DiGiCo’s Quantum852

DiGiCo has announced the launch of the next generation of large format live audio production mixing consoles. As you would expect from a brand-new console from DiGiCo, it has been designed from the ground up. Familiar, yet different, and with improved audio quality via enhanced algorithms, Quantum852 delivers a massive leap forward in processing power. It is neatly packaged with 1000 nit LCD screens for full daylight operation and a newly designed worksurface, giving users the confidence that, true to the DiGiCo ethos, Quantum852 has been designed not just for now, but for the future.

With that in mind, Quantum852 also includes a raft of eco credentials. Its lightweight alloy construction reduces weight, which in turn helps mitigate its environmental impact during transportation. It has a reduced operating power, thermal cooling fans along with convection cooling and temperature dependent cooling. Further reducing Quantum852’s environmental footprint is the inclusion of sustainable and recyclable materials.

Quantum852’s tech spec is equally as impressive. Featuring fully redundant processing, each engine is powered by five of the latest 7th generation FPGAs and next generation SHARC DSP processors. Quantum852’s input count increases to 384 mono channels, with 192 Aux / Sub-Group busses, plus the familiar LR / LCR / 5.1 Master busses. It comes with a 64×64 Processing Matrix, 36x Control Groups, 2x Solo busses and 64x FX Rack slots. There are 48x Graphic EQs, 384x Nodal Processors, 128x Mustard Processors and 32x Spice Racks.

The magic continues with the Ultimate ‘Stadius’ modular LOCAL I/O, with each of the three cards providing 4x Stadius Mic-Pres, 4x Stadius Line Outputs and 2x Bit Perfect AES I/O. On the back of each engine there are 8x single or 4x redundant BNC MADI ports, Word Clock, AES Sync and Video Sync inputs, Dual USB 2.0 Sockets, a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 socket, 4k DisplayPort Overview Out, 5-Port 1Gbps network switch, Dual DMI slots, Waves SoundGrid port and Optocore inputs as standard, with space for an optional second Optocore loop.

The three 21.3 inch, all-new daylight bright screens ensure there will never be a situation where viewing is difficult. There are also three 19.2 inch dedicated meter bridge screens, three dedicated 6.8 inch control screens for bank and layer switching, and 69 1.3 inch worksurface screens, all of which are touch sensitive for channel selects and solos, ensuring instant access and control.

“Quantum852 truly is a massive leap forward in every way,” says DiGiCo Managing Director, Austin Freshwater. “Whilst it is completely new in its design and construction, it is still instantly recognisable as a DiGiCo. Its familiar workflow will make any DiGiCo user instantly comfortable, but its tremendous increase in power and speed will delight them. After an incredible 15 years of impeccable service, the Quantum 7 finally has a console to look up to.”