Allen & Heath AH-CQ20B CQ-20B 96kHz Digital Mixer with WiFi and Bluetooth Connectivity

Product Overview

The Allen & Heath CQ-20B is a rackmount/stagebox-format 96 kHz digital mixer with 20 inputs, built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth audio, and 24x24 multitrack recording via SD card — making it a purpose-built solution for conference rooms, houses of worship, all-hands meeting spaces, and AV rental applications that demand professional audio quality in a compact, network-controllable format. Its screenless design is intentional: the CQ-20B is operated entirely through the free CQ-MixPad app on iOS, Android, Mac, or Windows, enabling wireless control from anywhere in the room. With 96 kHz FPGA processing, an Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM), feedback assistant, and FX assist engines on board, the CQ-20B delivers a level of processing intelligence previously reserved for larger installed-sound platforms at a significantly lower cost.

Product Description

The CQ-20B provides 16 mic/line XLR and XLR/TRS combo inputs alongside two stereo pairs of balanced TRS line inputs, for a total of 20 input channels. Main outputs include two balanced XLR main outs, six XLR mix outputs for monitor sends or distributed zones, two TRS alternate outputs, and an assignable headphone output. Every channel includes a complete processing chain — gate, compressor, 4-band parametric EQ, and FX sends — accessible via Quick Channel or Complete Channel views in CQ-MixPad.

For conference and corporate AV environments, the AMM (Automatic Mic Mixer) is particularly valuable: it automatically manages open microphones to reduce ambient noise and feedback without operator intervention — a critical feature during unattended or lightly staffed meetings. The built-in Wi-Fi access point eliminates the need for a separate wireless router in small venues, and the USB-B interface supports 24x24 multitrack recording and playback from a connected computer, making the CQ-20B equally at home in recording-equipped rehearsal rooms and corporate production spaces.

Key Features

• 96 kHz FPGA Processing — Allen & Heath’s flagship processing engine delivers professional audio quality at 96 kHz sample rate
• 20 Input Channels — 16 mic/line XLR and combo inputs plus 2 stereo TRS line pairs for comprehensive source connectivity
• Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth — Wireless control via CQ-MixPad app and Bluetooth audio playback input, no external router required
• Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM) — Intelligently manages multiple open microphones to reduce noise and feedback in conference environments
• Feedback Assistant — Identifies and attenuates feedback frequencies at setup and monitors for feedback during operation
• 24x24 USB & SD Multitrack Recording — Records and plays back up to 24 tracks simultaneously via USB-B or SD card
• 6 XLR Mix Outputs — Independent mix buses for monitors, zone distribution, or recording feeds
• CQ-MixPad App Control — Free app for iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows; CQ4You performer app for personal monitoring

Typical Applications

• Conference room and corporate meeting space audio
• All-hands room and town hall AV systems
• House of worship main or sub-mixer applications
• Small venue and club live sound
• AV rental and event production
• Recording studio tracking and monitoring

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the CQ-20B have physical faders?

No. The CQ-20B is a stagebox-format mixer with no physical faders or screen. All mixing is done through the CQ-MixPad app on a tablet, phone, or computer over Wi-Fi or USB.

Can the CQ-20B be used as a USB audio interface?

Yes. The USB-B port supports 24x24 audio interface operation at up to 96 kHz, making it fully compatible with major DAW applications on Mac and Windows.

Is the Wi-Fi built-in or does it require a separate router?

The CQ-20B has a built-in Wi-Fi access point. In most small to medium venues, a separate router is not required to run CQ-MixPad wirelessly.

What is the Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM) and why does it matter for conference rooms?

The AMM automatically attenuates microphones that are not receiving speech, reducing ambient noise accumulation and feedback risk when multiple open mics are active — critical in conference rooms with several table or ceiling microphones.

How many mix outputs does the CQ-20B provide?

Six XLR mix outputs plus two XLR main outputs and two TRS alternate outputs, giving eight analog output channels in total for monitors, zone feeds, or recording.

Can performers control their own monitor mix?

Yes. The CQ4You app gives performers access to their personal monitor mix without interfering with the main engineer’s session in CQ-MixPad.

Is the CQ-20B rack-mountable?

Yes. The CQ-20B is designed to be rack-mounted as a standard stagebox/rackmount unit, and its form factor suits both road cases and permanent equipment racks.