Allen & Heath CQ Series Mixers (CQ-12T, CQ-18T, CQ-20B) | Demo and Feature Overview

[@guitarcenter]

What do you think of the new Allen & Heath CQ Series Mixers? Let us know in the comments below! 👇

[@janiskalnins7313]

My question- default sound quality? Preamps? Digital mixer without digital out? AES?

[@alaskaaudioguy35]

@@janiskalnins7313 it’s 96k FPGA All metal Build Shouldn’t sound dug than sq

[@ElcoWeitering]

I would have liked more outputs for full band stereo iem, or a way to expand with personal mixers. Other than that, it's a nice step forward to user friendly, easy to set up live (and streaming) gear. Like so many other working musicians I've had to learn the ways of the X32 and Xair so working on these machines will be a breeze.

[@DestroyerOfLiberasts]

It's long overdue for SQ-Rack with at least the same number of IO as SQ5.

[@alexsonic-image3414]

The CQ-20B is particularly interesting. As an AV Events Tech, the 'stagebox' layout minimizes my lengths of XLR cabling often needed for larger conference areas. Spooling back to my tech table with a LAN cable over what is typically several hundred feet has some serious appeal. I like to keep my tech table extremely streamlined; my rack-mounted pcs, ATEM switchers, handheld mic transmitters and a basic analog line mixer (for redundancy) all sit beneath my desk. Above is only a multi-view monitor, keyboard and mouse with maybe an iPad. In this way, I'm interested in how it would route alongside my video switching system as well as my rack-mounted mini-pc's during hybrid online sessions. I am also curious about its RTA functionality. Or does it have a basic "feedback wizard' function? Also: the auto-gain feature is very useful for QnA floor mics. Is there an "always re-gaining" function?

[@DjMirconiOfficial]

Are AUX outputs programmable? If I want to use one AUX as LEFT main out for example? EDIT: I bought this mixer and there is alt out for left and right that is like main out. So you can plug 2 main out XLR and 2 alt out TRS. So 2 stereo outs are there. 👍

[@NathanDowdyMedia]

Hi it's Heath from Allen & Keith

[@Tim_ArtistName_Tallent]

I busted out laughing at this LOL so silly but so funny

[@Ambientes]

I wish you would fix the Bluetooth issue with these mixers because other than that it’s a great mixture, but I’m already on my second one about to swap it again for the third one because the Bluetooth is glitchy

[@rbrianharris]

This looks like the upgrade to the Behringer XR/MR series we've been waiting for. I love my XR18 but it's flaws are so well-known and, by this time (2023) still unaddressed that it's time to move on.

[@fredsouza9088]

Would you care to elaborate on this flaws? I currently have a XR18 for about 6 years. Other than the built I wi-fi that's useless, never had a single problem with my unit. But I'm considering this CQ just to don't have to use a laptop. Apart from that, I love the built in plugins that XR18 have, like LA2A compressor and such, wouldn't like to loose on that.

[@cbarrerarodriguez]

Great product! looking forward to buy one of these!

[@eliamazzi8390]

I think this is really incredible! I'm looking for a new mixer to combine gigs and home recording. I can't wait to put my hands on 18T. I have one question though, is it expandable? Can I connect the 20T to the 18T to control 38 channels?

[@PhatOof]

I don't believe you can technically link them like a stagebox, but you could just put the output from one into an input of the other

[@cbmsnakes]

If I use it as an audio interface to record into a DAW, can the CQ-20B record all 16 channels + the 2 pairs of stereo inputs at 96khz?

[@vinycius1jorge]

I would like to resolve a doubt, when I assign the input signal to the channel, such as USB, will the recordings I can insert only be those recorded by the console or can I use other external media?

[@BewieBauer]

I did not find any compressor sidechain functionality in the app in offline mode. Is sidechain compression possible?

[@linecheckaudiosessions]

Nope

[@danieldion8825]

Is it a standalone multitrack mixer or it needs a computer? If it is standalone, can it do playback and recording at the same time?

[@connorharris1900]

on the cq20 can i send main lr to another output in mono for my sub? also can i eq that mono channel separately from the mains?

[@catalaxiaxxi9227]

Cani move the hpf from the pEQ secction? Or i just can adjust it from the gain source secction?

[@mirandazohran]

Hey, great video :) i have a question please, I have to use 5 stereo monitor mixes to IEMs for my band. How many stereo mixes can i get with the CQ-20B? Thanks

[@yoitsgiook]

Can the CQ-12T connect another device (iPad) directly to its own WiFi without a router? Similar to what the QSC TouchMix 8 does.

[@baimun]

Will some of these assistants and auto-mixes be available as software updates for the SQ series of mixers?

[@vasm2849]

The AMM (Auto Mic Mixer) is older tech. The SQ already has it as does every other current A&H digital desk and also the GLD.

[@baimun]

I know that the SQ consoles we use have an Auto mix feature, but the video sounded like the setup was a bit more advanced than what already exists.@@vasm2849

[@BraMKJ]

Great video and interesting product. It would be nice to have this with AVB/Dante networking options. Then we could easily use this as our main mixer for smaller venues and as our IEM mixer for larger gigs and just hand over a networking cable for FOH.

[@TheEnd-vn9rb]

Is the CQ4U app available for multiple operating systems/platforms?

[@ArmanMartirosyan79]

Allen & Heath CQ18T how many OHM headphones can you connect?

[@enriquesantaperez1434]

Hi , great product. Could it be used as a real multitrack recorder with the SD card?. I mean overdub, metronome, count in...etc. Thank you!

[@mathewworkman1625]

I'm wondering the same.

[@danieldion8825]

Same here

[@Goran-Mogli]

Can you tell me which power supply you recommend for CQ-18T?

[@PhatOof]

Any idea how many RUs the rackmountable one is?

[@dannyvienneau4555]

Can u tell me how to save a scene to a USB stick as a backup. I just bought a CQ18T, I had a QSC touch mix 16 and had the ability to save my bands set up on a USB as a backup.

[@mikemusic56]

Seems to have added some “should haves” from previous digital mixers but doesn’t include some “already haves” from those same digital mixers. Lots of easy mode bells and whistles though even if limited IO and FX.

[@IggyYTube]

Just got one. Happy to experiment with it 🙂

[@iAmEdwinHamilton]

Got mine today 😊😊

[@joaquincontreras6169]

Any update on how you like this product so far? I’m curious, as I’m looking into purchasing it for my studio…

[@anthonyonfire]

Is it compatible with any expanders ie the allen and heath gx4816?

[@dspellbinder2787]

Where will i connect subwoofers?

[@alfredozepeda7828]

Does this console include scenes for different venues and gigs ?

[@troypeterson7943]

Ues it does...

[@TimJYoung-il9sv]

What I've been waiting for.

[@antilleangrackle]

Great product! Will be purchasing to run our sound system at a beach club.

[@vbmaster]

could we set auto gain at around -6dB so that I have enough headroom? Thanks

[@charlieodegaard7081]

Does this one have direct monitoring?

[@grahamlawrence4160]

I have the CQ12T it's a very cool little mixer, just can't seem to download a firmware update onto it. At this stage I only have very limited effects to work with.

[@charlottewilliamcover3568]

Do you know when CQmix PAD for windows will be available ?

[@wurlitzersk2541]

I have seen several videos on KZbin about the new CQ series. It seems that the four FX engines have fixed types of effects. Which I guess means, that I can't choose a presets from a library for the respective FX slot like with the SQ or QU series. Is this the case, or did I miss something? Thanks!

[@moamenhelmy9510]

This is deal breaker if it's correct

[@AllenandHeathUK]

Any of the FX engines can run any of the FX units, so you can run any combination of 4 FX on the 18T or 20B or any 2 FX on the 12T :) For more details, Keith will be running a couple of 'first look' live streams on CQ running through the features, including FX : kzbin.info/www/bejne/ep3afmqHlNBpock kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5SZY61og7CApNU Thanks!

[@wurlitzersk2541]

@@AllenandHeathUK Is there also a Multiband Compressor / Dynamic EQ, etc. I can use?

[@francodefanti]

can you also be used as a daw?

[@christopherpease]

Can these be connected to a computer and used for Zoom or Teams calls?

[@guitarcenter]

Hi! They can be used as a standard USB audio interface so you should be able to configure it as your I/O. :)

[@lakewood145]

Auto gain a mic to 43 dB?! Is that mixer high? 😂

[@johnlackner1193]

Is the automatic mic (AMM) mixing, the same type that is on the QU and SQ?

[@meatsim65]

The UI looks very similar to those.

[@vasm2849]

I'd be surprised if it's not.

[@revelationevents2323]

Can you use more advance compression on this unit? Like side chain compression for ducking for example.

[@linecheckaudiosessions]

Nope

[@DrumswithLisa]

Does it have Phantom power?

[@thecountryrocksband]

Yes

[@robrig55]

Only gate and EQ? No other plugins?

[@linecheckaudiosessions]

Gate, Compression and EQ with option to insert effects just like any other mixer at this price point.

[@Chriss120]

does this have full daw support?

[@andym7333]

©CAN IT RECIVE MIDI TIMING FROM ABLETON FOR DELAYS FX TO BE ON TIME ??

[@demoses667]

Please what is the cost

[@paulmapp8306]

i really like these - the size would be perfect......Only I need 29 physical inputs lol.

[@nopenopeandnope7050]

"Drummer or bassist, I'm not going to single anyone out, plays much louder during the show"... Duncan. You and I know it was always Duncan. And possibly me too, but mostly Duncan. :)

[@guitarcenter]

Keith identified the culprit at the shoot, but the big reveal is on the "cutting room floor", as it were. ;-)

[@hereismyusername007]

Looks like it will displace the 8 and 16 channel QSC TouchMix.

[@newtrack5729]

Need 32ch version of CQ series please release (cq32t)

[@ur8816]

Very, very..... Entry level

[@revelationevents2323]

Why do I see so many threads exposing comments on problems with Allen and heath consoles? I don’t see this with Yamaha. If you have a problems in the middle of a show or before a show with no time to change consoles Allen and heath won’t do anything to help you. They need to up their game with quality control….

[@electricwassabi]

I just need these quality brands to match the inputs from Soundcraft ui24r and id switch right away 😭

[@d-rock737]

Also, for them to have vca/dca’s, matrixes and etc… I like the options available with the ui24r. Not ideal, but plenty good.

[@HereAfterNow]

Do they not match? Im not finding many audio samples on KZbin

[@electricwassabi]

@@HereAfterNow The Ui24r have very good preamps. Very transparent. I was talking about the 20 inputs it provides. None of its competitors gives the same.

[@HereAfterNow]

@@electricwassabi oh i see. But sound wise do you know if these sound as good as the preamps on the Ui??

[@electricwassabi]

@@HereAfterNow I do not own these models yet. But its Allen and Heath im sure their preamps are great.

[@serioushobbies9682]

SQ rack plz

[@gabriel-dan4098]

Is it possible to control more than 1 fader at the same time via the touchscreen?

[@HereAfterNow]

Yes

[@bellysaurus8554]

Imagine if this works with behringer xtouch for faders

[@khennigs]

Will the internal WiFi be complete dogshit like BehringMidas?

[@TheEnd-vn9rb]

It’s probably 2.4 G, so yes. If it’s 5G then we are in business.

[@jonnyfox14]

@@TheEnd-vn9rb Both the CQ-18T, & CQ-20B are duel band so yes they have 5ghz as well as 2.4ghz

[@OwlStudio73]

Stand out difference to the qupac & qu-sb please?

[@junejhunkie]

It’s not expandable

[@sonicsound84]

Unfortunately, the QSC TouchMix beats this out on inputs and outputs. It would be nice if a stage box could be used for expanded I/O. Such a bummer. With XLR outs and 8 out total plus L/R out, it would have been a perfect product.

[@rbrianharris]

The QSC's preamp knobs and circa-2010 touch screen are FAR more crippling than this issue. And 6 aux outputs + 2 LR is more than enough **for the intended market of this product**. Anyone needing THAT many outputs is likely running a pro desk with a dedicated engineer. I don't think I've ever seen anyone praise the TouchMix. It's generally regarded and a god-awful product. I owned and gigged with one.

[@sonicsound84]

In your opinion, @@rbrianharris , how does the intended market for this product differ from the TouchMix?

[@atmadsen]

I am a professional user of QSC mixers and have the varied line in stock. They are actually quite limited. They are unable to record easily to an external hard drive and are finicky with the type of drives you can use. They don't have Bluetooth channels nor do they have a basic, consumer friendly 1/8 jack input for phones, tablets etc. It is very dated in that it is not an digital audio interface. While it does have a control app for an ipad, it's almost useless as you can't control the input gain with it. The AH line beats the QSC in almost every way for a lot less money. Also, we have noticed at our shop that the QSCs are having reported issues with the capacitors which is causing ever-weakened input gain. Lastly, the QT-20 has eight xlr and 8 neutrik inputs plus additional stereo inputs and six auxes. It more than offers what is needed plus added Bluetooth and independent tracking to flash card. That is along with it's digital audio interface. I am particularly excited about the 16-band feedback wizard which is assignable to auxes as well as its auto gain staging which will be useful for my event panel discussions. Coupled with their control app via 5G or LAN and the QSC stage box is great value for the money.

[@sevwah77]

But the Touchmix is now an outdated product being 8 or so years old. Firmware on it is no longer being updated. I actually welcome a board with less inputs & outputs. Have used the Touchmix 16 for about 6 years with my band & we have never really used much more than 8 or 9 channels or more than 5 aux sends. So the fact these CQ models have a smaller footprint than the TM16 with around about the right amount of inputs/outputs that suits me, & I'm guessing a lot of gigging musicians in 3-4 piece bands, just fine. Not to mention come in at a cheaper price. The Touchmix has it's issues too as others have mentioned, dodgy power supply connection, failing capacitors, both which I've had fixed in the past. It remains to be seen if these A&H mixers will have issues being they have just come out. Only down side I can see so far is that yes I'd have preferred XLRs for the auxs & it would've been nice to have wifi on the CQ12.

[@slofty]

The Touchmix uses some of the cheapest caps under the hood that I've ever seen on an otherwise well-regarded company's hardware. They bloat and need re-capped within a few years on average. I see TONS of those units in the shop and the bill is $$$ which is fine for repair shops I guess. And yes, the interface is laughably clunky like it's a 2006 relic.

[@ZTAudio]

No doubt this is another incredible performer from A&H. It’s just so disappointing to have 1/2 XLR and 1/2 combo TRS/XLR. 8 TRS inputs amounts to a max of 4 instruments with 1/4”… ouch. A good part of your market is probably synth heads like me, and that’s just a non-starter.

[@yssstmr]

👍

[@given0077]

My guy got paid twice for reviewing the same equip twice 😂😂

[@loveaboveall2382]

Make it a 32 input, than than I'm all yours.

[@magoostus]

i wouldve rather had better dsp at 48khz, where is the dynamicEQ? where is the multiband compressor? WHERE IS THE AUTO-TUNE!?!? I can't use this

[@vasm2849]

It's on the dLive, Avantis and SQ (if you buy it the extra plug-ins for it). No auto-tune on any. You'd have to use external plug-ins for that (Waves, UAD etc.). You get what you pay for.

[@sachaleuenberger6418]

You missed a big one: no ADAT!

[@JSSTUDIO-wr2jq]

🙂👍

[@VEGAN-X]

AHH- I WANT A MIXER TO GET AWAY FROM THE SCREEN AND MOUSE

[@themusk6112]

its good but expensive. I will still choose Behringer XR18 over the CQ12T

[@rbrianharris]

The XR18 is currently $740. Now add in a tablet to control it. Even if you already have one, to make an apples-to-apples comparison all components must be accounted for. I think you can do the math from here. The XR18 came out 10+ years ago. It's long in the tooth. Oh yeah, the XR18 wifi is awful so throw in a router. Source: Own, gig with, and love my XR18 but it's a deeply flawed product with pretty poor gain-staging and horrific OEM app support.

[@arthuraslibekyan]

MOST COMPANIES JUST CANT OR DONT KNOW HOW TO MAKE REVERBS OR THEY JUST DONT KNOW HOW SHOULD REVERB SOUND. SORRY I HAVE TO RETURN THIS MIXER SAME DAY I BOUGHT. ALSO THERE WAS NO MANUAL IN THE BOX OR ONLINE. THAT MIGHT HELP DONT BE CHEAP AND INCLUD MANUAL WITH IT. IT COST YOU MORE WHEN PEOPLE RETURN ITEMS

[@slofty]

Could you say that louder?

[@abovesky248]

And again no expansion possibility… 😂

[@Paul-e9y]

Evil automation 😅

[@PasKojiGrize]

Ai shit