Allen & Heath AH-CQ18T CQ-18T 96kHz Digital Mixer with 7" Touchscreen WiFi and Bluetooth Connectivity

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath CQ-18T is a 96 kHz digital mixer built around a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen interface, designed for installations and applications where intuitive operation and compact form factor are equally important. It provides 16 mic/line inputs plus two additional line inputs, six mix outputs, and 24x22 multitrack recording via SD card — all in a single rack-unit chassis with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The CQ-18T's FPGA processing engine delivers full per-channel dynamics, EQ, and gating with latency characteristics suited to live performance and installed AV applications. Factory-trained intelligent assistants for gain, feedback, and automatic mic mixing reduce the operator workload in demanding acoustic environments.

Product Description

At the heart of the CQ-18T is a 96 kHz FPGA processor that handles the full signal chain with ultra-low latency, making it viable for both live mixing and installed AV applications where timing is critical. Every input channel carries a complete processing suite including high-pass filter, 4-band parametric EQ, compressor, and gate — the same tools available on consoles at significantly higher price points. The built-in Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM) manages open microphone gain distribution in conference and presentation environments, reducing feedback risk without manual intervention.

The 7-inch capacitive touchscreen provides access to the full feature set without requiring dedicated control hardware or a permanently connected tablet. Wi-Fi connectivity enables the free CQ-MixPad iOS and Android app for remote mixing from anywhere on the local network, while Bluetooth allows audio playback from mobile devices directly into the mix. USB-B connectivity provides a 24x22 audio interface for DAW recording and playback, while the SD card slot supports standalone multitrack recording and playback without a connected computer.

The FX engine includes four stereo effects processors with reverb, delay, chorus, and modulation — sufficient to cover most live and installed sound requirements without external hardware. Six mix outputs provide flexibility for monitor mixes, zone feeds, or recording sends. An assignable headphone output on the front panel allows the operator to monitor any channel, mix, or the main output in real time. The CQ-18T ships with a 12 VDC power supply and is rack-mountable for permanent installations.

Key Features

• 96 kHz FPGA Processing Engine — Ultra-low latency processing at 96 kHz across all channels simultaneously
• 7" Capacitive Touchscreen — Full console control without external tablets or control surfaces
• 18 Input Channels — 16 mic/line XLR/combo inputs plus two balanced 1/4" TRS line inputs
• Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM) — Reduces open microphone feedback in conference, boardroom, and worship applications
• Feedback and FX Assist Engines — Intelligent processing assistants reduce setup time and operator error
• Built-In Wi-Fi — CQ-MixPad app control from iOS and Android devices on the local network
• Bluetooth Audio Playback — Stream audio directly from mobile devices into the mix
• 24x22 Multitrack Recording via SD — Standalone multitrack record and playback without a connected computer
• 24x22 USB Audio Interface — Full DAW integration for studio recording and virtual soundcheck
• Four Stereo FX Processors — Reverb, delay, chorus, and modulation effects on dedicated internal engines
• Rack Mountable — Integrates cleanly into 19-inch equipment racks for permanent installations

Typical Applications

• Conference Rooms and Boardrooms — AMM and touchscreen control simplify operation for non-technical presenters
• Houses of Worship — Full processing suite and remote app control for volunteer-operated sound systems
• Commercial Meeting Spaces — Installed AV integration with Wi-Fi remote control and multitrack recording capability
• Corporate AV — Compact mixer with professional I/O for presentation and event support
• Small Live Sound — Portable, capable mixer for club performances, rehearsal spaces, and small venues
• Recording Studios — 24x22 USB interface enables direct DAW integration and virtual soundcheck workflows

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the CQ-18T require a tablet or external controller to operate?

No. The 7-inch capacitive touchscreen provides full access to all mixing and processing functions directly on the unit. The CQ-MixPad app is available for Wi-Fi-based remote control but is not required for operation.

Can the CQ-18T record multitrack audio without a connected computer?

Yes. The SD card slot supports 24-track recording and 22-track playback as a standalone function. A computer running a DAW can also be connected via USB for 24x22 audio interface operation.

What does the Automatic Mic Mixer do?

The AMM automatically manages gain across multiple open microphones, ensuring only active microphones contribute to the mix and reducing the risk of feedback in conference, boardroom, and multi-mic presentation environments.

Is the CQ-18T suitable for permanent rack installation?

Yes. It is rack mountable and ships with a 12 VDC power supply. Its compact size and remote control capability make it well suited to installed AV applications.

Which mobile devices does the CQ-MixPad app support?

The CQ-MixPad app is available for both iOS and Android devices and connects via the mixer's built-in Wi-Fi network.

How many monitor mixes can be created?

The CQ-18T provides six mix outputs assignable as monitor sends, zone feeds, or effects returns in addition to the two main outputs.

Can the Bluetooth input be used during a live mix simultaneously with microphone inputs?

Yes. Bluetooth audio appears as an input channel in the mix and can be blended with microphone and line inputs at any level.