Exploring the DiGiCo Quantum Range: Revolutionising Digital Audio Mixing
DiGiCo has long been recognised as a leader in the world of professional audio, offering cutting-edge mixing consoles that redefine how sound engineers approach live sound reinforcement, broadcast, theatre, and studio environments. With the introduction of the Quantum Range, DiGiCo has once again set a new standard, delivering powerful, flexible, and innovative tools designed to meet the most demanding audio production needs. Let’s dive into what makes the DiGiCo Quantum series truly revolutionary.
1. The Quantum Range: Overview
The DiGiCo Quantum series represents a leap forward in digital mixing technology. The range includes several consoles, with the most notable being the Quantum7, Quantum5, and Quantum338. Each of these consoles builds on DiGiCo’s already legendary SD range, adding new features, improved processing power, and enhanced flexibility for a variety of applications. Whether for concert tours, corporate events, or theatrical productions, the Quantum series is designed to offer superior performance.
Key Consoles in the Quantum Range:
Quantum7: The flagship console, boasting unmatched processing power and scalability.
Quantum5: A mid-tier solution offering powerful capabilities for large-scale productions.
Quantum338: A more compact model that doesn’t compromise on performance, ideal for smaller venues and applications that demand high-quality sound.
2. Quantum Technology: The Core Features
What sets the Quantum range apart is its use of advanced technology to provide more processing power, flexibility, and enhanced workflow options. Here are some of the core technological advancements that make Quantum unique:
FPGA Processing
At the heart of the Quantum series is DiGiCo’s use of FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) technology, which offers incredibly low latency, massive parallel processing power, and greater reliability compared to traditional DSP-based consoles. This allows Quantum consoles to handle more channels, busses, and processing tools without sacrificing performance.
Nodal Processing
One of the standout features in the Quantum series is Nodal Processing, which allows engineers to control EQ, dynamics, and delay on each aux send independently per channel. This level of flexibility was previously unavailable in digital consoles, and it enables engineers to tailor monitor mixes for individual performers with incredible precision.
Mustard Processing
The Quantum range introduces Mustard Processing, an additional channel strip processing toolset that includes more flexible dynamic EQ, tube emulation, and a choice of different compression styles. Mustard Processing adds another layer of sound-shaping capability, giving engineers a more musical approach to mixing.
Spice Rack
Quantum consoles feature a unique modular processing environment called the Spice Rack, allowing users to add plugin-style effects to their mix. With this, DiGiCo has brought the power of external plugins directly into the mixing workflow, offering even more creative possibilities for sound design.
Quantum Engine Redundancy
For critical live sound environments, reliability is key. The Quantum range introduces full processing redundancy, meaning two Quantum engines can run simultaneously, ensuring that in the event of a failure, there’s a seamless transition to the backup engine without interrupting the mix. This is a game-changer for high-stakes live performances where any downtime could be catastrophic.
3. Enhanced Connectivity and Flexibility
The Quantum range is designed with modern production environments in mind. Each console offers extensive connectivity options, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of protocols and formats, including:
Dante
MADI
Optocore
Waves SoundGrid
This broad connectivity allows Quantum consoles to easily integrate into complex audio systems, making them a perfect choice for both large-scale events and smaller productions with intricate audio needs.
4. Quantum7: Powerhouse for Large Productions
The Quantum7 is DiGiCo’s flagship model and is equipped with the most powerful processing engine in the range. It offers up to 2,000 channels of processing, making it the go-to choice for the world’s largest tours and events. With 256 input channels, 128 busses, and up to 48 matrix busses, the Quantum7 is capable of handling even the most complex audio setups.
In addition to its processing power, the Quantum7 includes a range of innovative features like True Solo, allowing engineers to solo specific channels even in complex routing scenarios, and Advanced AMM (Automatic Mic Mixing), perfect for multi-microphone events like panel discussions and theatre.
5. Quantum338: Compact Powerhouse
For engineers who need Quantum performance in a more compact package, the Quantum338 is an excellent option. With 128 input channels, 64 busses, and the same FPGA processing engine as its bigger siblings, the Quantum338 offers a perfect balance of size and power. Its 17-inch multi-touch screens, combined with a fully customisable control surface, make it easy to adapt the console to different workflows.
6. Quantum5: The Versatile Mid-Tier Solution
Sitting between the Quantum7 and Quantum338, the Quantum5 is designed for large-scale productions that don’t require the immense power of the Quantum7 but still demand top-tier performance. With 128 input channels and 64 busses, it offers plenty of flexibility for most live sound scenarios.
Like the rest of the Quantum series, the Quantum5 includes Mustard Processing, Spice Rack, and Nodal Processing, ensuring that engineers have all the tools they need for precise and creative mixing.
7. User Experience and Interface
DiGiCo has always been known for its user-friendly interface, and the Quantum series is no different. The touchscreens on all Quantum consoles are intuitive and responsive, providing easy access to key functions and making complex operations straightforward. The layout is fully customizable, allowing engineers to tailor the interface to their specific needs.
Moreover, DiGiCo has designed the Quantum consoles with remote control in mind, meaning that engineers can use tablets or external computers to control the console remotely, adding another layer of flexibility, especially in large venues or complex setups.
Conclusion
The DiGiCo Quantum range is a testament to the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of digital audio mixing. With unprecedented processing power, innovative features like Nodal and Mustard Processing, and robust redundancy options, Quantum consoles are built to handle the demands of modern audio production. Whether for live sound, broadcast, or theater, the Quantum series delivers an unmatched combination of flexibility, reliability, and sonic excellence.
As productions continue to grow in complexity, the Quantum series ensures that sound engineers have the tools they need to keep pace, making it one of the most exciting developments in professional audio in recent years. Whether you're mixing the world’s largest stadium tours or creating the perfect sound for intimate theatre performances, DiGiCo’s Quantum range offers a future-ready solution for every audio challenge.
1. The Quantum Range: Overview
The DiGiCo Quantum series represents a leap forward in digital mixing technology. The range includes several consoles, with the most notable being the Quantum7, Quantum5, and Quantum338. Each of these consoles builds on DiGiCo’s already legendary SD range, adding new features, improved processing power, and enhanced flexibility for a variety of applications. Whether for concert tours, corporate events, or theatrical productions, the Quantum series is designed to offer superior performance.
Key Consoles in the Quantum Range:
Quantum7: The flagship console, boasting unmatched processing power and scalability.
Quantum5: A mid-tier solution offering powerful capabilities for large-scale productions.
Quantum338: A more compact model that doesn’t compromise on performance, ideal for smaller venues and applications that demand high-quality sound.
2. Quantum Technology: The Core Features
What sets the Quantum range apart is its use of advanced technology to provide more processing power, flexibility, and enhanced workflow options. Here are some of the core technological advancements that make Quantum unique:
FPGA Processing
At the heart of the Quantum series is DiGiCo’s use of FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) technology, which offers incredibly low latency, massive parallel processing power, and greater reliability compared to traditional DSP-based consoles. This allows Quantum consoles to handle more channels, busses, and processing tools without sacrificing performance.
Nodal Processing
One of the standout features in the Quantum series is Nodal Processing, which allows engineers to control EQ, dynamics, and delay on each aux send independently per channel. This level of flexibility was previously unavailable in digital consoles, and it enables engineers to tailor monitor mixes for individual performers with incredible precision.
Mustard Processing
The Quantum range introduces Mustard Processing, an additional channel strip processing toolset that includes more flexible dynamic EQ, tube emulation, and a choice of different compression styles. Mustard Processing adds another layer of sound-shaping capability, giving engineers a more musical approach to mixing.
Spice Rack
Quantum consoles feature a unique modular processing environment called the Spice Rack, allowing users to add plugin-style effects to their mix. With this, DiGiCo has brought the power of external plugins directly into the mixing workflow, offering even more creative possibilities for sound design.
Quantum Engine Redundancy
For critical live sound environments, reliability is key. The Quantum range introduces full processing redundancy, meaning two Quantum engines can run simultaneously, ensuring that in the event of a failure, there’s a seamless transition to the backup engine without interrupting the mix. This is a game-changer for high-stakes live performances where any downtime could be catastrophic.
3. Enhanced Connectivity and Flexibility
The Quantum range is designed with modern production environments in mind. Each console offers extensive connectivity options, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of protocols and formats, including:
Dante
MADI
Optocore
Waves SoundGrid
This broad connectivity allows Quantum consoles to easily integrate into complex audio systems, making them a perfect choice for both large-scale events and smaller productions with intricate audio needs.
4. Quantum7: Powerhouse for Large Productions
The Quantum7 is DiGiCo’s flagship model and is equipped with the most powerful processing engine in the range. It offers up to 2,000 channels of processing, making it the go-to choice for the world’s largest tours and events. With 256 input channels, 128 busses, and up to 48 matrix busses, the Quantum7 is capable of handling even the most complex audio setups.
In addition to its processing power, the Quantum7 includes a range of innovative features like True Solo, allowing engineers to solo specific channels even in complex routing scenarios, and Advanced AMM (Automatic Mic Mixing), perfect for multi-microphone events like panel discussions and theatre.
5. Quantum338: Compact Powerhouse
For engineers who need Quantum performance in a more compact package, the Quantum338 is an excellent option. With 128 input channels, 64 busses, and the same FPGA processing engine as its bigger siblings, the Quantum338 offers a perfect balance of size and power. Its 17-inch multi-touch screens, combined with a fully customisable control surface, make it easy to adapt the console to different workflows.
6. Quantum5: The Versatile Mid-Tier Solution
Sitting between the Quantum7 and Quantum338, the Quantum5 is designed for large-scale productions that don’t require the immense power of the Quantum7 but still demand top-tier performance. With 128 input channels and 64 busses, it offers plenty of flexibility for most live sound scenarios.
Like the rest of the Quantum series, the Quantum5 includes Mustard Processing, Spice Rack, and Nodal Processing, ensuring that engineers have all the tools they need for precise and creative mixing.
7. User Experience and Interface
DiGiCo has always been known for its user-friendly interface, and the Quantum series is no different. The touchscreens on all Quantum consoles are intuitive and responsive, providing easy access to key functions and making complex operations straightforward. The layout is fully customizable, allowing engineers to tailor the interface to their specific needs.
Moreover, DiGiCo has designed the Quantum consoles with remote control in mind, meaning that engineers can use tablets or external computers to control the console remotely, adding another layer of flexibility, especially in large venues or complex setups.
Conclusion
The DiGiCo Quantum range is a testament to the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of digital audio mixing. With unprecedented processing power, innovative features like Nodal and Mustard Processing, and robust redundancy options, Quantum consoles are built to handle the demands of modern audio production. Whether for live sound, broadcast, or theater, the Quantum series delivers an unmatched combination of flexibility, reliability, and sonic excellence.
As productions continue to grow in complexity, the Quantum series ensures that sound engineers have the tools they need to keep pace, making it one of the most exciting developments in professional audio in recent years. Whether you're mixing the world’s largest stadium tours or creating the perfect sound for intimate theatre performances, DiGiCo’s Quantum range offers a future-ready solution for every audio challenge.