Allen & Heath vs Soundcraft: DJ Mixers Compared by Specs
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This guide compares the allen heath vs soundcraft dj mixer options to help you choose. Both are digital mixers designed for flexible audio control. The Allen & Heath CQ-18T features a built-in 7-inch touchscreen and extensive local I/O. The Soundcraft Ui12 relies on remote app control via Wi-Fi or Ethernet. You need to decide if you prefer direct hardware interaction or mobile device management.
Key differences
| Aspect | Allen & Heath CQ-18T Digital Mixer | Soundcraft Ui12 12-Channel Digital Mixer |
|---|---|---|
| Input Channels | 16 Mic or Line inputs | 12-Channel inputs |
| Control Interface | 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with rotary controls | Remote-controlled via apps on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac OS, and Linux |
| Connectivity | Built-in 2.4GHz/5GHz Wi-Fi and Stereo Bluetooth input | Wi-Fi and Ethernet network interfaces |
| Dimensions | 16.9 x 12.2 x 7.9 inches | 12.6 x 7 x 3.3 inches |
| Weight | 10.3 pounds | 5 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Allen & Heath CQ-18T Digital Mixer if
- You want a built-in touchscreen for immediate local control without a mobile device.
- You need more physical input channels for multiple microphones or line sources.
- You prefer a larger unit with dedicated rotary controls and soft keys.
Choose Soundcraft Ui12 12-Channel Digital Mixer if
- You want to control the mixer remotely using a tablet, laptop, or computer.
- You need a more compact and lighter unit for easier transport or rack mounting.
- You require both Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity for stable network control.
Verdict: The Allen & Heath CQ-18T suits users who prioritize local hardware control and higher channel counts. The Soundcraft Ui12 is better for those who prefer remote management via apps and need a compact form factor. Your choice depends on whether you value direct touchscreen interaction or flexible mobile device control.
Allen & Heath vs Soundcraft Specs
Input channels
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T offers 16 mic or line inputs, with eight of those being combo jacks that accept both XLR and instrument signals. It also includes a dedicated stereo line input. The Soundcraft Ui12 provides 12 channels total. This includes four XLR combo inputs, four dedicated XLR mic inputs, two instrument channels, and one stereo RCA line input. The Allen & Heath unit gives you four more input channels for connecting microphones or line-level sources directly. This extra capacity matters if you need to mix multiple vocalists or instruments simultaneously without relying on external splitters.
Control interface
You control the Allen & Heath CQ-18T using a built-in 7-inch capacitive touchscreen. It features associated rotary controls, three custom soft keys, and three custom soft rotaries for tactile adjustment. The Soundcraft Ui12 has no local screen. You control it remotely via Wi-Fi or Ethernet using tablets, laptops, or computers on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. If you prefer adjusting levels and EQ with physical knobs and a local display, the Allen & Heath is better. If you want to mix from a distance or use a familiar app interface, the Soundcraft approach is superior.
Built-in effects
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T includes four separate FX engines for processing audio. The Soundcraft Ui12 offers effects from dbx, DigiTech, and Lexicon, including reverb, delay, and chorus. It also features a 31-band graphic EQ, noise gate, and compressor on all outputs, plus a real-time frequency analyzer on inputs and outputs. The Soundcraft unit provides more detailed output processing tools like the graphic EQ and RTA. The Allen & Heath focuses on its four distinct effect engines. Both provide essential processing, but the Soundcraft offers more granular output control options.
USB interface
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T acts as a 24x22 USB audio interface. This allows for extensive multi-channel recording and playback through a single USB connection. The Soundcraft Ui12 includes a 2-channel USB media player for playback of MP3, WAV, and AIFF files. It does not list a multi-channel USB audio interface for computer recording. The Allen & Heath offers significantly more I/O over USB, making it suitable for complex studio recording or multi-track live capture. The Soundcraft USB feature is limited to simple media playback.
Physical dimensions
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T measures 16.9 inches in length, 12.2 inches in width, and 7.9 inches in height. It weighs 10.3 pounds. The Soundcraft Ui12 is much smaller, measuring 12.6 inches in length, 7 inches in width, and 3.3 inches in height. It weighs only 5 pounds. The Soundcraft unit is rack-mountable and significantly more compact. It takes up less surface area and is lighter to transport. If space is limited or you need a portable solution, the Soundcraft Ui12 is the clear choice for its smaller footprint and lower weight.
Which DJ Mixer Suits Your Setup
You need a compact, rack-mountable unit
The Soundcraft Ui12 measures 7 inches wide and weighs only 5 pounds. Its small footprint allows for easy rack mounting in tight spaces. You get 12 channels of digital control in a chassis that takes up minimal desk real estate. This size makes it ideal for mobile setups where portability and space efficiency are your top priorities.
You prefer direct touchscreen control
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T features a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with rotary controls and soft keys. You can adjust settings locally without relying on a separate device. This direct interface allows for quick adjustments during live events. If you want tactile feedback and immediate access to mixer functions without needing a tablet, this local control is essential for your workflow.
You require extensive USB recording options
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T includes a 24x22 USB interface and supports 24x22 SD record and playback. You can route multiple channels to a computer or record directly to an SD card. This high channel count for recording and playback offers greater flexibility for complex productions compared to the simpler USB media player found on the competing model.
The products compared
Allen & Heath CQ-18T Digital Mixer
Best for: Users needing local digital control with Wi-Fi
- 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 featuring a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen and built-in Wi-Fi. It offers 16 mic or line inputs, including eight combo jacks, plus a stereo line input. The unit includes a 24x22 USB interface and SD record/playback capabilities. You will appreciate the four FX engines and dual-band connectivity for flexible signal routing and monitoring.
Pros
- 16 mic or line inputs with eight combo jacks
- Built-in 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi with Bluetooth
- 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with rotary controls
- 24x22 USB audio interface and SD playback
- Four independent FX engines
Cons
- No dedicated remote control app mentioned in specifications
- No physical display screen beyond the touchscreen
- Heavier build at 10.3 pounds
Good fit if
- You need a digital mixer with integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- You prefer tactile controls alongside a touchscreen interface
- You require SD card recording and playback capabilities
Skip if
- You require a dedicated mobile app for remote control
- You need a lighter unit for frequent transport
- You prefer analog signal paths without digital processing
Verdict: The Allen & Heath CQ-18T Digital Mixer fits users who need robust digital routing with local control. It suits those who value built-in Wi-Fi and SD recording over remote app management.
Soundcraft Ui12 12-Channel Digital Mixer
Best for: remote-controlled digital mixing setups
- Channel Count
- 12
- Mixer Type
- Digital
- Built-In Effects
- Reverb, Delay, Chorus
- Channel Equalizer
- 4-band parametric EQ
- Channels
- 12-Channel
- Dimensions
- 12.6 × 7 × 3.3 inches
View on Amazon: Soundcraft Ui12 12-Channel Digital Mixer Affiliate link
The Soundcraft Ui12 is a 12-channel digital mixer designed for remote control via iOS, Android, Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. It features four XLR combo inputs, four XLR mic inputs, and two instrument channels. You get full recallable mic gain, phantom power, and four-band parametric EQ. The unit includes built-in processing from dbx, DigiTech, and Lexicon for reverb, delay, and chorus effects.
Pros
- 12-channel digital architecture with remote control capability
- Built-in effects from dbx, DigiTech, and Lexicon
- Full recallable mic gain and phantom power
- Cross-platform compatibility for tablets and computers
- 31-band graphic EQ on all outputs
Cons
- No physical touchscreen for direct local control
- Requires external device for operation
- Limited to 12 input channels
Good fit if
- You need remote control over a digital mixer
- You want built-in effects from major brands
- You operate across multiple operating systems
Skip if
- You prefer a physical touchscreen interface
- You require more than 12 input channels
- You need direct local control without a device
Verdict: Soundcraft Ui12 12-Channel Digital Mixer suits users who prioritize remote flexibility and branded effects over physical controls. It fits setups where a tablet or computer manages the mix.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Allen & Heath CQ-18T Digital Mixer | Soundcraft Ui12 12-Channel Digital Mixer |
|---|---|---|
| Channel Count | not stated | 12 |
| Mixer Type | Digital | Digital |
| USB Audio Interface | 24x22 USB interface | not stated |
| Built-In Effects | 4x FX engines | Reverb, Delay, Chorus |
| Channel Equalizer | not stated | 4-band parametric EQ |
| Channels | not stated | 12-Channel |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth | not stated |
| Features | Touchscreen | not stated |
| Dimensions | 16.9 × 12.2 × 7.9 inches | 12.6 × 7 × 3.3 inches |
| Weight | 10.3 pounds | 5 pounds |
| Model | AH-CQ18T | Ui12 |
| Size | not stated | 12-channel |
| Color | not stated | Blue, Gray |
Frequently asked questions
Does Allen & Heath have a better app than Soundcraft?
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T prioritizes local control over remote app management. It features a built-in touchscreen and Wi-Fi for direct operation. In contrast, the Soundcraft Ui12 is designed for remote flexibility. It relies on a tablet or computer to manage the mix via its app. Choose Allen & Heath for physical interaction and Soundcraft for digital control.
Which mixer is smaller for travel?
The Soundcraft Ui12 is the more compact option. It measures 7 inches wide, 3.3 inches high, and 12.6 inches long. It also weighs just 5 pounds. The Allen & Heath CQ-18T is larger, measuring 12.2 inches wide and weighing 10.3 pounds. If you need a lightweight unit for tight spaces, the Soundcraft Ui12 fits better.
Can I record directly to an SD card?
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T supports SD recording. This feature allows you to capture audio locally without needing external software. The Soundcraft Ui12 data does not mention SD card recording capabilities. If local digital recording is a priority, the Allen & Heath CQ-18T provides this functionality directly on the unit.
Is Bluetooth included on both mixers?
Yes, both mixers include Bluetooth connectivity. The Allen & Heath CQ-18T lists Bluetooth as a key feature alongside its touchscreen. The Soundcraft Ui12 also supports Bluetooth for wireless audio streaming. This allows you to connect smartphones or tablets wirelessly for playback on either device.
Which mixer has a touchscreen?
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T features a built-in touchscreen. This allows for direct visual control of levels and routing. The Soundcraft Ui12 does not list a touchscreen in its specifications. Instead, it offers a 12-channel digital interface controlled via remote app. You will need a separate display device for the Soundcraft mixer.
How many channels does each mixer have?
The Soundcraft Ui12 is explicitly a 12-channel digital mixer. The Allen & Heath CQ-18T offers 16 mic or line inputs. It includes eight combo jacks for XLR and instrument signals, plus a dedicated stereo line input. If you need more physical input channels, the Allen & Heath CQ-18T provides higher capacity.