Allen & Heath CQ-18T
16 inputs, 12 outputs, on-board 7" touchscreen, Wi-Fi, multi-track recording, and full processing per channel.
Allen & Heath — CQ-18T Compact Digital Mixer
What it is
The CQ-18T is Allen & Heath's tabletop digital mixer aimed at the spot where you've outgrown a Qu-PAC but don't want to live behind a 19" console. 16 input processing channels (8 mic/line, 2 mic/Hi-Z, 1 stereo line, plus USB returns), 12 outputs (4 XLR + 4 TRS + stereo + monitor), and a 7" capacitive touchscreen on top. Wi-Fi is built in for tablet/phone control without a separate router.
Who it's for
Solo engineers, smaller venues, mobile worship rigs, and anyone running events from the stage. The on-board screen means you don't need to bring a tablet to dial things in — you can mix from the box, or pair a phone for ringing out monitors from the floor.
Spec highlights
- 96 kHz processing throughout
- 16-channel multi-track recording to USB drive
- DEEP processing: Allen & Heath compressors and FX
- 6 stereo FX engines + dedicated FX returns
- Built-in Wi-Fi, plus Ethernet for tablet control
- Bluetooth audio in (paired phone → USB return)
- Phantom on per channel, individually toggleable
Real-world notes
The on-board touchscreen is fast and responsive — none of the sluggishness you sometimes get on screen-equipped mixers. The CQ4You app for iOS/Android mirrors the screen and adds remote ringing-out workflow.
USB recording lays down 16 tracks + stereo mix to a thumb drive. Brings up in Reaper or Pro Tools cleanly with file naming that matches the input labels you set on the mixer.
The DEEP compressor models (Mighty, Tube, Opto, etc.) are the same algorithms as the dLive — surprisingly musical for a mixer in this price band. Reverbs and delays are good enough that you can leave external FX at home for most shows.
Built-in Wi-Fi is convenient but limited in range — bring a small access point if you're working a big room.
Bottom line
For under $1500, the CQ-18T gives you dLive-derived processing, an actual control surface, and recording in a package you can carry in one hand. It's the right answer for a lot of corporate AV, small worship, and AV company flypack work.
Pros
- +On-board 7" touchscreen — no tablet required to mix
- +DEEP processing models pulled from dLive flagship
- +16-track multi-track recording to USB stick
- +Built-in Wi-Fi — plug in and pair a tablet in seconds
- +Compact and light enough for walk-up gigs
Cons
- −Built-in Wi-Fi range is limited; add an access point for big rooms
- −No motorized faders — software-style control workflow
- −16 inputs is the ceiling — for 32 channels look at the CQ-20B
Gallery
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