Following on the success of its Stealth Digital Processing and the use of FPGAs for large-scale audio processing applications, DiGiCo is now revealing its new Quantum 7 processing.
Quantum 7 is developed with seventh-generation FPGA devices that further expand audio processing power and ultimately will allow DiGiCo to provide users with further flexibility. To put the new development into perspective, the current Stealth Digital Processing is heavily based around third-generation FPGA devices.
Although not scheduled for release until Spring 2017, DiGiCo is presenting an SD7 console with Quantum 7 at the Prolight + Sound show in Frankfurt.
Some examples of the new enhancements are the patent-pending Nodal Processing and True Solo. Nodal Processing means that processing can be applied to any node on the auxiliary section of the console, allowing engineers to send unique processing on each send from a single or multiple channels. It will allow engineers to tailor and deliver dedicated mixes that were not possible before Quantum 7.
The new True Solo system allows the operator’s monitoring system to replicate almost any section of the console, and how that source is being processed and heard. This will save time and speed up the process of managing the potentially daunting number of channels and buses available.
In terms of numbers, Quantum 7 expands an SD7 to more than 600 channels of processing in 96 kHz operation that can be connected in the outside world to approaching 3,000 potential I/Os. New connectivity goes further, as the engine is also equipped with eight newly assignable MADI connections and two DMI (DiGiCo Multi-Channel Interface) slots for AoIP and other connectivity options from the complete family of DMI card options.
Quantum 7 can be retrofitted into any existing SD7, allowing owners to take advantage of these developments while providing return on investment.
“Even though I’ve worked with DiGiCo’s R&D team for 20 years, I’m still amazed at the creativity of the complete team and how they continually strive to add value to our products,” says DiGiCo managing director James Gordon. “Last year they managed to take Stealth Digital Processing to a new client base with S21, and now this year they present the Quantum 7 concept. There’s never a dull day at DiGiCo.”
