Allen & Heath CQ-18T: compact mixing for live events

Prepare speech, music, monitors and recording on a compact mixer, checking every destination before the event.

Ask about rental, purchase or integration

Tell us how you plan to use it, along with the date and venue if known. We can assess equipment, integration, preparation, and technical support. The proposal will confirm configuration, availability, and terms.

Ask about this solution

Live-event applications

Consider it for a panel with music or a compact acoustic show. Choose from simultaneous inputs, monitor mixes and operator needs rather than physical size alone.

Pre-show preparation

Create an input patch for microphones, instruments and playback, with distinct house, monitor and recording destinations.
Check firmware against the matching manual. Review analog versus playback sources before recalling a scene.
Test local control and CQ-MixPad if used. Prepare the control network and a way to keep operating if the tablet disconnects.
Select SD multitrack or the documented USB workflow for the project. Record a short take, stop recording and listen to the file; save the show.

Troubleshooting

If input meters move but nothing is heard, trace channel, mute, send and physical output. If only the app fails, check local control first. If an input plays old material, inspect source selection before changing gain.

Alternatives and backup

For additional inputs, a different operating surface or expansion requirements, evaluate another console against the rider. A show recording is not an independent backup for the sound system.

What we need for a proposal

If you do not have a rider yet, send the event program, venue photos, or a rough layout of performers and microphones. If already defined, add monitor mixes, playback tracks, and recording duration and format. We can help choose the mixer, patch, and staffing, or assess a higher-capacity console if needed.

Frequently asked questions

Does the tablet carry the show audio?

CQ-MixPad provides control. Document the audio path separately from the app connection.

Can I assume it accepts an SQ stagebox?

Check the exact models and audio protocol before planning the connection; products from the same brand may use different interfaces.

Is seeing REC enough?

No. Listen to a test take, confirm sources and destinations, and stop recording correctly before removing media or shutting down.

Documentation and preparation

23/10/2026