixer.
7-inch touchscreen
Clear local operation.
Gain Assistant
Set up a good gain structure faster. Feedback Assistant
Automatic approach to problematic feedback frequencies.
Wi-Fi
Wireless control without the need for an external router.
CQ4You
Musicians can control their own monitor mix.
Multitrack recording
USB and SD for recording and playback.
4 FX engines
Professional built-in effects.
AMM
Ideal for speech and presentations.
6 monitor outputs
Many possibilities for monitor and IEM mixes.
