I love the CQ series. I purchased the CQ-18T and literally just got home from using it at my DJ gig this evening. Honestly I have never heard my QSC 12.2 loudspeaker push so much volume. It may indeed be overkill from certain perspectives, but having a home studio, podcast, and corporate gigs requiring multiple mics, it is a very versatile toolbox. With the auto-gain, feedback assistant, and other templates, it is like having an engineer sitting next to me at all times.
I would say the 18 is probably overkill for DJing. You have more inputs, two headphone jacks, programmable soft buttons and the ability to set the unit up as it’s own wifi hub. But I don’t think those features would be beneficial to a DJ.
Mr. Haines - I have the 18T and it is out of this world !! The latest firmware upgrade incorporates DCAs and Mute Groups. Great for both multitracking (DAW) and Stereo recording. With the multitracking - I can record sessions with Ableton from a Yamaha console (direct outs), and mix in dynamics suit to taste. Also, the 18T has TWO Headphone jacks !!! Worth every bit of $1100, add $125.00 for a carrying case. For shows/outdoor events, I purchased 2 50" Ethercon and 2 Pair of the Gear-It 4 channel audio extender as to provide a cleaner on-stage cable management presence !!! Great video !!!
@@EshockT as a Digital snake. I can connect up to 4 devices, so I have a 2 sets (up the device count to 8) - either all inputs or output - or a mix of both (for output, need to have the female straight through barrels).
Great video Matthew. Another issue I came across with using a Behringer Air X18 desk with the iPad as a controller, was that when using it outside, even under a tent in Australia, everything got so hot, the iPad decided it was too hot to continue operating. Now the only time I use the X18 is inside with air-conditioning....Oh.... and let's not forget the Wifi problems the X18 has with maintaining a connection with the iPad. It kept losing connection as soon as the room filled with people with mobile phones. I tried it with a later model iPad, and that seemed to fix that issue. Still, heat, especially here in Australia and in the small churches I do live streams in with a mixing desk, is the big risk you take when using an iPad as a controller. I have just ordered one of these CQ-12T mixers, and I am hoping it will be the small footprint, use EVERYWHERE solution I need for livestreaming.
That is one significant downside to the design of the Air X18. It's reliant on a third-party device and isn't self-contained. I think you'll be happy with the CQ12T (although I didn't get a chance to use it in extreme heat). Good luck and happy new year!
Awesome overview Mr Haines. If you plug in a thumb drive it can record a stereo mix. If you plug in a sd card it'll record individual stems. That's just one of the many features of this beast.
Thank you for this ! One question left though: What's the story behind that network socket? Everyone ignores it and it doesn't seem to be explained anywhere -- even in the A&H trailer or demo videos 🤷♂
The network connection allows you to connect the CQ-MixPad or CQ4You apps remotely over ethernet. You could then connect an iPad wirelessly to a router on the network and control it that way. The 12T doesn't have built-in wifi like the bigger units have, so this is one way to operate it remotely I suppose.I haven't tried it. Thanks for watching!
Great video. I just had one question: I noticed you said it helps with feedback loops, but I wanted to know if it had an RTA and a notch filter to eliminate the feedback. It seems like it would have those features built-in.
Yes, it has RTA with multiple notch filters that are essentially automatic. While I didn't have a live performance situation where I could test it fully, it looks very robust. You can download the user manual from A&H's site and read about in detail.
The built-in headphone jack is stereo, but you're talking about the monitor outputs. They are six mono outputs that can be grouped as up to three stereo outputs. You group them as pairs, so you could have one stereo and four mono for example.
only two vfx slots? is that a deal breaker?? the bigger one still is backpack sized which is awesome. the dsp tech is getting to that level and price point where it’s sounding really sweet
Well, keep in mind it's two universal fx slots that you can send signal from each channel to, PLUS a slew of effects dedicated to each channel. EQ, compression etc. So it's not really "just two". I think it's a pretty capable machine. But sure, a CQ18 would also be nice. :)
I was really waiting to see if 1.20 would include MIDI controller support. We didn’t get it, which I think is a major disservice, but the DCAs and Mute Groups was enough for me, plus I did want to get it in time for a gig. Hope the rest of the users advocate for MIDI and HUI support so that we can use physical faders without hooking up Mixing Station.
Sadly, I had to send the. demo unit back to A&H, so I don't get to see the changes that 1.2.0 has brought. MIDI control would certainly be cool. There are no MIDI ports though, so via USB?
You can set up different mixes for each of your outputs, so yes, you can create a mix-minus setup. A&H asked for the unit to be returned after my review, so I can't test it. Do a search on UA-cam and there are several tutorials about how to set that up.
I think the CQ series works best for musicians/small bands who want to record their own performance in a multitrack manner. You might not even have all mics on the PA, such as guitar amps. Actually in terms of multitrack recording there is not really any other standalone unit on the market except for the Soundcraft Ui24. Which is a funny product since really nobody can want to mix 20 channels using a tablet, but it is the only one from the Ui series with all the features that are interesting. The MixingStation app allows to control all of these mixers with a MIDI fader controller - while the app is inexpensive, the controllers aren't that cheap. Actually I only have a Midas MR12 in terms of tablet mixers and what I miss the most from it is a proper recorder. I'd definitely go for the small CQ if I didn't have the MR12. Now that's for tiny jobs only, mostly when I am performing myself. For everything else I use an Allen&Heath SQ5…
Hey, Niels. Thanks for that insightful comment! I love hearing how others are dealing with tech and making it work for their particular music/audio needs. Hopefully other views read your comment as well!
Would this be good for karaoke? I run 4 mics and use a laptop software where the volume levels can vary widely song to song, I currently run an A+H Zed 10FX and find oftentimes the karaoke music overpowers or stifles the mics and sometimes the mic volumes can be very inconsistent. Would this help with creating consistency in volumes and seperating the mics or helping them stand out from the background music? One thing I get frustrated with with the Zed10 is that the line levels on channels 5/6 and 7/8 only have 2 band eqs so I can’t pull out the mids to give a bump or remove the overpowering of the mics. Could this mixer remedy that? Thank you
I think the CQ-12t would be a big improvement. You can throw a compressor/limiter on the mics to even out the levels. Also, the eq is very robust and can be done per channel. You can also operate it remotely over wifi and an iPad, which might be useful if you aren’t always in front of the mixer. Also has a feedback squasher, if that’s a problem in your venue.
They do different things. The CQ12T is the mixer. Your Driverack is for PA management, so it goes between your mixer and your PA. There is a lot of crossover (no pun intended) between the CQ and the Driverack in the areas of EQ, feedback management etc. I think the CQ is designed to be both mixer and a very simple PA management system. The Driverack is for a much bigger rig, but doesn't do any of the mixing aspects.
@@MatthewHaines thanks for reply. Seems you can route it post preamp or post eq and effects where the former option should possibly be direct monitoring when tracking in a DAW.
I haven't used the Touchmix 8 personally, but just looking at the specs...the QSC only has 8 XLR inputs whereas the A&H mixer has 10. The QSC mixer has some XLR aux outputs but the CQ has TRS-balanced 1/4" outputs. The QSC has some room-tuning features that might be useful. Screen size is the same. Big difference in the price though: $1150 for the QSC vs $900 for the A&H. Without having "touched" the Touchmix myself, I'd say the CQ-12T is the better buy.
I’ve used the Touchmix & own 2x CQ12T’s, and it’s better for sure. More updated internals, solid build, PHENOMENAL features, aaaaand: uses standard power supply & Allen & Heath built this to be SUPER friendly for repairs.
I have been using Touchmix variantes some times and while they sounded okay and did a good job, I didn't find the user interface too convenient. Also, they cannot store/recall gain values, since the gain pots are entirely manual and analog. I'm not sure how good the QSC Wifi works, since it is done by a smallish USB dongle only. It's not like the QSC Touchmix would be entirely bad, it's just noticeable that it is an older product with older concepts. The world of mixing has moved on. When doing corporate blablah events, the automixer is key to me. QSC, like Soundcraft with the Ui, has this only in their biggest models - Behringer/Midas and A&H have it in all their tablet mixers. Even with only 4 or 6 mics on stage, the automixer is a game changer, especially when using headsets mics.
Oh wait, I get what you're asking. Compared to the QU line of mixers. I don't actually know as I've never used something from their QU line. Perhaps check with A&H.
@@MatthewHaines no, CQ is 96KHz, SQ, CQ all run 96KHz internal, and it does make a difference in sound quality, clarity and transparency in the complete mix is massively improved
8 hours at 48kHz, 4 hours at 96kHz. Assuming you're using a 32Gb SD card. Divide that time by the number of tracks you're recording. But of course, you can always swap out cards if you need to record more during a set.
I'm seriously tempted to buy it mainly because it would fit in a backpack, and that would be so handy sometimes. The feature set is pretty comprehensive, too. Delay on outputs, automix, DCAs and Mute Groups with the latest update. All the connectivity options are a nice touch. The only thing that bothers me is the FX selection: from what I understand there are no compressors, no EQs, no de-essers that you can use as inserts? That would be a real shame. I can think of no technical reason not to include them. A&H has always been weird about FX, see the SQ series where if you want any -super basic- effect beyond revs, delays and a couple modulators you have to buy them separately, which is kinda lame for 4k+ consoles.
@@MatthewHaines Yeah I guess if you can place the mixer where your audience is listening you don't need an ipad. Or you can do what bands have always done with analogue mixers. Place it on the stage and listen to your mix while on stage.
Honestly , running a menus driven mixer from stage , while playing guitar , is a mess compared to a simple analog mixer . Like Trying to instantly turn a aux volume down , from the main mix page.
versatile with only 6 aux buses and no expandability? not really. it does have cool UI and pretty good effects, but it's so limited especially for a band use. I simply cannot stand mono in-ears, which means I can only have 3 stereo mixes.
The industry is sleeping, since these days people dont make music like real music, they copy or plqgiqrize, many use samples, loops, some just edit eveything with a mouse tying divers stuffs together, maybe that is why no company cares to make a machine like this with recording and editing multitrack, they we must use the traditional computer and DAW. i COULD MAKE MILLIONS Bringing back hardware studio in a box with pro level ins and out. But we still in a better stone age, where are the flying cars I thought would here by now, we still use cables and oh they are annoying, so, tech is very backward with music industry, mobile tech has gone far ahead. What a shame
I love the CQ series. I purchased the CQ-18T and literally just got home from using it at my DJ gig this evening. Honestly I have never heard my QSC 12.2 loudspeaker push so much volume. It may indeed be overkill from certain perspectives, but having a home studio, podcast, and corporate gigs requiring multiple mics, it is a very versatile toolbox. With the auto-gain, feedback assistant, and other templates, it is like having an engineer sitting next to me at all times.
I couldn't have said it better myself! Thanks for your comment.
Is the 18 necessary for a dj? What does the 18 have that the 12 doesn’t?
I would say the 18 is probably overkill for DJing. You have more inputs, two headphone jacks, programmable soft buttons and the ability to set the unit up as it’s own wifi hub. But I don’t think those features would be beneficial to a DJ.
@@djdevere definitely not needed for only DJing.
Mr. Haines - I have the 18T and it is out of this world !! The latest firmware upgrade incorporates DCAs and Mute Groups. Great for both multitracking (DAW) and Stereo recording. With the multitracking - I can record sessions with Ableton from a Yamaha console (direct outs), and mix in dynamics suit to taste. Also, the 18T has TWO Headphone jacks !!! Worth every bit of $1100, add $125.00 for a carrying case. For shows/outdoor events, I purchased 2 50" Ethercon and 2 Pair of the Gear-It 4 channel audio extender as to provide a cleaner on-stage cable management presence !!! Great video !!!
I can understand your enthusiasm for the 18T! Thanks for watching my video!
What are you using the two Ethercon cables for? Digital snake or just for networking?
@@EshockT as a Digital snake. I can connect up to 4 devices, so I have a 2 sets (up the device count to 8) - either all inputs or output - or a mix of both (for output, need to have the female straight through barrels).
This clip sets the bar for demos. Packed with information. THANK YOU.
Thanks, I appreciate that!
I’m a solo acoustic musician and I have a touchmix 8 pushing to my K12.2s and I’m thinking about making the switch, thanks for the video!
Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for watching!
Great video Matthew. Another issue I came across with using a Behringer Air X18 desk with the iPad as a controller, was that when using it outside, even under a tent in Australia, everything got so hot, the iPad decided it was too hot to continue operating. Now the only time I use the X18 is inside with air-conditioning....Oh.... and let's not forget the Wifi problems the X18 has with maintaining a connection with the iPad. It kept losing connection as soon as the room filled with people with mobile phones. I tried it with a later model iPad, and that seemed to fix that issue. Still, heat, especially here in Australia and in the small churches I do live streams in with a mixing desk, is the big risk you take when using an iPad as a controller. I have just ordered one of these CQ-12T mixers, and I am hoping it will be the small footprint, use EVERYWHERE solution I need for livestreaming.
That is one significant downside to the design of the Air X18. It's reliant on a third-party device and isn't self-contained. I think you'll be happy with the CQ12T (although I didn't get a chance to use it in extreme heat). Good luck and happy new year!
Awesome overview Mr Haines. If you plug in a thumb drive it can record a stereo mix. If you plug in a sd card it'll record individual stems. That's just one of the many features of this beast.
Thanks for the clarification!
@MatthewHaines no problem. I know there's a lot to do on this thing and it would take up a lot of time to go over the many features.
Excellent overview. Thank you for your time on this :)
Glad you enjoyed it! And thanks for taking the time to comment.
Thank you for this !
One question left though: What's the story behind that network socket? Everyone ignores it and it doesn't seem to be explained anywhere -- even in the A&H trailer or demo videos 🤷♂
The network connection allows you to connect the CQ-MixPad or CQ4You apps remotely over ethernet. You could then connect an iPad wirelessly to a router on the network and control it that way. The 12T doesn't have built-in wifi like the bigger units have, so this is one way to operate it remotely I suppose.I haven't tried it. Thanks for watching!
Great video. I just had one question: I noticed you said it helps with feedback loops, but I wanted to know if it had an RTA and a notch filter to eliminate the feedback. It seems like it would have those features built-in.
Yes, it has RTA with multiple notch filters that are essentially automatic. While I didn't have a live performance situation where I could test it fully, it looks very robust. You can download the user manual from A&H's site and read about in detail.
Are the outputs stereo for headphones? or is there a way to link the outputs to have them run as 4 stereo monitor outputs?
The built-in headphone jack is stereo, but you're talking about the monitor outputs. They are six mono outputs that can be grouped as up to three stereo outputs. You group them as pairs, so you could have one stereo and four mono for example.
@@MatthewHaines Got it! Perfect, much appreciated :)
Relatively in the market, it's quite cheap for the build and functionality.
Agreed!
Mi scusi, è possibile registrare una traccia audio con gli effetti incorporati del cq12t sulla daw cubase? Grazie
Are you asking if you can record your source material and added effects mixed together and sent to your DAW? Yes, you can.
only two vfx slots? is that a deal breaker?? the bigger one still is backpack sized which is awesome. the dsp tech is getting to that level and price point where it’s sounding really sweet
Well, keep in mind it's two universal fx slots that you can send signal from each channel to, PLUS a slew of effects dedicated to each channel. EQ, compression etc. So it's not really "just two". I think it's a pretty capable machine. But sure, a CQ18 would also be nice. :)
is it okay to use active speakers with this type of mixer? thanks !
@@lekkerblankastudio Yes, that will be fine. It outputs a line-level signal. You still need either an amplifier for your PA or active speakers.
I was really waiting to see if 1.20 would include MIDI controller support. We didn’t get it, which I think is a major disservice, but the DCAs and Mute Groups was enough for me, plus I did want to get it in time for a gig. Hope the rest of the users advocate for MIDI and HUI support so that we can use physical faders without hooking up Mixing Station.
Sadly, I had to send the. demo unit back to A&H, so I don't get to see the changes that 1.2.0 has brought. MIDI control would certainly be cool. There are no MIDI ports though, so via USB?
How would I connect my in ear monitor on this. My in ear are xlr but the outputs on this are quarter jacks
The outputs are TRS balanced outputs, so you could find some simple TRS-to-XLR adapters ($10 each or so) and you should be good to go.
Trs to XLR cable
Fascinating! Does it have mix-minus for remote guests and zoom calls?
You can set up different mixes for each of your outputs, so yes, you can create a mix-minus setup. A&H asked for the unit to be returned after my review, so I can't test it. Do a search on UA-cam and there are several tutorials about how to set that up.
@@MatthewHaines thanks!
I think the CQ series works best for musicians/small bands who want to record their own performance in a multitrack manner. You might not even have all mics on the PA, such as guitar amps. Actually in terms of multitrack recording there is not really any other standalone unit on the market except for the Soundcraft Ui24. Which is a funny product since really nobody can want to mix 20 channels using a tablet, but it is the only one from the Ui series with all the features that are interesting. The MixingStation app allows to control all of these mixers with a MIDI fader controller - while the app is inexpensive, the controllers aren't that cheap.
Actually I only have a Midas MR12 in terms of tablet mixers and what I miss the most from it is a proper recorder. I'd definitely go for the small CQ if I didn't have the MR12. Now that's for tiny jobs only, mostly when I am performing myself. For everything else I use an Allen&Heath SQ5…
Hey, Niels. Thanks for that insightful comment! I love hearing how others are dealing with tech and making it work for their particular music/audio needs. Hopefully other views read your comment as well!
Has anyone been getting noise or phantom power issues when recording on the CQ?
I heavenly heard anything, but perhaps another user will chime in.
Would this be good for karaoke? I run 4 mics and use a laptop software where the volume levels can vary widely song to song, I currently run an A+H Zed 10FX and find oftentimes the karaoke music overpowers or stifles the mics and sometimes the mic volumes can be very inconsistent. Would this help with creating consistency in volumes and seperating the mics or helping them stand out from the background music?
One thing I get frustrated with with the Zed10 is that the line levels on channels 5/6 and 7/8 only have 2 band eqs so I can’t pull out the mids to give a bump or remove the overpowering of the mics. Could this mixer remedy that? Thank you
I think the CQ-12t would be a big improvement. You can throw a compressor/limiter on the mics to even out the levels. Also, the eq is very robust and can be done per channel. You can also operate it remotely over wifi and an iPad, which might be useful if you aren’t always in front of the mixer. Also has a feedback squasher, if that’s a problem in your venue.
@@MatthewHaines thank you for the reply and great video!
If i have a dbx driverack pa 2 is this necessary to have?
They do different things. The CQ12T is the mixer. Your Driverack is for PA management, so it goes between your mixer and your PA. There is a lot of crossover (no pun intended) between the CQ and the Driverack in the areas of EQ, feedback management etc. I think the CQ is designed to be both mixer and a very simple PA management system. The Driverack is for a much bigger rig, but doesn't do any of the mixing aspects.
Does it have direct analogue monitoring?
No it’s low-latency digital (AFAIK). Needs to be since you can route any input to any output. Thanks for watching!
@@MatthewHaines thanks for reply. Seems you can route it post preamp or post eq and effects where the former option should possibly be direct monitoring when tracking in a DAW.
Top video, but dos it sounds to the other mixers
I don't have other mixers to compare to. However, it sounds very clean and transparent, and A&H is famous for their excellent preamps.
Its the fool, not the tool.
So, I can buy this one instead of an Audio Interface as it offers Multitrack recording, but oopsie no midi interface.
A midi interface would be an inexpensive purchase.
nice review . tnx
Thanks for watching!
Is this mixer better than QSC touchmix 8
I haven't used the Touchmix 8 personally, but just looking at the specs...the QSC only has 8 XLR inputs whereas the A&H mixer has 10. The QSC mixer has some XLR aux outputs but the CQ has TRS-balanced 1/4" outputs. The QSC has some room-tuning features that might be useful. Screen size is the same. Big difference in the price though: $1150 for the QSC vs $900 for the A&H. Without having "touched" the Touchmix myself, I'd say the CQ-12T is the better buy.
I’ve used the Touchmix & own 2x CQ12T’s, and it’s better for sure.
More updated internals, solid build, PHENOMENAL features, aaaaand: uses standard power supply & Allen & Heath built this to be SUPER friendly for repairs.
@@AllenFern24 Agreed! I mean, I don't have a Touchmix but I agree to all the rest. :)
I have been using Touchmix variantes some times and while they sounded okay and did a good job, I didn't find the user interface too convenient. Also, they cannot store/recall gain values, since the gain pots are entirely manual and analog. I'm not sure how good the QSC Wifi works, since it is done by a smallish USB dongle only. It's not like the QSC Touchmix would be entirely bad, it's just noticeable that it is an older product with older concepts. The world of mixing has moved on.
When doing corporate blablah events, the automixer is key to me. QSC, like Soundcraft with the Ui, has this only in their biggest models - Behringer/Midas and A&H have it in all their tablet mixers. Even with only 4 or 6 mics on stage, the automixer is a game changer, especially when using headsets mics.
Great video
Thank you very much!
Great video just wondering the cq preamp better thin qu ? thank you
Didn’t quite understand the last part of your sentence.
Oh wait, I get what you're asking. Compared to the QU line of mixers. I don't actually know as I've never used something from their QU line. Perhaps check with A&H.
@@MatthewHaines96KHz vs 48KHz
@@murraywebster1228 Are you asking which sample rate to use? I'd probably just stick with 48k.
@@MatthewHaines no, CQ is 96KHz, SQ, CQ all run 96KHz internal, and it does make a difference in sound quality, clarity and transparency in the complete mix is massively improved
recording capability ?
8 hours at 48kHz, 4 hours at 96kHz. Assuming you're using a 32Gb SD card. Divide that time by the number of tracks you're recording. But of course, you can always swap out cards if you need to record more during a set.
Wow I am first one to open this video ❤
Thanks for being first!
I want stereo and mono groups
You can assign pairs of inputs and monitor sends as stereo and control the stereo pairs with a single fader. So yes, stereo and mono!
I'm seriously tempted to buy it mainly because it would fit in a backpack, and that would be so handy sometimes. The feature set is pretty comprehensive, too. Delay on outputs, automix, DCAs and Mute Groups with the latest update. All the connectivity options are a nice touch. The only thing that bothers me is the FX selection: from what I understand there are no compressors, no EQs, no de-essers that you can use as inserts? That would be a real shame. I can think of no technical reason not to include them.
A&H has always been weird about FX, see the SQ series where if you want any -super basic- effect beyond revs, delays and a couple modulators you have to buy them separately, which is kinda lame for 4k+ consoles.
There are a whole slew of fx on each channel as inserts! I go through them in this video. It’s a great mixer!
Awesome
Thanks!
❤
Thanks for watching!
You need an ipad to be able to listen to the mix while facing the stage.
Wouldn't that depend on which way you've set up the mixer?
@@MatthewHaines Yeah I guess if you can place the mixer where your audience is listening you don't need an ipad. Or you can do what bands have always done with analogue mixers. Place it on the stage and listen to your mix while on stage.
If only it had 1 Hi-Z input
Not on this one. but the bigger CQ-20B has a couple of Hi-Z inputs.
@@MatthewHaines I suppose I could buy an active DI box for it.
Honestly , running a menus driven mixer from stage , while playing guitar , is a mess compared to a simple analog mixer . Like Trying to instantly turn a aux volume down , from the main mix page.
And I do discuss that in my video. That's one of the main tradeoffs you get for the increased capabilities.
versatile with only 6 aux buses and no expandability? not really. it does have cool UI and pretty good effects, but it's so limited especially for a band use. I simply cannot stand mono in-ears, which means I can only have 3 stereo mixes.
What do you think would be a better option?
@@MatthewHainesQu-SB
The industry is sleeping, since these days people dont make music like real music, they copy or plqgiqrize, many use samples, loops, some just edit eveything with a mouse tying divers stuffs together, maybe that is why no company cares to make a machine like this with recording and editing multitrack, they we must use the traditional computer and DAW.
i COULD MAKE MILLIONS Bringing back hardware studio in a box with pro level ins and out.
But we still in a better stone age, where are the flying cars I thought would here by now, we still use cables and oh they are annoying, so, tech is very backward with music industry, mobile tech has gone far ahead.
What a shame
Thank you for your comment. You’ve given me a lot to think about.
Allen & Heath's taken this ideal from QSC this is crazy🤦🏿♂
There are significant differences between the A&H and QSC TOuchMix line, including a cheaper price.
If you check the Qu-SB predates the QSC by a long way…..