CQ-12T vs. CQ-18T

[DDetton]

I have a CQ-12T on its way. I would have ordered the CQ-18T but it was not in stock. I do not need the extra mic inputs. I do not need the two addition fx channels. I do not need the built in WiFi as I already have a small format WiFi router I can use. What looks appealing to me are the three additional knobs that are on the CQ-18T. Not having used either the 12 or the 18, I don’t know how useful they would be. I bought the CQ-12T from Sweetwater because I love working with them and the extra year on the warranty is nice. My local guitar center has a CQ-18T in stock but I have never bought anything from them. With the knobs being the only feature that I would want on the 18T, should I send the 12T back and get the 18T from guitar center? I am thinking that the 12T is probably going to be fine and I’ll have the Sweetwater support and the two year warranty. I think I just talked myself into keeping the 12T. What do you think?

[Tobi]

I think, support your local dealer.

[sfulton]

I picked up an 18T from guitar center on Saturday. The knobs in smart mode are pretty useful and you can reprogram them. You can also make one of the soft buttons a toggle switch for smart mode on the knobs. Mixed a worship service on it yesterday. I needed the extra inputs and fx racks so the 18 was the clear choice for me.

[gabo]

I would get the 18..

Like you, I too do a lot of business with Sweetwater. I’m not sure what’s going on between SW and A&H. I’m wondering if there are issues between the two companies.

Sweetwater hasn’t had the 18 since at least last August, maybe they never had any! Every other distributor has them, and some of them have had them, sold out of stock, and gotten restocked. I started asking my SW rep back last August to put me on the list and I never got one. I finally, just last month, decided to just get one from Guitar Center.

In Houston, TX, where I was, there are something like 6 Guitar Centers in the greater area. You can check each store’s inventory online to make sure they have one before you drive there. Every store had them, most of them had 5+ in stock. And SW has none, very odd to me.

[DDetton]

I spoke with my Sweetwater rep and told him that I really wanted the 18T. He told me that they are expecting 18Ts the end of this month and that he would put on the list to get one. He also told me to keep the 12T until the 18T arrives then send it back and just pay the difference. That’s interesting that Sweetwater has not had any 18T in stock for awhile. I hope the expected arrival date for the 18T is accurate and not BS. They do have the 20B and the 12T in stock. I’ll just have to wait and see. I think I’m going to start calling it the AT&T.

[gabo]

Cool, hope SW gets them in stock for you. I would preferred to buy from them but I needed it for a show so couldn’t wait.

Good luck and post back what happens.

[bridget]

It seems like you’ve thought things through and are leaning towards keeping the CQ-12T. Since the extra knobs on the CQ-18T are the only feature you’re interested in, it might not be worth returning the CQ-12T for. Plus, you value Sweetwater’s support and the extended warranty. Trust your gut and enjoy your new mixer!

[Author]

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