Allen & Heath CQ-18T Ultra-Compact 18in / 8out Digital Mixer

CQ takes our renowned processing and effects, adds exciting new assistive mixing tools, and packages it all up into our smallest, and most affordable, digital mixer series yet.

Every input channel on CQ can be switched between two modes. Quick Channels offer instrument and application specific processing with the ability to dial in a full channel of processing via a single knob. Need more control? Switch to Complete Channels for advanced, in-depth tweaking of parameters.

Setting the correct amount of gain for each channel isn’t the most exciting task, and it quickly eats into your setup time with multiple channels to take care of. CQ’s Gain Assistant quickly and accurately sets the optimal gain level for one or multiple input channels and continues to monitor levels during the performance to prevent any nasty peaks or surprises.

CQ draws on technology from our latest generation of live sound consoles to deliver audio quality previously unimaginable at this level of mixer. Pristine 96kHz audio is partnered with studio-grade onboard processing and an optimised suite of FX to set a new standard for what’s possible with ultra-compact digital mixers.

CQ introduces a new suite of high-quality, user-friendly reverb, delay and modulation algorithms with instrument-specific presets for speedy setup. Selected units feature our new FX Assist tool, automatically shaping the effects and dynamically responding to your input signal to ensure your mix is enhanced by FX, not engulfed.

FEATURES

• Inputs
  • 8 XLR
  • 8 XLR/TRS Combi
  • 2 TRS (stereo)
• Outputs
  • 2 XLR (Main)
  • 6 TRS (Monitors)
• 24×22 USB-B interface (48/96kHz)
• SD record/playback: 24×22 (48kHz), 16×16 (96kHz)
• Stereo USB record/playback with dedicated input channel
• Stereo Bluetooth playback with dedicated input channel
• 16×16 USB-B interface (48/96kHz)
• 16×16 SD record/playback (48/96kHz)
• 2 FX engines
• 4 FX engines
• 3 Custom Rotaries
• 3 Custom SoftKeys
• Dual Footswitch connection
• 7” Capacitive touchscreen with associated rotary control
• 2 Assignable TRS headphone outputs
• Built-in dual band 2.4G/5G AC Wi-Fi with auto channel select

SPECIFICATIONS

Inputs

• Mic/Line Inputs: Balanced XLR, Balanced XLR/TRS Combi, fully recallable preamp
• Phantom Power: +48V (+3V / -2V)
• Input Sensitivity: -60 to +0dBu
• Line Inputs (Combi Sockets): -20dB Pad (Fixed)
• Analogue Gain: 0dB to +60dB, 1dB steps
• Maximum Input Level: +17dBu (XLR), +30dBu (TRS)
• Input Impedance: >1.5kΩ (XLR), >10kΩ (TRS)
• THD+N, Unity gain 0dB: 0.002% -92dBu (20Hz-20kHz, USB soundcard, @0dBu 1kHz)
• THD+N, Mid gain +30dB: 0.004% -88dBu (20Hz-20kHz, USB soundcard, @-30dBu 1kHz)

Stereo Line Input

• Stereo Line Input Connection Balanced, 1/4" TRS Jack, Normalled (Left/Mono)
• Input Sensitivity: Nominal +4dBu
• Trim: +/-24dB
• Maximum Input Level: +21dBu
• Input Impedance: >10kΩ

Outputs

• Main LR Outputs: Balanced, XLR
• Outputs 1-6: Balanced, 1/4" TRS Jack
• Output Impedance: <75Ω
• Nominal Output: +4dBu = 0dB meter reading
• Maximum Output Level: +22dBu
• Residual Output Noise: -88dBu (muted, 20Hz-20kHz)

System

• System: Measured balanced XLR in to XLR out, 0dB gain, 0dBu input
• Dynamic Range: 110 dB
• Frequency Response: +0/-0.5dB 20Hz to 20kHz
• Headroom: +18dB
• Internal operating Level: 0dBu
• THD+N, Mic routed to Main L/R Out: +10dBu input, 0dB system gain, 0.003%, -92dB (Relative, 20-20kHz)
• dBFS Alignment: +18dBu = 0dBFS (+22dBu at XLR output)
• Meter Calibration: 0dB meter = -18dBFS (+4dBu at XLR out)
• Sampling Rate: 96kHz
• Bit Depth: Custom bit depth, up to 96-bit
• Latency: <0.7mS, Local Mic Input to Main L/R, with all processing in or out
• Operating Temperature Range: 0° C to 40° C (32° F to 104° F)
• Power: 12V DC, 5A (100-240V AC, 50/60Hz input PSU supplied), 35W max

Record/Playback

• USB-A
  • Stereo Record: 48/96 kHz, 24-bit WAV format. Patchable from Outputs, ST in, or FX Units
  • Stereo Playback: 44.1/48/96 kHz, 16/24 bit, Mono/Stereo WAV files
• USB-B
  • USB 2.0, Core Audio compliant, ASIO/WDM for Windows, 48/96 kHz, 24-bit
  • Send / Return: 24 channels / 22 channels
• SD Card: SDHC, 32 GB, UHS-I, Class 10 for maximum channels, 48/96 kHz, 24-bit
• Multitrack Record: 16 channels @ 96kHz or 48kHz
• Multitrack Playback 16 channels @ 96kHz or 48kHz
• Wi-Fi Access Point 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (dual band, auto channel)
• Bluetooth: 4.1 (high quality stereo playback)
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 13.6 x 9.5 3.5 in. (346 x 242 x 89  mm)
• Weight: 6.6 lbs (3 kg)
• Shipping Dimensions: 16.9 x 12.2 x 7.9 in. (430 x 310x 200 mm)
• Shipping Weight: 8.4 lbs (3.8 kg)