Ultra-compact digital mixer with 7” multi-touch screen

The CQ digital mixer series is based on 96kHz FPGA processing technology, with a variable bit rate up to 96bit, capable of operating at extremely low latency, less than one millisecond: <0.7ms. The CQ-18T mixer has been designed for use wherever high-quality audio processing and summing are required. It can be used by bands, sound engineers, rental companies, in rehearsal rooms, as a main mixer in a small club, theater, bar, or as an additional stage mixer. The CQ mixer series features new-generation tools and effects for better, simpler, and faster mixing. There are 4 FX Assist processors (send/return) integrated into the CQ-18T, which provide various reverb, delay, chorus, ADT, flanger, phaser, and various modulation algorithms, with specific presets for instruments and sound sources. These automatically and dynamically adapt to the processed signal. On the input channels, we can rely on two distinct processing modes: the new and simplified “Quick” mode, which provides a one-knob processor for each type of instrument, capable of managing a macro of parameters, and the “Complete” mode with all the individual parameters and processors that we usually find on a digital mixer channel. Each channel can be configured independently, and you can switch from “Quick” to “Complete” mode at any time. The Gain Assistant function saves time by automatically and accurately applying the correct gain value to the preamplifiers, while monitoring the situation to compensate – if necessary – the input level. It should also be noted that the gain parameter value of the preamplifiers, being digitally controlled, will be stored in the scene, and can therefore be recalled when reopening it. The Feedback Assistant is available on each output to identify, filter, and then correct any feedback problems and unwanted interference. It can be used in a simple "single button" mode, or configured in detail through more in-depth controls (up to 16 filters). The AMM - Automatic Mic Mixer is present on all input channels to help immediately improve voice intelligibility while also reducing background noise.

This mixer offers 18 analog inputs: 16 mono mic/line and 1 stereo line (L and R ¼” TRS jacks). The 16 mic/line inputs are divided into 8 on Combo connectors (Jack/XLR) and 8 on XLR. A total of 19 channels (16 mono and 3 stereo) considering the two digital stereo inputs Bluetooth and USB A (for audio playback from a flash drive). In addition to the stereo Main Out on XLR connectors (L/R) format, the Allen & Heath CQ-18T provides 6 Aux Monitor outputs on ¼” TRS Jack connectors (balanced) and two user-patchable headphone outputs independently. For example, we can listen to two separate mixes, or use one output as PAFL and another for In-Ear monitors. For network connection, there is both an RJ45 port and integrated Dual Band Wireless. 

With the Allen & Heath CQ-18T, you have the freedom to record and multi-track up to 24 In and 22 Out on an SD Cardinserted in the dedicated slot on the panel, or on PC and MAC computers using the integrated USB audio interface (Type B port). The maximum recording limit on SD Card is regulated by the supported formatting standard which is FAT32, which for multi-track recording at 48kHz is approximately 8 hours; 4 hours are supported for multi-track recordings at 96kHz. This corresponds to approximately 72GB of occupied space. NB: Class 10, UHS speed class 1 SD Cards, not less than 10MB/s, are recommended.

In addition to the 3 soft keys and the rotary control for managing the selected parameter on the display, the CQ-18T features 3 intelligent rotary controls assignable at the user's discretion to specific functions, just like the soft rotaries on top SQ or Avantis mixers. Moreover, these can be automatically mapped to the parameters on the screen so that, regardless of what you are adjusting, manual control is always available. In this mode, the colored dots on the screen indicate which functions are assigned and controllable by the rotary potentiometers.

Control the mixer from your computer, smartphone, or tablet thanks to the two free applications for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS operating systems. CQ-MixPad gives you complete control over your Allen & Heath CQ mixer, while with CQ4You every musician, singer, or performer can adjust their own mix.

You can rack-mount your CQ-18T mixer using the dedicated CQ18T RK19 kit (Algam EKO code: GAL61931905). The semi-rigid case with handle and shoulder strap CQ 18T-CAS (Algam EKO code GAL61931904) is also available for convenient transport.

Specifications

•19-channel digital mixer

•7” multi-touch screen

•Mono Mic/Line inputs: 16 (8 combo XLR/Jack, 8 XLR)

•Linkable mono channels

•Stereo inputs: 1 (L+R) ¼” TRS Jack, Bluetooth, USB A

•Outputs: 1 Main XLR, 6 Aux Monitor (¼” TRS Jack)

•2 assignable headphone outputs on ¼” TRS Jack

•Network connectivity: Dual Band WiFi and RJ45

•USB "B" audio interface for PC/Mac 24In, 22Out

•Recording/playback on SD Card 24In, 22Out

•Record/Playback from USB "A" with dedicated channel

•Bluetooth stereo input with dedicated channel

•4x FX Assist

•3x Multifunction/assignable rotaries

•3x Custom SoftKeys

•Footswitch input (Single/Dual)

Dimensions and weight: 346x242x89mm; weight: 3KG