DiGiCo has just announced the launch of its new flagship large-format digital mixing console, the Quantum 852. Designed from the ground up and based around DiGiCo’s latest Quantum engine, the console boasts improved audio quality via enhanced algorithms, and a ‘familiar, yet different’ layout designed to maximise accessibility.
As one would expect from a DiGiCo flagship console, the tech specs of the Quantum 852 are impressive. Featuring a dual engine designed around full processing redundancy, each engine is powered by five of the latest 7th generation FPGAs and next generation SHARC DSP systems. With 384 channels, 52 physical faders and 3 x 21.3” LCD high-resolution touchscreens, the Quantum 852 redefines the capabilities of a large digital mixing console.
Taking advantage of the console’s latest Quantum technology, the 852 features 192 Aux / Sub-Group busses, LR / LCR / 5.1 Master busses, 64 x 64 Processing Matrix, 36 Control Groups, two Solo busses, 64 FX Rack slots and 48 Graphic EQs. Also included as standard are Mustard Processing channel strips, Spice Rack plugin-style native FPGA processing options, Nodal Processing and True Solo.
The Quantum 852 has local I/O in abundance, including 12 Ultimate ‘Stadius’ 32 bit analogue inputs, 12 Stadius 32 bit analogue outputs, and 12 bit Perfect AES I/O (6 stereo). On the back of each engine there are eight single or four 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.
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.
Known only as ‘project stingray’ before its big reveal, the Quantum 852 has been designed with the future in mind, and includes a slew of eco credentials. Lightening its environmental footprint are the inclusion of sustainable and recyclable materials, highly efficient power supplies, thermal cooling fans along with convection cooling and a temperature-dependent cooling system.
“Quantum 852truly 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.”
Head over to the DiGiCo website to learn more.
