Best Allen & Heath Digital DJ Mixers in 2026: 6 Picks
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links on this page are affiliate links.
You need the best allen heath digital dj mixers that fit your signal flow and stage constraints. We compared 6 models strictly by their published specifications. The Allen & Heath CQ-18T Digital Mixer leads because its 12.2-inch width and Bluetooth connectivity suit compact live sound with wireless control. Each pick here reflects the raw data from the listings, not personal testing. You will use this guide to decide which mixer matches your channel count, footprint, and control needs.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Allen & Heath CQ-18T Digital Mixer Best overall | compact live sound with wireless control | Check price of Allen & Heath CQ-18T Digital Mixer on Amazon |
| 2 | Allen & Heath Qu-SB Portable Digital Mixer Best budget | Portable live sound with iPad control | Check price of Allen & Heath Qu-SB Portable Digital Mixer on Amazon |
| 3 | Allen & Heath AR2412 Remote Audio Rack Also great | GLD system input expansion | Check price of Allen & Heath AR2412 Remote Audio Rack on Amazon |
| 4 | Allen & Heath QU-24 Digital Mixer Also great | portable iPad-controlled mixing setups | Check price of Allen & Heath QU-24 Digital Mixer on Amazon |
| 5 | Allen & Heath SQ-5 48-Channel Digital Mixer Best premium | Large live sound and broadcast setups | Check price of Allen & Heath SQ-5 48-Channel Digital Mixer on Amazon |
| 6 | Allen & Heath Qu-24 Digital Mixer Best compact | tactile control in a dense chassis | Check price of Allen & Heath Qu-24 Digital Mixer on Amazon |
The best fit for you
- You want a compact mixer with wireless control Allen & Heath CQ-18T Digital Mixer The CQ-18T features Bluetooth connectivity and a touchscreen interface for mobile use.
- You need a portable mixer controlled by an iPad Allen & Heath Qu-SB Portable Digital Mixer The QU-SB is a portable digital mixer designed for iPad control setups.
- You require tactile faders in a dense chassis Allen & Heath Qu-24 Digital Mixer The QU-24C offers physical faders and preamps in a compact, heavy chassis.
Our 6 picks
Allen & Heath CQ-18T Digital Mixer
Best for: compact live sound with wireless control
- Mixer Type
- Digital (what this guide is about)
- 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 designed for straightforward live sound control. It features 16 mic or line inputs and a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen for direct operation. You get a 24x22 USB audio interface and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless control. With four FX engines and SD recording, it handles complex mixes without needing a laptop.
Pros
- 16 mic or line inputs with 8 combo jacks
- 7-inch capacitive touchscreen with rotary controls
- 24x22 USB audio interface for computer connection
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Stereo Bluetooth connectivity
- Four FX engines for sound processing
Cons
- No physical faders for manual gain staging
- Limited to four FX engines compared to larger racks
- Touchscreen-only interface may be less tactile for some users
Good fit if
- You need a compact digital mixer with wireless control
- You prefer touchscreen operation over physical faders
- You want built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for mobile apps
Skip if
- You require physical faders for precise manual mixing
- You need more than 16 input channels
- You prefer a mixer with a dedicated display screen separate from controls
Verdict: The Allen & Heath CQ-18T Digital Mixer fits small venues or bands that value wireless control and a compact footprint over tactile faders. Its touchscreen and connectivity options make it a practical choice for mobile DJs or live acts.
Allen & Heath Qu-SB Portable Digital Mixer
Best for: Portable live sound with iPad control
- Mixer Type
- Digital (what this guide is about)
- USB Audio Interface
- 32 x 32 USB Audio Interface
- Built-In Effects
- 4 FX engines, ilive FX library
- Form Factor
- Portable
- Dimensions
- 10.6 × 21.7 × 10.6 inches
- Weight
- 12 pounds
View on Amazon: Allen & Heath Qu-SB Portable Digital Mixer Affiliate link
The Allen & Heath QU-SB is a portable digital mixer built around the Qu-32 core. It offers 18 inputs and 14 outputs, including 12 on-board mix outputs. You get 32x32 USB audio interface capabilities and direct multitrack recording via USB drives. The unit weighs 12 pounds and measures 21.7 inches wide. It is designed for iPad control, making it suitable for live sound engineers who need a compact, powerful mixing solution with extensive I/O options.
Pros
- Qu-32 core provides 32 mono and 3 stereo input channels
- 32x32 USB audio interface for computer connectivity
- 12 on-board mix outputs plus stereo matrix out
- Direct multitrack recording and playback on USB drives
Cons
- Requires external iPad for full control interface
- Weighs 12 pounds, adding bulk to transport
- No built-in touchscreen display on the unit
Good fit if
- You need a powerful digital core in a portable form factor
- You rely on iPad control for mixing operations
- You require extensive local mix outputs for monitors
Skip if
- You need a built-in touchscreen display
- You prefer a lighter unit under 10 pounds
- You want a mixer with physical faders for tactile control
Verdict: The Allen & Heath QU-SB Portable Digital Mixer is a compact powerhouse for engineers who prioritize input count and mix flexibility over onboard screens. It fits well in setups where iPad control is standard and physical footprint is limited.
Allen & Heath AR2412 Remote Audio Rack
Best for: GLD system input expansion
- Mixer Type
- Digital (what this guide is about)
- Dimensions
- 19.1 × 8.66 × 5.5 inches
- Weight
- 11 pounds
View on Amazon: Allen & Heath AR2412 Remote Audio Rack Affiliate link
This remote audio rack expands the GLD digital mixing system with 24 XLR inputs and 12 outputs. It connects via Cat5 cable using Snake Protocol, allowing placement up to 120 meters from the main mixer. The unit includes an Aviom Pro16 compatible monitor port for stage monitoring. It is designed for users who need flexible input expansion without adding bulk to the main console position.
Pros
- Provides 24 XLR inputs and 12 XLR outputs
- Connects via Cat5 cable using Snake Protocol
- Supports placement up to 120 meters from the mixer
- Includes an Aviom Pro16 compatible monitor port
Cons
- Requires a GLD-80 or GLD-112 mixer to function
- Not a standalone mixing console
- Limited to XLR connections only
Good fit if
- You need to expand input capacity for a GLD system
- You want to place the audio rack far from the mixer
- You require dedicated monitor outputs for stage monitoring
Skip if
- You do not own a GLD-80 or GLD-112 mixer
- You need a standalone mixer without a remote rack
- You require digital or USB connectivity options
Verdict: Allen & Heath AR2412 Remote Rack is a specialized expansion unit for GLD system users who need distant input placement. It fits producers or live sound engineers requiring 24 additional inputs without cluttering the main stage.
Allen & Heath QU-24 Digital Mixer
Best for: portable iPad-controlled mixing setups
- Mixer Type
- Digital (what this guide is about)
- Channel Count
- 24
- Built-In Effects
- Integrated iLive FX
- Dimensions
- 31.5 × 13.8 × 26.8 inches
- Weight
- 1 pounds
View on Amazon: Allen & Heath QU-24 Digital Mixer Affiliate link
The Allen & Heath QU-24 is a digital mixer featuring 24 AnalogiQ preamps and 25 motorized 100mm faders with recall. It runs on a 5 Core ARM processor and includes integrated iLive FX. You can control it via the Qu-Pad app on an iPad using a wireless connection. This compact unit measures 13.8 inches wide and weighs 1 pound. It suits users needing a portable, app-controlled mixing solution.
Pros
- 24 AnalogiQ preamps
- 25 motorized 100mm faders with recall
- Powered by 5 Core ARM Processor
- Integrated iLive FX
- Wireless connection via Qu-Pad app
Cons
- No physical touchscreen display for direct control
- Requires external iPad for full operation
- No built-in Bluetooth connectivity listed
Good fit if
- You need a compact mixer with motorized faders
- You prefer controlling mixes via an iPad app
- You require 24 analog inputs for live sound
Skip if
- You need a mixer with a built-in touchscreen
- You want a standalone unit without a tablet
- You require Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming
Verdict: The Allen & Heath QU-24 Digital Mixer is a lightweight, app-controlled solution for users who prioritize portability and fader recall over a built-in display.
Allen & Heath SQ-5 48-Channel Digital Mixer
Best for: Large live sound and broadcast setups
- Mixer Type
- Digital (what this guide is about)
- Channel Count
- 48 Input Channels
- USB Audio Interface
- 32x32 USB audio interface
- Built-In Effects
- 8 stereo FX engines
- Dimensions
- 17.3 × 20.3 × 7.8 inches
- Weight
- 23.1 pounds
View on Amazon: Allen & Heath SQ-5 48-Channel Digital Mixer Affiliate link
The Allen & Heath SQ-5 is a digital mixer with 48 input channels and 16 onboard preamps. It uses a 96kHz FPGA processing engine for ultra-low latency under 0.7ms. You get 12 stereo mixes, LR output, and 3 stereo matrix outputs. Built-in effects include 8 stereo FX engines. The unit measures 17.3 x 20.3 x 7.8 inches and weighs 23.1 pounds. It suits users needing extensive routing and high channel counts.
Pros
- 48 input channels with 16 onboard preamps
- Ultra-low latency under 0.7ms via FPGA engine
- 12 stereo mixes and 3 stereo matrix outputs
- 8 stereo FX engines with DEEP Processing compatibility
- 64-channel I/O port for digital connectivity
Cons
- Heavy at 23.1 pounds for transport
- Large footprint at 17.3 x 20.3 inches
- No remote control app mentioned in data
Good fit if
- You need 48 input channels for large productions
- You require extensive stereo and matrix mixing options
- You want low-latency FPGA processing for live sound
Skip if
- You need a portable mixer under 20 pounds
- You prefer a compact unit smaller than 18 inches
- You require built-in remote control capabilities
Verdict: The Allen & Heath SQ-5 48-Channel Digital Mixer fits large-scale live sound and broadcast applications requiring high channel counts and flexible routing. Its substantial weight and size make it less suitable for frequent travel.
Allen & Heath Qu-24 Digital Mixer
Best for: tactile control in a dense chassis
- Mixer Type
- Digital (what this guide is about)
- USB Audio Interface
- USB audio streaming
- Built-In Effects
- iLive FX
- Form Factor
- Compact
- Dimensions
- 31.5 × 13.8 × 26.8 inches
- Weight
- 40 pounds
View on Amazon: Allen & Heath Qu-24 Digital Mixer Affiliate link
The Allen & Heath QU-24C is a compact digital mixer featuring 24 AnalogiQ preamps and 25 motorized ALPS faders. It includes a 5-inch touchscreen and iLive FX. This Chrome Edition model fits into tight spaces while offering full recall and USB audio streaming. It suits DJs who need tactile control in a smaller footprint.
Pros
- 24 AnalogiQ preamps with zero crossing detection
- 25 motorized ALPS faders for instant channel access
- 5-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen with data encoder
- iLive FX and 100-scene recall
Cons
- Heavy build at 40 pounds
- Large physical dimensions for a compact unit
- No built-in WiFi or Bluetooth listed
Good fit if
- You need tactile faders in a smaller form factor
- You prefer metallic finish controls for low light visibility
- You require 24 channels of analog input
Skip if
- You need a lightweight portable mixer
- You require built-in wireless connectivity
- You prefer a touchscreen-only interface without faders
Verdict: The Allen & Heath QU-24C Compact Digital Mixer offers robust channel count and tactile control in a dense chassis. It fits DJs who prioritize physical faders and preamp quality over wireless features or light weight.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Allen & Heath CQ-18T Digital Mixer | Allen & Heath Qu-SB Portable Digital Mixer | Allen & Heath AR2412 Remote Audio Rack | Allen & Heath QU-24 Digital Mixer | Allen & Heath SQ-5 48-Channel Digital Mixer | Allen & Heath Qu-24 Digital Mixer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Channel Count | not stated | not stated | not stated | 24 | 48 Input Channels | not stated |
| Mixer Type | Digital | Digital | not stated | Digital | Digital Mixer | Digital |
| USB Audio Interface | 24x22 USB interface | 32 x 32 USB Audio Interface | not stated | not stated | 32x32 USB audio interface | USB audio streaming |
| Built-In Effects | 4x FX engines | 4 FX engines, ilive FX library | not stated | Integrated iLive FX | 8 stereo FX engines | iLive FX |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Form Factor | not stated | Portable | not stated | not stated | not stated | Compact |
| Features | Touchscreen | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| Dimensions | 16.9 × 12.2 × 7.9 inches | 10.6 × 21.7 × 10.6 inches | 19.1 × 8.66 × 5.5 inches | 31.5 × 13.8 × 26.8 inches | 17.3 × 20.3 × 7.8 inches | 31.5 × 13.8 × 26.8 inches |
| Weight | 10.3 pounds | 12 pounds | 11 pounds | 1 pounds | 23.1 pounds | 40 pounds |
| Model | AH-CQ18T | AH-QU-SB | AH-AR2-2412-BLK | QU-24 | AH-SQ-5 | AH-QU-24C |
| Size | not stated | not stated | 24 inputs, 12 outputs | not stated | 17.3" x 20.3" x 7.8" | not stated |
| Color | not stated | not stated | Black | not stated | Black | not stated |
How to choose the right digital mixer
-
Check input count needs
Determine how many microphones and instruments you need to mix simultaneously. The Allen & Heath AR2412 Remote Audio Rack offers 24 inputs and 12 outputs, making it ideal for expanding a GLD system. If you require fewer channels, the CQ-18T provides a simpler setup. Match the input count to your actual stage requirements to avoid unnecessary complexity or insufficient connectivity for your ensemble.
-
Evaluate physical footprint
Measure your stage or booth space before purchasing. The CQ-18T is 12.2 inches wide and weighs 10.3 pounds, fitting easily into tight spaces. In contrast, the QU-24C weighs 40 pounds and measures 31.5 inches in length. Choose a compact model for mobile gigs where transport space is limited. Select a larger chassis only if you have a permanent installation with ample room for a substantial footprint.
-
Verify control interface type
Decide whether you prefer onboard screens or app-based control. The CQ-18T features a touchscreen for direct operation without external devices. The QU-SB and QU-24 rely on iPad control, requiring you to carry a tablet. If you value tactile feedback and immediate access, prioritize models with physical interfaces. If you prefer a minimal console layout, app-controlled units offer flexibility and reduced hardware bulk.
-
Assess connectivity options
Ensure the mixer supports the wireless or wired connections your workflow demands. The CQ-18T includes Bluetooth connectivity for streamlined control and monitoring. Other models may require Ethernet or USB links for computer integration. Check the specifications for available ports to guarantee compatibility with your existing audio interface, computer, or wireless network. Proper connectivity ensures stable signal flow and reduces setup time during live performances.
-
Consider system integration
Identify if you need a standalone unit or an expansion module. The AR2412 is a remote rack designed specifically for GLD system users, adding inputs without cluttering the main stage. The SQ-5 suits large broadcast setups with 48 channels. Match the mixer type to your existing infrastructure. If you are building a new system, choose a complete mixer. If you are expanding, select a compatible remote unit to maintain signal integrity.
Frequently asked questions
Which Allen & Heath digital mixer is best for small venues?
The Allen & Heath CQ-18T Digital Mixer is the top choice for compact live sound. It measures 12.2 inches wide and weighs 10.3 pounds. This unit features Bluetooth connectivity and a touchscreen interface. These specs make it practical for mobile DJs who need wireless control and a small footprint.
What is the most portable Allen & Heath mixer option?
The Allen & Heath QU-SB Portable Digital Mixer is designed for portability. It weighs 12 pounds and fits well in setups where physical space is limited. This model prioritizes input count and mix flexibility over onboard screens. You can control it via an iPad, making it ideal for mobile engineers.
Does Allen & Heath make a mixer with tactile faders?
Yes, the Allen & Heath QU-24C Compact Digital Mixer offers robust tactile control. It features physical faders and preamps in a dense chassis. This unit weighs 40 pounds and measures 13.8 inches wide. It suits users who prioritize physical controls over wireless features or light weight.
Which model expands a GLD system with more inputs?
The Allen & Heath AR2412 Remote Audio Rack expands GLD systems. It provides 24 inputs and 12 outputs. This black unit measures 8.66 inches wide and weighs 11 pounds. It allows distant input placement without cluttering the main stage, fitting producers who need extra channel capacity.
Is there a heavy-duty mixer for large broadcast setups?
The Allen & Heath SQ-5 48-Channel Digital Mixer fits large-scale live sound and broadcast applications. It measures 20.3 inches wide and weighs 23.1 pounds. Its substantial size and weight make it less suitable for frequent travel. It offers high channel counts and flexible routing for professional environments.
Which Allen & Heath mixer is best for iPad control?
The Allen & Heath QU-24 Digital Mixer is a lightweight, app-controlled solution. It weighs only 1 pound and measures 13.8 inches wide. This model prioritizes portability and fader recall over a built-in display. It fits users who want to manage mixes wirelessly from an iPad.