Allen & Heath CQ-20B – 20-Channel Rackmount Digital Mixer

Introduction

The Allen & Heath CQ-20B is a professional rackmount digital mixing console designed for live sound, installed systems, and portable PA setups where compact hardware and powerful processing are required.

It is part of the CQ series and features a 96kHz high-resolution DSP engine, intelligent mixing tools, and flexible routing capabilities, making it suitable for both fixed installations and mobile audio applications.

Unlike touchscreen-based CQ models, the CQ-20B is designed for rack installation with remote control operation via app or network, making it ideal for hidden or permanent setups.

---

Core Function: Digital Rack Mixer

The CQ-20B is a full-featured 20-channel digital mixer built into a compact rackmount chassis.

It provides:

• 20 input channels (mic/line capability depending on configuration)
• 8 output mixes for flexible routing
• Fully digital signal processing engine
• Rack-friendly installation format

This makes it ideal for installations where the mixer is not physically operated on stage or in front of the user.

---

Smart Assist Technology

The CQ series is known for its intelligent processing tools, and the CQ-20B includes the same smart workflow features.

Gain Assistant

Automatically sets optimal input gain levels to prevent clipping and maintain clean signal levels throughout the mix.

Feedback Assistant

Detects and suppresses problematic frequencies in real time, reducing feedback risks in live environments.

These tools significantly reduce setup time and improve reliability, especially for non-technical users.

---

Audio Processing Engine

The system runs on a 96kHz high-resolution DSP engine, ensuring professional sound quality with low latency performance.

Each channel includes:

• Parametric EQ
• High-pass and low-pass filtering
• Compressor and gate processing
• Delay alignment
• FX routing and sends

This allows full control over tone shaping and dynamics for all inputs.

---

Rackmount Design & Installation Use

The CQ-20B is designed specifically for fixed installation and rack-based setups.

Key advantages:

• Compact rackmount form factor
• Can be installed in AV racks or hidden installations
• Ideal for permanent sound systems
• Reduces on-stage hardware clutter

This makes it especially suitable for venues where the mixer is controlled remotely rather than directly operated.

---

Remote Control & Workflow

Unlike touchscreen CQ models, the CQ-20B is designed for remote operation.

Control options include:

• Mobile app control (iOS/Android)
• Wireless or wired network control
• Remote system configuration
• Scene recall and preset management

This allows engineers to control the system from anywhere in the venue or installation environment.

---

Recording & USB Audio Interface

The CQ-20B supports modern recording workflows with built-in USB functionality.

It includes:

• USB multitrack audio interface
• Stereo USB recording and playback
• Direct integration with DAWs
• Simple plug-and-play recording capability

This makes it suitable for live recording, streaming setups, and content production environments.

---

Connectivity & I/O

The CQ-20B provides flexible connectivity for professional installations:

• Mic/line inputs (channel-dependent configuration)
• Main stereo XLR outputs
• Auxiliary outputs for monitoring and zones
• USB interface for recording
• Ethernet network port for remote control
• Expansion compatibility depending on system setup

This ensures integration into both small and large audio systems.

---

Sound Quality & Performance

The CQ-20B delivers clean, transparent audio performance with very low latency.

Key performance characteristics:

• 96kHz processing resolution
• Low noise signal path
• High dynamic range audio processing
• Stable performance under continuous operation

It is optimized for reliability in installed and live environments.

---

Technical Specifications

• Product Type: Rackmount Digital Mixing Console
• Channels: 20 input channels
• Processing Engine: 96kHz DSP
• Outputs: Multiple mix buses + stereo main outputs
• Form Factor: 19” rackmount unit
• Control: Remote app / network control
• USB Audio: Multitrack USB interface
• Processing: EQ, compression, gate, delay, FX
• Smart Tools: Gain Assistant, Feedback Assistant
• Networking: Ethernet-based remote operation
• Use Type: Installed sound / live sound / portable rack systems

---

Use Cases

The CQ-20B is ideal for:

• Fixed installation sound systems
• Houses of worship
• Corporate AV systems
• Rental rack systems
• Live stage rack mixing setups
• Remote-controlled venue audio systems

---

Why It Stands Out

The strength of the CQ-20B lies in its rackmount design combined with smart DSP tools.

It offers:

• Professional 96kHz mixing engine
• Intelligent automatic mixing assistance
• Fully remote-controlled operation
• Clean installation-friendly hardware

This makes it ideal for users who want a powerful mixer hidden in a rack with no need for front-panel operation.

---

Conclusion

The Allen & Heath CQ-20B is a powerful 20-channel rackmount digital mixer designed for modern installed and live sound systems.

With smart assist technology, high-quality DSP processing, USB recording, and full remote control capability, it provides a flexible and reliable solution for professional audio environments where space efficiency and performance are both critical.