Allen & Heath CQ-20B 20-Input Digital Mixer With Wi-Fi

Description:

The Allen & Heath CQ-20B is an ultra-compact 20-input digital mixer designed for live sound, musicians, bands, small venues, home producers, AV applications and portable audio setups. Combining professional 96kHz audio processing with intuitive app-based control, the CQ-20B delivers powerful mixing and processing capabilities in a compact stagebox-style design.

The CQ-20B provides 20 inputs to mix, including 16 mono/linkable inputs and 4 stereo inputs. Its connectivity includes 8 XLR mic/line inputs, 8 XLR/TRS Combi inputs and 2 stereo line inputs. Inputs 15 and 16 also provide a Hi-Z option, making the mixer suitable for directly connecting instruments such as guitars and basses.

Designed for fast and flexible mixing, every CQ input can operate in Quick Channel or Complete Channel mode. Quick Channel provides streamlined instrument and application-specific processing, while Complete Channel gives engineers detailed control over individual processing parameters.

The Gain Assistant automatically sets and monitors input gain levels, while Feedback Assistant can detect and eliminate problem frequencies using up to 16 filters per output. These tools make the CQ-20B particularly useful for fast setup and reliable live performance.

The CQ-20B features 4 built-in FX engines, 4 DCAs and 4 Mute Groups, providing flexible control over effects and multiple channels. The mixer also includes an integrated Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM) for speech applications such as conferences, podcasts, debates and theatre productions.

With built-in dual-band 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi, the CQ-20B can be controlled wirelessly using the free CQ MixPad app for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android. This allows engineers to soundcheck, mix and control the mixer from anywhere within the venue without requiring an external wireless access point.

For recording and playback, the CQ-20B includes a 24x24 USB-B audio interface, multichannel SD card recording and playback, USB-A stereo recording and playback, and Bluetooth stereo playback. The mixer supports up to 24x24 channels at 48kHz or 16x16 channels at 96kHz via SD card.

The Allen & Heath CQ-20B combines professional 96kHz processing, flexible I/O, wireless control, onboard effects, automatic mixing tools and multitrack recording in a compact format, making it an excellent digital mixer for live performance and portable audio production.

Allen & Heath CQ-20B Features

• 20 Inputs to Mix with 16 Mono/Linkable and 4 Stereo Inputs
• 96kHz Input/Output Processing for high-resolution digital audio
• 8 XLR Mic/Line Inputs
• 8 XLR/TRS Combi Mic/Line Inputs
• 2 Hi-Z Inputs for direct connection of instruments such as guitar and bass
• 2 Stereo Line Inputs with TRS connectivity
• 2 XLR Main Outputs
• 6 XLR Monitor Outputs
• Assignable Alt Output for flexible monitoring and routing
• 4 Multi-FX Engines
• Quick Channel Mode for fast and simplified channel processing
• Complete Channel Mode for detailed processing control
• Gain Assistant for automatic and continuous gain management
• Feedback Assistant with up to 16 filters per output
• 4 DCAs for convenient multi-channel level control
• 4 Mute Groups for simultaneous channel muting
• Automatic Mic Mixer for speech and multi-microphone applications
• Built-In Dual-Band Wi-Fi with 2.4GHz and 5GHz operation
• CQ MixPad App Control for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android
• 24x24 USB-B Audio Interface for multichannel recording and playback
• SD Card Multitrack Recording and Playback
• USB-A Stereo Recording and Playback
• Bluetooth Stereo Playback with dedicated input channel
• Assignable TRS Headphone Output
• Dual Footswitch Connection
• Configurable Chromatic Channel Meter LED
• RJ45 Network Connection
• Rack Mountable with optional rack-ear kit

Allen & Heath CQ-20B Specifications

Mixing & Processing

• Inputs to Mix: 20
• Input Configuration: 16 Mono/Linkable + 4 Stereo
• Processing: 96kHz Input/Output Processing
• FX Engines: 4 Multi-FX Engines
• DCAs: 4
• Mute Groups: 4
• Automatic Mic Mixer: Available on All Input Channels
• Feedback Assistant: Up to 16 Filters per Output
• Main Output: Stereo Main LR
• Aux Outputs: 6
• Aux Configuration: Linkable Up to 3 Stereo

Inputs & Outputs

• Mic/Line Inputs: 8 x XLR
• Combi Inputs: 8 x XLR/TRS
• Hi-Z Inputs: Inputs 15-16
• Stereo Line Inputs: 2 x Stereo, Each With 2 x TRS
• Main Outputs: 2 x XLR
• Monitor Outputs: 6 x XLR
• Alt Output: 2 x TRS, Assignable
• Headphone Output: Stereo, Assignable TRS
• Footswitch: Single/Dual Connection

USB & Recording

• USB-B Audio Interface: 24x24
• USB-B Sample Rates: 48kHz / 96kHz
• USB-B Bit Depth: 24-bit
• USB-A: Stereo Audio Recording/Playback and Data
• SD Recording: 24x24 at 48kHz / 16x16 at 96kHz
• SD Playback: 24x24 at 48kHz / 16x16 at 96kHz
• SD Card: SDHC, Up to 32GB, UHS-I Class 10
• Bluetooth: Stereo Playback With Dedicated Input Channel

Wireless & Network

• Built-In Wi-Fi: Dual-Band 2.4GHz / 5GHz AC
• Wi-Fi Mode: CQ as Host
• Network Connection: RJ45
• Network Mode: CQ as Client
• Remote Control: CQ MixPad App
• Supported Platforms: Windows / macOS / iOS / Android

Audio Performance

• Sampling Rate: 96kHz
• Bit Depth: Custom, Up to 96-bit
• Dynamic Range: 110dB
• Frequency Response: +0/-0.5dB, 20Hz-20kHz
• Headroom: +18dB
• Internal Operating Level: 0dBu
• Maximum XLR Output: +22dBu
• Latency: Less Than 0.7ms, Local Mic Input to Main L/R
• Phantom Power: +48V

Input Specifications

• Mic/Line Input: Balanced XLR / XLR-TRS Combi
• Preamp: Fully Recallable
• Phantom Power: +48V
• Input Sensitivity: -60 to +0dBu
• Analogue Gain: 0dB to +60dB
• Maximum Input Level: +17dBu XLR / +30dBu TRS
• Input Impedance: >1.5kΩ XLR / >10kΩ TRS
• Hi-Z Input Impedance: 1MΩ
• Hi-Z Gain: 0dB to +40dB

Output Specifications

• Main LR Outputs: Balanced XLR
• Outputs 1-6: Balanced XLR
• Alt Output: Balanced TRS
• Output Impedance: <75Ω
• Nominal Output: +4dBu
• Maximum Output Level: +22dBu
• Residual Output Noise: -88dBu

Physical & General

• Power Supply: Internal Switching Power Supply
• Power: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz
• Power Consumption: 45W Maximum
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 40°C
• Network: RJ45 Fast Ethernet
• Rack Mounting: Available With Optional Rack-Ear Kit

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Allen & Heath CQ-20B

How many channels does the Allen & Heath CQ-20B have?

The Allen & Heath CQ-20B provides 20 inputs to mix, including 16 mono/linkable inputs and 4 stereo inputs. It features 8 XLR inputs, 8 XLR/TRS Combi inputs and 2 stereo line inputs.

Does the Allen & Heath CQ-20B have Wi-Fi?

Yes. The CQ-20B features built-in dual-band 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, allowing wireless control through the CQ MixPad app without requiring an external wireless access point.

Does the Allen & Heath CQ-20B have USB?

Yes. The CQ-20B includes a 24x24 USB-B audio interface supporting multichannel recording and playback at 48kHz or 96kHz. It also includes USB-A for stereo recording, playback and data.

How many outputs does the Allen & Heath CQ-20B have?

The CQ-20B features 2 XLR Main outputs and 6 XLR monitor outputs, along with an assignable Alt Output and stereo headphone output. The six monitor outputs can be linked to create up to three stereo mixes.

Does the Allen & Heath CQ-20B have built-in effects?

Yes. The Allen & Heath CQ-20B includes 4 built-in Multi-FX engines. It also provides Gain Assistant, Feedback Assistant, 4 DCAs, 4 Mute Groups and an Automatic Mic Mixer for additional mixing control.