Overview:
Mix and record with the Allen & Heath CQ-20B, an ultracompact digital mixer in a rackmount/stagebox configuration featuring 96 kHz FPGA processing, Bluetooth, wireless control via built-in Wi-Fi, and SD/USB audio recording and playback. The mixer is well suited for bands, producers, and AV rental houses, and can be used as a main mixer in a small venue or a sub mixer on a larger stage. This unique format has no screen and is designed to be used with a compatible tablet. Keep it onstage and mix wirelessly from anywhere in the room.
The free CQ-MixPad application is easy to navigate and control the robust mix engine that comes complete with several assistants to help your mixes sound their best including a gain assistant, feedback assistant, FX assist engine, and Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM). Take control of the full complement of channel strip effects like EQ, compression, and gating that's available on every channel and set up several sub mixes for monitoring and effects. The CQ-20B features 16 mic/line XLR/combo XLR-1/4" inputs and two pairs of balanced 1/4" TRS line inputs. For outputs, the mixer offers two main XLR connectors, two 1/4" alternate connectors, and six XLR mix connectors. There is also an assignable headphone output. The mixer ships with a standard IEC power cord.
Features:
• 16 mic/line preamps, (8 x XLR + 8 x XLR/TRS ‘Combi’)
• 2 x balanced stereo line inputs, (4 x TRS)
• Main LR, (2 x XLR)
• 6 x Monitor Mixes, (6 x XLR)
• Assignable stereo line out, (2 x TRS)
• Assignable headphone output, 1/4" TRS
• 24x24 USB-B interface
• 24x24 SD record/playback
• Stereo USB record/playback with dedicated input channel
• Stereo Bluetooth playback with dedicated input channel
• 4 x FX Assist engines
• Dual footswitch connection
• Built-in dual band 2.4G/5G AC Wi-Fi with auto channel select
Software Features
96 kHz Processing Engine
• Under the hood is a powerhouse of processing with Allen & Heath’s renowned 96 kHz FPGA technology. Including brand new smart tools and FX to get you a better mix, faster.
Quick and Complete Channels
• Quick Channels offer instrument and application specific processing. Dial in a full channel of processing with a single knob. Switch to a Complete Channel for advanced tweaking.
Gain Assistant
• CQ’s gain assistant saves you time by automatically and accurately setting preamp gain for you. It can then keep an eye on your preamp levels to prevent nasty peaks.
Feedback Assistant
• Find and remove feedback frequencies at setup using fixed mode and then watch out for feedback throughout the show across all outputs with live mode.
FX Assist engines
• Including brand new signal-conscious reverb and delay units, which dynamically respond to signal to always sit correctly in the mix.
AMM
• Improve clarity and reduce background noise for speech applications without needing to lift a finger. Available on every input.
Remote Apps
• Control the mixer from (almost) anywhere with free apps for Windows, Mac, Android and iOS. CQ-MixPad gives the engineer complete control anywhere in the room, and CQ4You allows the performer to adjust only their mix and hear exactly what they need to.
Specs:
Mixer
Number of Analog Input Channels
20 (16 Mono / 2 Stereo)
Number of Mic Preamps
16
Number of Analog Output Channels
8
Max I/O Capacity
20 x Input / 8 x Output
Mix Routing
1 x Stereo Main LRC
1 x Stereo Subgroup
6 x Mono Bus
Groups
None
Presets
None
Faders & Level Adjustment
None
Signal Processing
Dynamic Processing
Compressor, Gate
Solo/Mute
Solo, Mute per Input Channel, Bus, Master
Built-In Effects
4 x Stereo Effect (Type Unspecified)
Automatic Mic Mixing
Yes
Digital Audio
Sample Rates
96 kHz
Connectivity
Analog Inputs
8 x XLR 3-Pin Balanced Mic/Line Input
8 x Combo XLR-1/4" 3-Pin Balanced/Unbalanced Mic/Line Input
4 x 1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Stereo Line Input (2 Stereo Pair)
Analog Outputs
2 x XLR 3-Pin Stereo Main Output (1 Stereo Pair)
2 x 1/4" TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Alt Output
6 x XLR TRS Balanced/Unbalanced Mix Output
1 x 1/4" TRS Unbalanced Stereo Headphone Output
Phantom Power
+48 V
Digital I/O
1 x RJ45 (Network)
MIDI I/O
None
USB
1 x USB-A (Audio Playback, Audio Streaming, External Memory, Service)
1 x USB-B 2.0 (Host Connection)
USB I/O Capacity
24 x Input / 24 x Output
Other I/O
1 x 1/4" TRS Footswitch Input
Wireless
Bluetooth
*Built-In
Wi-Fi
*Built-In
Mobile App Compatible
Yes: Android & iOS
App Name: CQ-MixPad
Functionality: Access Stored Files, Adjust Settings, Remote Control
*As of August, 2023: Check with manufacturer for the most up-to-date compatibility
External Display I/O
None
Recording
Max Multitrack Recording
24 Tracks
Media Support
SD
Power
AC Input Power
100 to 240 VAC, 50 / 60 Hz
AC Power I/O
1 x IEC Input
Power Consumption
45 W
Physical
Rack Mountable
Yes
Rackmount Size
4 RU (with Optional Hardware)
Dimensions
14.6 x 6 x 5.2" / 372 x 153 x 133 mm
Weight
5.7 lb / 2.6 kg
Packaging Info
Package Weight
8.35 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
17.6 x 10.6 x 10.1"
