Allen & Heath CQ-12T

Allen & Heath CQ-12T – The ultra-compact digital mixer designed for speed and precision

The CQ-12T is the smallest model in the CQ series, a 96 kHz digital mixer built to deliver a fast, smart and highly versatile workflow. Ideal for home-studio work, streaming, rehearsals, small venues and speech applications, it combines impressive audio quality with an optimized, streamlined interface.

With the “Mix Smarter. Work Faster. Sound Better.” philosophy, Allen & Heath equips the CQ-12T with advanced assistive tools such as Gain Assistant for automatic gain setting, and Feedback Assistant capable of removing up to 16 problematic frequencies per output. The result: cleaner mixes, faster setup, and increased reliability.

Each channel can be configured as a Quick Channel for ultra-fast adjustment using a single encoder, or as a Complete Channel for full parameter control. The CQ-12T also brings a new generation of effects: reverbs, delays, modulations and “FX Assist” algorithms that dynamically adapt the effects to enhance the mix without overloading it.

Featuring a 7’’ capacitive touchscreen, a large rotary encoder and 3 customizable SoftKeys, the CQ-12T provides fast and intuitive control. When connected to a router, the CQ MixPad application allows full remote operation from anywhere in the venue.

For recording, the CQ-12T includes a 16×16 USB-B interface, a multi-channel SD recorder/player, a USB-A port for stereo files, and even a dedicated Bluetooth player. A complete solution for capturing performances, rehearsals or livestreams.

With its extensive I/O (5 XLR, 5 combo XLR/TRS, stereo TRS input, XLR outputs + 6 TRS monitor outs), its AMM (Automatic Mic Mixer) for speech applications, and 4 DCAs + 4 mute groups, the CQ-12T stands out as a compact yet fully professional digital mixer ready for any situation.

Features & Specifications:

• Audio quality & processing: 96 kHz digital engine, next-generation built-in effects, studio-grade internal processing.
  
  
• Channel modes: Quick Channels (assisted controls) or Complete Channels for advanced editing.
  
  
• Smart Assistants:
  
  
  • Gain Assistant – automatic gain setting with continuous level monitoring.
  • Feedback Assistant – automatic feedback suppression (up to 16 filters per output).
  • AMM – Automatic Mic Mixer for speech-focused setups.
    
    
• Built-in effects: 2 FX engines, reverbs, delays, modulations, instrument presets, dynamic FX Assist.
  
  
• Recording & playback:
  
  
  • 16×16 USB-B interface (48/96 kHz)
  • 16×16 multi-channel SD recording
  • USB-A playback (stereo files)
  • Bluetooth playback with dedicated channel
    
    
• Input & output connectivity:
  
  
  • 5 XLR inputs
  • 5 combo XLR/TRS inputs
  • Stereo TRS input
  • 2 XLR outputs (Main L/R)
  • 6 TRS outputs (Monitors)
  • Assignable headphone output
    
    
• Control & ergonomics: 7’’ touchscreen, rotary encoder, 3 SoftKeys, RJ45 port for app control.
  
  
• Advanced mixing functions: 4 DCAs, 4 Mute Groups, dual footswitch input.
  
  
• Formats & connectivity: USB-A, USB-B, SD, Bluetooth, RJ45 network.
  
  
• Design: compact chassis, rack-mountable (optional kit).
  
  

Key Points:

• Ultra-compact 96 kHz digital mixer with 7’’ touchscreen.
  
  
• Gain Assistant & Feedback Assistant for fast and safe setup.
  
  
• 2 FX engines with modern algorithms + FX Assist.
  
  
• 10 mic/line inputs + stereo TRS input.
  
  
• Comprehensive output section: 2 XLR + 6 TRS monitor sends.
  
  
• Multi-track recording via USB-B and SD (16×16).
  
  
• Bluetooth playback and USB stereo playback.
  
  
• Built-in AMM – ideal for conferences, podcasts and speech.
  
  
• Remote control via CQ MixPad app.
  
  
• 4 DCAs & 4 mute groups for simplified operation.