Allen & Heath CQ-18T vs Midas M32R LIVE: Best Professional Mixers Compared
Two powerful digital mixers for professional audio. Allen & Heath's modern ultra-compact powerhouse against Midas' legendary live sound console.
How Do They Compare?
| Allen & Heath CQ-18T | Midas M32R LIVE | |
|---|---|---|
| Year | 2024 | 2016 |
| Input Channels | 18 | 40 |
| Preamps | Allen & Heath | Midas PRO |
| Motorized Faders | None (touchscreen) | 25 |
| FX Engines | 4 | 8 |
| Automatic Mixing | Yes | No |
| USB Recording | 18x12 | 32x32 |
| Processing | 96kHz FPGA | 48kHz |
| I/O Network | None | AES50 |
| Best For | Automated/portable mixing | Professional live sound |
| Weight | ~5 lbs | ~33 lbs |
| Rating | 4.7/5 | 4.9/5 |
| Price | $1,299 | $2,799 |
The Contenders
Two professional digital mixers at different price points with different strengths. The Allen & Heath CQ-18T ($1,299) is an ultra-compact 18-input, 12-output digital mixer with a 7-inch touchscreen, 96kHz FPGA processing, and groundbreaking automatic mixing features including Automatic Mic Mixer, Gain Assistant, and Feedback Assistant. It's designed for quick setup, portable use, and scenarios where automated mixing is valuable — corporate AV, houses of worship, and small live productions. The Midas M32R LIVE ($2,799) is a legendary 40-channel live sound console featuring 32 Midas PRO microphone preamplifiers, 25 motorized faders, and the industry-renowned Midas sound quality. It's built for professional live sound environments where channel count, hands-on control, and sonic excellence are paramount.
Allen & Heath CQ-18T
Ultra-compact digital mixer with groundbreaking automatic features. 18 inputs (12 mono + 3 stereo), 12 outputs, 7-inch touchscreen, 96kHz FPGA processing. Automatic Mic Mixer manages multiple open microphones, Gain Assistant sets optimal levels automatically, and Feedback Assistant identifies and eliminates feedback. 4 stereo FX engines, 4-band PEQ and dynamics on every channel, 8 DCA groups, and 4 mute groups. Ultra-compact design fits in a backpack. The CQ-18T is perfect for corporate events, houses of worship, small venues, and applications where speed and automation matter.
Midas M32R LIVE
Legendary live sound console with Midas PRO preamps. 40 input channels (32 mono + 4 stereo), 25 motorized 100mm faders, 32 Midas PRO microphone preamplifiers with legendary sound quality. 8 stereo FX engines with high-quality effects, 16 XLR outputs, 6 aux sends, and 32x32 USB recording. The M32R LIVE features the same industry-renowned processing as the full M32 in a compact frame. 8 DCA groups, 6 mute groups, and deep scene automation. Network via AES50 for expandable I/O. The M32R LIVE is the choice of professional sound engineers worldwide who demand the Midas sound and workflow.
Verdict
CQ-18T for automated portable mixing; M32R LIVE for professional live sound
Allen & Heath CQ-18T
Pros
- Ultra-compact and portable — fits in a backpack
- Automatic mixing features reduce need for dedicated engineer
- 7-inch touchscreen is intuitive and responsive
- 96kHz FPGA processing for excellent audio quality
- Accessible price makes professional mixing affordable
Cons
- Only 18 inputs — limited for larger productions
- No motorized faders — all control via touchscreen
- No expandable I/O options
- Only 4 stereo FX engines
- Limited routing and bus structure compared to M32R
Midas M32R LIVE
Pros
- Legendary Midas PRO preamps with warm, musical character
- 40 channels handle any live production
- 25 motorized faders for extensive hands-on control
- Industry-standard workflow trusted by touring engineers
- Expandable via AES50 for larger systems
Cons
- Much more expensive than CQ-18T
- Heavy at ~33 lbs — not very portable
- No automatic mixing features
- Older platform (2016) showing its age
- No touchscreen-focused workflow
Frequently Asked Questions
What Products Are in This Guide?
Allen & Heath CQ-18T
$1.2k USD
Ultra-compact 18-channel digital mixer that fits in a backpack. 96kHz processing with 16 mic preamps, 7-inch capacitive touchscreen, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, SD/USB multitrack recording, and smart FX. Perfect for gigging bands, rehearsals, and streaming.
Midas M32R LIVE
$2.8k USD
The professional digital mixing console in a compact rack format. 40 input channels, 16 Midas PRO mic preamps, 25 mix buses, 8 stereo FX engines, and dual SD multitrack recording. Rack-mountable with the legendary Midas sound quality that top touring engineers demand.
Cuban Tres, Bass & Guitar - played and recorded with my personal gear