Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $1,231
High-end/Boutique
$200
$1001+
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Budget
Standard
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Price History
Based on price data from 6 merchants for "Allen & Heath CQ-18T 16-channel Digital Mixer". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
If you're in search of a digital mixer that combines portability with professional-grade features, the Allen & Heath CQ-18T 16-channel Digital Mixer is your ideal companion. Designed to fit snugly in a backpack, this mixer redefines convenience without compromising on quality. Built upon a 96kHz platform, it offers impeccable audio quality and a user-friendly interface suitable for both technical and nontechnical users.
Navigating through its features is a breeze with the 7" capacitive touchscreen, complemented by tactile encoders and custom keys, ensuring that you have full control at your fingertips. The CQ-18T's Preamp Gain Assistant and Feedback Assistant simplify setup, making it easy to achieve the perfect sound without the need for expert engineering skills. Its instrument-based Quick inputs are designed to help you craft a stellar mix in no time, while the Complete inputs provide avenues for in-depth tweaking.
With a robust array of connectivity options, including built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, SD recording, and a USB interface, the CQ-18T is as versatile as it is powerful. Whether you're recording live shows, rehearsals, or performing virtual soundchecks, this mixer stands ready to deliver flawless results. The integrated Smart-FX engines offer a suite of effects like reverb, delay, and modulation, allowing you to enhance your sound palette effortlessly.
Key Features:
- 16 mic or line inputs (8 combi), plus stereo line input
- Built-in 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi with auto channel selection
- 24x22 USB interface and SD record/playback
- Stereo Bluetooth input
- 7" capacitive touchscreen with rotary control
- 3 custom SoftKeys and 3 custom SoftRotaries
- 4 FX engines for versatile sound effects
- Preamp Gain Assistant and Feedback Assistant for easy setup
- Instrument-based Quick inputs for fast mixing
- Compact design for easy transport and setup
Product specs
| Type | Digital Mixer/Recorder/USB Interface |
| Channels | 16 |
| Inputs - Mic Preamps | 8 x XLR-1/4" Combo, 8 x XLR |
| Phantom Power | 16 Channels |
| Inputs - Line | 2 x 1/4" TRS (L, R) |
| Outputs - Main | 2 x XLR (main) |
| Outputs - Direct | 6 x 1/4" TRS (monitors) |
| Data I/O | 1 x RJ45 |
| Headphones | 2 x 1/4" TRS |
| USB | 1 x Type B, 1 x Type A |
| Computer Connectivity | USB (24 x 22), Ethernet, 2.4G/5G AC Wi-Fi |
| Bluetooth | Stereo Input |
| Remote | 1 x 1/4" (footswitch) |
| Faders | 3 x Custom Rotary |
| Effects | Reverbs, Delays, Modulators |
| Signal Processing | 96kHz FPGA |
| Features | Feedback Assistant |
| Screen | 7" touchscreen |
| Storage | SD card slot |
| Software | CQ MixPad App, CQ4You App |
| Rackmountable | Yes (kit sold separately) |
| Power Source | 12V DC Power Supply |
| Height | 3.5" |
| Depth | 9.5" |
| Width | 13.6" |
| Weight | 6.6 lbs |
FAQs
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What connectivity options does the Allen & Heath CQ-18T offer?
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The Allen & Heath CQ-18T provides extensive connectivity with 16 mic/line XLR/combo inputs, 2 balanced 1/4" TRS inputs, 2 XLR main outputs, and 6 1/4" mix outputs. It also features USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity for versatile integration into various setups.
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Does the Allen & Heath CQ-18T support phantom power for condenser microphones?
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Yes, the CQ-18T supports phantom power across all 16 channels, making it suitable for use with condenser microphones that require external power.
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Can the Allen & Heath CQ-18T be used as a USB audio interface?
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Absolutely, the CQ-18T functions as a USB audio interface with a 24 x 22 channel configuration, allowing for seamless integration with your computer for recording and playback.
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Is the Allen & Heath CQ-18T suitable for live sound applications?
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Yes, the CQ-18T is designed for live sound with its 7" touchscreen for intuitive control, multiple effects like reverbs and delays, and the ability to manage feedback with its Feedback Assistant feature.
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What apps are compatible with the Allen & Heath CQ-18T for remote control?
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The CQ-18T is compatible with the CQ MixPad App and CQ4You App, enabling remote control of mixer functions and personal monitoring via smartphones or tablets.
Reviews
PROS
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Easy to configure, quick setup
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Integrated screen simplifies mixing process
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Firmware updates directly via iPad, no USB needed
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Excellent sound and tone from software-controlled preamps
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Reliable WiFi connection up to 75 feet
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Enhances performance of external speakers
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Full control of processing functions without needing an iPad
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24-48 multitrack recording directly to SD card, easy DAW integration
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Compact size with 16 XLR inputs and multiple outs
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Highly reliable in various conditions
CONS
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Aux out jacks are 1/4" TRS, not XLR
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External power adapter instead of IEC connector
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"Auto gain" feature can be counterproductive
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Interface involves menu layers, slight learning curve
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System not expandable beyond 16 inputs
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Allen & Heath CQ-18T 16-channel Digital Mixer.
Software and compatibility
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The CQ-18T can operate both its touchscreen app and an Android tablet with Mixing Station simultaneously, with changes reflected across both interfaces.
Source -
Mixing Station app is in beta for the CQ series, offering hope for improved functionality compared to the current A&H app.
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Mixing Station app offers customizable layouts beyond the limitations of the A&H app, though it's noted as more complex.
Source
Features and functionality
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The mixer allows using either PEQ & FBA or GEQ, but not both simultaneously, limiting flexibility for some users.
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Feedback tool quickly corrects problem frequencies live, impressing users with its responsiveness during performances.
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Auto-gain feature can unexpectedly reduce gain when a speaker raises their voice, potentially causing delays in normal sound levels.
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The mixer includes auto-gain features, which default to reducing gain automatically—important to be aware of during live performances to avoid unexpected level drops.
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The CQ18T allows feedback suppression on each output, enhancing live sound management compared to mixers with limited suppression channels.
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The mixer allows multitrack recording to an SD card, supporting 16 channels at 96KHz or more channels at 48KHz, although not all channels plus the stereo bus can be recorded at 96KHz.
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The CQ-18T offers assignable knobs, which are beneficial for real-time adjustments, such as managing inconsistent vocal levels during performances.
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Quick Channels include a simple compressor toggle, but full compression adjustments require using Complete Channels.
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Comparisons
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Compared to the TouchMix, the CQ-18T is more responsive but lacks additional output EQ bands and DCA/group features.
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Although the CQ-18T lacks HiZ inputs, guitars and basses can connect directly to the instrument inputs without damage, though a DI box is recommended for optimal sound.
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The CQ-18T's onboard WiFi is noted for better reliability than the XR series, although it lacks DCA groups and has limited routing compared to the XR18.
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The CQ18T's output level of +22dB offers more headroom than the Zoom L-20's +14.5dB, which can prevent running out of headroom during performances.
Source
User experience
Value and pricing
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Owners express that despite its higher cost, the CQ-18T offers ease of use and sound quality that may justify the investment over less expensive mixers.
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Use cases and applications
Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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