I have been using the CQ 12T for a while now and overall I really like the concept of the mixer. It is compact, fast to use, and very useful for hybrid studio and live setups.
That said, there are several feature requests appearing here regularly, and it is difficult to know whether the CQ series is still expected to receive meaningful feature updates or only maintenance updates from now on.
Some features that would make a big difference for my use are:
• Master channel saturator or clipper
• Improved master limiter
• Sidechain or ducker
• De esser
• Pre and post fader meter options
• 44.1 kHz support
• More advanced metering and routing options
I know mute groups and DCAs were added in a previous update, which was great, and it shows that user feedback can make a difference. But at the moment there are many open requests and not much clear information about the future roadmap.
Is there any information you can share about whether another feature update is planned for the CQ series?
Even a general indication would be helpful, because many of us are trying to understand whether it is worth continuing to invest time in feature requests, or whether the platform is now mostly in maintenance mode.
Yes the CQ will get another feature update at some point in the future.
The timing as to when updates will be released, and what will be included in those updates is information that historically A&H hasn’t shared publicly on any of their product lines. Therefore if you are wanting a response from A&H on this matter, you are going to be disappointed.
As is with many/most. I understand the reasonings. Not having people getting impatient and complaining it is taking too long or the attempts end up too complicated, shortcomings or simply finding it not even possible. With the latter, they would probably never live that down.
But, of course I understand (from being on this side of the fence) it would be nice to know if we need to move on because we cant work with the limitations any longer. Simply because- or if our needs have changed. Also for future sales some may want to know if it is worth the risk in knowing if a particular update is being seriously considered to be implemented. Should they buy into it or not. Probably not smart buying into something on future promises though.
I just bought a lot of equipment in the last few months along with a grand for the CQ 18T. Love it but there are some extremely glaring issues that seem should have been a no brainer. So, will any of them be corrected or did I buy another closet queen? Do I need to move on and spend more money elsewhere and take my losses…again.
My issues were not something you would need to search before buying. As they seem like a given and expected no brainers. There is so much I really like about this thing but some seemingly “simple” things are holding my enjoyment and it’s full usefulness back. Cant please everyone but I truly don’t think my basic expectations go beyond reasonable for a mixer and its basic uses.
So yeah, it would be nice to know what they may or may not be working on. Even with a stern “No Guarantees” clause.
The one feature I really want is a recall safe function. It seems to be widely requested and I can’t imagine it is would be that difficult to implement…
I completely understand why companies avoid giving exact dates or promising specific features. Things change, some ideas are harder to implement than expected, and people can get impatient when timelines slip.
But from the user side, it is still useful to know whether the platform is actively being developed in a meaningful way, or whether we should treat it as mostly finished apart from maintenance fixes.
I really like the CQ 12T. The size, workflow, sound, and concept are great. But there are some basic things that would make a huge difference in daily use, especially for people using it in hybrid studio and live setups.
For me, the main ones are better master processing, a proper limiter, sidechain or ducking, de esser, clearer pre and post fader metering, recall safe options, and 44.1 kHz support.
I do not expect Allen & Heath to promise dates or reveal the full roadmap. But even some general communication about whether these types of improvements are being seriously considered would help a lot.
That is exactly the kind of feature that feels small on paper but makes a huge difference in real use, especially when using the mixer in different setups or changing scenes during live or studio work.
Just some thoughts: A&H offers a wide range of consoles for every budget and use case, and our CQ is geared toward musicians who likely don’t give a thought to sidechains or complex effects. Sure, this console costs much more than a Behringer XR18, yet it still lacks many features that make that old console, with its aging architecture, remains very functional even in 2026. I hope A&H doesn’t just see us as the segment of musicians who only want to ‘plug and play’ using nothing but QuickChannels