When Apple introduced the iPad to the world, all the audio manufacturers and particularly the mixing console manufacturers thought that it would be a great idea to have digital mixers with just the processing engines and I/O, allowing users to control all operations wireless or docked using the revolutionary multitouch interface. Adding AoIP networking between the mixers, made the possibilities seem infinite.
Unfortunately, it was not to be. Other manufacturers never really could master the tablet designs to offer an alternative to the iPad, creating worthless copycats that really never supported apps because of the differences in resolution, screen sizes and lack of secure app stores. Apple updated the iPad too frequently with new screen sizes frustrating attempts to have universal docking stations. The concept required audio manufacturers to constantly update the software and the corresponding apps to match the fast evolution of the iPad and corresponding OS. And finally, musicians and audio engineers never really embraced the concept of using touchscreens to control live sound. Screen potentiometers and faders never replaced the precision and intuitiveness of the physical alternatives - plus software mixers are "not as cool" as "knowing what all these buttons do".
Fast forward 10 years since the industry realized that iPad screens where not the magic solution for their own control surfaces, and now Allen & Heath is back with another iteration of the rackmount mixers form-factor, this time creating a software-controlled hybrid for low number of channel applications. The new Allen & Heath CQ Series digital mixers are built around a new 96kHz processing engine, and comprises the CQ-12T and CQ-18T desktop mixers featuring tactile controls and a 7" multi-touch screen, and the portable CQ-20B stage box mixer, all controllable via the companion CQ apps.
The processing engine, Allen & Heath details, is based on its acclaimed FPGA technology, and allows numerous time-saving tools to speed up and simplify common tasks for users. Built-in intelligent processing allows features such as Gain Assistant, to automatically set preamp gain to the optimal level and monitors, and adjusting for any unexpected peaks in the signal. Feedback Assistant identifies and filters out problem frequencies across all outputs via simple one-button operation, with more in-depth control available for challenging acoustical environments.
"CQ takes our renowned processing and effects, adds exciting new assistive mixing tools, and packages it all up into our smallest, and most affordable, digital mixer series yet," says Keith Johnson, Product Manager at Allen & Heath. "Usually at this price point, users are forced to choose between a mid-range analogue mixer, lacking in modern features, or an entry-level digital mixer, where corners have inevitably been cut. With CQ there are no compromises. It’s a fully featured 96kHz mixer with stunning audio quality and intelligent tools that, regardless of your experience, lets you mix smarter, sound better and work faster. Just add sound!"
Input channels can be switched between a Quick Input, giving users a source-specific set of controls with single knob control of channel processing, or a Complete Input for full control of all channel processing parameters. Additionally, an Automatic Mic Mixer (AMM) is present on all input channels, instantly improving clarity and reducing background noise in speech-based applications.
The CQ range also introduces a new suite of high-quality, user-friendly reverb, delay and modulation algorithms with instrument-specific presets for speedy setup, while the FX Assist tool shapes the FX by dynamically responding to the input signal for optimal clarity. The CQ-18T and CQ-20B offer 4 FX engines and the CQ-12T features 2 FX engines.
All three CQ mixers benefit from flexible recording and playback options including a multichannel USB audio interface, multitrack SD card playback and recording, simple stereo recording and playback via an external USB drive, plus convenient stereo Bluetooth playback. The mixers all have a slow Ethernet (100 Mbit) port for Cat5 cable connection to a computer for MIDI over TCP/IP control of mixer parameters via a wireless router (access point) for live mixing control. There are no network audio interfaces.
The CQ series is supported by a pair of free multi-platform apps. The CQ-MixPad app enables remote control of the mixer from anywhere in the venue, while the CQ4You app empowers performers to take control of their personal monitor mix via their mobile devices. The CQ-18T and CQ-20B also benefit from integrated high-performance dual-band Wi-Fi for quick and easy connection of control apps without any additional network equipment.
The CQ-18T provides 16 mic/line inputs and 1 stereo input, the smaller CQ-12T includes 10 mic/line inputs and 1 stereo input, and the stage-friendly CQ-20B offers 16 mic/line inputs, two of which can be used as Hi-Z instrument inputs, and 2 stereo inputs. All three models feature 6 independent outputs which can be configured to run up to 3 stereo outputs.
www.allen-heath.com
