Allen & Heath CQ12T

This little box is packed with features:
- preset recall
- multitrack recording and being used as a compliant audio interface
- effects
- flexible phantom power

Using it as a one-man-band and it completely transformed how I approach my shows with expanding what is possible with flexible routing and also making things easier

What I think it does really well:
- Quick setup can make the channel setup on the go sound good really fast while allowing to tweak if needed
- Configurable buttons and footswitch make usage really easy
- Interface is very good for an all-touch mixer
- Really light
- XLR and COMBI inputs are great!
- Automixer is awesome for having multiple microphones
- Found the automatic feedback control useful

Negatives
- screen is a bit difficult to read outside and not the best quality
- if power gets disconnected recording is lost

I’ve been using the Allen & Heath CQ-12T for about three months now, and overall, I’m extremely happy with the purchase.

The first thing that really impressed me is how easy it is to use. You can literally turn it on and start working almost immediately, with very little preparation. The sound quality is also excellent warm, clear, and very musical right out of the box.

What I find particularly interesting about this mixer is that there are actually two sides to it. On the one hand, it feels incredibly simple and intuitive, and you can get a great-sounding mix very quickly. On the other hand, once you start digging deeper and looking for the more advanced features, there is definitely a learning curve. After three months of using it, I’m still discovering new features and functions, which I actually see as a positive thing.

There are a few things that could be improved. The Wi-Fi situation is a little limiting since you need an external router for wireless control. I also find it disappointing that you can’t fully control the mixer remotely from a phone the phone can be used for AUX control, but if you want full control of the mixer, you need an iPad.

My particular setup is a little unusual: I stream backing tracks from an iPad via Bluetooth and sing through a wireless microphone. With the CQ-12T, I’ve basically created a completely wireless and very convenient performance setup, which I absolutely love.

However, there is one issue with this setup. If I use the same iPad that is streaming the Bluetooth audio to also try to control the mixer, I experience audio dropouts and interruptions. I’ve also experienced a few crashes related to the Bluetooth connection. So if you’re planning to use Bluetooth and wireless control simultaneously, this is something to keep in mind.

Despite these limitations, I’m very satisfied with the CQ-12T. The number of outputs, the sound quality, the ease of use, and the huge amount of functionality make this mixer an excellent value for the money.

After three months, I would definitely buy it again and highly recommend it — especially for musicians and performers who want a powerful mixer without dealing with a complicated setup.