Allen & Heath or Reloop? DJ Mixers Compared in 2026
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This allen heath vs reloop audio mixer comparison looks at two distinct tools. Both devices offer multi-channel mixing capabilities for live sound or DJ sets. The Allen & Heath CQ-18T is a digital mixer designed for complex audio routing with a large touchscreen. The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro is a 4-channel DJ controller built for performance. They differ mainly in form factor and control style. One prioritizes system integration, while the other focuses on tactile playback.
Key differences
| Aspect | Allen & Heath CQ-18T Digital Mixer | Reloop Mixon 8 Pro 4-Channel DJ Controller |
|---|---|---|
| System Type | Digital Mixer | DJ Controller |
| Channel Count | 16 Mic or Line inputs | 4-Channel |
| Control Interface | 7-inch touchscreen with rotary controls | Jog wheels and performance paddles |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi and Bluetooth | Dual USB interface (USB-B and USB-C) |
| Dimensions | 12.2 x 16.9 x 7.9 inches | 15.4 x 25.9 x 2.68 inches |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Allen & Heath CQ-18T Digital Mixer if
- You need a compact digital mixer with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for venue sound.
- You prefer touchscreen control for routing multiple microphone and line inputs.
- You want a device that records directly to SD card with 24x22 USB interface.
Choose Reloop Mixon 8 Pro 4-Channel DJ Controller if
- You require a dedicated 4-channel DJ controller for club or live sets.
- You need tactile jog wheels with on-jog displays for track navigation.
- You want to connect two laptops or an iPad simultaneously via dual USB ports.
Verdict: Choose the Allen & Heath CQ-18T if you need a professional digital mixer for complex audio systems with wireless connectivity. Pick the Reloop Mixon 8 Pro if you are a DJ who needs tactile jog wheels and dual USB connections for seamless laptop switching. Each tool serves a different primary function.
Allen & Heath vs Reloop Mixer Comparison
system type
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T is a digital mixer. It uses a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen for control. This interface includes rotary controls and custom keys. The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro is a standalone DJ controller. It relies on physical jog wheels and performance pads. The jog wheels have on-jog displays for track info. The CQ-18T offers a more software-like, screen-based workflow. The Mixon 8 Pro provides tactile, hardware-focused control. Both systems handle mixing, but the input methods differ significantly. You will choose based on whether you prefer touch or physical feedback.
channel count
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T supports 16 mic or line inputs. Eight of these are combo inputs. It also includes a stereo line input. This allows for extensive source connectivity. The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro is a 4-channel controller. It handles 2 phono and 4 line inputs. The CQ-18T offers four times the channel capacity. This makes it suitable for larger live sound setups. The Mixon 8 Pro is designed for standard DJ duo sets. If you need to mix many sources, the Allen & Heath is the clear choice. For two DJs, the Reloop suffices.
connectivity
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T features built-in 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi. It also includes stereo Bluetooth input. This allows for wireless streaming and remote control. The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro uses a dual USB audio interface. It has one USB-B and one USB-C port. The USB-C supports power delivery for iPads. The CQ-18T offers superior wireless options. The Mixon 8 Pro provides flexible wired connections for two laptops. You gain wireless convenience with Allen & Heath. You gain dual-laptop handover capability with Reloop.
usb interface
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T has a 24x22 USB interface. It also supports 24x22 SD record and playback. This allows for high-channel count recording. The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro has a dual USB interface. It offers 24-bit audio quality with low latency. The CQ-18T provides more I/O channels for complex routing. The Mixon 8 Pro is optimized for two-computer setups. The Allen & Heath is better for multi-track recording. The Reloop is better for seamless DJ handovers. Both offer high-quality audio, but their use cases differ.
effects
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T includes four FX engines. These are built into the digital mixer. The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro has four onboard FX paddles. It also offers channel-specific sound color filters. The Mixon 8 Pro provides twelve performance modes. These include Hot Cue, Loop Roll, and Slicer. The Allen & Heath focuses on audio processing engines. The Reloop focuses on performance and scratching tools. If you need scratching tools, choose Reloop. If you need audio effects, choose Allen & Heath.
form factor
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T is 12.2 inches wide and 10.3 pounds. It is compact for its channel count. The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro is 15.4 inches wide and 12.9 pounds. It is larger and heavier. The Mixon 8 Pro has a spacious performance area. The CQ-18T prioritizes screen real estate. The Reloop prioritizes physical controls. The Allen & Heath is easier to transport. The Reloop offers a more substantial deck feel. You must decide between portability and tactile space.
Which Allen & Heath or Reloop Mixer Is Right for You
Users needing integrated wireless streaming and SD recording
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T includes built-in 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi for auto channel selection. It also features stereo Bluetooth input for easy streaming. The 24x22 USB interface supports 24x22 SD record and playback. This allows you to capture sets directly to an SD card without extra hardware. The 7-inch touchscreen simplifies navigation for live sound or DJ use.
DJs requiring tactile jog wheels and performance pads
The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro features enhanced jog wheels with vivid on-jog displays. These show virtual needle illumination and track time. It includes four sturdy onboard FX paddles for instant tactile control. The spacious performance area offers eight color-coded modes like Hot Cue and Scratch Bank. This setup provides precise physical control for beatmatching and creative effects during live sets.
Performers mixing analog turntables with digital sources
This device acts as a standalone mixer with independent level meters. It supports 2x Phono and 4x Line inputs. You can mix digital and analog sources simultaneously. The dual USB audio interface connects to two laptops or an iPad. It offers USB-C device support with power delivery. This flexibility allows seamless handovers between DJs and connection to traditional turntables.
The products compared
Allen & Heath CQ-18T Digital Mixer
Best for: complex live sound and DJ setups
- Mixer Type
- Digital
- USB Audio Interface
- 24x22 USB interface
- Built-In Effects
- 4x FX engines
- Connectivity
- Bluetooth
- Features
- Touchscreen
- Dimensions
- 16.9 × 12.2 × 7.9 inches
View on Amazon: Allen & Heath CQ-18T Digital Mixer Affiliate link
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T is a digital mixer with a 7-inch touchscreen. It offers 16 mic or line inputs and stereo line input. Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow wireless control. The 24x22 USB interface supports recording to SD cards. Four FX engines provide sound processing. This unit suits users needing robust connectivity and touch control for live sound or DJ setups.
Pros
- 16 mic or line inputs including 8 combi jacks
- 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with rotary controls
- Built-in 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth input
- 24x22 USB interface with SD record/playback
- Four built-in FX engines
Cons
- Heavier at 10.3 pounds
- Larger footprint at 16.9 inches wide
- No dedicated physical faders listed
Good fit if
- You need extensive input options for multiple sources
- You prefer touchscreen control over physical buttons
- You require wireless connectivity for remote mixing
Skip if
- You need a compact, portable mixer
- You prefer traditional analog controls
- You want a lighter unit for travel
Verdict: The Allen & Heath CQ-18T Digital Mixer fits professionals who need a feature-rich, touch-enabled mixer for complex setups. Its robust input count and wireless features make it ideal for live sound engineers.
Reloop Mixon 8 Pro 4-Channel DJ Controller
Best for: hybrid analog-digital DJ setups
- Channel Count
- 4-Channel
- Mixer Type
- Standalone mixer
- USB Audio Interface
- Dual USB audio interface
- Channel Equalizer
- 3-band EQ
- Dimensions
- 25.9 × 15.4 × 2.68 inches
- Weight
- 12.9 pounds
View on Amazon: Reloop Mixon 8 Pro 4-Channel DJ Controller Affiliate link
The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro is a 4-channel standalone mixer and DJ controller. It features a dual USB audio interface for connecting two laptops or an iPad. The unit includes vivid on-jog displays and four onboard FX paddles. It supports 2x Phono and 4x Line inputs for mixing analog and digital sources. This setup suits DJs who need flexible connectivity and tactile control.
Pros
- Dual USB audio interface for seamless handover between two devices
- 4 sturdy onboard FX paddles for instant tactile control
- Vivid on-jog displays with virtual needle and playhead indicators
- Supports 2x Phono and 4x Line inputs for mixed sources
Cons
- Heavier at 12.9 pounds compared to lighter controllers
- Larger footprint at 25.9 inches in length
- No Bluetooth connectivity listed in specifications
Good fit if
- You need to mix digital and analog sources simultaneously
- You want tactile FX control without software reliance
- You require a dual USB setup for two laptops
Skip if
- You prefer a compact, portable design under 10 pounds
- You need built-in wireless Bluetooth streaming
- You only use digital sources and need no phono inputs
Verdict: Reloop Mixon 8 Pro 4-Channel Controller offers robust standalone mixing with dual USB support. It fits DJs who prioritize tactile control and analog-digital hybrid setups over portability.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Allen & Heath CQ-18T Digital Mixer | Reloop Mixon 8 Pro 4-Channel DJ Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Channel Count | not stated | 4-Channel |
| Mixer Type | Digital | Standalone mixer |
| USB Audio Interface | 24x22 USB interface | Dual USB audio interface |
| Built-In Effects | 4x FX engines | not stated |
| Channel Equalizer | not stated | 3-band EQ |
| Channels | not stated | 4-Channel |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth | not stated |
| Features | Touchscreen | not stated |
| Dimensions | 16.9 × 12.2 × 7.9 inches | 25.9 × 15.4 × 2.68 inches |
| Weight | 10.3 pounds | 12.9 pounds |
| Model | AH-CQ18T | Mixon Pro 8 |
| Color | not stated | Black |
Frequently asked questions
Is Allen & Heath better than Reloop for professional live sound?
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T is designed for complex live sound and DJ setups. It features a digital interface with a touchscreen. This allows for robust input counts and wireless streaming. The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro focuses on hybrid analog-digital DJ setups. It offers tactile control but lacks the advanced routing of the Allen & Heath model.
Which mixer supports Bluetooth connectivity?
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T includes built-in Bluetooth connectivity. This feature enables stereo Bluetooth input for easy streaming from mobile devices. The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro does not list Bluetooth support in its specifications. If wireless audio streaming is a priority for your setup, the Allen & Heath option provides this capability directly.
What are the physical dimensions of these mixers?
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T measures 12.2 inches wide, 7.9 inches high, and 16.9 inches long. The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro is wider at 15.4 inches wide, 25.9 inches long, but much shorter at 2.68 inches high. You should consider your table space carefully. The Reloop unit is flatter, while the Allen & Heath model is taller.
Does the Reloop Mixon 8 Pro have multiple channels?
Yes, the Reloop Mixon 8 Pro is a 4-Channel DJ Controller. This allows you to mix four separate audio sources simultaneously. The Allen & Heath CQ-18T is a digital mixer with a high input count for complex routing. If you need to manage multiple decks or players, the four-channel layout of the Reloop unit is suitable.
How heavy are these audio mixers?
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T weighs 10.3 pounds. The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro weighs 12.9 pounds. Both units are relatively portable but have substantial build quality. The Reloop model is slightly heavier despite its lower profile. You should account for these weights when planning transport or mounting for long-term installations.
Which mixer is better for standalone DJing?
The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro is described as a standalone DJ controller. It offers robust standalone mixing with dual USB support. This makes it ideal for DJs who prioritize tactile control. The Allen & Heath CQ-18T is a digital mixer focused on complex audio routing. For pure standalone DJ performance, the Reloop unit is the more direct choice.
Does the Allen & Heath mixer have a display?
Yes, the Allen & Heath CQ-18T features a touchscreen interface. This capacitive touchscreen serves as the primary control surface for the digital mixer. It includes rotary controls and custom keys for navigation. The Reloop Mixon 8 Pro does not list a touchscreen in its attributes. The Allen & Heath model relies on this visual interface for operation.