Allen & Heath CQ-18T: Advanced Digital Mixing Console for Professional Sound

The Allen & Heath CQ-18T is a state-of-the-art digital mixing console that offers exceptional performance for professional sound applications. With its high-quality sound processing and intuitive user interface, it ensures a seamless experience for live sound engineers, performers, and producers. The CQ-18T combines advanced digital features with ease of use, making it suitable for diverse settings like live concerts, studio recordings, and corporate events.

Its compact design doesn’t sacrifice power, providing flexibility without compromising sound quality. Key features such as intelligent gain control, built-in effects, and wireless control options give users full control over their audio output. The CQ-18T is perfect for professionals seeking precision and customization, allowing for clear and dynamic audio across multiple channels.

Allen & Heath CQ-18T

The Allen & Heath CQ-18T is a top-tier digital mixing console crafted to meet the needs of professional audio engineers, sound designers, and audio enthusiasts. This advanced mixing console is built with a focus on precision, reliability, and ease of use, making it suitable for a range of applications, from live sound events and recording studios to broadcasting environments. Its high-quality audio output ensures that every performance or session is marked by clear and dynamic sound reproduction. Designed to integrate seamlessly into both small and large setups, the CQ-18T delivers a level of performance and versatility that sets it apart in the digital mixing landscape.

The CQ-18T features an intuitive interface that simplifies the complexity of digital mixing. Equipped with powerful processing capabilities, this console provides users with extensive control over their sound. Whether you are managing multiple channels during a live performance or mixing intricate studio sessions, the CQ-18T’s advanced digital architecture supports efficient workflows. The console boasts built-in effects, wireless control options, and intelligent gain control to ensure that every aspect of the audio output is optimized for a superior listening experience. Additionally, its compact design offers professionals the flexibility to integrate it into a wide variety of setups without compromising on space or performance.

One of the standout advantages of the Allen & Heath CQ-18T is its versatility and ability to adapt to different audio mixing environments. The console’s flexible connectivity options ensure compatibility with a wide range of devices and systems, whether for live sound, recording, or broadcast. Its ability to handle a multitude of input and output channels while maintaining high audio quality makes it an excellent choice for professionals seeking a digital mixer that balances innovation with practical usability. The CQ-18T stands as a comprehensive solution for those aiming to take their sound production capabilities to the next level, delivering exceptional audio quality and control.

Key Features of the Allen & Heath CQ-18T

The Allen & Heath CQ-18T offers several key features that make it a standout choice for professional audio mixing. Its intuitive touchscreen interface allows users to easily navigate through the various settings and configurations, making the mixing process smooth and efficient. The console is equipped with high-quality audio processing capabilities, ensuring rich, clear, and dynamic sound across multiple channels. Additionally, its built-in effects and intelligent gain control enhance the flexibility of the sound production, providing more customization and control over audio output.

Another important feature is the wireless control options, allowing users to adjust settings remotely via tablets or smartphones. The compact design of the CQ-18T ensures that it fits into various environments without sacrificing power or sound quality. These features, combined with flexible connectivity and multi-channel handling, make the CQ-18T a versatile and reliable digital mixing console for live sound, studio recording, and broadcast applications.

Intuitive Touchscreen Interface

The Allen & Heath CQ-18T comes with a highly intuitive touchscreen interface that streamlines the mixing process, making it easier for sound engineers to adjust settings quickly and accurately. With its user-friendly layout, the touchscreen provides access to key features such as EQ adjustments, effects, and routing configurations, enhancing the overall workflow during live performances and studio sessions.

High-Quality Audio Processing

This digital mixer offers top-notch audio processing capabilities that ensure exceptional sound quality in various environments. Whether in a live concert or a recording session, the CQ-18T delivers clear, rich, and dynamic audio output across all channels, ensuring that every nuance of the sound is preserved. This feature is perfect for audio professionals who demand precision in their mixes.

Built-in Effects and Intelligent Gain Control

One of the standout features of the CQ-18T is its built-in effects and intelligent gain control. The onboard effects processors allow users to enhance the sound with reverb, delay, and other effects, all without needing external equipment. Additionally, the intelligent gain control system automatically adjusts levels for optimal audio quality, making it easier for engineers to maintain the perfect mix.

Wireless Control Options

The CQ-18T offers wireless control capabilities, allowing users to manage settings remotely from tablets or smartphones. This wireless functionality is especially useful during live events or when engineers need to make adjustments from different areas of the venue or studio. It adds flexibility and mobility, ensuring that control is always within reach.

Compact Yet Powerful Design

Despite its small footprint, the CQ-18T packs a punch in terms of performance. Its compact design makes it suitable for smaller setups, while still offering the power and capabilities of a larger mixer. This makes the CQ-18T a versatile choice for professionals who require both portability and high performance in their audio mixing equipment.

Flexible Connectivity

The Allen & Heath CQ-18T is designed to offer extensive connectivity options, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of audio devices. Whether you’re connecting microphones, instruments, or external processors, the mixer provides multiple input and output options, making it adaptable to different audio setups. Its flexible connectivity ensures that it fits seamlessly into both live and studio environments.

Multi-Channel Handling

The CQ-18T can handle multiple input and output channels simultaneously, making it ideal for complex live sound setups and studio recordings. The console ensures that each channel is processed with precision, allowing engineers to maintain clear and balanced audio across all inputs. This multi-channel handling capability is essential for high-performance applications where every detail counts.

Versatile Application Use

Whether you’re managing a live concert, recording in the studio, or broadcasting audio, the CQ-18T is versatile enough to adapt to any situation. Its powerful features and customizable settings make it suitable for various applications, from large-scale events to smaller, intimate settings. The versatility of the CQ-18T ensures that professionals in any audio production environment can rely on it for optimal sound performance.

Specifications of the Allen & Heath CQ-18T

The Allen & Heath CQ-18T comes with a range of technical specifications that make it a highly efficient and powerful digital mixing console. It features an 18-channel input configuration, with 16 mic/line inputs and 2 stereo inputs, allowing for flexible mixing capabilities in various setups. The mixer is equipped with 24-bit/96kHz audio resolution, ensuring high-quality sound performance with crystal-clear audio processing. Additionally, it supports Dante digital audio networking, enabling easy integration with other Dante-compatible devices in complex audio systems.

Design and Build Quality

The design of the Allen & Heath CQ-18T is both sleek and durable, crafted for professional environments where reliability is key. The console’s robust construction can withstand the rigors of live sound events while maintaining a professional aesthetic. The intuitive touchscreen interface is one of the standout features, allowing for easy navigation of the mixer’s extensive features. The layout is organized and easy to use, even for users with limited experience with digital consoles. The front panel is designed with simplicity in mind, placing essential controls at your fingertips. Additionally, the Allen & Heath CQ-18T is compact, making it a versatile choice for a variety of setups without compromising on performance or features.

Advanced Features and Capabilities

The Allen & Heath CQ-18T is packed with advanced features that elevate its performance in both live sound and studio environments. One of its standout capabilities is Dante digital audio networking, allowing for easy and seamless integration with other Dante-compatible devices, and providing efficient audio distribution across large systems. The mixer also includes 8 built-in high-quality effects processors, enabling users to apply reverb, delay, and other effects without the need for external units, ensuring flexibility and a cleaner setup.

Another impressive feature is the wireless control functionality, which allows users to control the mixer remotely via a tablet or smartphone. This wireless capability makes it easy to adjust settings from any position within the venue or studio, adding convenience and enhancing the user experience. The CQ-18T also boasts intelligent gain control that optimizes audio levels, ensuring consistent and clear sound across multiple channels. These advanced features make the CQ-18T a powerful tool for professionals seeking precise, high-quality audio mixing in dynamic environments.

Dante Digital Audio Networking

The Allen & Heath CQ-18T offers full support for Dante digital audio networking, a feature that provides unparalleled flexibility in multi-device audio setups. Dante allows for low-latency, high-quality audio transmission over standard Ethernet networks, making it an ideal solution for larger, more complex live sound environments, studio configurations, and broadcast systems. This capability ensures seamless integration with other Dante-compatible devices, reducing the need for traditional analog cabling and simplifying the overall audio setup.

High-Quality Built-in Effects

One of the standout features of the CQ-18T is its 8 built-in high-quality effects processors. These onboard effects, including reverb, delay, EQ, and compression, offer sound engineers the ability to apply professional-grade audio enhancements without the need for external equipment. This feature significantly reduces setup time, streamlines signal flow and allows for real-time adjustments, giving engineers greater control over the sound design while maintaining a clean, uncluttered workspace.

Wireless Control Capabilities

The CQ-18T’s wireless control functionality is a game-changer for audio professionals. By enabling remote operation via tablets or smartphones, this feature allows sound engineers and performers to adjust settings from any position within the venue or studio. Whether controlling EQ levels, adjusting gain, or tweaking effects, the wireless control ensures maximum flexibility, allowing users to optimize the mix without being tethered to the mixer’s physical location. This is particularly useful in dynamic live performance environments or complex studio recordings.

24-bit/96kHz Audio Resolution

With 24-bit/96kHz audio resolution, the CQ-18T ensures superior sound quality, offering crystal-clear audio reproduction. This high level of resolution guarantees that every detail of the audio signal is captured and processed with the utmost accuracy, resulting in dynamic, lifelike sound in both live performances and studio recordings. The exceptional resolution allows engineers to mix complex layers of sound with precision, making it an invaluable tool for high-stakes audio production.

16 Mic/Line Inputs and 2 Stereo Inputs

Designed to handle a wide variety of audio sources, the CQ-18T offers 16 mic/line inputs and 2 stereo inputs, making it perfect for both simple and complex setups. Whether you’re mixing a solo artist’s performance or managing a full band with multiple instruments, this extensive input selection provides the flexibility needed to manage various audio channels simultaneously. It’s a great choice for live concerts, theater productions, and studio recordings where multiple audio sources must be balanced and processed.

Touchscreen Interface

The CQ-18T features a 7-inch full-color touchscreen interface that offers an intuitive and visually engaging way to control the mixer. The responsive touchscreen provides easy access to key features such as EQ settings, effects controls, input routing, and channel adjustments. With a clear, organized layout, the interface reduces complexity, allowing engineers to navigate through various settings quickly and efficiently. The touch-based controls also make the system more accessible, especially for those who are used to tablet-based controls and digital interfaces.

Multi-Channel Output Capability

Equipped with 12 output channels, the CQ-18T provides an impressive range of output options, including 8 main outputs and 4 aux outputs. This configuration is ideal for directing audio to different locations within a venue or studio, such as front-of-house speakers, monitors, or recording devices. The multiple output options offer flexibility in routing audio to ensure that different audiences or systems receive the correct mix of sound. This feature is especially useful in live events and theater productions, where different outputs may be required for various zones or monitoring systems.

Intelligent Gain Control

The intelligent gain control feature of the CQ-18T automatically adjusts input levels to optimize the signal before it’s processed. This ensures consistent, balanced audio levels across all channels, preventing distortion and maintaining clarity in the sound output. The system analyzes incoming audio signals and makes adjustments to avoid clipping, which can be particularly helpful in dynamic live sound situations or complex recording sessions where audio levels are constantly changing. With this feature, engineers can focus on creating the perfect mix without worrying about maintaining manual gain adjustments.

Compact Yet Powerful Design

Despite its compact size, the CQ-18T delivers exceptional performance, providing all the features of a larger digital mixer in a portable and easy-to-carry package. Weighing only 3.7 kg (8.16 lbs), this mixer is perfect for professionals who need powerful sound mixing capabilities without the burden of bulky, heavy equipment. Its lightweight design makes it an excellent choice for touring sound engineers, mobile DJs, or anyone who needs to move their gear frequently while still ensuring top-tier sound performance.

Flexible Connectivity Options

The CQ-18T offers a variety of connectivity options, including Dante, USB, and traditional analog I/O, providing compatibility with a wide range of audio equipment. This flexibility allows the mixer to be easily integrated into both existing and new audio systems, regardless of whether they use digital or analog technology. The inclusion of USB connectivity also facilitates direct recording and playback from a computer, making it ideal for studio work or live events where additional digital devices need to be integrated seamlessly into the audio chain.

Use Cases for the Allen & Heath CQ-18T

• Live Sound: The CQ-18T is perfect for live sound environments, offering precise control over multiple audio sources. Its compact size makes it easy to transport, while its powerful processing capabilities ensure excellent audio quality.
• Recording Studios: With its USB interface and high-quality audio routing options, the CQ-18T is a great choice for studio recordings. Its 18 input channels provide plenty of flexibility for complex recording setups.
• Broadcasting: The ability to interface with digital systems and its advanced signal-processing capabilities make the CQ-18T a top choice for professional broadcast environments.

Benefits of the Allen & Heath CQ-18T

The Allen & Heath CQ-18T offers exceptional sound quality, intelligent processing, and user-friendly controls, making it a top choice for professional sound engineers. With 24-bit/96kHz resolution, it ensures crystal-clear audio, while the 7-inch touchscreen interface allows for seamless operation. Its compact design makes it highly portable, and ideal for live performances, studios, and event setups.

This mixer features wireless control options, built-in high-quality effects, and Dante compatibility, allowing seamless integration into modern audio networks. The multi-track recording capability and versatile input/output options make it perfect for a wide range of applications, ensuring professional-grade performance in any setting.

Superior High-Resolution Audio Processing for Crystal-Clear Sound Performance

The Allen & Heath CQ-18T is engineered with state-of-the-art 24-bit/96kHz digital audio processing, delivering exceptional sound clarity, rich tonal depth, and precise dynamic control for both live performances and studio recordings. The advanced digital signal processing (DSP) technology ensures pristine audio quality with minimal distortion, making it the perfect choice for professional sound engineers, musicians, and event organizers looking for high-fidelity sound reproduction in any environment.

Lightweight, Compact, and Portable Design for Maximum Flexibility and Mobility

Designed with a sleek and compact form factor, the CQ-18T is an ultra-portable digital mixing console that provides powerful performance without the bulk of traditional mixers. Despite its small footprint, it is built for durability, making it ideal for touring professionals, mobile DJs, and live event setups. The lightweight construction allows for easy transport and fast setup, ensuring that users can bring professional-grade audio mixing capabilities to any venue without any hassle.

Advanced High-Resolution Touchscreen Interface for Intuitive Control and Navigation

Featuring a large 7-inch high-resolution color touchscreen display, the CQ-18T offers an intuitive user experience with a fast, responsive, and easy-to-navigate interface. The touch-sensitive controls, drag-and-drop functionality, and clear visual feedback allow users to seamlessly adjust mix settings, apply effects, and fine-tune audio levels with ease. Whether managing a complex live performance or a simple studio recording session, the modern touchscreen layout ensures a smooth and efficient workflow for both beginners and professionals.

Full Wireless Control Capability for Remote Mixing and Seamless Adjustments

The CQ-18T supports full wireless remote control functionality, allowing users to connect via Wi-Fi and adjust mix settings directly from a tablet, smartphone, or laptop using the Allen & Heath mobile app. This cutting-edge wireless technology gives sound engineers the freedom to move around the venue and make real-time adjustments from anywhere, ensuring that the audio mix is perfectly balanced across all audience areas without being tethered to the mixing desk.

Versatile Input and Output Connectivity for Multi-Channel Audio Mixing

Equipped with 16 mic/line inputs, 2 stereo inputs, 12 balanced outputs, and integrated digital I/O options, the CQ-18T provides comprehensive connectivity for handling multiple audio sources simultaneously. Whether you’re mixing live microphones, instruments, playback devices, or external effects processors, the flexible routing options ensure that you can customize your setup for any performance or recording scenario, making it a highly adaptable solution for professional and commercial applications.

Built-in Premium FX Engine with Studio-Quality Digital Effects Processing

The CQ-18T comes with 8 premium onboard FX processors, delivering studio-grade reverb, delay, chorus, flanger, and compression effects that enhance the depth and character of your sound. These high-fidelity digital effects eliminate the need for external processing units, streamlining the mixing workflow while maintaining professional-quality audio output, making it an all-in-one solution for live sound engineers and music producers.

Intelligent Gain Control and Auto Leveling for Perfect Sound Balance

Featuring automated gain tracking and intelligent input level optimization, the CQ-18T ensures that each audio channel is perfectly balanced to prevent distortion, clipping, or volume imbalances. This feature is particularly useful for live performances, multi-artist setups, and dynamic sound environments, where sound levels fluctuate frequently. With smart gain control, users can achieve a consistently clear, powerful, and distortion-free mix with minimal manual adjustments.

Dante Audio Networking Compatibility for Seamless Digital Audio Integration

The CQ-18T is fully compatible with Dante networking technology, allowing it to connect effortlessly with other Dante-enabled devices over a high-speed Ethernet network. This feature is invaluable for large-scale productions, corporate events, multi-room audio setups, and broadcast applications, ensuring that high-quality digital audio can be distributed efficiently across multiple locations without signal degradation or latency issues.

High-Speed USB Multi-Track Recording and Direct Streaming Capability

The built-in USB interface supports multi-track recording directly to a computer, digital audio workstation (DAW), or external USB storage device, making it ideal for capturing live performances, podcasting, and professional music production. Additionally, the seamless USB streaming functionality enables users to broadcast high-quality audio in real-time, making the CQ-18T a versatile choice for live streaming events, online performances, and content creation.

Robust Build Quality and Reliable Performance for Professional Applications

Engineered with high-quality components and a durable chassis, the CQ-18T is designed for long-term reliability and stability, even in the most demanding live environments. Whether used in concert venues, houses of worship, theaters, music festivals, corporate presentations, or recording studios, this cutting-edge digital mixer delivers unparalleled audio precision, durability, and performance, making it a trusted choice for professional sound engineers worldwide.

Wrapping Up

The Allen & Heath CQ-18T is a cutting-edge digital mixing console that combines professional-grade sound processing, an intuitive user interface, and advanced connectivity options. Whether used for live performances, studio recordings, or broadcasting, it delivers exceptional sound clarity, precise audio control, and seamless integration with modern audio setups. The compact yet powerful design ensures that sound engineers can easily transport and set up the console, making it a versatile choice for professionals on the go.

With its high-resolution touchscreen, built-in FX engine, wireless control options, and intelligent gain tracking, the CQ-18T offers an unmatched level of flexibility and efficiency. As digital audio technology continues to evolve, this feature-packed mixer ensures that professionals and musicians have access to cutting-edge tools for superior sound mixing. Whether you’re handling live events, corporate presentations, or studio projects, the CQ-18T stands out as a reliable, high-performance solution for delivering outstanding audio quality in any environment.

FAQs

What makes the Allen & Heath CQ-18T stand out from other digital mixing consoles?

The Allen & Heath CQ-18T stands out due to its advanced 32-bit floating point processing, high-quality audio outputs, and user-friendly touchscreen interface. It offers powerful processing capabilities and multiple connectivity options, making it ideal for both live sound and studio applications. Additionally, its compact design and customizable presets add significant value for professionals.

How many channels does the CQ-18T offer?

The CQ-18T features 18 input channels, which include 16 mono mic/line inputs and 2 stereo line inputs. This offers plenty of flexibility for mixing multiple sound sources simultaneously, whether in a live setting or during a recording session.

Can the Allen & Heath CQ-18T be used for live sound?

Yes, the Allen & Heath CQ-18T is designed with live sound applications in mind. It offers precise control over audio levels, effects, and routing, making it ideal for live performances. Its compact size and robust build ensure it can withstand the demands of live sound environments.

What kind of effects processing does the CQ-18T have?

The CQ-18T comes with 8 internal effects engines, allowing you to apply a range of effects to enhance the audio mix. These effects are highly customizable and can be used to shape sound for vocals, instruments, and other audio sources.

Does the CQ-18T support multi-channel audio over Ethernet?

Yes, the CQ-18T offers optional Dante connectivity, which allows for multi-channel audio over Ethernet. This feature is particularly useful for large setups where you need to route multiple audio signals over a network.

How is the touchscreen interface on the Allen & Heath CQ-18T?

The CQ-18T features a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen that provides an intuitive and responsive interface for controlling the console’s settings. The interface is customizable, allowing users to easily manage audio levels, effects, and routing with a few taps.

Can I store custom settings on the CQ-18T?

Yes, the Allen & Heath CQ-18T allows you to store and recall custom presets. This feature is useful for quickly switching between different setups, saving time during soundchecks, and ensuring consistency in your mixes.