IMPORTANT - Read before starting

Safety instructions

Before starting, read the Important Safety Instructions printed on the sheet supplied with the equipment. For your own safety and that of the operator, technical crew and performers, follow all instructions and heed all warnings printed on the sheet and on the equipment panels.

System operating firmware

The function of this product is determined by the firmware (operating software) that runs it. Firmware is updated regularly as new features are added and improvements made.

ⓘ Check www.allen-heath.com for the latest version of firmware for the product or the host system.

Software licence agreement

By using this Allen & Heath product and the software within it you agree to be bound by the terms of the relevant End User Licence Agreement (EULA), a copy of which can be found at www.allen-heath.com/legal. You agree to be bound by the terms of the EULA by installing, copying, or using the software.

Further information

Please refer to the Allen & Heath website for further information, knowledgebase and technical support. For more information on setup and mixing functions please refer to the Firmware Reference Guides available for download at www.allen-heath.com.

You can also join our Allen & Heath Digital Community to share knowledge and information with other users.

General precautions

• Protect the equipment from damage through liquid or dust contamination. 
• If the equipment has been stored in sub-zero temperatures allow time for it to reach normal operating temperature before use at the venue. Recommended operating temperature is 0 to 40 degrees Celsius.
• Avoid using the equipment in extreme heat and direct sunlight. Make sure the ventilation slots and fans are not obstructed and that there is adequate air movement around the equipment.
• Clean the equipment with a soft brush and dry lint-free cloth. Do not use chemicals, abrasives or solvents. Do not use lubricant or contact cleaner on faders.
• It is recommended that servicing is carried out only by an authorised Allen & Heath agent. Contact details for your local distributor can be found on the Allen & Heath website. Allen & Heath do not accept liability for damage caused by maintenance, repair or modification by unauthorised personnel.

Register your product

Register your product online at www.allen-heath.com/register.

Warranty

A limited manufacturer's warranty applies to this product, the conditions of which can be found at www.allen-heath.com/legal.

Welcome to Your New Mixer

CQ is the most compact fully featured digital mixer range we’ve ever created - combining the latest in audio technology with simple and intuitive control, in a unit you can fit in a backpack.

This CQ-18T has been designed to serve you (and your audience) for many years to come. So read the safety notes, register your mixer, grab the latest firmware and user guide from our website and get started!

1. Power: Connection and switch
2. Wi-Fi Aerial: Built-in wireless antenna
3. Soft Keys: Multi-function keys
4. Touchscreen Rotary: Adjust on-screen values
5. Headphone Output: Monitor inputs or mixes
6. Screen Select: Switch between screens
7. Touchscreen: Main interface
8. Soft Rotaries: Multi-function rotaries

9. Stereo Line Input: Dedicated stereo input
10. Outputs 1-6: Separate mix outputs
11. Main Outputs: Main left/right outputs
12. SD Card: Multitrack rec/play
13. Network: External control/router
14. USB A: Stereo rec/play and Data to USB drive
    USB B: Stereo/Multichannel Audio/MIDI interface
15. Footswitch: Single/dual footswitch
16. Combi Inputs 6-10: XLR or jack mic/line inputs
17. XLR Inputs 1-5: XLR mic/line inputs

Firmware, User Guide and apps

To get the most out of your CQ, visit www.allen-heath.com/resources to download the latest version of firmware and matching user guide.

You can also download the free CQ-MixPad app (available for Mac/Windows/iOS/Android) to setup and control the mixer over a network.

Powering On and Shutting Down

It is important to always power the mixer on first, before powering on any connected equipment such as amplifiers or powered speakers.

When shutting down, turn off amplifiers or speakers, ensure you have stopped any recording and finished any transferring of data, then shutdown the mixer from the home screen before turning the mixer off last.

Screens

There are 5 main screens which are accessed using the screen select keys:

• CONFIG: Setup inputs, outputs and controls.
• PROCESSING: All input and output processing, including EQ’s and dynamics.
• FADER: Adjust send levels to all outputs.
• FX: Built-in multi-FX units for Reverbs, Delays and Modulators.
• HOME: Start from a template, store/recall data, record audio and view system info and preferences.

The contents and operation of functions within these screens will change with firmware updates, so download the user guide which matches the firmware version your CQ is running for more information.

Connections

• XLR: Pin1-Ground, Pin2-Hot/Positive, Pin3-Cold/Negative
• ¼” TRS Jack: Tip-Hot/Positive, Ring-Cold/Negative, Sleeve-Ground
• Headphone: Tip-Left, Ring-Right, Sleeve-Ground
• Footswitch: Mono (TS) or Dual (TRS)
• USB-A/USB-B: Conforms to USB 2.0 standard
• SD Card Slot: Up to 32GB, SDHC, UHS-I, Class 10
• Network: RJ45, Fast Ethernet
• Power: Only use supplied AM12199 100-240V AC 50/60Hz, +12V DC 5.4A (centre positive)

Support

We want you to have the best possible experience with your new CQ and although we’ve done everything we can to make it as quick and easy as possible to use, there will always be a time when you need to ask a question.

You will find everything you need through our website, including up-to-date documentation, reference guides and video content. We also have our digital community forums, a knowledgebase and a support team on hand who are always happy to help. support.allen-heath.com