Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $948
Standard/Professional
$200
$1001+
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Budget
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Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Allen & Heath CQ-20B 16-Channel Rackmount Digital Mixer". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Discover seamless control and superior audio quality with the Allen & Heath CQ-20B 16-Channel Rackmount Digital Mixer. Perfect for studio and live environments, this mixer is designed to bring a professional touch to your sound with 96 kHz FPGA processing. It offers a robust and flexible platform to manage your audio inputs and outputs effortlessly, boasting 16 microphone/line preamps and various output options for ultimate versatility.
The CQ-20B is equipped with a built-in dual-band 2.4G / 5G AC Wi-Fi, ensuring hassle-free connectivity and control via Windows, Mac, Android, or iOS. You can navigate your mix with ease using the CQ-MixPad and CQ4You apps, giving you full command over every detail of your sound. The intuitive Gain and Feedback Assistants help you maintain optimal levels and clarity, while the four FX Assist engines provide creative effects to enhance your mix.
Record and play back directly via SD and USB, making it an indispensable tool for studio sessions or live performances. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting, the Allen & Heath CQ-20B is a compelling choice for those seeking precision and reliability in a compact form factor.
Key Features:
- 16 Microphone/line preamps (8 x XLR + 8 x XLR/TRS 'Combi')
- 2 x TRS stereo line inputs
- 96 kHz FPGA processing
- Gain and Feedback Assistants
- 4 x FX Assist engines
- Built-in dual-band 2.4G / 5G AC Wi-Fi
- Control via CQ-MixPad and CQ4You apps
- SD and USB audio recording and playback
- 2 x XLR outputs, 6 x Monitor mixes (TRS), and dual headphone outputs
Product specs
| Type | Digital Mixer |
| Channels | 20 (16 x mono, 2 x stereo) |
| Inputs - Mic Preamps | 8 x XLR-1/4" Combo, 8 x XLR |
| Phantom Power | 16 Channels |
| Inputs - Other | 4 x 1/4" TRS |
| Outputs - Main | 2 x XLR |
| Outputs - Direct | 6 x XLR (monitors) |
| Outputs - Other | 1 x 1/4" (assingable alt) |
| Data I/O | 1 x RJ45 |
| USB | 1 x Type B, 1 x Type A |
| Bluetooth | Stereo Input |
| Computer Connectivity | USB (24 x 24), Ethernet, 2.4G/5G AC Wi-Fi |
| Headphones | 1 x 1/4" TRS |
| Effects | Reverbs, Delays, Modulators |
| Signal Processing | 96kHz FPGA |
| Features | Feedback Assistant |
| Software | CQ MixPad App, CQ4You App |
| Rackmountable | Yes (kit sold separately) |
| Height | 5.3" |
| Depth | 14.7" |
| Width | 6.1" |
| Weight | 5.8 lbs |
FAQs
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How many channels does the Allen & Heath CQ-20B mixer have?
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The Allen & Heath CQ-20B mixer has a total of 20 channels, including 16 mono channels and 2 stereo channels, providing ample input options for various audio sources.
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Does the Allen & Heath CQ-20B support wireless control?
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Yes, the CQ-20B features built-in Wi-Fi, allowing for wireless control via the CQ MixPad and CQ4You apps, which can be accessed on compatible devices.
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What types of inputs are available on the Allen & Heath CQ-20B?
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The mixer includes 8 XLR-1/4" combo inputs, 8 XLR inputs, and 4 additional 1/4" TRS inputs, offering flexibility for connecting various microphones and instruments.
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Is the Allen & Heath CQ-20B suitable for live performances?
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Yes, with its 16 mic/line inputs, built-in effects, and robust connectivity options, the CQ-20B is well-suited for live performances and can be easily rack-mounted for convenience.
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Can the Allen & Heath CQ-20B record audio directly to a computer?
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Yes, the CQ-20B features a 24x24 USB interface, allowing it to connect directly to a computer for multitrack recording and playback.
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Does the Allen & Heath CQ-20B have built-in effects?
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The mixer includes built-in effects such as reverbs, delays, and modulators, providing a range of sound processing options to enhance your mix.
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What are the main output options on the Allen & Heath CQ-20B?
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The main outputs include 2 XLR outputs for the stereo main mix and 6 XLR outputs for monitors, with an additional assignable 1/4" output for flexibility in routing audio.
Reviews
PROS
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Excellent sound quality and reliable SD card recording
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Built-in WiFi eliminates need for external router
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Compact, easy setup with intuitive app control
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Sturdy build compared to other digital mixers
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Onboard Bluetooth and SD recording capabilities
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Comprehensive suite of effects, including compressors, limiters, and feedback assistance
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CQ4you app allows monitor volume control from phone
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Individual channel recording with playback for live mixing
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Functions as a multi in/out audio interface for DAWs
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Suitable for both beginners and professionals with customizable features
CONS
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Some users find the FX sends confusing
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Learning curve for those new to digital mixers
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Allen & Heath CQ-20B 16-Channel Rackmount Digital Mixer.
Features and functionality
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The CQ-20B lacks mute groups and DCAs, and requires switching between PEQ/FBA and GEQ, losing EQ settings in the process.
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The CQ-20B features a 24x24 96kHz USB interface and onboard SD recording, which is unique in its price range for virtual soundchecks and gig recording.
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The console lacks keyboard shortcuts and doesn't support pinch gestures for EQ adjustments, making touchscreen devices preferable for easier control.
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Users find the "easy reverb" feature to be essentially preset-based with a single knob control, mapping parameter adjustments within fixed ranges.
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Users report frequent connection issues with built-in WiFi, suggesting the use of an external router like TP-Link CPE 510/520 for better reliability and range.
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Internal WiFi may be affected by venue conditions like thick walls or interference, suggesting the need for a WiFi analyzer to assess interference in gig conditions.
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Switching from 2.4GHz to 5GHz WiFi can help reduce interference, though it may reduce range, necessitating line-of-sight for optimal performance.
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Software and compatibility
User experience
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The unit's lightweight design and built-in power supply make it suitable for stagebox applications, saving space behind drums.
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The built-in automixer is seen as a useful feature for theater applications, particularly for managing floor mics in plays, reducing active mixing effort.
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Some owners achieve only 20-30 feet of reliable WiFi range, indicating potential variability in performance depending on environmental factors.
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Use cases and applications
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