Allen & Heath CQ-20B
The most capable CQ, a surfaceless app- and Wi-Fi-controlled stagebox
Description
The CQ-20B is the most capable CQ: 16 mic inputs, 4 FX engines and a 96 kHz engine in a surfaceless stagebox, fully controlled by the CQ MixPad app over built-in dual-band Wi-Fi. Designed for the band that mixes itself from the stage, with no router or booth.
Technical
Specifications
Inputs / Outputs
| Total inputs | 20 |
|---|---|
| Mic inputs | 16 |
| Total outputs | 8 |
| Outputs | Stereo main mix output + 6 monitor outputs + assignable Alt output |
Processing
| Mix buses | 6 |
|---|---|
| DCA/VCA groups | 4 |
| Max sample rate | 96 kHz |
| Bit depth | 24 bits |
| Processing resolution | 96 bits |
| Architecture | Ultra-compact 20-in / 8-out digital mixer, surfaceless stagebox format |
| Channels | 16 mic/line inputs (2 switchable to Hi-Z instrument) + 2 stereo line inputs |
| Processing engine | 96 kHz FPGA engine derived from Allen & Heath's recent live consoles |
| Channel processing | Gain Assistant and Feedback Assistant (up to 16 filters per output) |
| Effects and plug-ins | 4 FX engines with instrument presets |
Surface
| Physical faders | 0 |
|---|---|
| Motorized faders | No |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Ergonomics | Controlled by the CQ MixPad app; built-in dual-band 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi with auto channel select |
Recording
| Onboard recording | Yes |
|---|---|
| Recording type | Multitrack SD/USB |
| Recording | 24×24 USB-B interface (48/96 kHz), SD record/playback, Bluetooth playback |
Networking
| Networking & protocols | USB |
|---|---|
| Redundant PSU | No |
| Redundant networking | No |
Physical
| Width | 372 mm |
|---|---|
| Depth | 154 mm |
| Height | 134 mm |
| Weight | 2.6 kg |
Power
| Power draw | 45 W |
|---|
Strip & details
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Software
Other screenshots
Documents
Editorial & artists
Our take
History & design
The CQ-20B is the most capable digital mixer in Allen & Heath's CQ series, launched in 2024. In a 20-in / 8-out format, it adopts a surfaceless stagebox-style enclosure, built to live on stage and be controlled remotely via the free CQ MixPad app.
It offers 16 mic/line inputs, two of them switchable to Hi-Z for plugging an instrument straight in, plus two stereo line inputs. Outputs include a main stereo mix pair, 6 monitor outputs for a whole band and an assignable Alt output. The 96 kHz FPGA engine, inherited from the brand's recent live consoles, powers 4 FX engines, the Gain Assistant and the Feedback Assistant (up to 16 filters per output).
The CQ-20B features built-in dual-band 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi with automatic channel select: no access point or external router needed to control it. It provides a 24×24 USB-B interface (48/96 kHz), SD card record/playback and Bluetooth playback.
Links
Related consoles
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