AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Allen & Heath Digital Mixers 2026
The top pick is Allen & Heath SQ-5 48-Channel Digital Mixer/USB Interface ($2,909). Allen & Heath CQ-12T 12-Channel Digital Mixer gives you the most for the money at $1,040. Allen & Heath Avantis 64 Channel Digital Mixing Console leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 17 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 26, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Allen & Heath SQ-5 48-Channel Digital Mixer / USB Interface
SQ5 · Allen & Heath
35 for sale on Reverb9 finishes at Thomann
- Size19"
- Weight10.5 kg
The SQ5 is a seriously powerful mixer – a real step up for bands and larger productions needing flexible routing and extensive monitoring options. The DEEP processing is a game-changer for those who like to really sculpt their sounds, and the motorized faders make complex shows manageable. It's a premium-priced piece, but the capabilities justify the investment for the right user.
Pros
- Exceptional FPGA processing delivers pristine, low-latency audio.
- The 6 layers and 17 faders offer unparalleled workflow efficiency.
- Integrated DEEP processing allows for truly customized signal chains.
Cons
- The size and weight make it less portable for solo acts.
- The touchscreen, while functional, isn't the most responsive.
87AudioFu
Index↓ 4.8%since Aug 17$3,055 · Aug 17$2,909 now$2,909€2,599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Allen & Heath SQ-6 48-Channel Digital Mixing Console
SQ6+ · Allen & Heath
24 for sale on Reverb6 finishes at Thomann
- Size9"
- Weight15.15 kg
This mixer is built for speed and flexibility, using a special chip that makes the sound feel instant with almost no delay. The large screen and many faders let you adjust levels quickly without hunting for buttons. It is ideal for live bands who need lots of inputs and complex effects, though you should check if it fits your case before buying.
Pros
- Zero-latency processing with the XCVI FPGA core at 0.7ms
- Nine-inch touchscreen with six layers of control for quick mixing
- Direct DEEP Processing integration without adding delay to the channel
Cons
- No physical input jacks listed for direct cable connections in this text
- Weight and physical dimensions are not provided in the description
79AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,036 now$5,036€4,499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Allen & Heath SQ-7 48-channel Digital Mixer
SQ7 · Allen & Heath
20 for sale on Reverb6 finishes at Thomann
- Size7"
- Weight17.8 kg
The SQ7 is a powerhouse for serious live sound engineers and bands needing a flexible, high-channel-count mixer. The layered fader system and DEEP processing really set it apart, making complex mixes manageable. It's perfect for touring acts, theaters, or venues demanding exceptional audio quality and routing capabilities.
Pros
- Exceptional FPGA processing delivers pristine, low-latency audio.
- Layered fader system significantly streamlines complex mixing workflows.
- DEEP processing offers unparalleled flexibility with embedded plugins.
Cons
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for smaller operations.
- Size and weight make it less ideal for mobile or cramped environments.
78AudioFu
Index↓ 2.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$5,517 · Aug 17$5,372 now$5,372€4,799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Allen & Heath CQ-18T 16-Channel Digital Mixer
CQ18T Case Bundle · Allen & Heath
36 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Size7"
- Weight3 kg
The CQ18T is a seriously impressive little mixer. It’s perfect for smaller bands, touring musicians needing a portable solution, or anyone wanting a powerful digital workflow in a compact package. The touchscreen is a game changer, and the built-in recording options are a huge bonus.
Pros
- Compact size belies powerful processing and routing capabilities.
- Intuitive touchscreen interface drastically simplifies complex mixing tasks.
- Built-in SD card player/recorder offers convenient live performance recording.
Cons
- Limited physical controls can feel less tactile for seasoned engineers.
- Rackmount and case are separate purchases, adding to the overall investment.
74AudioFu
Index↑ 8.0%since Aug 17$1,264 · Aug 17$1,364 now$1,364€1,219 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Allen & Heath CQ-12T 12-Channel Digital Mixer
CQ12T Inlay Case Bundle · Allen & Heath
26 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Size7"
- Weight2.4 kg
The CQ12T is a seriously clever little mixer, perfect for solo artists, duos, or smaller bands needing a powerful, portable solution. The touchscreen interface and integrated Bluetooth make setup a breeze, and the sound quality is surprisingly robust for its size. It’s a great balance of features and portability for the modern gigging musician.
Pros
- Compact design maximizes portability for gigging musicians and small venues.
- Integrated Bluetooth simplifies playback for backing tracks and announcements.
- 96kHz processing ensures clean, professional-grade audio quality.
Cons
- Limited channel count might restrict larger band setups or complex routing needs.
- Touchscreen interface could be less tactile than traditional physical controls.
73AudioFu
Index↑ 10.9%since Aug 17$938 · Aug 17$1,040 now$1,040€929 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Allen & Heath QU-SB Portable Rack-Mountable Wireless Digital Mixer
SQ Rack · Allen & Heath
19 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size7"
- Weight5.8 kg
The SQ Rack is a seriously powerful, compact digital mixer. It's a fantastic solution for bands, touring acts, or venues needing a flexible, networked system with superb monitoring capabilities and rock-solid performance – especially if you’re already invested in the Allen & Heath ecosystem.
Pros
- Ultra-low latency (0.7ms) crucial for stage monitoring and live performance.
- SLink networking offers incredible flexibility for expanding I/O.
- The 7” touchscreen is responsive and intuitive, speeding workflow.
Cons
- The 4U rack height might be limiting for some setups.
- Learning curve exists for mastering the full feature set.
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,473 now$2,473€2,209 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Allen & Heath QU-SB Portable Rack-Mountable Wireless Digital Mixer
SQ Rack Case Bundle · Allen & Heath
19 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size7"
- Weight5.8 kg
This console brings pro-grade mixing power to the rack with its 48 channels and instant response. The large touch screen and many effects engines make setting up sound simple. It is a solid choice for venues needing flexible monitoring and quick recording.
Pros
- 96 kHz FPGA core ensures ultra-low latency for live performance
- 12 stereo mixes enable dedicated in-ear monitoring setups
- 7 inch multi-touch screen offers intuitive visual control
Cons
- 17 mono inputs is fewer than typical modern consoles
- No built-in monitor speakers mentioned in the bundle
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,540 now$2,540€2,269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Allen & Heath Avantis 64 Channel Digital Mixing Console
Avantis · Allen & Heath
15 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Size15.6"
- Weight26 kg
The Avantis is a powerhouse digital mixer built for serious touring sound and large-scale events. Its intuitive touchscreen workflow combined with the FPGA core's speed makes complex mixes manageable, and the AMM is a game-changer for multi-zone environments. This is a top-tier console for rental companies and seasoned audio professionals.
Pros
- XCVI core delivers truly exceptional, near-zero latency for critical live applications.
- Dual 15.6 in touchscreens offer unparalleled visual control and workflow efficiency.
- AMM functionality is remarkably effective for managing complex multi-zone sound reinforcement.
Cons
- The sheer density of features demands a significant learning curve for less experienced users.
- Physical footprint is substantial, limiting portability and requiring dedicated rack space.
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$13,319 now$13,319€11,899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Allen & Heath CQ-20B 16-Channel Rackmount Digital Mixer
CQ20B Case Bundle · Allen & Heath
21 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Weight2.6 kg
The CQ20B is a seriously clever little mixer – Allen & Heath’s nailed the balance between power and portability. It’s ideal for smaller bands, touring musicians needing a compact solution, or anyone wanting a digital workflow without the complexity of a full-blown rack unit. The app control is a real game-changer for quick adjustments on the fly.
Pros
- Excellent FPGA processing provides pristine, low-latency audio.
- Quick and Complete channels streamline workflow significantly.
- Integrated Wi-Fi and app control offer flexible remote operation.
Cons
- Limited motorized fader options restrict complex automation capabilities.
- Smaller form factor can feel cramped for users with larger channel counts.
63AudioFu
Index↑ 7.8%since Aug 17$1,058 · Aug 17$1,141 now$1,141€1,019 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size7"
- Weight10 kg
The QU-5 is a serious contender for bands and larger ensembles needing a compact, powerful digital mixer. The motorized faders and intuitive touchscreen make complex mixes manageable, and the USB-C interface opens up serious recording possibilities – a real workhorse for live sound and studio applications.
Pros
- Excellent XCVI core delivers pristine audio quality and low latency.
- Motorized faders provide tactile control and recallable scenes.
- Comprehensive USB-C interface facilitates flexible recording and playback.
Cons
- Limited physical connectivity compared to larger format consoles.
- Rackmount kit sold separately, adding to the overall investment.
58AudioFu
IndexStablesince Aug 17$2,170 · Aug 17$2,170 now$2,170€1,939 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 17 digital mixers
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Allen & Heath QU-7Allen & Heath · 6 finishes57Stable$3,525€3,149$3,525€3,149Check ↗
- 12
Allen & Heath QU-6Allen & Heath · 6 finishes56↑ 3.1%$2,908€2,598$2,908€2,598Check ↗
- 13
Allen & Heath SQ Rack Router BundleAllen & Heath49Stable$2,708€2,419$2,708€2,419Check ↗
- 14
Allen & Heath Avantis SoloAllen & Heath49Stable$8,282€7,399$8,282€7,399Check ↗
- 15
Allen & Heath Avantis Solo UltraAllen & Heath49Stable$11,528€10,299$11,528€10,299Check ↗
- 16
Allen & Heath Avantis Solo BundleAllen & Heath49↑ 0.6%$15,031€13,429$15,031€13,429Check ↗
- 17
Allen & Heath Avantis UltraAllen & Heath49Stable$16,565€14,799$16,565€14,799Check ↗
Digital Mixers by the numbers
Measured across all 269 models we track, not a sample.
Median $3,928 — half of all digital mixers here cost less.
median of 174 models · 4.3"–19"
median of 242 models · 2.1 kg–21.8 kg
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 57 digital mixers from the Thomann catalogue (of 269 in the category). Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What should I look for when buying digital mixers?
Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
How much should I spend on digital mixers?
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Are expensive digital mixers worth the investment?
Higher-priced digital mixers typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
What are the best brands for digital mixers?
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Should I buy digital mixers online or in-store?
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.
