Allen & Heath CQ-12T – 12-Channel Ultra-Compact 96kHz Digital Mixer with Touchscreen & Smart Assist Tools

 

Allen & Heath CQ-12T – Ultra-Compact 96kHz Digital Mixer

Introduction

The Allen & Heath CQ-12T is an ultra-compact digital mixing console designed for small live sound setups, rehearsal spaces, recording environments, and portable PA systems.

It delivers professional-grade audio processing in a compact format, making it suitable for users who need high-quality mixing without the complexity of large-format consoles.

Built on a 96kHz high-resolution processing engine, the CQ-12T offers clarity, low latency, and advanced digital tools in a user-friendly interface.

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Core Function: Digital Mixing Console

The CQ-12T is a full-featured 12-channel digital mixer with flexible routing and processing capabilities.

It includes:

• 12 input channels (mono + stereo combination)
• 8 output buses for monitoring and main mix routing
• Fully digital signal processing (DSP)
• Touchscreen-driven workflow with physical control support

It is designed to replace traditional analog mixers while adding modern automation and processing tools.

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Smart Mixing Technology

One of the key strengths of the CQ-12T is its built-in intelligent mixing system.

It includes:

Gain Assistant

Automatically sets optimal input gain levels and continuously monitors signal peaks during operation.

Feedback Assistant

Detects and suppresses problematic frequencies in real time, reducing the risk of audio feedback in live environments.

These tools significantly reduce setup time and make the mixer accessible even for users with limited engineering experience.

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Audio Processing Engine

The mixer runs on a 96kHz high-resolution DSP engine, ensuring professional audio quality.

Each channel includes:

• 4-band parametric EQ
• High-pass and low-pass filters
• Compressor and gate processing
• Delay and routing control
• FX send and return capabilities

This allows detailed sound shaping for vocals, instruments, and playback sources.

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Recording and Playback Capabilities

The CQ-12T includes advanced recording features, making it suitable for both live and studio applications.

It supports:

• Multitrack recording via USB and SD card
• Stereo USB audio interface functionality
• Playback from USB storage devices
• Bluetooth audio input for wireless playback

This makes it a flexible solution for live performance recording, podcasting, and rehearsal capture.

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Control & User Interface

The system is designed for fast and intuitive operation.

It features:

• 7-inch capacitive touchscreen
• Rotary encoder for precision control
• Physical SoftKeys for quick access functions
• Remote control via mobile or desktop applications

Users can control the mixer directly or remotely over a network connection.

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Connectivity & I/O

The CQ-12T provides flexible connectivity for small to mid-sized setups:

• XLR microphone inputs
• Combo XLR/TRS inputs
• Stereo line inputs
• Main XLR outputs
• Monitor outputs via TRS
• USB audio interface (multichannel)
• SD card recording support
• Bluetooth stereo input

This ensures compatibility with microphones, instruments, playback devices, and recording systems.

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Sound Quality & Performance

The mixer delivers clean, transparent audio with low latency processing.

Thanks to its 96kHz architecture, the CQ-12T provides:

• High-resolution sound reproduction
• Accurate dynamic response
• Low noise signal path
• Consistent performance across all channels

It is suitable for both speech applications and live music mixing.

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Technical Specifications

• Product Type: Digital Mixing Console
• Channels: 12 input channels
• Processing Engine: 96kHz DSP
• Inputs: Mic/line XLR, combo inputs, stereo inputs
• Outputs: Main XLR outputs + monitor outputs
• Touchscreen: 7-inch capacitive display
• Audio Interface: USB multichannel (record/playback)
• Storage: SD card multitrack recording support
• Wireless: Bluetooth stereo audio input
• Processing: EQ, compression, gate, FX, delay
• Smart Tools: Gain Assistant, Feedback Assistant
• Control: Touchscreen + rotary + app control

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Use Cases

The CQ-12T is ideal for:

• Small live bands and rehearsals
• Churches and speech systems
• Podcast and streaming setups
• Portable PA systems
• Small venue sound reinforcement
• Home and project studios

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Why It Stands Out

The CQ-12T stands out because it combines professional digital mixing with automation tools that simplify setup and operation.

Instead of requiring advanced engineering skills, it provides smart assistants that handle gain staging and feedback control automatically, making it accessible to a wider range of users.

Its compact size and full DSP engine make it a strong entry point into professional digital mixing systems.

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Conclusion

The Allen & Heath CQ-12T is a compact yet powerful 96kHz digital mixer designed for users who need professional audio performance in a portable format.

With smart mixing tools, multitrack recording, flexible routing, and high-quality DSP processing, it delivers a complete solution for small live sound and recording applications.

Explore the Allen & Heath Collection at Lux Audio